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INFUSIONS & DECOCTIONS
The two ways to extract medicinal properties from herbs to make teas are infusing and decocting. Which process you will want to try will determined by the part of the plant used to make the tea. When working with the delicate parts of an herb - the leaves and flowers - you will want to make an infusion. Making an infusion involves pouring hot water over the herbs and then steeping the herbs in the water. If you are using the tough parts of the plant - the roots, bark, twigs, seeds or berries - you will want to make a decoction, simmer the tough parts of the herbs in boiling water. The process can also be used to reduce or boil down herbs to make a stronger preparation. For example, the base of cough syrup. If a remedy combines leaves or flowers with bark or roots, make a mixed decoction/infusion for best results.
COLD MACERATION
Boiling diminishes the active ingredients of some herbs, such as valerian root or dill. It is possible to process delicate herbs without heat by making a cold maceration. This is done by placing 2 teaspoons of a dried herb in a glass dish. Pour 2 cups of cold water over the herbs and let stand overnight. Strain. Add honey to taste. Drink 3 times daily.
TYPES OF INFUSIONS
The process to extract the medicinal virtues of an herb need not be complicated. Just make sure you are familiar with the many different preparations.
POT INFUSION
For a Pot Infusion, add the herbs to a teapot and pour in boiling water. Cover and let it set for 10 minutes. Strain.
Try a solar infusion (called "Sun Tea") for very delicate herbs, such as chamomile or mint, to keep in the essential oils. Place herbs in a glass container (I use a gallon-sized glass "pickle" jar for large quantities and a quart-sized glass canning jar for smaller amounts). Add water that is room temperature. Cover and let stand in direct sunlight for several hours.
Add 2 teaspoons of the herb to 1 cup of cold water. Let the mixture stand for 8 to 12 hours. Strain. Take it as you would an infusion.
Soak a cloth in an infusion or decoction that has been cooled. Wring out the cloth and apply it directly to injuries, swollen joints and inflammations.
Soak a cloth or towel in an infusion or decoction. Wring it out and apply hot if you need to bring heat to an area.
BREWING TECHNIQUES
INFUSION DECOCTION MIXED
DECOCTION/INFUSIONHerb Leaves or Flowers
Purified Water
Warm the pot, then add 1 teaspoon of herbs per cup. Pour boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 10 minutes; strain. Sweeten tea with honey, if desired.Roots, Bark, Twigs, & Berries
Cold Purified Water
Break herb material into small pieces and put 1 teaspoon of herbs per cup into a saucepan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer gently for about 10-20 minutes or until the water is slightly reduced; strain through a sieve.Fresh or Dried Herbs
Cold Purified Water
Mix the bark, berries or roots in a saucepan and add water. Bring to a boil and gently simmer 10-20 minutes. Place the flowers and leaves in a teapot. Strain the hot decoction into the teapot and infuse for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture into a glass container.
THERAPEUTIC EFFECT
Infusions and decoctions allow you to release the healing properties of herbs into water. The value of many medicinal herbs lies chiefly in their volatile oils; in order to keep these valuable oils from being evaporated while brewing, keep the heat low and cover the pot when preparing.
FOR DOSAGE AND SAFETY
An average dose is about a teacup full, three times a day of an infusion or decoction. Use smaller doses for children or the elderly. Some herbs, such as feverfew, are so strong tasting that they are not always suitable for infusions or decoctions. Note: Always verify the safety and check the toxicity warnings of the herbs you are planning to use, or check with an herbalist.
Extra Tip: When preparing a decoction or infusion from plants from the wild, make sure they are correctly identified. If there is any doubt, do not use the herb.
UTENSILS
You can refrigerate infusions and decoctions for about 48 hours. Always use glass or enamel containers or stainless steel and wooden spoons or steel knives. Sieves should be plastic or nylon. Never use aluminum as this element can be toxic and easily absorbed by the herbs.
HERBAL TEAS
Note: These pages will be added as they are completed.
Agrimony Tea
HELPFUL PRODUCTS & FURTHER EDUCATION
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 2nd Edition
Prescription for Nutritional Healing: The A-To-Z Guide To Supplements
-- by Phyllis A. Balch, James F. Balch - 4th Edition
Prescription for Herbal Healing: The A-To-Z Reference To Common Disorders
-- by Phyllis A. Balch
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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