In my early studies of herbal medicine and holistic health, I learned the effectiveness of plant medicine hinges not only on the plant's quality but also the extraction method. Regrettably, the market is filled with supplements featuring herbs extracted incorrectly such as astragalus tincture for example - the polysaccarides in astragalus root aren’t soluble in alcohol, but we still see these products for sale in every health food store. This often results in individuals failing to reap the full benefits of herbal medicine due to not receiving adequate medicinal compounds for any clinical response.

As herbalists, we employ various methods to extract medicinal compounds from plants, each with its unique strengths and limitations in extracting certain constituents. This article will discuss two most popular herbal extraction methods: Infusions and Decoctions.

What is a Decoction?

In the context of herbal medicine, a decoction is a concentrated form of herbal tea. It's made by boiling herbs, usually the harder parts of the plant such as roots, barks, seeds, and non-aromatic leaves, in water and then simmering them over a period of time. This process allows the water to extract the healing properties, such as the bitter components, tannins, and other therapeutic substances of the plant materials.

To consume the decoction, you can drink it straight, or add it to bath water, or use it as a wash depending on the plant used and your goal. The doses, frequency, and preparation methods can vary greatly, so it's important to follow the guidance of a knowledgeable herbal practitioner.

Why We Make Decoctions

Since decoctions are made by simmering the plants for a long period of time, they are typically more concentrated than infusions with medicinal compounds, and are often used for stronger herbs and those that need more time and heat to release their beneficial properties. Essentially, the longer cook time is able to pull out compounds that otherwise would stay in the plant.

What is an Infusion?

An infusion is another common method used in herbal medicine to extract the therapeutic properties of plants, especially the more delicate parts like flowers, leaves, and aromatic herbs. The process of making an infusion involves pouring boiling water over the plant materials and then letting them steep for a certain period of time, typically between 5 to 15 minutes, or even longer for a stronger brew.

The resultant liquid is then strained and consumed as a herbal tea, applied topically, or used as an inhalant, again depending on the plant used and the intended therapeutic application. The benefit of infusions lies in their ability to extract volatile components such as essential oils without destroying them, which would occur with the longer boiling times of decoctions.

Why We Make Infusions

Infusions are used when the plant parts are too delicate to withstand the longer boiling times required for decoctions. They're ideal for extracting the beneficial properties of aromatic herbs, flowers, and leaves that have volatile oils and other sensitive compounds.

Additionally, infusions can be prepared relatively quickly and consumed immediately, making them a convenient method for daily use. They are typically more gentle on the body and can be enjoyed multiple times a day, which is particularly useful when addressing chronic conditions or promoting general well-being. It's important to note, however, that the correct preparation method greatly depends on the specific plant and therapeutic goal.

Herbal Decoction Vs Infusion

Decoction is generally used for harder and denser plant materials such as roots, bark, seeds, and berries. These plant parts are often more robust and require more heat and time to release their medicinal components into the water, which is why they are typically decocted rather than infused.

Infusion, on the other hand, is ideal for more delicate plant parts such as leaves, flowers, and aromatic herbs. These parts are more likely to release their beneficial properties at lower temperatures and may even be damaged by boiling, which is why they are typically infused.

So it's not necessarily that decocting is "better" than infusing, it's more about matching the appropriate method to the type of plant material. However, in general, decoctions can yield a stronger, more concentrated herbal preparation than infusions because of the longer extraction time and higher heat used. This might be preferred in certain situations where a potent herbal remedy is needed.

For both methods, it's important to make sure the liquid is properly stored and used within a reasonable timeframe, as the potency of the medicinal components can diminish over time.

Comparing Decoction vs Infusion in Herbal Medicine

I hope you were able to discern from this article whether the herbs you’re using need an infusion or decoction (or both!) Feel free to like and share this article if you enjoyed it and leave a comment if you have any questions! Also check out my other article on how to prepare infusions and decoctions: