How to Make Herbal Infusions & Decoctions
Once you have your herbs selected (or selected for you), it’s now time to prepare them. I like to prepare a big batch of my herbal decoctions so I can use them throughout the week more easily. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to make herbal infusions and decoctions.
If you’re not sure which method of extracting your herbs is most appropriate, check out my blog article on determining whether to decoct or infuse your herbs:
How to Make an Herbal Infusion
Herbal infusions are much easier and less labor intensive to make than decoctions. If you’ve ever had a cup of tea before, you’ve had an infusion.
Recommended Materials and Utensils:
Herbs: Fresh or dried organically grown herbs as per your choice.
Non-aluminum Teapot or Mason Jar: Preferably glass or stainless steel.
Measuring Cup.
Strainer: Tea strainer, cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. I like to use this one because it’s all stainless steel and it has a large capacity which is nice for making stronger infusions.
Teaspoon: To measure the herbs.
Kettle or Pot: For boiling water. Stainless steel or glass is preferable. I love my breville kettle so much, but any way of heating water will work.
Fresh Water: Filtered or spring water is ideal.
Lid or Cover: To cover the teapot or jar while steeping.
Digital scale: weigh your herbs and water
Instructions:
Identify the herbs: Choose the herbs that you want to use for the infusion. Some common examples are chamomile, mint, or lemon balm.
Measure the herbs: Typically, the ratio of herbs to water for an infusion is one teaspoon of dried herbs or two teaspoons of fresh herbs to one cup of water.
Place the herbs in the teapot or jar: Place the measured herbs into your teapot or mason jar.
Boil the water: Using your kettle or pot, bring the water to a boil.
Pour the boiling water over the herbs: Carefully pour your boiled water into the teapot or jar containing the herbs.
Steep the herbs: Cover the teapot or jar with a lid and let the herbs steep. The steeping time can vary depending on the type of herb used. Generally, 10-15 minutes for leaves or flowers, and up to 30 minutes for harder materials like seeds or roots.
Strain the infusion: After the herbs have steeped, strain the infusion into a cup or into another jar if you're storing it for later use.
Store the infusion: If you're not drinking the infusion right away, store it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It is best to consume it within 24-48 hours to ensure its freshness and potency.
As with decoctions, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or trained herbalist before starting any new herbal regimen, as the appropriate herbs and infusion strength can vary widely depending on the individual and their needs. This guide does not provide specific dosage information, as that should be given by a healthcare provider.
Why Cover the Infusion While it Brews?
Covering the teapot or infusing vessel during the brewing process is important for two main reasons.
First, it helps to retain the heat within the pot, promoting more efficient extraction of the beneficial compounds from the herbs into the water. A consistent temperature ensures a uniform and thorough steeping process.
Second, some of the essential oils in herbs, which contribute to their aroma and medicinal properties, can be volatile and may evaporate during the steeping process. By covering the pot, these oils are trapped and condense back into the infusion rather than being lost to the atmosphere, preserving the full flavor and potential health benefits of the herbs.
How to Make Herbal Decoctions
Making a decoction is a bit more labor intensive and time consuming than making an infusion. Decoctions are best for herbs that are more dense such as seeds, bark or roots as with those herbs it takes longer to extract the medicinal compounds from the dense plant material.
Recommended Materials and Utensils:
Herbs: Fresh or dried
A Non-aluminum Pot: Preferably glass or stainless steel
Measuring Cup
Strainer: Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer. I use mason jars for my herbal infusions pretty often, so I like this one that fits inside a wide mouth mason jar.
Spoon: To stir the decoction
Storage Container: Glass jar or bottle with a lid
Fresh Water: Filtered or spring water is preferred
Heat Source: Stove or Electric Herbal Medicine Cooker
Digital scale: to weigh your herbs and water
Instructions:
Measure the herbs and water: Typically, the ratio of herbs to water for a decoction is 1:8 if using dried herbs, or 1:5 if using fresh herbs. This means for every 1 part of herbs, you'll use 8 parts of water for dried herbs, and 5 parts for fresh. For instance, if you're using 1 cup of dried herbs, you'll use 8 cups of water.
Add the herbs and water to the pot: Place your herbs into your non-aluminum pot.
Heat the mixture: Place the pot on your heat source and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the decoction: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Generally, this process can take between 20 minutes to an hour depending on the resilience of the herbs. The liquid should reduce to about half or quarter of its original volume. This helps to extract a higher concentration of the medicinal properties from the herbs.
Stir occasionally: Use your spoon to stir the decoction occasionally during the simmering process.
Strain the decoction: After the decoction has simmered and the liquid has reduced appropriately, remove it from the heat. Allow it to cool a bit before straining it through your cheesecloth or strainer into your storage container.
Store the decoction: Close the storage container and store your decoction in a cool, dark place, or in the refrigerator for longer shelf-life. Use as needed.
Remember, the efficacy and safety of an herbal decoction can greatly depend on the herbs used, the accuracy of measurement, and the duration of simmering. Always ensure to use good quality, organic herbs, and seek advice from a healthcare provider or trained herbalist before starting any new herbal regimen.
This guide does not provide specific dosage information as the appropriate dosage can vary widely based on the individual, the herbs used, and the purpose of the decoction. Always follow the guidance of a healthcare provider for dosage instructions.
Additional Note:
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How did your infusion or decoction come out?? I’m excited to hear what you all are cooking up. Please share this post or leave a like/comment if you found this information helpful! Thanks for reading!