To decoct means "to extract the flavor or essence
of something by boiling."
The term 'decoction' is used to describe
the extract obtained after boiling.

It is helpful if plant is soaked
in cold water and then brought to a boil.

3 herbalist suggestions
Place 1 ounce herb in 1 cup water.
Make certain roots are put in to boil before leaves.
Once water has come to a boil, simmer about 30 minutes,
covered, then leave to cool completely.
Strain and use as directed.

To Prepare a Decoction
Place a teaspoon of dried herb in an
enamal or glass pot with 1 cup pure water.
Instead of steaping mixture,
boil it--5 minutes is enough if material is shredded,
but if herb is hard and woody 20 minutes
is necessary to produce a good decoction.

To Extract primarily the mineral salts and bitter principles
of plants rather than vitamins and volitile ingedients,
decoction is method of preperation.
Hard materials such as roots, wood,
barks, and seeds, generally require boiling
to extract their active ingredients.
Boil about half ounce plant parts per cup of water
in an enamaled or non-metallic pot.
Green plant parts can be added
to cold water and boiled for the same time.
The mixture then steeps with a cover on the pot for 2-3 munutes.
Hard materials need boiling about
10 minutes and longer steeping to extract their ingredients.
Strain out plant parts before drinking or using decoction.
Directions for taking decoctions are the same as for infusions.

This is usually the method of choice for bark and seeds.
Use 1 to 2 teaspoons of herb per cup of cold water.
Bring the mixture gently to a boil.
Keeping covered, simmer for about 10 minutes.

The usual dosage is 1 cup three times a day.
If the herb is very bitter or strong,
use 4 teaspoons three times a day.
Prepare no more than 24 hours in advance.

Place one ounce of herb in one pint of water.
Make certain that roots are put in to boil before leaves.
Once the water has come to a boil,
simmer for about 30 minutes covered,
then leave to cool completely.
Strain and use as directed.



SOURCE(S)
To get the maximum benefit from herbal remedies,
the herbs must be properly prepared.
To help determine which herbs should be used
for the condition being treating, see Herbal Home Remedies.

Women of childbearing age should always make sure the herbs
they are using are safe during pregnancy.
standard herbal preparations.

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