Learning about herbs can be overwhelming. Every herbalist has their own style. Some prefer to only work with fresh herbs, while others prefer using dried plant material. As someone who doesn’t have much room to grow herbs, I typically choose dried herbs from reputable brands like Anthony’s Goods, Frontier Co-op, and Starwest Botanicals.

Of course, every herbalist also has their own preferences for extraction methods. Some prefer tinctures, while others prefer infused oils or even syrups. All extraction mediums have their time and place, but sometimes, we need a fast and simple decoction to extract medicinal properties.

As you explore the depths of herbalism, your style may not be the same as others, and that’s okay. Remember, herbalism isn’t all or nothing; every herbalist doesn’t look the same. It is okay to start slow, at your own speed, and figure out what works for you. Trial and error is the key. No matter what herbalism looks like for you, with practice (and time), you’ll be making herbal remedies for everyone in your life before you know it.

If you read my post, How to Practice Herbal Exercises, you know I recommend using our senses to practice exercises and better familiarize ourselves with each herb we work with. I find it helpful to write my answers on a printable herbal worksheet and reflect on them as I broaden my herbal knowledge. Other things to consider jotting down are how you feel after taking the herb 15 minutes to an hour later and what benefits or side effects you experience.

What is an Herbal Decoction

Water extractions are the oldest and simplest extraction medium. They include (tea) infusions and decoctions. We already discussed how to make an herbal infusion primarily for soft/fluffy aerial parts like leaves and flowers. Now, let’s focus on decoctions.

According to the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, one of my favorite herbal resources, dense plant materials usually require a more forceful method to extract their medicinal constituents. Fresh or dried plant material may be used, but it should be cut or broken into small pieces before decocting.

Herbal decoctions are similar to infusions but still very different. Decoctions are made by simmering tougher herbs in water for 20-30 minutes. This makes decoctions more concentrated and stronger in flavor than herbal infusions. A single herb or combination of herbs can be used to create an herbal decoction, which can be consumed hot or cold. However, decoctions have a very short shelf-life, although still longer than infusions – about 48 hours (1).

It is important to note that herbal decoctions are best made with tougher plant materials such as bark, roots, twigs, or dried berries. Never make a decoction with delicate aerial parts of plants like the leaves and flowers. If you wish to include leaves and flowers, add them after the heat is turned off while the decoction is cooling for best results.

How to Make an Herbal Decoction

Decoction extractions can be done with hard/dense parts of the herbs like hard berries, roots, barks, and seeds. Some of my favorite herbs for decoctions include astragalus root, hawthorn berry, and marshmallow root.

You will need:

• A saucepan or teapot infuser
• 20 grams (2 tablespoons) of dried or 40 grams (4 tablespoons) of fresh herbs
• 3 cups of water
• Extra-fine mesh strainer
• Unbleached coffee filter

Step 1: Measure the Herbs

Measure 20 grams (2 tablespoons) of dried or 40 grams (4 tablespoons) of fresh herbs and put them in the saucepan. If the herbs are big or thick, roughly chop them or use a mortar and pestle to break them apart.

Step 2: Simmer

Pour the 3 cups of water into the saucepan, bring to a boil, cover, and then lower the heat to a simmer for 20-30 minutes. Another option is to use a teapot infuser to make the decoction. The liquid should be reduced to about one-third, leaving 2 cups of the herbal decoction. If you wish to add delicate aerial parts of plants such as leaves or flowers, for best results, add them after the heat is turned off while the decoction is cooling.

Step 3: Strain & Enjoy

Strain the decoction through an extra-fine mesh strainer lined with an unbleached coffee filter into a jug with a lid or a Mason jar. When ready to consume, pour the desired amount into a cup. If desired, add a little lemon, honey, or other sweetener, and enjoy.

Dosage & Storage

This recipe makes 2 cups, equivalent to 3-4 doses. The standard maximum daily dosage for herbal decoctions is 3 to 4 cups. If there are leftovers, cover and store them in the refrigerator immediately. You can reheat decoctions made strictly of dense bark, roots, twigs, or dried berries. However, if leaves or flowers were added at the end, you should avoid reheating to avoid flavor and nutrient loss. Discard the decoction after 48 hours to prevent bacteria contamination.

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