Would you like to learn how to make an herbal decoction? Decoctions are long simmered teas that are ideal for extracting the properties of hard roots, dried berries, barks, and seeds. They are much stronger in flavor than tea or an herbal infusions and also more concentrated. If you have made an herbal syrup, like elderberry syrup, you have already made a decoction. You will need some dried herbs, water, a pot, and a strainer.

What types of herbs would you use to make a decoction?

• Elderberries
• Dandelion root
• Licorice root
• Cinnamon bark
• Burdock root
• Ginger root
• Echinecea root
• And many more…

How to Make Step by Step

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Herbal Decoction

How to make your own herbal decoction

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Active Time45 minutes mins

Total Time55 minutes mins

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Cost: 1

Equipment

• Fine mesh strainer

Materials

• 3 tbsp dried herbs
• 1 quart filtered water

Instructions

• Place 3 tablespoons of dried herbs into a small sauce pan.
• Cover the herbs with a quart of cold water.
• Slowly heat the water to a simmer and cover.
• Allow to gently simmer for 20 to 45 minutes.
• Strain into a quart jar, but do not discard the herbs. Some water will have evaporated, so your strained liquid will not fill the jar.
• Pour additional hot (but not boiling) water over the herbs in the strainer until your jar is full.
• Once your decoction is finished simmering, you can infuse more delicate leafy herbs or flowers into the hot water that cannot stand up to the lengthy simmer time, straining the mixture again after another 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips & Tricks

• If you make a larger volume of a decoction, know that most herbal infusions and decoctions will last up to a week in the refrigerator and can be frozen to last longer.
• Add raw local honey, fruit juice, or stevia leaf powder to sweeten.
• Use your decoction to make an herbal syrup, like elderberry syrup.

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Echinacea is flowering perennial native to central North America and one of the most important medicinal herbs for immune system. It is currently at risk in the wild so only organic cultivated sources should be used even if you find it in the wild.

Key Actions

• Immune stimulant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibiotic
• Detoxifying
• Increases sweating
• Heals wounds
• Antiallergenic

Medicinal Uses:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Colds and flu
• Skin disorders
• Respiratory problems
• Gargle for throat infections
• Allergies, asthma

Echinacea flowers and root are used in herbal preparations. It can be made into a tincture, decoction, or taken in powdered form in a capsule. It's known to stimulate the immune system to counter both bacterial and viral infections and is best taken at the first sign of a cold. Make an echinacea tincture by using this process detailed below. Use glycerin to make a tincture for children that has a more palatable taste.

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Herbal Tincture

Materials

• 200 g dried or 300g fresh herb chopped into small pieces
• 1 quart solvent – alcohol 100 proof vodka is ideal, glycerin (3 part glycerin 1 part distilled water), or vinegar

Instructions

• Place herbs in a large, clean glass jar and pour on the solvent ensuring that the herb is covered.
• Close and label your jar with the name of the herb, solvent, and the date.
• Shake the jar for 1-2 minutes.
• Store in a cool dark place for at least 10-14 days (or longer), shaking the jar every 1-2 days.
• After 14 days you are ready to strain out the herbs. Pour the jar through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth. (There are some new fancy tools for this I have found like this herb press that helps make it less messy and extracts every last drop).
• Squeeze out the herb to get all remaining liquid.
• Discard or compost your herbs.
• Pour your finished tincture into a clean dark class bottle using a funnel.
• Close and label your jar with the name and date of your tincture.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe to stay in the loop. If you are looking for some of the healthy tools and resources mentioned in my articles, take a look at my healthy shopping guide.

Some of our links are affiliate links, which means if you click and buy, I earn a small commission. The price is the same for you, though. Thank you!

You might also like these posts…