Steps for Making a Decoction

The main differences between a Decoction and an Infusion are the parts of the plant that are used and a slight variation in the procedure. You use this method for the 'hard' parts of plants; roots, twigs, bark, nuts, and some kinds of seeds.

You will need a good cooking pot with a lid. Glass is awesome as you can watch what's happening, however if you don't have glass please use one that is porcelain lined as metals can leach into your decoction. Have ready a quart jar, about 1 ounce (1 cup will work just fine) of dried chopped herb, and about 4 cups of good, clean water.

Prepare Your Herb
First, please remember that a decoction is for the hard parts of plants - roots, twigs, bark, nuts, and hard seeds. If you are working with flowers, leaves, or soft parts please use the Infusion method rather than Decoction. Wash the plant very well and chop it into pea sized parts. Place this in your cooking pot, and add all the water. Yes, you can do this with both fresh or dried herb.

Hard Boil
Turn your heat up to the highest it will go and bring this to a boil quickly. Do not allow it to boil long, just get it to the point that it's bubbling. Just as soon as you see it boiling, cover the pot and remove it from the heat.

Simmer
This should now be placed on a burner on the lowest heat setting. If you have an electric stove move it to a new burner set on low, an electric stove does not cool off quick enough for this procedure. Allow it to simmer for 45 - 60 minutes. DO NOT take the lid off the pot during this time (I know - that's hard to do, ha ha. That's why I like a glass pot.).

The harder the plant part, the longer it should simmer. In general, if I can bend it or if my finger nail can dent it, I go for about 45 minutes. If the plant part is as hard as a rock I go 60 minutes.

Resting Time
Once you've reached the end of your simmer time completely remove the pot from all heat. Again - DO NOT take the lid off. The oils of most plants escape in steam. By leaving the lid on you capture that steam and allow it to recirculate back into the decoction. Set this aside for 2 hours leaving it totally alone.

Transfer, Set and Use
After the two hours of resting time transfer the liquid and herb into your quart jar. Put the cover on it and allow it to set for 8 - 12 hours. I do this in the evening and let it set over night.

Strain the herb out of your liquid and squeeze and remaining juice from the herb (if you can). I compost my spent herb but this can simply be put outside, depending on the herb used you may even want to put it around your plants.

Your mixture should be completely used after it's set time. Neither decoctions nor infusions 'keep' well. They can be refrigerated for a day, but after that should not be used. If I have something I don't use I will often (depending on what I made it for) water my house or garden plants with it.

Uses
It must be noted here that you DO need to talk to your doctor before 'trying' any herb for any reason.

Birch Bark is an awesome skin friendly herb and I've used it for minor skin irritations.

Carrots are a root and if you really want the health benefit of carrots, try making a decoction with them.

Dandelion Root is eatable. This could be used as a soup stock (slightly bitter). I bet your lawn will love you when you start 'harvesting' your dandelion, rather than poisoning them.

Ginger Root can be used for cooking - try replacing a little of the liquid in a recipe with ginger root decoction. But be very careful, as ginger root makes a VERY strong mixture.

Grains and Beer use a method similar to this, called Decoction Mashing. If you'd like a little more information on this, try Wikipedia.

Yucca Root or Soapwort Root can be made to use as a mild cleaning solution for delicate washables in your home.

Open yourself to the uses of herbs and plants and I'm sure you'll have many more ideas.