healing Roots: how to use decoction for deep nourishment
Yeah, you’ve heard of infusions and tea. But – have you heard of their cool, underground sister, decoction?
When it comes to unlocking the full potential of herbs, decoctions are a deeply nourishing and often overlooked method. I know when I started out, it took me awhile before I even heard the word, let alone understood the difference.( The Modern Herbal Dispensary was a great resource, and helped me understand this vital aspect of herbalism thoroughly. )
While teas and infusions steal the spotlight, decoctions are where the tough, resilient parts of plants – roots, barks, seeds, and even some berries – shine the brightest, and infuse the strongest. Infusion is best used for the more delicate aspects, like leaves and flowers.
Decoction is the herbal equivalent of slow cooking, coaxing out the rich, grounding benefits that these sturdy plant parts hold, like breaking down the sinew in a cut of brisket.
If you’ve never made a decoction before, don’t worry – it’s simpler than it sounds. But first, let’s explore what decoctions are and why they deserve a place in your herbal routine.
what is a decoction?
A decoction is an herbal preparation that involves simmering the tougher parts of plants in water over a longer period of time.
While steeping delicate leaves or flowers is usually enough to extract their benefits, roots and barks need more coaxing to release their nutrients, minerals, and medicinal compounds. Think of it as boiling herbs with intention – a methodical, slower process to draw out the good stuff.
In essence, a decoction is made by bringing an herb to a boil, bringing down the heat, and simmering for a period of time. This draws out constituents and properties that are not soluble in infusions.
A common misconception is that all the medicinal properties of an herb can be drawn out the same way. Its just not true.
why use decoctions?
Roots and barks are nutrient powerhouses, and often contain different, if not opposing, medicinal properties to the stem, leaf, and flower of a plant. Roots and barks are rich in minerals, complex carbohydrates, and plant alkaloids that support deep healing and vitality. Decoctions extract more minerals, tannins, and bitter principles than infusions do.
If Decoctions Are So Cool, Why Use Infusions?
We use infusions for the same reason we use decoctions – to pull out constituents that otherwise would not release. Not every herb does well in a decoction, in fact, more delicate medicines would be destroyed in one. That is why they are reserved (usually) for hardier substances, roots and barks.
how to make a decoction
Making a decoction is simple, but it takes a bit of time. That’s kind of the point! Here’s a step-by-step guide, though times may vary depending on the chosen herb:
Choose Your Herbs: Select herbs suited to your needs. For example, you might use marshmallow root for moisture, ashwagandha for stress, or licorice root for soothing inflammation. All three of these herbs perform well in decoction.
Measure the Herbs: Use about 1 tablespoon of dried root or bark per cup of water, give or take. Adjust based on your desired strength – and resist the urge to load your pot with herbs. There is a sweet spot!
Simmer: Bring the water to a gentle boil. Not a hard, bubbling cauldron, but a gentle one. Too much heat in medicinal herbs is a bad thing.
Combine with Water: Place the herbs in the pot once your water is brought to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Most decoctions take 20-45 minutes, depending on the herb.
Strain and Enjoy: Strain the liquid into a mug or jar, and it’s ready to drink! If you’re not a fan of the strong taste, add a touch of honey or mix it with a milder infusion.
combine decoction with daily rituals
Decoctions can be a very grounding part of your day, as with any level of herbalism, even tea!
Sip a warm mug in the morning to set your intentions or in the evening to wind down. I often use decoctions as a base for other creations, like herbal syrups, nourishing broths, or even skincare (a marshmallow root decoction is wonderfully soothing for the skin!). My partner uses a marshmallow root decoction in conjunction with a skin salve for his eczema, and it works wonders.
Suggested Herbal Decoctions for Different Needs
- For Energy & Vitality: Try licorice root, and ginger. Ashwagandha may help some, but since its an adaptogen, its affects vary.
- For Calm & Relaxation: Combine valerian root, chamomile flowers (add after simmering), and passionflower. This one knocks me out and I sleep like the dead, I am so serious.
- For Immune Support: Use elderberry, echinacea root, and astragalus root. Elderberry is a old and common one, while echinacea is old, but less common.
- For Digestive Health: Brew a decoction with ginger, marshmallow root, and fennel seeds. Rereading this post makes me realize I mention marshmallow root a lot, but its so good for so many things! I’m not changing it. Here is where you can pick some up for yourself: Click This Link
A Final Note on Intent
When creating a decoction, it’s not just about the herbs but also the energy you bring to the process. Take a moment to connect with the roots and their grounding nature. Set an intention for your brew – whether it’s healing, peace, or vitality. Let the process become a ritual, a way to honor both your body and the gifts of the earth.
