The decoction method of herbal extraction

Last week, we discussed the three main methods of herbal infusions.

In addition to the three methods of infusion, there is the decoction method of extraction. Decoctions are the main method used to extract the active ingredients from herbs for use in fomentations, syrups and enemas.

The decoction method of extraction:

The term decoction comes from the Latin decoquere, meaning to boil down, or away. This method is similar to the digestion method of extraction. However, it is used when the plant material is woody, dense or hard in texture, such as seeds, bark, roots or rhizomes. It also differs from the digestion method in that the preparation is simmered at a higher heat for a shorter period of time–usually around fifteen to twenty minutes. Water is principally used rather than glycerin or ethyl alcohol.

Unlike the infusion methods of extraction, decoctions are designed to be used within a 24-hour period, with a maximum shelf life of 72 hours if they are stored in a very cool place. Because of this, only a small amount should be made at a time, unless large quantities of the extraction are required to be consumed.

The advantage of this method is that it helps to extract the medicinal properties from the parts of a plant that would be difficult to penetrate using lower temperatures. With the use of higher temperatures, the herbs’ tissues are more easily softened. At the same time, they aren’t damaged by the application of heat.

Herbs ready to be decocted should be cut or ground rather finely. Those that are particularly woody could benefit from being soaked for 12 hours before the water is heated.

Newer methods of extraction:

In recent times, scientific advances have led to newer methods of extraction being used. Two such methods are butane extraction and CO2 extraction. The problem with such methods is that they work in a similar way to pharmaceutical drugs: they isolate the active constituents and not the inert constituents.

Our main choice of herbal extraction is the maceration method, except when the decoction or digestion methods are more appropriate. Every method we use extracts both the active and the inert constituents of the herbs, allowing all their phytonutrients to work just how nature intended them to.

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