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How to make a decoction

What is a decoction and what does it benefit?

How to make a decoction

A simple definition of decoctions would be a simmered herbal tea which creates a stronger flavour and a more concentrated liquid. They are liquid preparations made by boiling either fresh or dehydrated herbs with water to extract all the beneficial water-soluble chemicals such as mucilage, pectins, saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides along with some essential oils and colourful pigments.

Decoctions tend to be better for hard and woody botanicals like roots, barks, seeds or resins that cannot be infused as easily by simply steeping in hot water or for herbs that will not yield their active compounds at lower temperatures.

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