Decoctions: Origin, Medicinal Properties & How to Brew Them
Have you ever wanted to go back to the old ways when you’re tired of modern medicines and syrups not working? This simple question is why herbal teas and decoctions are still a thing in the 21st century. People still use traditional medicine to treat several illnesses. Since ancient times, medicinal herbs have always been in most households. Grandmother had a pot of decoctions ready for any problem, from ginger to licorice root. Today, many people, once again, are beginning to trust plants and herbs. Decoctions are coming back as a medicine to relieve minor aches, pains, and everyday problems. But what are decoctions? Do they have any medical use and efficacy?
In this article, we will dive deep into the world of decoction, explore its differences from herbal teas, see what diseases it is useful for, and learn how to brew decoctions correctly.
What is a Decoction and How is it Different from a Herbal Tea?
The differences are clear! A herbal tea is a drink we brew: you add a dried leaf, flower, or soft plant into a cup of hot water and let it steep for a few minutes to extract its flavor and essence.
But a decoction means boiling. It is a part of a plant, such as a root or tree bark, that is hard and firm, and must be boiled for a few minutes to extract its active ingredients from that part of the plant.
For example, to brew herbal tea, you pack your infuser with your favorite herbal tea leaves, put it into a teapot filled with boiling water, and let it steep for a few minutes. However, if you wish to use ginger root or dandelion root, it is best to boil it over low heat.
The Origin of Decoctions
You might be interested to know that decoctions have been playing a significant role in traditional medicine for thousands of years across many countries where tea is a part of the culture. People used decoctions to treat their ailments for years.
In ancient Chinese medicine, decoctions were part of a doctor’s prescription. In the Ayurveda traditional medicine in India, decoctions are still being used widely. In Iran, famous sages such as Avicenna and Zakaria Razi used decoctions to treat fever, stomach aches, and headaches. Even the ancient Egyptians used willow bark to relieve pain, the same compound that later inspired the production of aspirin.
What Can Decoctions Treat?
Decoctions are commonly used for minor ailments:
- Cold and sore throats
- Digestive problems
- Body detoxification
- Headaches
- Calming the nerves and reducing stress
- Relieve summer allergies
For example, ginger decoction is known to warm the body and is good for reducing inflammation. Licorice root decoction helps with stomach ulcers and sore throats. Willow bark, a medicinal tree, has compounds that reduce pain.
In traditional Iranian medicine, many people use dandelion root decoction to cleanse the liver. If you drink Cinnamon decoction, it both warms the body and is useful for regulating blood sugar.
What is the Secret to Making a Good Decoction?
To brew a good decoction, you need three things:
- Good container to brew decoction in
- Clean, purified water
- Good herbal root or plant leaves
The best pot or container to brew decoctions is a clay or ceramic pot. There are two reasons for choosing these pots. First, they transfer heat evenly and second, they don’t react with the plant, leaving the taste and health properties intact. You can also use stainless steel pots if you don’t have access to clay or ceramic ones.
Remember: don’t brew decoction in aluminum pots or iron containers. They may react chemically with the plant’s compounds and release dangerous substances into the decoction.
How to Brew Any Decoction?
Preparation and brewing decoctions are simple and almost the same regardless of the herb and root you want to use. I’m going to use ginger root decoction as an example, but the method is almost the same for other plants:
- Wash 5 to 10 grams of fresh ginger
- Add them into a pot with 1 or 2 cups of cold water
- Put the pot on the stove on medium heat. Bring the water to a boil and let it boil slowly for 3 to 5 minutes
- Next, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 10 to 30 minutes
- Strain the decoction into a cup and enjoy an organic medicine
You can add a little honey or lemon juice to make the taste less like a medicine and more like a herbal tea.
How Many Cups of Decoction Can You Drink per Day?
An important question is, can you drink decoctions whenever you like? No! Because some herbs can be harmful if consumed in excess.
For example, excessive consumption of licorice can raise blood pressure. Excessive consumption of cinnamon is not good for those with liver problems. Even ginger, if consumed in excess, may irritate the stomach.
There is a limit when it comes to drinking any herbal tea or decoction. For decoctions, in general, it is better not to drink more than one to two cups of thick decoction per day.
Also, if you’re trying a new decoction for the first time, make sure you’re not allergic to it.
Decoction, Their Properties, Use, and Limits [Cheatsheet]
In the table below, I included the most popular plants for decoctions, their medicinal properties, and their application in treating health conditions. I also included their daily limit.
| Plant | Medicinal Properties | Application | Daily Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ginger | Anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea | Colds, nausea, and stomach pain | 1 to 2 cups |
| Licorice | Throat softener | Cough, sore throat, and stomach ulcers | 1 to 2 cups |
| Willow Bark | Natural painkiller | Headache, joint pain, and fever | 1 cup |
| Dandelion | Body cleansing | Liver and digestive problems | 1 to 2 cups |
| Cinnamon | warms the body | Diabetes and colds | 1 cup |
Conclusion
Sometimes we need to resort to the same old ways to relax after a tiring day. Decoctions are one of the simplest and most natural ways to help the body. If used correctly, they can replace a little medication. But remember that medicinal plants also require knowledge. Always read about them before consuming too much or combining several herbs. Consult your doctor to make sure they do not interfere with your medications. A small teapot, some water, a few fresh herb roots… these simple things are enough to relearn how nature can take care of us. Don’t be afraid to try a hot, fresh decoction! It may be the short break you need these days more than ever.
