Teas, Decoctions & Infusions

Water-based extraction methods are the simplest way to prepare herbal medicine. When making teas, we extract the plant’s active compounds into hot water, which we then drink. There are several ways to prepare herbs depending on the plant being used, and the terminology can sometimes be confusing. Three distinct water-based extraction methods are commonly used: herbal tea (also called an infusion), decoction, and overnight infusion.

Tea or infusions

When steeping herbs in hot water, some people will call the beverage an herbal tea while others will call it an infusions. The term "teas" refers to any hot, flavored beverage, made from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). "Herbal" refers to any other natural material, plants, lichen or muschrooms. Thus, herbal teas refer to hot beverages made from herbs such as  mint that do not contain tea plant. Herbal infusions are herbal teas made from steeping herbs in hot water for 10 minutes. 

1. Place 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per cup of water, or a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs per cup of water, into a French press or a teapot.
2. Bring water to a boil and pour it over the herbs.
3. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Cover your teapot or cup while steeping to preserve the volatile oils that are often found in leaves.

Decoctions

When the part of the plant is too thick or too hard, a decoction is made. This method is recommanded for roots, bark, or seeds, and consist in stepping hard herb in hot water for a longer period of time, often 20 to 30min. This process extracts more of the plant's active compounds, particularly those that are not easily soluble in water.

1. Place 20-30g of dried hard herbs/mushrooms per liter into a saucepan.
2. Cover with water and slowly bring it to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes to extract the medicinal properties.
4. Strain and serve

Herbs for decoctions:

• Chaga (and other medicinal or beverage mushrooms)
• Dandelion roots
• Chicory roots
• Burdock roots

Overnight infusion

Overnight infusions are an excellent water-based extraction method to drink potent infusion from plants rich in minerals. This method is especially suitable for herbs such as nettle, milky oat, red clover and horsetail, and also works well with hibiscus flowers, raspberry leaves, and mint.

Method

1. Place 1 tablespoon of dried herbs per cup of water, or a handful of finely chopped fresh herbs per cup, into a French press.
2. Cover with cold or lukewarm water (not boiling 30-40°C).
3. Let steep overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
4. Strain and drink.
5. Prepare about 1 litre at a time and store it in the refrigerator. The infusion can be consumed cold or warm.

Now you’re ready to create potent herbal medicine with just water!