Decoction

A decoction is a concentrated herbal infusion. However, it is much more than that. It is usually made from the denser parts of plants such as roots, barks and seeds. Crush 1 ounce of root, bark, seed. Boil the plant material in water for 20–40 minutes. Using this method, you will extract more of the active constituents from the plant material.  Thus, the results are a stronger, more robust medicinal solution compared to simple herbal infusion. Decoctions are frequently used to create concentrated elixir and syrup bases.

Ingredients

1-ounce turmeric root

16 ounces cold spring water

Equipment

medium saucepan

mortar and pestle or coffee grinder

strainer

large non-reactive bowl

muslin or cheese cloth 

mason jar 

Crush or grind the turmeric root to expose more of the plant material.

Place the turmeric root in a medium saucepan.

Pour the cold spring water into it so that the herbs are covered by the water

Slowly heat the water to a gentle simmer and cover.

Allow it to simmer for 30-40 minutes, until it boils down to about 1/2.

Remove it from the heat and let your decoction cool down.

line your strainer with cheese cloth or muslin. Place it in the large non reactive bowl, 

pour the decoction through the cheese cloth. grab the 4 corners of the cloth and 

squeeze as much of the liquid out into the bowl without getting any plant material in the bowl. 

using a funnel pour the decoction into the mason jar. 

seal, label and date the decoction. keep in the fridge for up to 72hours.