Decoctum | Decoctions, Teas, and Water-Based Herbal Preparations

Water-based herbal preparations extract the medicinal properties of plants using water as a solvent. These methods are among the oldest and simplest ways to prepare herbs for healing, nourishment, and ritual use. The most common types are:

• Decoctions (Decoctum) – A strong extraction made by simmering tougher plant parts (roots, barks, seeds) in water.

• Teas/Infusions (Infusum) – A lighter extraction made by steeping delicate plant parts (leaves, flowers) in hot or cold water.

Basic Recipes for Making Them:

Decoction (Decoctum) Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried roots, bark, or seeds (or 2 tablespoons fresh)

• 2 cups water

Method:

1. Add herbs and water to a pot.

2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15–45 minutes.

3. Strain and drink warm or cool.

Best for: Tough plant parts like ginger root, licorice root, oak bark, or cinnamon.

Tea/Infusion (Infusum) Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon dried herbs (or 2 tablespoons fresh)

• 1 cup hot water

Method:

1. Place herbs in a cup or teapot.

2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over the herbs.

3. Cover and steep for 5–15 minutes (longer for medicinal teas).

4. Strain and drink.

Best for: Leaves and flowers like chamomile, mint, lemon balm, or elderflower.

Cold Infusion Recipe (for Delicate or Mucilage-rich Herbs):

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried herbs (or 2 tablespoons fresh)

• 2 cups cold water

Method:

1. Place herbs in a jar and cover with cold water.

2. Let steep for 4–12 hours (overnight is best).

3. Strain and drink chilled.

Best for: Mucilaginous herbs like marshmallow root, slippery elm, or violet leaves.

Historical Medicinal Uses:

• Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used herbal teas and decoctions for healing.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda prescribe complex decoctions for balancing health.

• Medieval European herbalists prepared decoctions of bitter herbs for digestion and blood purification.

• Native American, African, and Middle Eastern cultures all have rich traditions of medicinal teas.

Current Medicinal Uses:

• Commonly used for colds, digestion, relaxation, or detoxification.

• Teas with nervine herbs (e.g., chamomile, valerian) help with stress and sleep.

• Decoctions extract strong medicinal compounds from roots and barks for deeper healing.

• Used as a gentle alternative to tinctures for children, the elderly, or those sensitive to alcohol.

Folklore Applications:

• Herbal teas were often used in divination, particularly with plants like mugwort or yarrow.

• Specific teas were believed to bring love, prosperity, or protection.

• Cold infusions of sacred plants were used for spiritual purification.

Uses in Magic and Witchcraft:

• Herbal teas can be used as potions for love, prosperity, or psychic vision.

• Infusions can be added to ritual baths or used to cleanse magical tools.

• Some traditions use herbal teas as offerings to spirits or deities.