Roots, rhizomes, bark and thick stalks must be brewed using the 'decoction' method. This is paramount in order to extract the medicinal components locked into these hard fibrous plant parts.
Standard Quantity
3/4 oz (20g) of dried or 1 1/2 oz (40g) of chopped fresh root or bark to 3 cups of cold water. This reduces down to about 2 cups (500ml) of liquid after simmering
- because decoctions are more fiddlely to make than infused teas it is best to brew larger quantities and then store some for later
-
put the root or bark in a saucepan ( a double boiler is ideal) with the water
-
simmer on a very low heat for 20 (or 30) minutes
-
during this time the liquid should reduce by about a third
-
leave to cool
-
strain into a mug or thermos flask for later
-
store any remainder in a cool place, or refrigerate if storing longer than a day (can last up to 3 days in the fridge)
|
 |
