Decoction: Difference between revisions

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'''Decoction''' is a method of extraction by boiling herbal or plant material to dissolve the chemicals of the material, which may include stems, roots, bark and rhizomes. Decoction involves first mashing the plant material to allow for maximum dissolution, and then boiling in water to extract oils, volatile organic compounds and other various chemical substances. Decoction can be used in the creation of [[herbal teas]], [[medicinal tinctures]], and similar solutions.
REDIRECT [[Decoction]]


== Process ==
{{Redirect|Decoction|the process of extracting flavors from plant material|Decoction (process)}}


The process of decoction involves the following steps:
== Decoction ==
[[File:Chinese_herbal_decoction_(一貫煎)_on_snow.jpg|thumb|right|A traditional Chinese herbal decoction.]]
A '''decoction''' is a method of extraction by boiling herbal or plant material to dissolve the chemicals of the material. It is used to extract oils, volatile organic compounds, and other chemical substances. This method is commonly used in the preparation of herbal teas, coffees, and other plant-based beverages.


# The plant material is first mashed to break down the cell walls and increase the surface area for extraction.
== Preparation ==
# The material is then placed in a pot with water and brought to a boil.
The process of making a decoction involves boiling the plant material in water for a period of time. The duration of boiling can vary depending on the plant material and the desired strength of the decoction. Typically, the plant material is placed in a pot with water, brought to a boil, and then simmered for a specified time.
# The mixture is allowed to simmer for a certain period, typically ranging from 15 minutes to several hours.
# The liquid is then strained off, separating it from the plant material. The liquid is the decoction.


== Uses ==
== Uses ==
Decoctions are used in various traditional medicine systems, including [[Traditional Chinese Medicine]] and [[Ayurveda]]. They are also used in the preparation of beverages such as [[Turkish coffee]] and certain types of [[tea]].


Decoctions are commonly used in [[herbal medicine]], where the process is used to extract the medicinal properties of plants. They are also used in the creation of [[herbal teas]], where the process is used to extract the flavor and aroma of the tea leaves. In addition, decoctions can be used in the production of [[essential oils]] and other plant-based products.
=== Traditional Medicine ===
In traditional medicine, decoctions are used to extract the active ingredients from herbs and plants. This method is believed to enhance the medicinal properties of the plants, making them more effective for treating various ailments.


== See Also ==
=== Beverages ===
[[File:Turkish_coffee_starting_to_boil.jpg|thumb|left|Turkish coffee starting to boil, a type of decoction.]]
Decoctions are also used in the preparation of certain beverages. For example, [[Turkish coffee]] is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in water, creating a strong and flavorful drink. Similarly, some herbal teas are prepared by boiling the herbs to extract their flavors and beneficial compounds.


== Related pages ==
* [[Infusion]]
* [[Infusion]]
* [[Tincture]]
* [[Maceration]]
* [[Percolation]]
* [[Herbalism]]
* [[Herbalism]]
* [[Phytotherapy]]
== References ==
<references />
{{stub}}


[[Category:Herbalism]]
[[Category:Herbalism]]
[[Category:Phytotherapy]]
[[Category:Traditional medicine]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Cooking techniques]]
[[Category:Pharmaceuticals]]
[[Category:Pharmacology]]
{{dictionary-stub1}}
<gallery>
File:Chinese_herbal_decoction_(___)_on_snow.jpg|Decoction
File:Turkish_coffee_starting_to_boil.jpg|Decoction
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 14:23, 21 February 2025

REDIRECT Decoction

Decoction[edit]

File:Chinese herbal decoction (一貫煎) on snow.jpg
A traditional Chinese herbal decoction.

A decoction is a method of extraction by boiling herbal or plant material to dissolve the chemicals of the material. It is used to extract oils, volatile organic compounds, and other chemical substances. This method is commonly used in the preparation of herbal teas, coffees, and other plant-based beverages.

Preparation[edit]

The process of making a decoction involves boiling the plant material in water for a period of time. The duration of boiling can vary depending on the plant material and the desired strength of the decoction. Typically, the plant material is placed in a pot with water, brought to a boil, and then simmered for a specified time.

Uses[edit]

Decoctions are used in various traditional medicine systems, including Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. They are also used in the preparation of beverages such as Turkish coffee and certain types of tea.

Traditional Medicine[edit]

In traditional medicine, decoctions are used to extract the active ingredients from herbs and plants. This method is believed to enhance the medicinal properties of the plants, making them more effective for treating various ailments.

Beverages[edit]

File:Turkish coffee starting to boil.jpg
Turkish coffee starting to boil, a type of decoction.

Decoctions are also used in the preparation of certain beverages. For example, Turkish coffee is made by boiling finely ground coffee beans in water, creating a strong and flavorful drink. Similarly, some herbal teas are prepared by boiling the herbs to extract their flavors and beneficial compounds.

Related pages[edit]