Decoctions
Decoctions
Decoctions (pronunciation: /dɪˈkɒkʃən/) are 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.
Etymology
The term "decoction" is derived from the Latin word "decoquo", which means "to boil down".
Process
Decoctions involve simmering the plant material in water for a specific period, allowing the water to extract the plant's active medicinal components. The liquid is then strained and can be consumed directly or used as a base for other herbal medicines.
Related Terms
- Infusion: A process similar to decoction, but typically used for more delicate plant materials like leaves and flowers.
- Tincture: A method of extracting medicinal properties from plants using alcohol.
- Herbalism: The study or use of medicinal properties of plants.
- Phytotherapy: The study of the use of extracts from natural origin as medicines or health-promoting agents.
Usage
Decoctions are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and other forms of herbal medicine. They are often used to treat a variety of conditions, including digestive issues, respiratory problems, and skin conditions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Decoctions
- Wikipedia's article - Decoctions
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