Decoction

Decoction: To extract the deeper essences from harder or coarser herbs such as stems, barks, and roots.

In the recipes, directions are given for either an infusion or a decoction, simple ways to incorporate herb leaves and flowers into the cosmetic preparations. An infusion is made as you would make an herbal tea.

Either a decoction or an infusion can be made. Infusions are made by steeping the herb in boiling water for about five minutes. Use a lid while it steeps, or the essential oils will be lost.

Black walnut leaf can be used as a tea, infusion, or decoction. It can be applied topically or taken as a tonic. Capsules are available through health food stores, natural pharmacies, or online.

Hollyhock
Hollyhocks, they are useful in the treatment of chest complaints, and a decoction is used to improve blood circulation, for the treatment of constipation, dysmenorrhea, hemorrhage etc. >>more ...

Uses A poultice made from the flowers and leaves is said to reduce inflammation. The scraped and peeled root can be made into a decoction for coughs and catarrh and a soothing ointment can be made from the roots.

In modern medicine the flowers are considered stomachic, tonic and valued for their diuretic action. In Guatemala a decoction of the trunk heart is taken to relieve kidney ailments.

These oils can be used in therapeutic massage. A tincture is an herbal extract preserved in ethyl alcohol. A decoction is the liquid produced when an herb is boiled and imparts its healing properties to the liquid.

It is particularly known for its use in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections. A tincture or decoction is sometimes used as a mouthwash in the treatment of gingivitis. It also can be used externally to avoid infection in wounds.

Needles were a cold sore remedy, and a decoction or boiled concentrate of the root was drunk for urinary problems. Beams were used for main roof supports (vigas) for the Anasazi, and the wood was used for cradleboards.

Culpepper claimed the dried leaves could be used as a remedy against the poison of the scorpion, if they were mixed in water with plantain or comfrey. Modern herbalists don't advocate that, but they do consider a decoction of the leaves useful as an ...

See also: Water, Flower, Plant, Growing, Gardening