Bring water to boil in a heavy pot.
Dosage
A decoction is usually taken as a drink, using about 1/4 to 1/2 a cup as needed.
The type of herb used will further determine how much to consume.
Depending on the herb, you may need to add a little honey or stevia to make the drink palatable.
*Herbs to Use for Decoctions
Many herbs make wonderful decoctions. Here are a few for you to consider:
Burdock root for liver support.
Yellow dock root for anemia, and also as a mild laxative.
Dandelion root for cleansing the liver.
Licorice for irritable bowel syndrome, adrenal fatigue, and digestive issues (avoid while pregnant).
Ginseng root to support hormone balance, fatigue, and digestive weakness.
Cinnamon for digestion, colds, and generally warming the body.
Pau d'Arco bark to strengthen the immune system.
Slippery elm bark for soothing ulcers, coughs, and diarrhea.
Chicory root for improved skin health.
Other Uses for Decoctions
Baths
Decoctions can also be added to baths to create a soothing and therapeutic soak.
Simply prepare 2 to 3 quarts of decoction, strain out the herbs and add the remaining liquid to a tub full of warm water.
Soak for at least 20 minutes.
Baths are wonderfully simple way to utilize the healing properties of herbs. They are especially helpful to anybody who struggles to ingest the herbs under normal circumstances, such as one who is ill or too young).
For more therapeutic bath ideas, see this post.
Compresses
Decoctions can also be used as a compress (also known as fomentation) to apply the herb directly to the skin.
To make a compress, soak a clean cloth in the warm (not hot) decoction. Squeeze out the excess liquid, apply the cloth to the affected area, and allow it to stay there until cooled.
Reapply as needed.
As you can see, it is so easy to make (and use) a decoction! I hope you will give it a try.
Preparing a Decoction https://traditionalcookingschool.com/health-and-nutrition/how-to-make-and-use-an-herbal-decoction/?utm_campaign=autoblog&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=bloglink&utm_content=How+to+Make+%28and+Use%29+an+Herbal+Decoction