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Decoction — herbalism term · PlantSage glossary

0Glossary·Decoction
ISection · 01

Decoction defined

Water extraction by simmering.

II

The definition

Preparation method where roots, bark, or seeds are simmered in water (typically 15-30 minutes) to extract their active constituents. Used for tough plant parts that don't yield to brief infusion.

Mechanism

Heat and prolonged contact break down cell walls and dissolve water-soluble compounds — alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, minerals.

III

Example plants

Classic species in this category from the PlantSage archive.

Common Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Zingiberaceae
Liquorice
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Althaea officinalis
Althaea officinalis
V

See also

Infusion

Water extraction by steeping.

Tincture

Alcohol-water extraction for shelf-stable concentrates.

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