#decoction

[the-clumsywitchkitchen]

Because protection can also taste good

[kommabortsig]

Chinese herbal decoction (一貫煎) on snow

[goldelsie]

ceremonial snow moon approaching.

[suntea7]

Infusions & Decoctions (the difference)

Infusions also known as herbal teas are prepared in a water base, extracting medicinal properties from the herbs using its soft parts (leaves, stems & flowers). If you choose you can also infuse for longer periods of time, strain them, then place in the fridge for up to 2 days. Infusions are not only limited to tea drinking but can be used externally as compress or added to a bath.

Decoctions are made when you’d like to break down the hard parts of plants that require greater heat (bark, roots, seeds, nuts, berries) this way you’ll get all its medicinal properties. In this case you’d boil the herbs, cover, then let them simmer for 10-15 min, strain, then drink.

IG: sunteaseven

www.suntea7.com

[leirouseyri-liorise]

[melanatedwitch]

Ways of using Herbs

Infusion: a tea prep - plants parts and hot water mix for a short time

Decoction: longer tea prep - plant parts simmer in the hot water for a longer time

Syrup: plant parts added to sugar water or honey water mixture

Powder: dried plant parts pulverized, traditionally by mortar and pestle

Tincture: essential plant components dissolved in water and alcohol solution

Essence: Essential plant fragrance added to alcohol

Ointment: powered or essential plant parts added to an oily substance such as olive oil, petroleum jelly, lard, often mixed with beeswax

Poultice: fresh or dried plant parts applied to skin with moist heat

[margothsheart]

[the-herbalist]

Barley

Hordeum vulgare

Common Names: Pearl barley (hulled grain), Scotch barley.

Medicinal Part: Grain.

Description: Barley is an annual plant that is widely cultivated as a food grain. Its stout, simple stem (or culm) is hollow and jointed and grows from 1½ to 3 feet high. The narrow, tapering leaves ascend the stem in two ranks, the third leaf over the first; and their bases form loose sheaths around the stem. The flowers grow in bristly-bearded terminal spikes, producing eventually the elliptic, furrowed barley grains.

Properties and Uses: Demulcent. When hulled barley (pearl barley) is cooked, a mucilaginous substance is obtained which makes a good source of nutrition for those with throat or stomach problems. Mixing barley water with milk makes a soothing preparation for stomach and intestinal irritation. Barley has also been recommended for feverish conditions. The demulcent properties of cooked barley make it useful as an external application for sores and tumors.

Preparation and Dosage: Decoction: Wash 2 oz. barley with cold water and boil in 1 cup water for a few minutes. Discard this water and boil the barley in 4 pints of water until the total volume is 2 pints. Strain and use as required. Barley Water: Wash pearl barley in cold water. Boil 1 part pearl barley in 9 parts water for 20 minutes and strain. A dose is from 1 to 4 oz.