Words like infusion, decoction and tincture are often used interchangeably but to a serious student of herbal medicine these words have specific meanings. Let's examine some of the most common ways herbs are prepared and learn which word is appropriate for each preparation method.

Infusions

To make an infusion an herbalist will add botanical materials to just-boiling water, cover tightly and remove from heat. The herbs are allowed to steep for several minutes then strained out. The water is bottled and refrigerated or used immediately. The important thing to remember about an infusion is that the herbs aren't actually boiled--they're added to water that's just at or slightly below the boiling temperature. Remember when "sun" teas were all the rage? A sun tea is a perfect example of an infusion.

Infusions typically use only the tender parts of the plants, mainly the leaves or flowers. If the woodier parts like stems and roots are used the mixture is referred to as a decoction.

Decoctions

Decoctions are similar to infusions in that they're basically just herbal teas steeped for a long time. The main difference between an infusion and a decoction is that decoctions are used for the woodier parts of the plant, mainly the roots, barks and stems.

To make a decoction, an herbalist will bring an appropriate volume of water to a simmer then add the fresh botanicals, simmering the herbs uncovered until the water is reduced to about half of its original volume. After steeping, the herbs are removed, the decoction is strained and then bottled and refrigerated or used immediately.

Both decoctions and infusions can be used to make fomentations, which we'll study next.

Fomentations

Also known as a compress, a fomentation is simply a decoction or infusion used externally. To make a fomentation an herbalist will dip a thin absorbent cloth, like a tea towel, into a fomentation or decoction then apply the cloth to the skin. Ideally, the cloth is re-dipped into the still-warm liquid and re-applied as soon as the compress cools on the skin. Herbalists believe that herbs that would normally be too strong for internal usage can be safely applied externally, allowing the body to absorb small amounts slowly.

Fomentations can also be used with an external heat source, like a hot water bottle, so long as care is taken not to burn the area being treated.

Tinctures

Some herbs are too strong or too bitter to be used in infusions while other herbs simply don't perform well during water-based extractions. And in some cases, any heat at all will destroy the herb's volatile oils. In these cases, an herbalist will prepare a tincture.

To make a tincture, an herbalist will add a few ounces of herbal material to several ounces of vodka or brandy then allow the mixture to "steep" for several days. After steeping the herbs, the herbalist will strain out the plant materials and bottle the remaining alcohol tightly and store it in the refrigerator.

Unlike infusions and decoctions, which are typically taken cupfuls at a time, tinctures are usually used sparingly. A standard "dose" can be anything from a few drops to a tablespoon.