Infusions
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"The infusion is lighter than the decoction, and also colder. It does not acquire from the heat of the fire what the decoction does. That is why it is more suitable for fevers and hot natures and for well-to-do people who dislike medicines which have bad tastes and odors". (The Medical Formulary of al Samarqandi) |
Infusions are the most simple of preparations, and are most suited to home remedies. They are especially suited for long term use as in a 'constitutional' remedy; for example, the long-term use of Nettle tea in one prone to fluid swelling or having a Camomile tea before bed in one prone to insomnia.
An infusion is simply the steeping of medicines, usually herbs and flowers, in a liquid, most commonly hot water. Typically, the infusion will be for several minutes, but some tea and herbs are brewed for perhaps 10 or 20 seconds (such as Pu Erh tea), while others may be infused for quarter of an hour or even overnight. Some medicines are cold infused in which case they may be steeped overnight to facilitate a cold-water extraction.
When seeds, bark or roots are stepped, they are generally bruised in a mortar and pestle and can be infused longer.
In most cases, a little Honey may be added to sweeten.
An infusion is simply the steeping of medicines, usually herbs and flowers, in a liquid, most commonly hot water. Typically, the infusion will be for several minutes, but some tea and herbs are brewed for perhaps 10 or 20 seconds (such as Pu Erh tea), while others may be infused for quarter of an hour or even overnight. Some medicines are cold infused in which case they may be steeped overnight to facilitate a cold-water extraction.
When seeds, bark or roots are stepped, they are generally bruised in a mortar and pestle and can be infused longer.
In most cases, a little Honey may be added to sweeten.