Understanding Decoctum: A Guide to Herbal Extracts and Their Uses

Decoctum is a term used in herbal medicine and pharmacology to describe a solution or extract made from the dried or fresh parts of a plant. The term comes from the Latin word "decoquere," which means "to boil down."

To make a decoction, the plant material is typically soaked in hot water for an extended period of time, usually 15-30 minutes, to release the active compounds and flavonoids. The resulting liquid is then strained and consumed as a tea or used as an ingredient in other herbal remedies.

Decoctum is different from an infusion, which is made by steeping dried or fresh plant material in hot water for a shorter period of time, typically 5-15 minutes. Decoctions are often more concentrated and have a stronger flavor than infusions, and they may be more effective at extracting certain compounds from the plant material.