Health

Infusion or decoction?

They differ not only in preparation, but also in dosage.

I beg you: tell us how to properly prepare infusions, decoctions and herbal tinctures. What is their difference?

I. Svetova, Sumy.

We asked herbalist Lyubov Saliy to talk about this:

First of all, remember that for cooking medicines from herbs (decoctions, infusions, tinctures, etc.) you need to grind them well, because substances are extracted more completely and quickly from small particles. Thus, the size of particles from leaves, flowers and grass does not exceed 5 mm, from stems, bark and roots - 3 mm, from seeds - 0.5 mm.

Let's start with infusions. They are prepared as follows: place the crushed plant in an enamel pan or glass jar and fill with water. From 1 part by weight of medicinal raw materials, 10 parts by volume of infusion are obtained. For example, to get 100 ml of infusion, you need to take 10 g of crushed plants. But since some of the water is lost when preparing the infusion, you can take a little more of it at first. Next, close the container with a lid and heat in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Then cool the infusion at room temperature for an hour, strain through a layer of cotton wool wrapped in gauze, squeeze out the cotton wool and add boiled water to the volume specified in the recipe.

Infusion of some plants for internal use made less concentrated, and therefore the ratio of raw materials and water is not 1:10, as for external use, but 1:20 or 1:30. But in all cases where a “glass of water” is mentioned, it means a glass with a capacity of 200 ml.

By the way, when preparing infusions, you can do without a water bath. In this case, pour boiling water over the crushed plant particles, place them on the stove and make sure that the infusion does not boil. After 15 minutes, remove it, cool and filter.

4 There is also “ cold method"Preparing the infusion. Pour the crushed parts of plants into a saucepan with the appropriate amount of boiled water at room temperature, close the lid and leave for 4 to 12 hours, then filter through several layers of gauze. Everything can be accepted.

And to prepare decoctions, place the crushed raw materials in the same container as for infusions, pour boiling water over them and simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes. Cool at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. After this, filter and add boiled water to the required volume.

Attention: decoctions of plants containing tanning substances (bearberry leaves, oak bark, etc.) must be filtered immediately after removal from the heat.

Another warning: infusions and decoctions quickly deteriorate, especially in summer time or in a warm room, so it is better to cook them daily.

And now about the tinctures. They are made with 40-70 proof alcohol. Pour the crushed plants into a glass jar or bottle, fill with alcohol of the appropriate strength, seal and keep in a dark, protected place at room temperature, shaking occasionally, for

7-21 days. For one part of the crushed plant, take enough alcohol to make five volume parts of the finished tincture. For example, from 20 g of raw materials 100 ml of tincture is obtained. After a week, drain the tincture, squeeze out the remaining plants well and filter through several layers of gauze with a cotton pad. Important: the filtered tincture, regardless of color, must be transparent. What is valuable: alcohol tinctures are stored for a long time.

Perhaps it is also worth mentioning powders from medicinal plants. For this purpose, whole fresh or dried leaves, pieces of bark and roots are used. The dried parts of the plants must be crushed into powder in a mortar, and in this form they can be taken orally or used to sprinkle on wounds or ulcers.

And then you can also make an ointment from this powder by mixing it with Vaseline, lard, butter or vegetable oil in a ratio of 1:4. By the way, for this it is better to use vegetable oil: sunflower, cotton, flaxseed, since ointments prepared with animal fat spoil faster. But if you add 1 tbsp to the ointment based on animal fat. l. alcohol, it will last longer.

And finally, do you know how to properly collect medicinal plants? To do this, separately (!) grind the components included in its composition: cut the leaves, bark and grass into small particles, detail or cut the roots and rhizomes, and chop the fruits and seeds or leave them whole. Then take the weight parts into the right quantity prepared raw materials and mix them in a mortar until a uniform mixture is obtained.

4 And then you can make a tincture or decoction from the collection. Or maybe tea. So, for example, for diuretic tea, take equal parts of juniper berries, birch leaves and dandelion root. Brew 1 tbsp with a glass of boiling water. l. mixture, let it sit until cool, strain through cheesecloth and take 1 tbsp. l. 3-4 times a day before meals.

And, of course, decoctions, infusions and tinctures differ in dosage. So, if the former can be taken from 0.5 to 1 cup (3-4 times a day), then the latter - 1 tbsp. l., and still others - just a few drops (from 20 to 50). But only a specialist will determine what will be more effective in your case. So you should not experiment yourself, so as not to suffer from unwanted side effects.

Comments:

At home, liquid dosage forms are prepared from plant materials. In this article we will tell you how to properly prepare a decoction, infusion or tincture from various parts plants.

Infusion prepared from flowers, leaves and herbs (loose parts of plants), from which they are easily extracted biologically active substances. If the recipe does not indicate how much raw material to take, then infusions are prepared at a rate of 1:10, i.e., 10 parts by volume of infusion are obtained from one weight part of plant raw materials.

Decoctions prepared from rough parts of plants (roots, rhizomes, bark, woody stems) usually at a rate of 1:10, less often 1:30.

To prepare the indicated dosage forms plant materials must be crushed: leaves, herbs, flowers - to particles no larger than 5-7 mm (bearberry leaves, lingonberries and other leathery leaves - no more than 1 mm); stems, bark, roots and rhizomes - no more than 3 mm; fruits and seeds - no more than 0.5 mm.

Preparation of infusions and decoctions

The crushed raw materials are placed in an enamel or porcelain vessel and filled with the required amount of distilled (boiled) water, closed with a lid and heated in a boiling water bath with frequent stirring: infusions - 15 minutes, decoctions - 30 minutes. The vessel is removed from the water bath and cooled at room temperature: infusions - for at least 45 minutes, and decoctions - no more than 10 minutes. Then filter (the infusions are cooled, and the decoctions are still hot) through a layer of cotton wool (the cotton wool is squeezed out) and diluted with distilled (boiled) water to the volume specified in the recipe. The exception is raw materials containing tannins(bark, serpentine rhizomes, rhizomes and roots, leaves and), they need to be strained immediately after heating.

Infusions and decoctions can be prepared at home without boiling. To do this, the crushed plant material is placed in a thermos, poured with boiling water and left for at least 5-6 hours (usually poured overnight), after which it is filtered and brought with boiled water to the required volume. It is better to prepare infusions and decoctions for one day (they spoil quickly) or store in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. The infusion cannot be stored in a thermos for more than 1 day. The next day you need to drink the entire prepared infusion in 3 doses (before meals or after meals - indicated in the recipe).

Preparing the tincture

Tinctures are colored liquid alcoholic, aqueous-alcoholic (vodka) extracts from medicinal raw materials, obtained without heating or removing the extractant. Tinctures are prepared with 70% or 40% alcohol. The crushed plant material is placed in a vessel (preferably glass), filled with alcohol in such a way that from 1 part by weight of the crushed material 5 volume parts of the tincture are obtained, and kept at room temperature, stirring, for 6-7 days, then adjusted to the required volume . The tincture should be transparent and have the smell and taste of the plant used.

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Echinacea purpurea- a low perennial plant. Found in the North Caucasus, Russia, and Ukraine. The raw materials for the production of medicines are roots, flowers, stems, leaves. A plant that is at least 2 years old is used for medicinal purposes.

Herbal stimulant immune system. It has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bacteriostatic, fungicidal, tonic effects. Accelerates wound regeneration when applied topically.

Echinacea: tablets or tincture?

The most widely used forms of the medication are tablets and tincture. In addition, there is a herb from which a decoction is prepared by steeping the plant in boiling water, and capsules containing dried powder.

Echinacea tincture is a form of medicine obtained by extracting echinacea in alcohol solution. Concentration medicinal substance quite high. Among the raw materials, in addition to leaves, roots and inflorescences, juice from plant stems can be used.

Echinacea in lozenges is easy to use and is considered the most effective. However, it also has a number of disadvantages: large size tablets makes it difficult to prescribe them in childhood(prescribed from 12 years of age), higher cost compared to other forms.

Indications:

• initial symptoms of colds and flu,
• prevention of ARVI,
• recurrent respiratory and urinary tract infections.

The minimum intake is a week, the maximum is 8 weeks.

Echinacea alcohol tincture

This form is already ready for use; you just need to first dissolve it in water. Echinacea tincture with alcohol is sold at the pharmacy. It can also be prepared at home using raw materials.

Echinacea in alcohol is indicated for inflammation in the gynecological area, kidneys, bladder, prostate, and ulcers, constipation. Improves metabolism, hematopoiesis, and well-being. Prescribed after suffered strokes during the rehabilitation period.

Echinacea tincture is contraindicated for pregnant, nursing mothers, under 2 years of age, for toxic liver conditions (especially those associated with alcohol consumption), autoimmune diseases, multiple sclerosis, allergic reactions, diseases connective tissue, leukemia, tuberculosis.

Strengthening the immune system with echinacea tincture increases resistance to infections, which makes it possible to prescribe it for diseases of viral and bacterial etiology. It has an effect even with a sufficient level of one’s own immunity, thereby having a preventive orientation. Helps produce antitumor factor. Current in winter time– therapy, prevention respiratory diseases. Prescribed in combination with treatment, as it enhances the effect antiviral drugs and antibiotics.

Do not combine with others (for example, Ingavirin, Amiksin). Some sources note the danger long-term use due to the “addiction” of the immune system and depression of the nervous system.

How to take Echinacea tincture to strengthen the immune system?

For children under 2 years of age, any echinacea preparations are contraindicated.

From 2 years only infusion and decoction are allowed, from 12 years of age twice a day up to 10 drops.

For 1 dose, up to 30 drops (diluted in boiled water) three times before meals 30 minutes. The duration of treatment is determined by the disease. If well tolerated until stable therapeutic effect. Average course - month (8 weeks - maximum duration), followed by a month's break. Repeat the course up to 3 times a year.

Motherwort tincture is a cheap remedy that has been known for a hundred years and is quite effective.

The price is about 2.5-3 hryvnia or 0.10 $

Sold in dark glass bottles, 25 ml.

It's 70% alcohol. This must be taken into account when using motherwort tincture.

It seems to me that I no longer remember the time when I did not know about motherwort tincture) The good old motherwort was always in the house, I remember it from childhood.

Motherwort tincture for nervousness: does it help or not?.How to drink correctly

I deliberately used the word “nervousness”. Because severe stress I personally tend to require heavier artillery for treatment. Well, plus, don’t forget that constantly taking the same drug, even if it’s natural, is not that harmful, but it’s not worth it, because he just stops helping. Therefore, motherwort tincture is a worthy remedy, but not a panacea forever.

Motherwort helps me. Moreover, it helps quite quickly, from about the third day of taking it.

IMPORTANT! Motherwort tincture should be taken as a course. A one-time use is 90% a placebo effect and only 10% the effect of this mild sedative drug.

Motherwort tincture is a mild sedative. It helps me when I feel general nervousness, irritability, and mild anxiety. Nothing more.

How to drink correctly, dosage

I think the standard 30 drops 3-4 times a day is enough high dosage. It's too much general recommendation In my opinion. After all, we all have different weights. And it is not very correct if a person weighing 50 kg takes the same dose as a person who weighs 120 kg.

Through experience, I discovered for myself personally optimal dosage: 20 drops 3 times a day.

!!! The tincture is diluted with water. At least a tablespoon, preferably 2-3 tablespoons. I usually pour a little water into the bottom of the cup and add drops there.

What is better: motherwort tincture or tablets, motherwort or valerian?

There is no single answer. Each case is individual. For example, motherwort tincture helps me faster and more effectively than motherwort tablets, or even than valerian in any form. In general, this is normal; the tincture form is absorbed faster than tablets.

If I choose between motherwort tincture and valerian tincture, I will choose motherwort , because:

• it works faster on me;
• not such a strong smell;
• I have a cat at home that reacts even to dry valerian herb in a closed packet, let alone the tincture$
• Motherwort tincture does not cause lethargy.

If you choose between motherwort tincture and motherwort tablets, there are options, the choice depends on various factors.

Pros of the tincture;

• acts quickly;
• cheap.

Cons of motherwort tincture;

• It’s inconvenient to measure drops at work, and the smell of alcohol is also not comme il faut;
• Not for pregnant and lactating women, again due to the alcohol in the composition;
• Drivers are also prohibited in other cases when maximum concentration of attention is required;

My choice is this: if I’m at home, in the sense of not working, then definitely the tincture. If a working person needs to calm down, especially in a team or especially with people, then definitely take pills.

Motherwort tincture performs its tasks with 5 points. Calms nervousness, normalizes sleep, helps to perceive reality more calmly.

My reviews of other sedatives.

Infusions and decoctions, prepared on the basis medicinal herbs, you and I often use as home therapy against numerous ailments.

It is necessary to strictly observe not only the indicated proportions of the necessary ingredients, but also to have at least minimal knowledge, how to properly prepare them, and what conditions are acceptable for further storage.

What are the key differences between a decoction and an infusion, what are the methods for preparing them, as well as other medicinal herbal remedies- I think that you will find the answers to these questions by reading this material to the end.

Preparation of infusions and decoctions

From the original plant you can make:

• an infusion that can be consumed both hot and cold
• juice is a product that has the maximum effect on the body
• herbal paste, otherwise called herbal mass
• decoction

In addition, sometimes for convenience, dry herbs are ground to a powdery state. However, the absolute first place among all home remedies is occupied by fresh aqueous extracts from plants, in other words, infusions and decoctions without competition.

Let's talk in more detail about each of the above folk remedies.

Infusions

The result of infusion of previously crushed medicinal raw materials in water is called an infusion. With the help this method, from “extraction occurs” useful substances that can have a strong positive impact on the body.

Basically, soft parts of plants are used for cooking, that is, leaves, flowers, stems. Fundamentally, we can talk about two ways:

• hot
• cold

With the hot method of preparation, it is necessary to take the amount of medicinal raw material required by the recipe, place it in a clay dishes. If there are no special specifications, then boiling water is added at the rate of 1/10.

After keeping the closed container on low heat for the required period of time, allow it to cool.

For the cold method, it is necessary to carry out next steps. Into container the right size, pre-weighed, carefully crushed plant components are placed.

Then the entire contents are filled with the required amount of cooled boiled water. Closing the lid tightly, we allow it to stand (as long as required by the recipe), most often from 2-12 hours.

The significant time difference is explained different volumes medicinal raw materials required by prescription, as well as the differences between them chemical composition. Next, the procedure is similar, filter through two layers of gauze and you can start using it.

Decoctions

The source “material” for this medicine are considered the solid organs of plants, which are roots and bark. They require a longer period of time for heat treatment.

The raw materials required by the recipe should initially be weighed and ground to a powder state. Place in a bowl and add water, for external use (1/5), and for internal use (1/10). Unless otherwise specified, simmer the resulting mixture over low heat for half an hour. After this, we filter and replenish the lost volume to the original volume using boiled water.

A general clarification regarding infusions and decoctions - it is better to carry out treatment with means of a weaker consistency. In the heat and febrile condition, the hot form of the prepared medicine is recommended.

Herbal mass

Using a chopper, fresh parts medicinal plant must be reduced to a paste. For example, you can use a ceramic board for this purpose. It is necessary to chop finely, making sure that the juice is not absorbed into the board. There is no need to strain the juice.

If plant, used to prepare herbal paste, was taken in dry form, then beneficial properties the resulting product is somewhat weaker. The dry plant is crushed using any in a convenient way, for example, passed through a meat grinder. The resulting mass is passed through a sieve and added required quantity water, stirring occasionally until a thick consistency (like sour cream) is formed.

The basis for such a herbal paste can be not only water, but also vegetable oil, honey, even pork fat. The list of diseases for which herbal masses are used is impressive; the external method predominates:

• skin diseases
• wounds, abrasions, burns

If there is a shortage of medicinal raw materials, then you can initially prepare a paste, and then medicinal infusion. It will turn out stronger, because useful substances from the crushed plant they pass into water in a more complete volume.

Powder

To receive this type of medicine, the best option there will be a mechanical mill. In the absence of one, it is quite acceptable to use a regular chopper or meat grinder. The powder form of the raw material is very convenient for mixing with other ingredients when preparing various medicinal preparations.

To be stored in a closed container, the shelf life ranges from six months to a year. For massages and rubbing, you can use medicinal oils. It’s not difficult to prepare, we combine the herb required in the recipe with oil, ratio 1/4. Let stand for one and a half days, and then filter.

Medicinal fees

Before starting preparation, the raw materials must be thoroughly crushed.

The next step is to mix everything thoroughly. Choose dry places for storage.

The container must be tightly closed, and the raw materials placed in it must be well dried.

Tinctures

This term refers to alcohol extracts from various useful herbs and fruits having long term storage

Usually 70% alcohol is used as a base.

Pre-crushed raw materials are combined with pre-diluted alcohol (the strength required by the recipe). Reception is carried out drop by drop.

Extracts

This name was given to healing drink, obtained by evaporating infusions or decoctions in a closed container. It is necessary to evaporate until the original volume is reduced by half. This product has a longer shelf life than decoctions and infusions. Reception is carried out by drip.

Juices

Extremely popular, very effective remedy against many diseases. Squeezing is carried out from fresh berries, fruits, leaves, roots. Boiling is not used.

The necessary ingredients should be thoroughly washed and crushed in any convenient way. Then squeeze out using several layers of gauze. However, if you have a juicer, you can avoid such hassle.

Freezing

The sequence of actions during the procedure for freezing grass and leaves is as follows:

• initially, finely crushed, necessary for recipe ingredients
• carefully placed in containers intended for freezing
• add a small amount of water
• place the container in the freezer

Next, the frozen cubes are filled into plastic bags, labeled so as not to get confused, and stored in the freezer. Before use, give the plant required time thaw, and then use it immediately, because over time, healing qualities are gradually lost.

It is quite acceptable not to pour crushed medicinal raw materials, but to quickly put them into bags and freeze them.

Dosage reminder

Sometimes, in recipes, the amount of the required ingredient is indicated not in grams, but in spoons (st., tsp, dess.,).

Here are the approximate ratios:

• 1 tsp - 5 gr. crushed, dry medicinal raw materials
• 1 tbsp. l - 15 gr.
• 1 dec. l. - 10 gr.
• a regular glass holds 200 ml. water

It is most correct to measure the components using scales, because all herbs have different weights.

Dishes for decoctions and infusions

Extremely important point- what kind of utensils are used for cooking healing decoctions and infusions.

Most the best option there will be a container, followed by stainless steel utensils. The enamel layer closes the top three, and the enamel layer should not contain any cracks or chips, and must be thoroughly washed with soda.

The best option would be to have a specialized container intended exclusively for preparing home remedies.

Aluminum cookware is absolutely unacceptable for these purposes. The effectiveness of the products prepared in it is minimal. Plastic containers are also not suitable, but don’t be surprised, there are “healers” who use such containers.

Ceramic, porcelain, earthenware mugs, even glass, but not crystal, are suitable for infusion.

A few words need to be said about fire. The most effective are decoctions with infusions prepared over an open fire. Next in descending order are the electric stove, well, gas, healing properties herbs are greatly minimized.

It is worth mentioning the quality of the water used:

complete absence of the smell of chlorine and other impurities

clean, filtered

The best option.

How to store medicinal herbs

The following containers for dried raw materials are: fabric bags, paper bags, wooden container. Everything is signed (name, year and place of collection). Regularly audit stored raw materials. If it’s spoiled, don’t hesitate to throw it away.

Strictly observe shelf life; do not store expired herbs. In this situation, saving and consuming low-quality raw materials is fraught serious consequences for the health of the body. In one of the subsequent articles, the topic of collection, procurement and storage of medicinal raw materials will be covered in more detail.

Made at home infusions and decoctions It is better to store them on a shelf specially designated for them, separate from food, at room temperature. Avoid exposure to light, otherwise the healing properties of herbs will quickly weaken. Keep away from children.

Take an interest in your health in a timely manner, goodbye.