How to Prepare Herbal Decoctions, Tinctures, Syrups

Herbal decoctions, tinctures and various forms of Chinese treatments can easily be made at home with the right formulas and instructions. There are many Chinese medical schools that teach herbal medicine and show students and practitioners how to make their own tinctures, decoctions and syrups for treating various medical ailments. Here I will offer some tips on how to prepare herbal decoctions, tinctures, and syrups.

Instructions

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A decoction is considered by Chinese practitioners and herbalists to be the most effective method for delivering herbs into the body to treat a problem. In Chinese medicine the word decoction is "tang," which means soup. A clay pot is recommended for making herbal decoctions and tinctures, as the pot will distribute the heat evenly and will not destroy or weaken the effectiveness. Clay pots are readily available at local Chinese supermarkets or Chinatowns. If you cannot find a clay pot, then a pot made from glass or enamel can be used. Some sources recommend that you do not use a metal pot (e.g. stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron) since it could destroy the herbs while cooking, and thus reduce the potency and effectiveness.

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Place the herbs into the clay pot. Add enough water to cover all of the herbs. If you are boiling for 30 minutes or longer, then add more water so that it is approximately 1 inch above the herbs. Do not overboil the herbs, as this will reduce the effectiveness and potency.

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When the water reaches boiling point turn the temperature down to let the herbs simmer. Stir the mixture continuously as it is brewing . After simmering for the allotted time, remove the pot from the heat, pour through a strainer and drink. Cooking time for decoctions can vary depending on the nature and type of herb used. Some are cooked for long periods of time (e.g. over 30 minutes) and some for short periods of time, such as about 10 to 20 minutes. Generally, you would take the decoction one hour after a meal. If your prescription is to tonify or enrich the body, then you would drink the decoction on an empty stomach or one hour before a meal. Some believe it is very beneficial to drink the decoction before going to sleep.

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A tincture is an extraction of herbal ingredients using a solvent. Solvents can be water, oil, glycerin, vinegar or alcohol. The Chinese word for tincture is "jowji," with alcohol being the most commonly used. For most dry plant matter it is effective to use 80 proof alcohol such as vodka or rum. The usual ratio of herb to solvent is determined by weight and is 1:5 or one part herb to five parts alcohol. Sometimes this amount of liquid is not enough to cover the herb; in that case, add more solvent to ensure that the plant material is covered in order to prevent spoilage.

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Put the amount of herb you desire into the glass jar and slowly pour the alcohol until the herbs are entirely covered. Then add an inch or two of additional liquid. Seal the jar tightly so that the liquid cannot leak or evaporate. Put the jar in a dark area or inside a paper bag. Shake the jar every day. When ready to bottle, pour the tincture through a cheesecloth into another jar or dark-colored tincture bottle. Squeeze or press the saturated herbs, extracting the remaining liquid until no more drips appear. Close the storage container with a stopper or cap and label.

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For syrups, dissolve 2 to 3 lbs. of brown sugar in a pint of boiling water and boil until thick. Add more water if the syrup is too thick in consistency. Add any herbs you wish to make herbal syrup. If you want to store the syrup for a period of time, then use airtight jars or bottles and label and date the batch. Store the syrup in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage and for longer shelf life.