deccoWhen searching for home remedies we often find terms that we do not know what they mean. Here is an explanation of the most used terms.

Infusion: This is the most common method for preparing medicinal plants. For this method, it is preferable that the parts of the plant are a little dry so that its properties are more concentrated, therefore, easier to transfer to the water. To prepare an infusion it is advisable to get the whole plant and chop it yourself, one teaspoon for every cup of water. Then put it in a glass, ceramic, or clay container. It is not advisable to use metal containers because the metal could be absorbed. Then add boiling water and cover immediately. Leave for 10 to 20 minutes. Then drain.

Decoction: This method is used for woody plants, or roots and rhizomes. Here we must be careful because the plant may lose its advantages if it is left on the stove for a long time. How long it should stay varies depending on the hardness. The measure used is that the plant is set to boil until the amount of water used originally is slightly reduced. Then it is left to stand for several hours or even days. Then strain. This method is not very advisable to make at home because of the complication of the procedure.

Maceration: This procedure is also widely used. It involves submerging the plant in cold water or oil. The time varies; for flowers a few hours will suffice, while the roots may require several days.

Medicinal wine: This method is to immerse the chopped plant in white wine. The time varies depending on the plant. To avoid spoilage, do not make large quantities, and keep it in a dark place without air.

Extracts: The extract is the concentrated juice of the plant. There are three types of extract, dry, soft, and smooth. Depending on the method used, the extract can be aqueous, hydroalcoholic, or ethereal. To make an extract, soak a dried, chopped plant in alcohol 60% and let macerate for a few hours. Drain and pour the same alcohol on the planta again. Let macerate again, and repeat until the plant has been used up. Then it is advisable to make a distillation to remove the water. For its difficulty, this method is not recommended to be done at home.

Reference: Enciclopedia de plantas medicinales by Adolfo Perez