1. How to prepare an infusion?
Which plants should I use for an infusion?
Infusion is the gentlest and most common method for extracting active ingredients from the fragile parts of plants: flowers , leaves , flowering tops . It is ideal for well - being herbal teas for digestive, relaxing or respiratory purposes.
The right technique
Use filtered or spring water , low in minerals. Heat the water to a temperature between 80 and 90°C , without bringing it to a rolling boil. Pour over the plant (loose or in a bag), cover, and let it infuse for 5 to 10 minutes depending on the plants used.
The benefits of infusion
The infusion helps preserve volatile essential oils and fragile compounds such as flavonoids , light tannins and antioxidants . It promotes a gentle action, suitable for daily use.
Examples of plants to infuse
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Lemon balm , chamomile , sweet mint : soothing
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Verbena , lime blossom : digestive and relaxing
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Hibiscus , elderberry , sage : invigorating and antioxidant
2. How to prepare a decoction?
Which plants should you choose for a decoction?
Decoction is reserved for the hard and leathery parts of plants: roots , seeds , bark , rhizomes , woody stems . It is a very powerful ancient technique for extracting active compounds insoluble in hot water alone.
Preparation method
Place the plant in cold water , bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 to 20 minutes over low heat. Then turn off the heat, cover and let it steep for another 10 minutes before filtering.
What the decoction extracts
The decoction releases tannins , mineral salts , saponins , lignans , phenolic acids , often responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antiviral or immunostimulant action of plants.
Examples of plants to decoct
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Ginger , turmeric , ginseng : tone and immunity
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Cinnamon , licorice , fennel : digestion
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Meadowsweet , horsetail , buckthorn : drainage, joint
3. What is the principle of maceration?
A heat-free technique
Maceration consists of soaking plants in a cold liquid. A distinction is made between aqueous maceration (in water), oily maceration (in vegetable oil) and alcoholic maceration (mother tincture).
Cold aqueous maceration
It is ideal for heat-sensitive plants or cold detox infusions , such as certain flower waters , iced infusions or plant purines for the garden.
Method: Leave 1 to 2 spoonfuls of the plant to steep in 500 ml of water for 8 to 12 hours at room temperature, then filter.
The virtues extracted by maceration
Less concentrated in active ingredients than the other two methods, maceration allows for the gentle extraction of water-soluble compounds , perfect for regular consumption and hydration.
Special cases
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Mother tincture is an alcoholic maceration of dried plants used in herbal medicine
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Oil maceration makes it possible to obtain care oils (calendula, St. John's wort)
Summary table: infusion, decoction, maceration
| Method | Suitable plant parts | Duration / Technique | Active ingredients extracted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infusion | Flowers, leaves, tops | 5-10 min at 80-90°C | Antioxidants, flavonoids, essential oils |
| Decoction | Roots, seeds, bark, stems | 10-20 min to simmer | Minerals, tannins, saponins, acids |
| Maceration | Sensitive or cold-sensitive plants | 8-24 hours cold | Light water-soluble compounds |
Conclusion
Choosing between infusion , decoction or maceration is not trivial. Each method allows you to extract different substances depending on the nature of the plant and the desired benefits. By adopting the right preparation technique, you optimize the effectiveness of your well-being herbal teas and take full advantage of the virtues of medicinal plants . To go further, explore our selections of organic plants to infuse, concoct or decoct according to your current needs. Also discover all our herbal secrets to take advantage of the natural benefits of each plant.
