10/15/2024
Stove top brews of roots and barks and seeds and berries is for me, a cherished ritual for the turning of the seasons and a source of nourishment throughout the winter months. This really feels like kitchen witchin at its finest. So if you want to connect with your inner witch, get a pot out put some herbs and water in it and await the delightful aromas that will fill your home.
In the practice of herbal medicine we call this preparation a ādecoctionā.
āØWhat is a decoction?
This is a herbal preparation using water to extract the medicinal components of the plants. And we typically use a decoction to prepare a tea using roots, barks, seeds, and berries. Since these parts of the plants are tougher than flowers or leaves they require a bit more time in the water and heat to extract their medicine
āØHow to make a decoction?
1. Add all the herbs to your pot. Typically we use 1tbsp of herb per cup. But Iām a dash of this, a pinch of that, and a handful of this kind of woman! Experiment and have fun.
2. Add cold water to pot and bring to a boil.
3. Turn the heat down and simmer, covered, for about 20 minutes minimum. But I like to brew my herbs for longer.
4. Strain and enjoy. You can refrigerate your decoction and enjoy it for up to 3 days. Some folks love to re-brew the herbs, but I say go for it!!
āØMy favourite decoction right now is an Immune Chaga Chai:
Chaga
Astragalus
Fresh ginger
Cinnamon bark
Cardamom pods
Fennel seeds
Star Anise
Cloves
Black pepper corns
Variations: Iāve been adding D**g Quai in my luteal phase for blood building and recently ran out of Astragalus so just put in some Dandelion root because I had some.
Get creative and enjoy some plant magic šŖ šš. Let me know in the comments on you try this brew or let me know whatās brewing in your cauldron this season.