INFUSION
STEEPING
DECOCTION




INFUSION

STEEPING

INFUSION RELATED TOPICS

WHAT IS A DECOCTION?

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HERB INFUSIONS

5 COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WITH DIY INFUSIONS

INFUSION LINKS



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SECTION 1



INFUSION




Infusion is the process of extracting chemical compounds or flavors
from plant material in a solvent such as water, oil or alcohol, by
allowing the material to remain suspended in the solvent over time
(a process often called steeping). An infusion is also the name for
the resultant liquid. The process of infusion is distinct from
decoction, which involves boiling the plant material, or percolation,
in which the water passes through the material (as in a coffeemaker).



Preparation techniques


An infusion is a very simple chemical process used with botanicals that
are volatile and dissolve readily, or release their active ingredients
easily, in water, oil or alcohol. The botanicals are typically dried
herbs, flowers or berries. The liquid is typically boiled (or brought
to another appropriate temperature) and then poured over the herb, which
is then allowed to steep in the liquid for a period of time. The liquid
may then be strained or the herbs otherwise removed from the liquid.
Unless the infusion is to be consumed immediately, it may then be bottled
and refrigerated for future use.

The amount of time the herbs are left in the liquid depends on the purpose
for which the infusion is being prepared. Usually steeping for not more
than 15 to 30 minutes, or until the mix cools, will create a beverage with
optimal flavor. Steeping for a longer time typically results in a somewhat
bitter-tasting infusion. Four (4) hours, however, is a more appropriate
length of time for achieving herbal potency if health benefits are the
priority. Quantities of the herb and liquid used will vary according to the
herb or how strong the infusion is required to be. A common proportion used
is 28 g (one ounce) of herb to 0.5 L (one pint) of liquid.

There have been several accessories and techniques for removing the steeped
or left over products that were used to infuse liquids such as water, oil,
or alcohol. The use of a metal steeper, which looks like a metal clamp. Tea
infusers work as strainers and assist in removal of used herbs,leaves, etc.,
from over steeping or leaving residues. French presses are commonly used to
infuse water with various teas and coffee. Lastly, and most commonly used,
the tea bag. Tea bags today are made with filter paper and filled with
various tea flavors.



Infusion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infusion



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SECTION 2



STEEPING




Steeping is the soaking in liquid (usually water) of a solid so as to
extract flavours or to soften it. Some teas are prepared for drinking
by steeping the leaves in heated water to release the flavour and
nutrients. Herbal teas may be prepared by decoction, infusion, or
maceration. Some solids are soaked to remove an ingredient, such as
salt from smoked ham or salted cod, where the solvent is not the
desired product.




Steeping
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steeping



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SECTION 3



INFUSION
RELATED
TOPICS




Aromatherapy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatherapy

Chinese herbology
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_herbology

Decoction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decoction

Herbalism
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbalism

Tincture
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tincture

Maceration (food)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maceration_(food)

Percolation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Percolation

Brewing (disambiguation)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brewing_(disambiguation)

ISO 3103
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3103

Malting
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malting



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SECTION 4



WHAT
IS A
DECOCTION?




If a stronger beverage is desired, that is called a decoction.
Decoctions are used most often for roots, barks, dried berries,
and other plant materials that require stronger, more prolonged
heat for the oil extraction.

To make a decoction, combine the herbs and water in a small saucepan.
Cover with a lid and slowly bring to a simmer. Allow the mix to simmer
gently for 20-45 minutes (or according to your recipe). Remove from the
heat, strain, and pour into the storage jar.



What is a Decoction?
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-an-herbal-infusion-1762142



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SECTION 5



DIFFERENT
TYPES OF
HERB INFUSIONS




Infusions

Infusions, or tisanes as they are frequently called, are made by pouring
boiling water over the herbs and allowing the mixture to steep for 10-30
minutes depending on the strength you prefer. Infusions are used for
extracting the properties of flowers and the herb or leafy part of the
plant. Always keep the container tightly closed when infusing herbs. If
using a teapot, a tea caddy is helpful in keeping all the properties in
the water.



Decoctions

A decoction is used to extract the more tenacious plant material and is
the preferred method for brewing most roots, barks and hard nuts/seeds.
A decoction is made by simmering the herbs in boiling water for 15-30
minutes depending on the strength of tea desired. Always keep the pot
tightly covered.



Solar Infusions

Sun charge your tea! Place the herbs in a large glass jar and cover tightly.
Put in the direct sunlight and leave for several hours or until the desired
flavor is attained. There's nothing quite like the taste of sunshine brewed
in a perfect blend of herbs to lift the spirits.



Lunar Infusions

Just as solar infusions capture the essence of sunlight, lunar infusions
utilize the great luminary energy of the moon. Though much subtler than
other methods of brewing herbs, lunar infusions capture a certain magic
and essence. To make, place herbs (fresh flowers are especially nice in
lunar infusions) in a crystal bowl and set the bowl in a place where it
will get direct moonlight. Let sit overnight and first thing in the
morning, drink your lunar infusion. Try it on the next full moon. You'll
be enchanted.



Different types of HERB INFUSIONS
https://www.localharvest.org/blog/12447/entry/different_types_of_herb_infusions1



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SECTION 6



5 COMMON
MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE
WITH DIY INFUSIONS




There are some really common mistakes that can ruin the fun.
Here are 5 common blunders to avoid.


I've been making and writing about DIY cocktail projects for over six years,
and I still learn something new every time I try a new DIY project. The fun
thing about infusing spirits or concocting a liqueur is that there aren't a
lot of rules and complicated techniques. Most of the time it really is just
mixing together things that sound like they'd taste good and seeing what
happens. However, there are some really common mistakes that can ruin the fun.



Here are 5 common blunders to avoid.


1. Making Too Much

2. Steeping for Too Long

3. Not Straining Well Enough

4. Not Storing Properly

5. Not Documenting Tweaks and Subs



5 Common Mistakes People Make With DIY Infusions
http://drinks.seriouseats.com/2013/04/5-common-mistakes-diy-infusions-homemade-liqueurs-spirits.html



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SECTION 7



INFUSION
STEEPING
DECOCTION
LINKS




5 Easy, Homemade Infusions
https://www.tenthacrefarm.com/2014/11/5-easy-homemade-infusions/

Absolute Trygve
http://www.absolutetrygve.com

Arlys Naturals
http://www.arlysnaturals.com

Aromatherapy
https://www.achs.edu/academics/aromatherapy

Aromatics International
https://www.aromatics.com

Birch Hill Happenings
https://birchhillhappenings.net

Herbal Infusion – How to Make One
https://www.container-gardening-for-food.com/herbal-infusion.html

Herbal Infusion (Medicinal Strength Tea)
http://www.cancerlynx.com/tea.html/

How to Infuse Herbs in Oil, Water, Vinegar, Alcohol or Honey
http://commonsensehome.com/how-to-infuse-herbs/

How to Infuse Spirits at Home
http://imbibemagazine.com/how-to-infuse-spirits/

HOW TO: Make Fruit and Vegetable Infused Water in Mason Jars
http://inhabitat.com/inhabitots/how-to-make-fruit-and-vegetable-infused-water-in-mason-jars/

How To Make A Herbal Infusion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LLmQY6ROoQ



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How to Make Herbal Infused Oils
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e095va7iAX0

How to Make Herbal Teas, Herbal Infusions and Herbal Tinctures
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-health/herbal-remedies/how-to-make-herbal-teas-infusions-tinctures-ze0z1202zhir

How to Make Infusions, Decoctions, and Tinctures
https://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2013/08/basic-herbal-preparations-how-to-make-infusions-decoctions-and-tinctures/

How to Make Infusions for Use in Soapmaking (& Cosmetics!)
http://www.modernsoapmaking.com/join-jo-how-to-make-infusions-for-soapmaking/

How to Make Infused Vinegar
http://preparednessmama.com/infused-vinegar/

How to Make Infused Water + 10 Tasty Flavor Combinations
http://helloglow.co/infused-water-ideas/

How to Make Nourishing Herbal Infusions
http://www.susunweed.com/How_to_make_Infusions.htm

How to Make (and Use) an Herbal Infusion
http://gnowfglins.com/2014/02/18/how-to-make-and-use-an-herbal-infusion/

Infuse Your Booze!
http://www.nwedible.com/infuse-your-booze-a-complete-guide-to-diy-flavored-liquors/

Infusing Olive Oil
https://oliveoilsource.com/page/infusing-olive-oil

Infusion
http://thaumcraft-4.wikia.com/wiki/Infusion



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INFUSIONS
http://www.pindariherbfarm.com/educate/infusion.htm/

Learn to Make Infused Oils and Balms
http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/healing-herbs-learn-to-make-infused-oils-and-balms

National Home Infusion Foundation NHIA
http://www.nhia.org/index.cfm

Oil Infusions
https://www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/modes-of-use/oil-infusions/

Oils, Herbal Infused
https://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy_herbaloil.php

Quench Your Thirst Beautifully With Infused Water
http://dish.allrecipes.com/fresh-ideas-for-making-infused-water/

Stillpoint Aromatic Studies
http://www.stillpointstudies.com/

Teas - Herbal Tisanes: Remedies, Recipes, How To Make
https://www.anniesremedy.com/chart_remedy_tea.php

Using Herbs: Herbal Teas, Infusions, and Decoctions
https://www.growingupherbal.com/herbal-teas-infusions-and-decoctions/

Weed Recipe: A Simple Guide to Making Marijuana Infused Tea
https://www.medicaljane.com/2015/06/18/a-guide-to-making-marijuana-infused-tea/

What are Infused Oils
(also Known as Macerated Oils)?

https://www.aromaweb.com/articles/whatinfu.asp



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In My Mind Today
http://inmymindtoday.com/




International Society for Ethnopharmacology
http://www.ethnopharmacology.org/




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