Decoction:
Mix 1/7th of mixture in 3-4 cups of water, bring to boil with lid, turn down to simmer
Mix 1/7th of mixture in 3-4 cups of water, bring to boil with lid, turn down to simmer
for
30-40 minutes with lid, strain, keep marc (strained herbs) to re-use
once.
Drink
throughout day (or 1/3 3x/day), hot or room temperature, not
on ice.
Infusion:
IF
you have this part to add, add in 1/7th of mixture for last 10
minutes of cook time.
Be
sure to mix up formula since it settles so that you are getting a
true mix of the herbs.
A
glass pot is ideal, second best is enamel or stainless steel - do not
use other metals. I find it easiest to use a pot with a pour spout
on the edge (or you could strain it into a large measuring cup -
these usually have pour spouts). A wire mesh strainer works well for
the non-powder ingredients. If there is only a little powder, you
can just let it settle to the bottom after straining and then pour
off leaving the powder in the bottom to re-use or discard depending
on the day.
If
there are a lot of powdered herbs in your blend, you need not concern
yourself with straining completely the first day; you want to re-use
this powder in your second decoction. On the second day, after
decocting, use a coffee filter or the like and squeeze out all liquid
(to drink) before discarding marc. It is okay (but not needed) to
drink the powder (though maybe not pleasant).
This is a two week supply since you use the herbs twice. You should re-use the
herbs the next day (same directions) or you can just repeat immediately after making first
batch and then mix the two results together, half the liquid and use for two
days. Discard marc after simmering twice. This re-using is done because the first decoction extracts the more volatile constituents (which get destroyed through a longer decoction), while the second decoction is for constituents harder to extract.
This is a two week supply since you use the herbs twice. You should re-use the
herbs the next day (same directions) or you can just repeat immediately after making first
batch and then mix the two results together, half the liquid and use for two
days. Discard marc after simmering twice. This re-using is done because the first decoction extracts the more volatile constituents (which get destroyed through a longer decoction), while the second decoction is for constituents harder to extract.
If
you do not drink all of your daily amount, just have it the next day.
It will keep in the fridge up to 4 days, same with the marc (so you
could make a double batch at once). If you need to keep it for
longer freeze it. Make sure to get it to at least room temperature
before drinking. If you skip a day or days, just continue when you
can.
DO
NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.
Otherwise,
keep me posted of any physical changes (for instance headaches,
changes in bowel, sweating, stomach pain, etc.) Any symptoms you
might experience with taking the formula are very telling and are
part of determining what is imbalanced; any unpleasant reactions can
be remedied. Let me know when you get close to finished with your
present batch and we can discuss where you are at and I’ll
reformulate and get another batch ready.
I
start with a 2 week supply so that we can see how you respond; this
tells me more about your body’s state and I may want to tweak the
formula for your next 2 week batch. As you change, your formula
often changes too.
 |
| This is an example of what your two week batch of decoction will look like. |
A
tongue picture at each 2 week interval is of great help. Natural
light is best and generally cell phones do not take the most accurate
picture. Also get a picture of the underside of your tongue.
***Keep
unused dry herbs sealed air tight, out of direct light, and away from
heat sources.***
