Short answer
An infusion is made by pouring hot water over delicate plant parts, such as leaves and flowers, and letting them steep. A decoction is made by simmering tougher parts, such as bark, roots and seeds, in water for around 20 to 30 minutes so the plant's compounds are extracted. Use an infusion for leaf teas like guayusa, and a decoction for dense materials like cat's claw bark and chuchuhuasi.
Key takeaways
- Leaf and flower: infuse (steep). Bark, root and seed: decoct (simmer).
- A five-minute steep barely extracts bark or root, which is the most common reason herbal bark teas taste weak.
- Always cover the pot so volatile aromas are not lost, strain before drinking and follow the label for each herb.
- Use clean, measured amounts. 'More leaf' is not 'better'.
Most herbal teas fail at the stove, not at the store. A bark treated like a tea bag tastes like water, and a delicate leaf boiled hard tastes bitter.
The fix is knowing one distinction: infusion or decoction.
What is the difference between an infusion and a decoction?
| Infusion | Decoction | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Leaves, flowers, soft aromatic herbs | Bark, roots, seeds, dense or woody material |
| Method | Pour hot water over the herb and steep, covered | Add the herb to water, bring to a boil, then simmer, covered |
| Typical time | 5 to 30 minutes of steeping | 20 to 30 minutes of simmering |
| Why it works | Gentle heat extracts without damaging delicate compounds | Longer heat breaks down tough cell walls to release compounds |
| Example herbs | Guayusa, soursop leaf, matico, lemon balm, fennel | Cat's claw, chuchuhuasi, valerian root, sarsaparilla |
How to make an herbal infusion
- Measure the herb. Our leaf teas use 1 heaping tablespoon per 2 cups of water.
- Bring the water to a gentle boil, then add the herb.
- Turn the heat off and cover the pot so aromas stay in the cup.
- Steep for the time on your label. Our leaf teas steep for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the herb.
- Strain and drink warm. Take it an hour before or after meals unless the label says otherwise.
Example: for guayusa, bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil, add 1 heaping tablespoon, turn the heat off, cover and steep 30 minutes. See the guayusa guide.
How to make a herbal decoction (bark and root tea)
- Measure the herb. Our bark and root teas use 1 heaping tablespoon per 2 cups of water. Cat's claw is stronger, at 1 heaping teaspoon per 1 1/2 cups.
- Add the herb to the water and bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
- Bark can often be simmered a second time for a lighter second cup.
Examples: cat's claw bark, chuchuhuasi and valerian root are all simmered for 30 minutes.
Common mistakes
- Steeping bark like a tea bag: five minutes extracts almost nothing. Simmer it.
- Boiling delicate leaves hard: can make them bitter. Steep off the heat.
- Leaving the pot uncovered: you lose aromatic compounds.
- Using a lot more herb 'for strength': this can overshoot and upset your stomach. Follow the ratio.
- Reusing the same leaf tea for days: make fresh or refrigerate for no more than a day.
Storage and reheating
Drink tea warm and fresh when you can. If you make extra, cool it, keep it covered in the refrigerator and drink it within about a day. Store the dried herbs themselves airtight, dark, cool and dry. Our wildcrafted herbs page explains how to store dried herbs and judge quality, and our tea preparation guide covers more.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an herbal infusion and a decoction?
An infusion steeps delicate plant parts such as leaves and flowers in hot water. A decoction simmers tougher parts such as bark, roots and seeds for 20 to 30 minutes.
How do you make a herbal decoction?
Add the herb to water, bring it to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, then strain.
How do you prepare bark tea?
Simmer it. Bark is dense, so a quick steep extracts little. Use the amounts on the label and simmer covered for about 30 minutes.
How do you brew loose leaf tea?
Measure the herb, pour hot water over it, cover and steep for the time on the label, then strain.
How do you make soursop leaf tea?
Our label: bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil, add 1 heaping tablespoon of leaves, turn the heat off, cover and steep 30 minutes. Read the soursop guide first for safety notes.
How do you prepare guayusa leaves?
Bring 2 cups of water to a gentle boil, add 1 heaping tablespoon, turn the heat off, cover and steep 30 minutes, then strain and drink warm.
Can I drink the tea cold or reheat it?
Yes. Refrigerate leftover tea covered and use it within about a day. Reheat gently.