DECOCTION Meaning and
Definition
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A decoction is a method of extracting medicinal or herbal compounds from plant materials by boiling them in water. It is a process widely used in traditional medicine and herbal preparations. To create a decoction, the plant parts, such as roots, bark, or leaves, are placed in a pot of water and heated until the liquid reduces to a concentrated solution.
The boiling process allows the water to effectively extract the active ingredients or chemical constituents from the plant material, such as essential oils, volatile compounds, alkaloids, or flavonoids. This method is particularly useful for extracting compounds that are not easily soluble in water, as the prolonged heating helps break down the tough cellular structures of the plant material and release its constituents.
Decoctions are known for their potency and are commonly used for the preparation of herbal teas, tonics, syrups, or topical applications. They are considered a reliable way of harnessing the medicinal properties of plants, as the boiling process enables a more extensive extraction than simply steeping the plant material as in infusions.
While decoctions are primarily used in the field of herbal medicine, they have also been utilized in the culinary world for extracting flavors from ingredients such as spices, herbs, or roots to enhance the taste and aroma of dishes. Overall, decoctions serve as a valuable method for deriving the beneficial properties of plant material through the process of boiling and extracting its chemical constituents.
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1. The process of boiling. 2. Decoctum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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The extraction of the virtues of any substance by boiling it in water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DECOCTION
Etymology of DECOCTION
The word "decoction" comes from the Latin word "decoctio", which means "boiling down" or "cooking thoroughly". It is derived from the verb "decoquere", which combines "de-" (indicating "removal" or "separation") with "coquere" (meaning "to cook" or "to boil"). Over time, the term "decoction" has retained its original meaning, referring to the process of extracting the active principles from a substance by boiling or simmering it in water. It is commonly used in the context of herbal medicine and the preparation of herbal remedies.
Similar spelling words for DECOCTION
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