Decoctions are preferred for harder herbs like roots, barks, and seeds, it takes longer to release the healing properties.  It’s best, but not necessary, to mash or grind the thick herb before use.

To make a decoction, you just need the following steps:

• Use 1 tablespoon dried herb per 1 1/2 cup of cold, filtered water
• Bring your water to a boil and add the herbs.
• Reduce the heat as low as possible and cover
• Simmer for 20 minutes if you’re using small pieces of the herb, but if you’re using bigger pieces, then you can simmer for up to an hour.
• Remove from heat and strain off the herbs and serve. If you like, you can also leave them to steep even longer, up to overnight.

Teas from roots are going to be much stronger than infusions, so a typical serving size would be 1/4 cup to 1 cup, depending on what you’re using.