Significance of Decoction
Decoction is a traditional method of extracting flavors and medicinal properties from herbs by boiling them in water. This technique is extensively referenced in texts such as the Purana, Ayurveda, Dharmashastra, and Rasashastra, emphasizing its therapeutic use for a range of ailments, including digestive issues and skin diseases. It involves creating concentrated herbal preparations and is recognized in scientific practices as well. Decoction effectively retrieves the essential compounds from plant materials, making it a cornerstone of herbal medicine preparation.
Synonyms: Infusion, Boiling, Preparation
In Dutch: Afkooksel; In German: Dekokt; In Finnish: Keittäminen; In Spanish: Decocción
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Decoction'
In Hinduism, decoction refers to the boiling of herbs or plant materials to extract their medicinal properties, commonly applied in treating digestive issues, skin diseases, and other ailments through concentrated herbal preparations.
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A method of preparing herbal medicines by boiling plant materials in water to extract their medicinal properties.[1] (2) Medicinal preparations made by boiling herbs or other ingredients in water, often used in treating urinary disorders.[2] (3) A preparation consisting of boiling specific plant materials to extract their active properties.[3] (4) A method of preparing herbal remedies by boiling the plant materials to extract their properties, often involving the red physic nut and physic nut.[4] (5) A method of extracting the flavor and active ingredients from plants by boiling, used with bitter luffa.[5]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A method of preparing medicinal drinks by boiling herbs or plants to extract their beneficial properties.[6] (2) A concentrated solution made by boiling herbal ingredients to extract their medicinal properties.[7] (3) A concentrated herbal preparation made by boiling plant materials in water for therapeutic use.[8]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A concentrated solution created by boiling herbs or other substances, commonly used for treating skin diseases.[9] (2) Liquid preparations made by boiling materials, prescribed by the Buddha for treating itching diseases.[10]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) Medicinal extracts made by boiling herbs in water, commonly used in treating ailments.[11]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A method of extracting flavors and medicinal properties from herbal ingredients by boiling them in water.[12] (2) A method of extraction where herbs are boiled to obtain their medicinal properties.[13] (3) A decoction composed of Hingu, Sauvarchalam, and Shunthi boiled together with water cures indigestion and the type of Gastralgia known as Parinama Shulam.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) The liquid resulting from boiling plant materials in water, used as a base in the preparation of arista.[15]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A method of extracting flavors and active ingredients from herbs or root substances by boiling.[16]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Decoctions refer to preparations made through the boiling of herbs, as referenced in medical texts.[17]
The concept of Decoction in scientific sources
Decoction is a method of extracting herbal compounds by boiling plant materials in water, essential for preparing ingredients in formulations like Amalakyadi Gana, as indicated by regional sources.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A method of extraction by boiling plant material to create a concentrated liquid.[18] (2) A method of extraction by boiling herbal materials, used in the preparation of remedies from parts of Ficus religiosa.[19] (3) A traditional preparation method in which herbs are boiled in water to extract their medicinal qualities.[20] (4) A method of extraction by boiling plant material to release its chemical compounds.[21] (5) A method of extracting compounds by boiling plant material in water.[22]
From: Ancient Science of Life
(1) A method of preparation where plant materials are boiled in water to extract medicinal properties.[23] (2) A method of preparing herbal preparations by boiling the ingredients in water to extract their properties.[24] (3) A method of preparing medicinal extracts by boiling plant materials in water.[25] (4) A method of extracting flavors or active ingredients from plants by boiling them in water.[26] (5) A method of extracting the essence of a plant by boiling its parts in water.[27]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) A method of preparation involving boiling the tubers of Cyperus rotundus in water to extract its medicinal properties.[28] (2) Kwatha, a preparation involving boiling plant parts in water to extract medicinal properties.[29] (3) The most important primary dosage form in panchvida kashaya kalpana, where crude drugs are boiled in water to extract medicinal properties.[30]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Holistic Medicine
(1) A method of extraction by boiling herbal substances in water, utilized in preparing ingredients for the formulation.[31]
From: AYU (Journal of Research in Ayurveda)
(1) A method of preparing herbal remedies by boiling plant materials in water, used to create one of the dosage forms of Amalakyadi Gana in the study.[32]
From: Ayushdhara journal
(1) A method of extracting flavors or compounds by boiling plant material in water, referred to in the context of Dhanvayas kwatha.[33]