Significance of Decoction
Decoction is a traditional method of extraction widely referenced in various texts, including Ayurveda and Purana. It involves boiling plant materials in water to extract their medicinal properties, creating concentrated herbal solutions. Decoctions are integral in developing medicinal drinks and treatments for ailments like indigestion, urinary disorders, and skin diseases. This method allows for the efficient extraction of flavors, active ingredients, and healing compounds from herbs, making it a vital practice in herbal medicine and therapy.
Synonyms: Extraction, Infusion, Brew, Boiling, Elixir, Preparation
In Dutch: Afkooksel; In Finnish: 碍别颈迟迟盲尘颈苍别苍; In Spanish: 顿别肠辞肠肠颈贸苍; In German: Dekokt
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 is a method of boiling herbal ingredients in water to extract their flavors and medicinal properties, often used in preparing remedies for various ailments like indigestion and skin diseases.
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]