Water-Based Herbal Preparations

Danielle Caster
Jul 8
3 min read

There are many ways to prepare herbs with water, depending on the plant part you're working with and what you're hoping to extract.

Here's a simple guide to four common water-based preparations: hot infusion, cold infusion, nourishing overnight infusion, and decoction.

Herbal Infusion (Hot Tea)

If you're new to working with herbs, hot infusions are likely what you’re most familiar with. Most of us have made a cup of tea at some point—whether it’s a calming chamomile before bed or something soothing when we’re feeling under the weather. An herbal infusion is, at its core, just that: a warm cup of tea.

How to Prepare a Hot Infusion:

If you're using loose leaf dried herbs, add 1 tablespoon of herbs to a reusable/compostable tea bag or metal strainer.
Pour 8–12 oz of hot water over the herbs, cover the cup (to prevent the volatile oils from escaping), and steep for 10–15 minutes.
If you're using store-bought tea bags and want a medicinal-strength dose, I recommend using 3 bags in a mug.
Pour 8–12 oz of hot water over the tea bags, cover the mug, and steep for 10–15 minutes.

Herbs great for hot infusions: Lemon Balm, Chamomile, Tulsi, Peppermint, Red Raspberry Leaf

Cold Infusion

Cold infusions might be a newer concept, but they’re just what they sound like—using cold water to extract the medicinal properties of herbs. This method is especially helpful for mucilaginous plants rich in polysaccharides, or delicate leaves and flowers containing volatile oils, vitamins, and minerals.

One classic example is Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis). Its high mucopolysaccharide content is ideally extracted with cold water, which preserves its soothing, demulcent properties.

How to Prepare a Cold Infusion:

Grab a 32 oz mason jar and add 4–5 tablespoons of your dried herb(s).
Fill the jar with cold water, screw on the lid, and place it in the fridge.
Let it steep for at least 3 hours or overnight for a stronger brew.

Herbs great for cold infusions: Marshmallow Root, Hibiscus, Nettle, Lemon Balm, Rose

Nourishing Overnight Infusion

Nourishing overnight infusions are a deeply restorative way to work with herbs that are rich in vitamins and minerals. These infusions are ideal for people who are depleted, burned out, or not getting enough nutrient-dense foods. They're especially supportive for chronic stress, menstrual challenges, and preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum stages when the body needs deep rebuilding.

How to Prepare a Nourishing Infusion:

Use a 32 oz mason jar or French press.
Add 3–5 tablespoons of your herbal blend.
Pour hot water over the herbs until the jar is full, cover, and let steep overnight (8–10 hours) at room temperature.
The next day, strain and pour over ice. Sip throughout the day.

Herbs great for nourishing overnight infusions: Nettle, Red Raspberry Leaf, Moringa, Oat Straw, Red Clover

Decoction

Decoctions are used for the tougher, more fibrous parts of plants—like roots, bark, seeds, and dried berries—which need more heat and time to release their medicinal compounds.

How to Prepare a Decoction:

Use a small to medium saucepan.
For every 1 tsp of herb, add 8 oz of water (adjust the recipe as needed).
Combine herbs and water in the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
Let simmer for 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the desired strength.
Strain using a mesh strainer and drink warm.

Store any leftover decoction in the fridge for up to 3 days. If reheating, use the stovetop, not the microwave.

Herbs great for decoctions:

Ginger Root (fresh or dried), Cinnamon Bark, Hawthorn Berries, Clove, Cardamom Pods

Hi, I'm Danielle, a Clinical Herbalist passionate about supporting women in feeling nourished, finding balance and reclaiming their health with confidence and care.

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