Quick answer: An infusion is made by pouring hot water over soft plant parts, like leaves and flowers, and leaving them to steep for 5 to 10 minutes. A decoction is made by simmering tougher parts, like roots, bark, seeds and stems, in water on the stove for 10 to 20 minutes. Most tea bags are made to be infused.
What is an infusion?
An infusion is the everyday way to make herbal tea. Hot water draws flavour and colour from soft leaves and flowers quickly, so there’s no need to boil them. Lemongrass, hibiscus, mint, soursop leaf and moringa are usually infused. Covering the cup keeps the heat and aroma in, see should you cover herbal tea while it brews.
What is a decoction?
A decoction is for tough, woody ingredients that don’t give up their flavour easily: roots like ginger and dandelion root, bark like cinnamon, and seeds. They go in a pan of cold water, are brought to the boil, then simmer gently with a lid on. Many Caribbean families make bush tea this way, boiling leaves and roots on the stove.
Which method for which ingredient?
| Ingredient | Usual method | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves (lemongrass, soursop, moringa, bay leaf) | Infusion | 5–10 minutes |
| Flowers and calyces (hibiscus, chamomile) | Infusion | 5–10 minutes |
| Fresh ginger slices | Decoction | 10–15 minutes |
| Roots (dandelion root) | Decoction | 10–20 minutes |
| Bark and whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves) | Decoction | 10–20 minutes |
See dandelion root vs leaf tea for a plant where the root and the leaf are made differently.
How to make a decoction
- Put the roots, bark or spices in a small pan with cold water (about 300ml per mug you want).
- Bring it to the boil, then turn the heat down.
- Cover and simmer gently for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Strain into a mug. Some water evaporates, so top up with hot water if needed.
Can you combine the two?
Yes. Simmer the tough ingredients first, take the pan off the heat, then add the leaves or flowers and let them steep for 5 minutes. For example, simmer a few slices of ginger, then add a lemongrass tea bag.
Should I boil tea bags?
Usually not. Tea bags hold finely cut herbs that are made to be steeped. Follow the directions on the packet.
A short history
People have been infusing and boiling plants in water for thousands of years. Both methods appear in traditional kitchens around the world, from Caribbean bush tea boiled on the stove to herbal infusions steeped in teapots. The method simply depends on how tough the plant is.
Cold infusions
Some herbs can also be infused in cold water. Put tea bags in a jug of cold water, cover it and leave it in the fridge for 6 to 12 hours. Cold infusions are smoother and less bitter. Hibiscus and lemongrass are both very good made this way.
Common mistakes
- Boiling delicate leaves: can make them taste stewed or bitter.
- Only steeping roots: they may stay weak because hot water alone doesn’t get far into them.
- Leaving the lid off: lets aroma escape. Cover infusions and decoctions.
- Squeezing bags: can add bitterness and fine bits.
What you need
For infusions: a mug or teapot with a lid, and a strainer or infuser for loose herbs. For decoctions: a small pan with a lid and a strainer. Read more in what is a herbal infusion.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an infusion and a decoction?
An infusion steeps soft leaves and flowers in hot water. A decoction simmers tough roots, bark and seeds on the stove.
Is herbal tea an infusion?
Most herbal teas are infusions. Teas made from roots or bark are often decoctions.
How long should a decoction simmer?
Usually 10 to 20 minutes, depending on how tough the ingredient is.
Can I make a decoction with tea bags?
It isn’t usually recommended. Tea bags are designed to be steeped, so follow the packet.
Is a decoction stronger than an infusion?
Usually, because it’s simmered for longer, but it depends on the ingredient and amount.
Can I reheat a decoction?
Yes. Keep it covered in the fridge and use it within a day, reheating it gently.
Shop the teas in this article
- Lemongrass tea bags – £8
- Caribbean Bay Leaf Teabags – £8
- Turmeric tea bags – £8
- Glass Tea Pot – £35