decoctions
Herb-steeped concentrates
Decoctions are liquids produced by boiling plant material—roots, bark, leaves—to extract their essence.
The term appears most often in herbalism and traditional medicine, where decoctions are distinguished from infusions (which use steeping rather than boiling).
The word sometimes appears figuratively for any concentrated essence: a decoction of folk wisdom and superstition.
Enchanted liquid mixture
- philterCharm-inducing beverage
- elixirMythical healing draught
- witchcraftPractice of supernatural magic
- sorceryPractice of dark magic
cauldron · spell · incantation · enchantment · brew · charm · wizard · witch
Rising at sharp angle
- simmerCook just under boiling
- boilHeat to bubbling point
- extractConcentrated derived substance
- infuseSaturate by steeping
strain · filter · reduce · concentrate · cauldron · kettle · pot · heat
Curative treatment or fix
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
- tinctureHerb steeped in alcohol
- elixirMythical healing draught
- apothecaryHistorical medicine preparer
pharmacopoeia · therapeutic · treatment · dosage · curative · healing · restorative · ayurvedic
Herbal infusion beverage
- chamomileSoothing herbal infusion plant
- gingerPungent culinary rhizome
- valerianBotanical sleep aid
- echinaceaImmune-support plant extract
dandelion · elderberry · nettle · burdock · astragalus · bark · roots · leaves
Complete change of form
- alchemistPractitioner of proto-chemistry
- alembicDistillation apparatus
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- calcinationThermal decomposition via heat
dissolution · distillation · hermetic · esoteric · crucible · extraction · reduction · purification
potion
Enchanted liquid mixture
- philterCharm-inducing beverage
- elixirMythical healing draught
- witchcraftPractice of supernatural magic
sorcery · cauldron · spell · incantation · enchantment · brew · charm · wizard · witch · occult
steep
Rising at sharp angle
infuse · strain · filter · reduce · concentrate · cauldron · kettle · pot · heat · liquid
remedy
Curative treatment or fix
apothecary · pharmacopoeia · therapeutic · treatment · dosage · curative · healing · restorative · ayurvedic · preparation
tisane
Herbal infusion beverage
echinacea · dandelion · elderberry · nettle · burdock · astragalus · bark · roots · leaves · peppermint
transmutation
Complete change of form
- alchemistPractitioner of proto-chemistry
- alembicDistillation apparatus
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
calcination · dissolution · distillation · hermetic · esoteric · crucible · extraction · reduction · purification · separation