Efficacy of Infusions

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

This is a question that's been on my mind ever since I started

studying and using Chinese herbal medicine several years ago. Just

about everyday, especially after moving to Taiwan and then China in

July 2000, I make herbal teas for myself. Depending on the season, the

weather, my state of mind, or the increased presence of infectious

diseases (cold, flu, SARS, etc.) I would choose the daily combination

of herbs. I must stress that I do not consider pattern differentiation

for these teas since there are no symptoms, as it is purely a

preventive, immuno-supportive, and nourishing approach. For example,

Ban Lan Gen (anti-viral), Jin Yin Hua (antibiotic), Gan Cao (tonify

qi), and Gou Qi Zi (tonify blood and yin, high in A and C), at onset

of cold season, drastic weather changes, and during exposure to

sniffling and coughing people.

 

And herein lies my question to you all: What constituents can I expect

to be " extracted " by just immersing the herbs in hot water and

infusing them for 30-45 minutes? What percentage of the bioflavonoids,

organic acids, alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, etc. will be present in

the water for absorption? Are they in a bioavailable form without

having been decocted? I usually refill the glass container 3-4 times,

also with a 30-45 min infusion time, until the flavor is bland to neutral.

 

What are your thoughts?

 

Daniel C. Luthi