Herbal Foot Soak Decoction Instructions
Herbs are decocted differently depending on whether they were prescribed for internal or external use. For external use, the key differences are:
External use calls for more water
The decoction time is slightly longer
It is not necessary to concentrate the soak
Picking a Decoction Pot
You will not need anything fancy here! It is best to use a stainless steel pot (oil-free), an earthenware pot, or an enamel basin. Try to avoid iron or aluminum pots, since they can react with the herbs.
Preparing the Herbs for Decoction
Raw herbal formulas from MIHS typically come in a woven tea bag, and you can place the whole bag into the pot, which will make cleanup easier after the soak. If there are any large roots or mineral pieces, you can wrap them in cloth and smash them. This increases the surface area and allows the boiling water to fully penetrate the herb!
Alternatively, you can decoct them alone for 20 minutes before adding the lighter herbs.
Decoction Steps
1- Pre-Soaking the Herbs
Place the herbal formula into the decoction pot of your choosing and add cold water until the water is about 1.5-2 inches (3- 5 cm) above the herbs. Pre-soak them in the cold water for 20-30 minutes, which allows the herbs to absorb the water fully before decocting them.
2- First Decoction
First, bring the water and herbs to a boil on a high heat setting. Once it is at a rolling boil, then reduce to a low heat setting and allow it to simmer for 20-30 minutes.
Mostly leafy herbs - 20 minutes
Mostly roots and stems - 30 minutes
3- Second Decoction
(optional, but recommended)
To get the full benefit of the herbs, pour the water from the first decoction into the basin you plan to soak in, then add warm water 1.5-2 inches (3-5cm) above the herbs and bring to a rolling boil again. Reduce to a low heat setting and allow it to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, then pour it into the basin with the first decoction.
4- Adjusting the Temperature & Soaking
Now that both decoctions are in the basin, you can add cool water until the temperature is comfortable for soaking. The ideal temperature range is 104-110°F (40-45°C). The total amount of liquid should cover your feet, ankles, and reach the lower part of your legs. Each session should last 20-30 minutes.
Helpful Reminders & Tips
It is better to have more water than less. Too little water can reduce the effectiveness of the soak.
If your formula contains light and aromatic herbs like mint or mugwort, add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Steeping the herbs in pre-boiled hot water will not extract the active ingredients from the herbs. Decocting is more time-consuming, but also very necessary for effectiveness.
Wait at least 1 hour after eating before soaking. Each session should last 20-30 minutes or until you break a light sweat. Heavy sweating is counterproductive, but you can always add more cool water!
