Every record in the recipe collection lists its preparation method. Here is the definition and a process summary for each one.
Extraction by prolonged boiling, used for hard plant parts (roots, bark, woody stems, seeds) whose active compounds need more time and heat to release than a simple infusion provides.
1) Finely chop the hard plant material. 2) Cover with cold water in a pot. 3) Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 to 30 minutes (sometimes longer, depending on the material). 4) Let cool, strain and use the resulting liquid.
Highly concentrated extraction of the plant material in a solvent (water, alcohol or oil), using a much higher plant-to-solvent ratio than a simple maceration, and often a longer contact time. The result is a very concentrated liquid, meant to keep for a long time and always be used diluted, unlike the other techniques prepared for more immediate use.
1) Finely chop or crush the plant material, using a high proportion relative to the solvent (more plant matter than in a standard maceration). 2) Fully cover with the chosen solvent (water, alcohol or oil) in a closed container, opaque or kept in the dark. 3) Let it sit for several weeks, shaking occasionally. 4) Strain, bottle in a sealed container and store cool and dark — always use diluted, never undiluted.
Biological transformation of the plant material by microorganisms (yeasts, bacteria) in total or partial absence of oxygen, releasing and transforming active compounds over a longer period than the other techniques (days to weeks).
1) Chop the plant material and submerge it in water, in a wide, non-airtight container (to let gases escape). 2) Stir daily during fermentation. 3) Let ferment from several days to several weeks, depending on ambient temperature, until it stops foaming. 4) Strain and dilute before use — the undiluted product can be very concentrated.
Cold or just-off-the-boil water is poured over the plant material and left to steep without boiling. Ideal for delicate plant parts (leaves, flowers) whose active compounds would break down under prolonged heat.
1) Chop or crush the plant material. 2) Pour hot water (just off the boil, not boiling the material itself) over it. 3) Cover and let steep for 10 to 30 minutes depending on the plant. 4) Strain and use the resulting liquid, diluted if needed.
Cold extraction by prolonged soaking of the plant material in a liquid (water, oil or alcohol depending on use), without heat. The longer contact time than an infusion extracts compounds that cold water alone would dissolve too slowly.
1) Chop or crush the plant material. 2) Fully submerge it in the chosen liquid, in a closed container. 3) Let it sit in a cool, dark place, stirring occasionally, for anywhere from several hours to several days depending on the preparation. 4) Strain and use the resulting liquid.
A preparation method specific to this particular record, different from the four usual methods (infusion, decoction, maceration, fermentation).
See the record itself for the detailed step-by-step process — there is no single generic process for this category.