Are your herbs lab tested?

Yes. All herbs and formulas we carry are lab tested for identity, heavy metals, and microbial safety before being offered for sale.

Do you offer practitioner or wholesale pricing?

Yes. Herbalists, acupuncturists, and other qualified practitioners may qualify for wholesale or bulk pricing. Contact us or visit our wholesale information page for details.

Are your herbs sulfur-free?

Yes. Our herbs are sulfur-free unless clearly noted otherwise. We prioritize clean processing and traditional preparation methods.

Where do you ship from?

All orders are processed and shipped from our facility in Washington State, USA. We offer domestic shipping and select international options.

Do you provide Certificates of Analysis (COAs)?

Yes. Certificates of Analysis (COAs) are available upon request for many of our herbs and formulas. Please contact us if you need documentation for a specific product batch.

What is the difference between a decoction and an infusion?

A decoction uses simmering water over a longer period and is commonly used for dense herbs such as roots, bark, mushrooms, and harder berries. An infusion uses hot water poured over delicate herbs such as leaves and flowers and is usually steeped for a shorter time.

Which herbs are usually best for decoction?

Roots, bark, mushrooms, some stems, hard berries, and other dense herbal materials are often prepared by decoction because they usually need more time and heat to release their components into water.

Which herbs are usually best for infusion?

Leaves, flowers, and many tea cut herbs are commonly prepared as infusions because they are more delicate and release flavor and aroma more quickly in hot water.

Can powdered herbs be steeped like tea?

Powdered herbs are often stirred directly into warm water, tea, broth, or smoothies rather than strained like a traditional tea. Some powders may also be simmered briefly depending on the herb and preferred texture.

Do whole herbs need longer brewing than tea cut herbs?

Whole herbs often need a longer steep or simmer because they are less broken down than tea cut herbs. Tea cut herbs are smaller and generally allow water to extract them more easily.

Decoction vs Infusion Herbal Brewing Tool

Decoction vs. Infusion Tool

Many people are unsure whether herbs should be steeped like tea or simmered like a decoction. The difference matters because different plant parts release their constituents differently. This tool helps you quickly determine the best brewing method for roots, leaves, flowers, mushrooms, bark, berries, seeds, powders, and tea cut herbs.

Quick Visual Brewing Guide

This simple visual helps customers understand which herb forms are usually steeped and which are usually simmered.

Leaf
→ Infusion

Flower
→ Infusion

Root
→ Decoction

Bark
→ Decoction

Mushroom
→ Decoction

Seeds
→ Infusion or Light Simmer

Decoction vs. Infusion Comparison Chart

Method	Best For	Typical Time	Heat Level
Infusion	Leaves, flowers, many tea cut herbs	8–20 minutes	Hot water steep
Decoction	Roots, bark, mushrooms, hard berries	20–45 minutes	Gentle simmer
Light Simmer	Seeds, stems, softer berries	10–20 minutes	Low simmer
Stir-In	Powdered herbs	Immediate to 5 minutes	Warm water or tea

Use the Herbal Brewing Tool

Select your herb form and your preferred brew strength to get more accurate preparation guidance.

Choose Herb Form

Choose Strength

Choose your herb form to begin

This tool will show the best brewing method, how much to use, brew time, why that method works, and examples.

General Herbal Brewing Guidelines

Most roots require simmering because they are dense and firm.
Leaves and flowers are usually steeped because they are lighter and more delicate.
Mushrooms often need a longer simmer than leaves or flowers.
Seeds may brew better when lightly crushed first.
Whole herbs often need more time than tea cut herbs because water takes longer to penetrate them.
Powdered herbs are commonly stirred directly into warm liquid instead of being strained like tea.

Herbs Commonly Brewed as Decoctions

These herbs are often simmered because they are roots, bark, or dense materials that usually need more time in hot water.

Herbs Commonly Brewed as Infusions

These herbs are often prepared by pouring hot water over them and letting them steep covered.

Herbal Preparation Guidance from 1st Chinese Herbs

1st Chinese Herbs has supplied bulk herbs since 1994 and provides educational resources to help customers learn traditional herbal preparation methods. We believe customers should know not only which herbs to choose, but also how to prepare them correctly for the best traditional brewing experience.

Common Mistakes When Brewing Herbs

Boiling delicate flowers too long and losing aroma.
Not simmering roots long enough to extract properly.
Using too little herb for the amount of water.
Leaving infusions uncovered while steeping.
Trying to steep very dense bark like a light tea.
Not crushing seeds first when needed.
Treating whole herbs the same as tea cut herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What herbs should be decocted?

Roots, bark, mushrooms, and many hard berries are commonly decocted because they are dense and usually need more time and heat than leaves or flowers.

Can you decoct leaves?

Some leaves can handle longer brewing, but most delicate leaves are usually better as infusions. Prolonged boiling can reduce aroma and change taste.

How long should a decoction simmer?

Many decoctions simmer for about 20 to 45 minutes depending on the herb form, cut size, and desired strength.

Can mushrooms be steeped instead of simmered?

Some mushroom powders may be stirred into warm liquids, but sliced or chunk mushrooms such as reishi are commonly simmered for a longer time.

Can powdered herbs be brewed like tea?

Powders are often stirred directly into warm water, tea, broth, or smoothies rather than steeped and strained like cut herbs.

External Herbal Education References

These educational resources can help readers learn more about traditional herbal preparation and botanical education:

Important Herbal Preparation Information

The information on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is intended to help customers understand traditional herbal preparation methods such as infusions, decoctions, simmering, and stir-in preparations for different herb forms, including roots, bark, mushrooms, leaves, flowers, berries, seeds, powders, and tea cut herbs.

The content on this page is based on general traditional-use preparation guidance and does not guarantee any particular outcome, effect, or result. Herbal preparation methods may vary depending on the herb, cut size, processing method, strength desired, and individual preference.

These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The information and products referenced on this page are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information on this page should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be relied upon for prescribing any medication or addressing any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using herbs or herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, have a medical condition, are preparing herbs for children, or are unsure whether a particular herb is appropriate for you.

Herbs and herbal products may interact with medications or may not be suitable for every individual. Use herbs responsibly and follow appropriate preparation guidance.