Water extraction of plants, flowers, & roots

Water extracts ingredients from plants through a process called solvent extraction, specifically infusion, decoction, or maceration. Water acts as a solvent, dissolving and drawing out beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, mucilage, and essential oils from plant materials.

Methods of Water Extraction:

1. Infusion (For Soft Parts – Leaves, Flowers, and Soft Stems)

• Best for delicate plant parts like mullein leaves, chamomile, or peppermint.

• Works well for vitamins, antioxidants, and volatile oils.

  
  

  🔹 Process:

  • Boil water and pour over the plant material.

  • Steep for 5–15 minutes (longer for stronger tea).

  • Strain and drink.

2. Decoction (For Hard Parts – Roots, Bark, and Seeds)

• Used for tougher plant parts like ginger, cinnamon bark, and licorice root.

• Extracts tannins, alkaloids, and minerals.

  
  

  🔹 Process:

  • Add plant material to boiling water.

  • Simmer for 15–45 minutes to extract more compounds.

  • Strain and use.

3. Cold Maceration (For Mucilaginous & Delicate Compounds)

• Best for mucilage-rich herbs (e.g., marshmallow root, slippery elm, or mullein).

• Prevents heat-sensitive compounds from degrading.

  
  

  🔹 Process:

  • Soak plant material in cold water for 6–12 hours.

  • Strain and use.

How Does Water Work in Extraction?

✅ Heat increases solubility of compounds.

✅ Polarity of water allows it to extract hydrophilic (water-soluble) compounds like flavonoids, tannins, and polysaccharides.

✅ Cold water preserves delicate nutrients and mucilage.