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Decoctions are the most straightforward
way to prepare tougher plant parts such
as bark, berries, and roots. Chopped
fresh or dried material is simmered in
water for about 20 minutes. The
resulting liquid is strained and drunk.
Decoctions are good for extracting
water-soluble constituents such as
tannins, for example in witch hazel bark
(Hamamelis virginiana). Like infusions,
they have long traditional use and are
still the main method of preparation
used in traditional Chinese medicine.