Among the most potent and traditional forms of Amazonian plant medicine are decoction pastes — thick, concentrated aqueous extracts that preserve the full spectrum of a plant's active compounds. These pastes represent a preparation method refined over centuries by indigenous herbalists in the Peruvian Amazon.
What Is a Decoction Paste?
A decoction paste is a water-based extract made by slowly simmering raw plant material — roots, bark, leaves, or whole plants — at low heat over the course of 4 to 5 days. The extended cooking time allows the water to extract and concentrate the plant's compounds, producing a thick, dark paste with an approximate concentration ratio of 30:1. That means 30 kilograms of raw plant material produces just 1 kilogram of finished paste.
How They're Made
The preparation process is both art and science. Our partners in Peru prepare each paste fresh upon request in dedicated preparation rooms. The process follows these general steps:
- Harvesting: Fresh plant material is sustainably collected. Vine and leaf extracts can be made separately when desired.
- Washing and Sorting: The plant material is carefully cleaned and prepared.
- Slow Simmering: The material is placed in large pots with water and simmered at low heat for 4–5 days, with water added as needed.
- Concentration: As the water slowly evaporates, the extract becomes increasingly concentrated.
- Final Consistency: The finished product is a thick, dark paste that can be stored and shipped.
Because pastes are made fresh upon request, please allow approximately one week for preparation when ordering paste-form products.
Why Choose Paste Over Powder?
While dried powders are convenient and shelf-stable, decoction pastes offer several distinct advantages:
- Higher concentration: The 30:1 ratio means each gram of paste contains the equivalent of 30 grams of raw plant material.
- Full-spectrum extraction: The slow water extraction captures compounds that may not be present or bioavailable in dried powder form.
- Traditional preparation: This is the method that indigenous herbalists have used for generations — the same process behind traditional Ayahuasca preparation.
- Versatility: Pastes can be dissolved in hot water, added to food, or used in various traditional applications.
Popular Decoction Pastes
Some of our most requested decoction pastes include:
- Cat's Claw (Uña de Gato): One of the Amazon's most well-known medicinal vines
- Chuchuhuasi: A large rainforest tree bark traditionally used for joint and muscle support
- Bobinsana: A beautiful flowering tree used in plant dietas for emotional opening
- Chiric Sanango: A powerful plant teacher used in traditional healing work
- Ayahuasca Vine and Chacruna Leaf: The classic combination used in traditional ceremony
Storage and Shelf Life
Decoction pastes should be stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, refrigeration is recommended to extend shelf life. Properly stored, most pastes remain potent for 1–2 years.
Explore our full range of individual herb pastes and blended formulas.