A concoction (sometimes spelled concotion) is -strictly speaking- a combination of various ingredients, usually herbs, spices, condiments, powdery substances or minerals, mixed up together, minced, dissolved or macerated into a liquid so as they can be ingested or drunk. Concoctions are sometimes associated with poisons, alternative or magic cures or, in the past, even with witchcraft. The term "concoction" is sometimes loosely used metaphorically in order to describe a cocktail or a motley assembly of things, persons or ideas. Quite often various very pungent and spicy ketchups or hot sauces, usually based on Cayenne peppers are inadverdently -or for commercial reasons- called "concoctions".
