Syrupus de Althea
Syrup of Marshmallow
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Fernel
| Herb Name | Latin | Amount * |
|---|---|---|
| Marshmallow root | Althea officinalis | 2 oz. |
| Red Chick peas | Cicer arietinum | 1 oz. |
| Couch grass root | Agropyron repens | |
| Asparagus root | Asparagus officinale | |
| Licorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra | |
| Raisins | Vitis vinifera | 1⁄2 oz. ea. |
| Marshmallow leaf | Althea officinalis | |
| Mallow leaf | Malva sylvestris | |
| Pellitory of the Wall | Parietaria diffusa | |
| Burnet Saxifrage | Pimpinella saxifraga | |
| Plantain | Plantago majus | |
| White Maidenhair | Adiantum ruta-muraria | |
| Black Maidenhair | Adiantum spp. | 1 handful ea. |
| Melon seed | Citrullus vulgaris | |
| Gourd seed | Lagenaria vulgaris | |
| Pumpkin seed | Cucurbita pepo | |
| Cucumber seed | Cucumis sativus | |
| Chicory seed | Chicorium intybus | |
| Endive seed | Chicorium endiva | |
| Lettuce seed | Lactuosa sativa | |
| Purslane seed | Portulaceae oleracea | 3 drams ea. |
Preparation:
Infuse all the herbs in the Water a whole day, then boil down to 4 lbs., and form a Syrup with 3 1⁄2 lbs. of Sugar, according to Art.
Charras in his Royal Pharmacopeia of France said the best method was to decoct the Grass roots for 15 minutes before adding the Marshmallow and Asparagus roots, then boil them all gently for half an hour together. Next add the dried Raisins and whole Chick peas, boil them a short while, then add the other herbs (except the Licorice and Maidenhair) and boil for a further 15 minutes. Lastly, the Licorice and Maidenhair are added, and as they boil, the Cold seeds are added, and just after, the pot is removed from the fire, and left to sit for a further 15 minutes. After straining, the beaten white of an Egg is added and mixed through to clarify the liquor, and afterwards 31⁄2 pounds of Sugar is added; boil over a moderate fire to the consistency of a Syrup
Function:
Clears Heat, nourishes Yin, promotes Urine
Use:
1. Obstruction of Urine by Heat; Strangury, Dysuria
2. Gravel and Stones
3. Colic
4. Dysentery
5. Chronic dry Cough, Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Consumption etc.
6. Gonorrhea
7. Yin deficiency
Dose:
1–2 oz. morning and evening
Comment:
“A fine cooling, opening, slippery Syrup, and chiefly commendable for the Colic, Stone, or Gravel in the Kidneys or Bladder” … “It is no less commended in diseases of the Breast [Lungs]” (Salmon)
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. A French version used 1 oz. each of Asparagus, Licorice and Raisins
2. The cold seeds may be reduced in number.
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