Decoctum Cordialis
Cordial Decoction

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

The Royal Pharmacopeia; Galenical and Chemical [of France], Moses Charras, 1678

Herb Name Barley Scorzonera root Borage root Bugloss root Borage leaf Bugloss leaf Endive leaf Chicory leaf Wood Sorrel Maidenhair Licorice Melon seed Gourd seed Pumpkin seed Cucumber seed Borage flower Rose flower Violet flower

Latin Hordeum vulgare Scorzonera hispanica Borago officinalis Anchusa officinalis Borago officinalis Anchusa officinalis Chicorium endiva Chicorium intybus Oxalis acetosella Adiantum capillus-veneris Glycyrrhiza glabra Citrullus vulgaris Lagenaria vulgaris Cucurbita pepo Cucumis sativus Borago officinalis Rosa gallica Viola odorata Amount 1 oz. ea. 1 handful ea. 1⁄2 handful 2 drams 1⁄2 dram ea. 1⁄2 pugil ea.

Preparation:

Wash the Barley, then boil in 6 pints of fountain water for 15 minutes, then add the well washed roots with the pith removed and sliced. Boil with the Barley for another 15 minutes; next add the leaves (except the Maidenhair and Wood Sorrel), boiling them a further 10 minutes. Then add the Licorice, and the remaining herbs, boil for a few minutes more, then lastly add the bruised seeds and flowers, and remove the pot from the fire. When it is half cooled, strain it and keep for use.

Function:

Clears Heat, nourishes the Heart Yin, calms the Mind and Spirit

Use:

1. Anxiety with Palpitations
2. Restlessness
3. Insomnia
4. Frenzy, Raving, Madness
5. Good for Sadness, Grief, Sorrow or Pensiveness
6. promotes Cheerfulness
7. a gentle medicine to expel Heat from the Blood

Dose:

2–4, or 6 oz.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

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