Decoction for Boils and Abscesses

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

The Admirable Secrets of Physick and Chyrurgery, Thomas Palmer, 1696

Herb Name Horehound Centaury Rosemary Wormwood

Latin Marrubium vulgare Centaurium erythraea Rosmarinus officinalis Artemisia absinthum Amount 4 parts 3 parts 2 parts 1 part

Preparation:

Decoct in water or white wine from 4 parts down to 3 parts.
‘Make them in a syrup with white wine, and let the sick drink thereof, and it will break the Impostume [abscess] but use it still.’ (Admirable Secrets)

Function:

Clears Heat and Toxin, resolves Swelling, promotes Circulation

Use:

1. Boils
2. Abscesses
3. Acne
4. toxic Swellings
5. Chronic Inflammation
6. may be useful for Cysts and Fibroids

Dose:

take a cupful 3 times daily

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. If the body is bound, add Rhubarb, or take with a dose of Rhubarb powder

Back to DECOCTIONS
Back to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures