Decoctum Pectorale
Pectoral Decoction

Tradition:


Western

Source / Author:


London Pharmacopeia, 1650

Herb Name

Raisins, stoned
Sebestens
Jujubes
Dates, stoned
Figs

Pearl Barley, washed
Licorice
Maidenhair
Hyssop

Coltsfoot

Latin


Vitis vinifera
Cordia spp
Ziziphus jujuba
Diospyros lotus
Ficus carica
Hordeum vulgare
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Adiantum capillus-veneris
Hyssopus o
fficinale
Tussilago farfara

Amount


1 oz.

15 ea.
6

4
1 ounce

1⁄2 ounce


1 handful ea.


Preparation:


Boil the Barley in 3 pounds of water for 15 minutes, then add the cut fruit and boil a further 15 minutes; then add the herbs, boiling for a further 15 minutes.

Function:


Clears Phlegm, nourishes and strengthen the Lungs, stops Cough; it promotes free respiration.

Use:


1. Coughs
2. Colds

3. Hoarseness
4. Asthma
5. Consumption
6. also for early stages of Liver Ulcers, Rheumatism, Small Pox, Measles, and Stones


Dose:


3–4 ounces, up to 6 ounces, morning and night.

Cautions:


None noted

Modifications:


1. If there is much Phlegm, Honey is added to the strained decoction.
2. For the Cough of Measles, take with Syrups of Maidenhair and or Violets. (Sydenham)
3. Pneumonia, mix 2 pints of Pectoral Decoction with 2 ounce of Syrup of Marshmallow and take as common drink.

There were many variations of Pectoral Decoction:

1. Wirtzung had one that added Mallow, Currants, Aniseed and Fennel seed but omitted Coltsfoot, Maidenhair and Sebestens.
2. This is basically the same as Pectoral Decoction of Augusatana, adding Figs and Coltsfoot.
3. The London Pharmacopoeia of 1809 simplified the recipe to just Figs, Raisins, Barley and Licorice.
4. The Sometimes 1 dram each of the following flowers is added: Borage, Bugloss, Violet. These are added in the last few minutes of boiling.

Similar Formulas:


Compare with Pectoral Decoction of Augustana.

Also see our Article:
Practoral Decoction–A Wonderful Lung Medicine

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