Syrupus de Betonica Compositus
Syrup of Betony Compound

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Pharmacopoeia Augustana

Herb Name Betony Marjoram Thyme Rose Violet Stoechas Sage Fennel seed Aniseed Bishop’s weed seed Polypody root Peony root Fennel root

Latin Betonica officinalis Oreganum marjorana Thymus vulgaris Rosa gallica Viola odorata Lavendula stoechas Salvia officinalis Foeniculum vulgare Pimpinella anisum Ammi majus Polypodium vulgare Paeonia officinalis Foeniculum vulgare Amount 3 handfuls 1 1⁄2 handfuls 1 handful ea. 1⁄2 handful ea. 1⁄2 oz. ea. 5 drams ea.

Preparation:

Form a Syrup.
The following method was used by some: Digest them in 6 lbs. of warm water, and 2 1⁄2 lbs. of clarified juice of Betony for 24 hours; then distill in B.M. until 5 lbs. have come over. Strain and strongly press the remaining out, and clarify with the white of an Egg. With 3 1⁄2 lbs. of Sugar, boil to the consistency of Lozenges; then add the water which was distilled off, and boil gently to the consistency of a Syrup. This method of preparation was invented to preserve the goodness of aromatic herbs and prevent any goodness evaporating during prolonged boiling.

Function:

Clears Wind and Cold, Promotes Menstruation, Prepares Melancholy Humor

Use:

1. Headache and Migraine from Wind and Cold
2. Vertigo, Dizziness
3. Frenzy, Madness, Melancholy
4. Eye diseases from Wind and Cold
5. Loss of Smell
6. Cold of the Stomach, Indigestion, loss of Appetite
7. Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea, Uterine Pain associate with Cold
8. Bladder diseases from Cold; Incontinence, Bladder Pain, Strangury

Dose:

1–2 oz. taken in the morning fasting

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

“It helps diseases coming of Cold, both in the Head and Stomach, as also such as come of Wind, Vertigos, Madness; it concocts Melancholy, it provokes the Menses [Menstruation]”. (Culpeper)
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