which readily yield their active principles to water; and especially when these are either volatile or liable to be injured by the heat of ebullition.
The simple infusions are now less frequently made by the druggist than formerly. In most cases he merely furnishes the ingredients, and the infusions are prepared by either the nurse or patient, by whom they are commonly called ‘TEAS,’
⁂ The following list embraces most of the infusions used in prescribing or noticed in books. Where the proportions of the ingredients are not given, 1 oz. of the medicinal substance and 1 pint of boiling water are to be taken, and the dose is that referred to above.
Infusion of Agrim′ony. Syn. Agrimony tea; Infusum Agrimonii, L. From the fresh tops before the flowers are formed. Vermifuge.—Dose. A teacupful 3 or 4 times a day; also used as an astringent gargle and lotion. For internal use, an equal weight of liquorice root (sliced) is commonly added.
Infusion of Al′kaline. Syn. Infusum alkalinum, L. Prep. (Beasley.) Hickory ash, 1 pint; wood soot, 1⁄4 pint; boiling water, 1 gall.; in 24 hours decant the clear. “A popular remedy in America for dyspepsia with acidity.”
Infusion of Alkaline. Syn. Infusum alkalinum. Prep. Hickory ash, 1 lb.; wood soot, 1⁄4 lb.; boiling water, 1⁄2 gall. Let them stand 24 hours, and decant. A wine-glassful three or four times a day. This is simply another form of the previous preparation.
Infusion of Al′oes. Syn. Infusum aloës, D. Prep. 1. From hepatic or Socotrine aloes (in powder), 2 dr.; carbonate of potassa, 11⁄2 dr.; boiling water, 1 pint.
2. (Compound; Infusum aloës compositum, L.)—a. As the COMPOUND DECOCTION OF A. (Ph. L.), but using only a pint of boiling water.
b. (Fothergill.) Calumba and rhubarb, of each, 1 oz.; aloes, 2 dr.; lime water, 16 fl. oz.; spirit of horseradish, 1 fl. oz.; macerate in the cold for 12 hours, and strain. The last three, like the decoction, are aperient, antacid, stomachic, tonic, and emmenagogue.—Dose, 1 tablespoonful to a small wine-glassful, in water. The last one is an admirable medicine in dyspepsia, loss of appetite, and troublesome constipation.
Infusion of Amer′ican Calum′ba. Syn. Infusum Fraseræ, L. From the dried root of American calumba (Frasera Carolinensis). A pure, powerful, and excellent bitter, destitute of aroma, and fully equal to gentian. (Lindley.)