2. (Ph. D.) Similar to above. (See Obs. below.)
Decoction of Barley (Compound.) Syn. Pec′toral decoction, Fe′ver drink; Decoctum pectora′le, Ptisan′a commu′nis, Dec. hor′dei compos′itum (Ph. L.), Mistu′ra hor′dei (Ph. E.), L. Prep. 1. (Ph. L.) Decoction of barley (simple), 1 quart; figs (sliced) and raisins (stoned), of each 21⁄2 oz.; fresh liquorice (sliced), 5 dr.; water, 1 pint; boil to a quart, and strain.
2. (Ph. E.) Pearl barley, 21⁄2 oz.; water, 41⁄2 pints; boil to 3 pints; add figs and raisins, of each 21⁄2 oz.; liquorice root, 5 dr.; water, 1 pint; and boil to 2 pints, as before.
Obs. The above are used as demulcents in fevers, phthisis, strangury, &c., taken ad libitum. They are slightly laxative, and when this would be an objection to their use, a few drops of laudanum may be added. Mixed with an equal quantity of decoction of bark, barley-water forms an excellent gargle in cynanche maligna (ulcerated sore throat), and, with a like quantity of milk and a little sugar, a good substitute for the breast in dry nursing infants. It is, also, often acidulated with lemon juice or sulphuric acid, and sweetened (Decoctum hordei acidulatum). Gum Arabic, 4 dr., and nitre, 1 dr., to each pint, is a common addition in gonorrhœa. Cream of tartar, 1 dr., is occasionally added to render it more aperient.
Decoction of Bistort. Syn. Decoctum bistortæ. Bistort root, 2 oz.; water, 11⁄2 pints; boil 15 or 20 minutes, and strain.—Dose, 1 oz. to 2 oz.; astringent.
Decoction, Bit′ter. Syn. Decoctum ama′rum, L. Prep. 1. Dried tops of lesser centaury and wormwood, and leaves of germander, of each 3 dr.; water, 11⁄4 pint; boil to a pint.
2. Gentian root, 1⁄2 oz.; water, 11⁄2 pint; boil 10 minutes, take out the root, slice it, and add it again to the decoction with dried orange peel, 1⁄4 oz.; boil to 1 pint, and strain.
Decoction of Bitter Sweet. Syn. Antidar′trous ap′ozem; Apozema dulcama′′ræ, L. Prep. (Trousseau and Reveille.) Dulcamara, 1 dr.; water, 16 oz.; boil to 9 oz., and strain. To be taken in three doses during the day. Every other day the quantity is to be increased until 12 dr. or even 2 oz. are taken daily, “so that the patient may begin to feel dryness of the throat, and some disorder of vision and digestion;” and “continue at this quantity for several weeks in succession.” In obstinate skin diseases. See Decoction of Dulcamara.
Decoction of Blue Cardinal Flowers. Syn. Decoctum lobel′iæ, D. l. syphilit′icæ, L. Prep. 1. (P. Cod.) Root of Lobelia syphilitica, 1 handful; water, 12 lb.; boil to 7 lb., and strain.
2. (Swediaur.) Dried root, 5 oz.; water, 12 lb.; as last. Alterative, purgative, and diuretic.