The medicines of this class are all intended for immediate use.
Decoction of Althæa.
Take of the roots of marsh-mallows, moderately dried, three ounces; raisins of the sun, one ounce; water, three pints.
Boil the ingredients in the water till one-third of it is consumed; afterwards strain the decoction and let it stand for some time to settle. If the roots be thoroughly dried, they must be boiled till one half the water be consumed.
In coughs, and sharp defluctions upon the lungs, this decoction may be used for ordinary drink.
The Common Decoction.
Take of camomile flowers, one ounce; elder flowers, and sweet fennel seeds, of each half an ounce; water, two quarts. Boil them for a little, and then strain the decoction.
A medicine equally good may be prepared by infusing the ingredients for some hours in boiling water.
This decoction is chiefly intended as the basis of clysters, to which other ingredients may be occasionally added. It will likewise serve as a common fomentation, spirit of wine or other things being added in such quantity as the case may require.