Decoctum Amarum
Bitter Decoction
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
London Pharmacopeia, 1677
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Centaurium erythraea | ||
Matricaria recutita | 1 handful ea. * | |
Gentiana lutea | 1⁄2 scruple | |
Cassia angustifolia | ||
Carduus benedictus | 1 dram ea. |
* Some sources listed 1 pugil of Centaury and Camomile (a pugil is a pinch between the thumb and 2 fingers)
Preparation:
Cover with water to cover by 4 finger-breadths, then boil to 4 ounces.
Function:
Clears Heat and Damp, opens Obstructions, relieves Pain
Use:
1. promotes Digestion, settles pain of Gastritis and Peptic Ulcers;
2. promotes Urine; promotes Menstruation;
3. used for Fever, and for Infectious diseases
4. Cachexia
Dose:
a small cupful may be taken 2 or 3 times daily
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
Similar Formulas:
See also Aromatic Bitter Decoction and Purging Bitter Decoction.
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“It opens Obstructions, provokes Urine and the Terms [menstruation], is Anodyne, eases pains of the Breast and Spleen, and is good against the Cachexy, and Green sickness in Virgins [primary amenorrhea]: It is also prevalent against Fevers, and the Malignity of infectious Diseases; the quantity of the whole prescript is a Dose for one time”. (Collectanea medica, Salmon, 1703)
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