Decoctum Cordialis
Cordial Decoction

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

The Royal Pharmacopeia; Galenical and Chemical [of France], Moses Charras, 1678

Herb Name	Latin	Amount
Barley	Hordeum vulgare
Scorzonera root	Scorzonera hispanica
Borage root	Borago officinalis
Bugloss root	Anchusa officinalis	1 oz. ea.
Borage leaf	Borago officinalis
Bugloss leaf	Anchusa officinalis
Endive leaf	Chicorium endiva
Chicory leaf	Chicorium intybus
Wood Sorrel	Oxalis acetosella	1 handful ea.
Maidenhair	Adiantum capillus-veneris	1⁄2 handful
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra	2 drams
Melon seed	Citrullus vulgaris
Gourd seed	Lagenaria vulgaris
Pumpkin seed	Cucurbita pepo
Cucumber seed	Cucumis sativus	1⁄2 dram ea.
Borage flower	Borago officinalis
Rose fl ower	Rosa gallica
Violet flower	Viola odorata	1⁄2 pugil ea.

Preparation:

Wash the Barley, then boil in 6 pints of fountain water for 15 minutes, then add the well washed roots with the pith removed and sliced. Boil with the Barley for another 15 minutes; next add the leaves (except the Maidenhair and Wood Sorrel), boiling them a further 10 minutes. Then add the Licorice, and the remaining herbs, boil for a few minutes more, then lastly add the bruised seeds and flowers, and remove the pot from the fire. When it is half cooled, strain it and keep for use.

Function:

Clears Heat, nourishes the Heart Yin, calms the Mind and Spirit

Use:

1. Anxiety with Palpitations
2. Restlessness
3. Insomnia
4. Frenzy, Raving, Madness
5. Good for Sadness, Grief, Sorrow or Pensiveness
6. promotes Cheerfulness
7. a gentle medicine to expel Heat from the Blood