Decoctum Pectorale
Pectoral Decoction

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

London Pharmacopeia, 1650

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Raisins, stoned	Vitis vinifera	1 oz.
Sebestens	Cordia spp
Jujubes	Ziziphus jujuba	15 ea.
Dates, stoned	Diospyros lotus	6
Figs	Ficus carica	4
Pearl Barley, washed	Hordeum vulgare	1 ounce
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra	1⁄2 ounce
Maidenhair	Adiantum capillus-veneris
Hyssop	Hyssopus officinale
Coltsfoot	Tussilago farfara	1 handful ea.

Preparation:

Boil the Barley in 3 pounds of water for 15 minutes, then add the cut fruit and boil a further 15 minutes; then add the herbs, boiling for a further 15 minutes.

Function:

Clears Phlegm, nourishes and strengthen the Lungs, stops Cough; it promotes free respiration.

Use:

1. Coughs
2. Colds
3. Hoarseness
4. Asthma
5. Consumption
6. also for early stages of Liver Ulcers, Rheumatism, Small Pox, Measles, and Stones

Dose:

3–4 ounces, up to 6 ounces, morning and night.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. If there is much Phlegm, Honey is added to the strained decoction.
2. For the Cough of Measles, take with Syrups of Maidenhair and/or Violets. (Sydenham)
3. Pneumonia, mix 2 pints of Pectoral Decoction with 2 ounce of Syrup of Marshmallow and take as common drink.

There were many variations of Pectoral Decoction:
1. Wirtzung had one that added Mallow, Currants, Aniseed and Fennel seed but omitted Coltsfoot, Maidenhair and Sebestens.
2. This is basically the same as Pectoral Decoction of Augustana, adding Figs and Coltsfoot.
3. The London Pharmacopoeia of 1809 simplified the recipe to just Figs, Raisins, Barley and Licorice.
4. Sometimes 1 dram each of the following flowers is added: Borage, Bugloss, Violet. These are added in the last few minutes of boiling.