Cephalic Decoction

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

The Royal Pharmacopoeia [of France], Moses Charras, 1678

Herb Name

Latin

Amount *

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Orris

Iris germanica

Peony root

Peonia officinalis

Calamus

Acorus calamus

Mistletoe

Viscum alba

1⁄2 oz. ea.

Betony flower

Betonica officinalis

Sage flower

Salvia officinalis

Marjoram

Oreganum marjorana

Calamint

Calamintha officinalis

Germander

Teucrium chamaedrys

1 handful ea.

Rue seed

Ruta graveolens

Peony seed

Peonia officinalis

Juniper Berries

Juniperus communis

2 drams ea.

Flowers of Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

Cassidonie

Helichrysum stoechas

Lavender

Lavendula officinalis

Lily of the Valley

Convallaria majalis

1 pugil ea.

Preparation:

Decoct in 6 lbs. of Fountain Water down to a quarter: Bruise all the roots, the Mistletoe, and put them in a pot with their water, cover and decoct over a gentle fire for 15 minutes; next add the herbs, cover, and boil gently for another 15 minutes, then add the berries and seeds, decoct a bit longer, then add the flowers and remove from the heat. Strain when half cool.
Some added 1 oz. of Raw Tartar at the beginning to fix some of the Volatiles; otherwise, the aromatics are added later in the decocting.

Function:

Calms Wind, regulates Qi and Blood, clears Damp and Phlegm, opens Orifices, settles Spasms

Use:

1. Headaches from Wind and Phlegm, or associated with Blood and Qi obstruction
2. Epilepsy

3. Dizziness
4. Vertigo

5. Other diseases of the Head associated with Wind and Phlegm, or Blood and Qi obstruction

Dose:

2–4 oz.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:


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