Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Preparation:

Decoct in a sufficient amount of water, strain through a cloth, then with 12 oz. of Sugar, form a Syrup

Function:

Promotes Urine, clears Wind, clears Phlegm and Damp, opens Obstructions, promotes Menstruation.

Use:

1. Edema;
2. Obesity;
3. Kidney Pain;
4. promotes Menstruation when obstructed by Cold or Phlegm;
5. all obstructions of Phlegm in the body;
6. Fever when associated with putrefaction of Phlegm and Bile.
7. Chlorosis
8. Cold-type Jaundice.
9. Often regarded as a useful Postpartum tonic.

Dose:

1–2 ounces, up to 3 ounces, 2 or 3 times daily in decoction of Wormwood, Agrimony, Maidenhair, Chicory etc.

Comment:

Both this and the Syrup of Two Opening Roots are ancient formulas that have been long used as a staple of Traditional Medicine in the west. In general they are used synonymously, with the Syrup of Five Opening Roots being regarded as stronger.
“It incides and attenuates crass and glutinous humours, deduces the passages, removes obstructions, expels Urine, moves Flowers [menses], ejects sand, and emends the foetid color of Virgins, and the Jaundice”. (Renodeus)
“It cleanses and opens very well, is profitable against Obstructions, provokes Urine, cleanses the body of Phlegm, and is safely and profitably given in the beginning of Fevers. An ounce at a time upon an empty Stomach is a good dose”. (Culpeper)

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. To promote Menstruation, combine with Syrup of Calamint.
2. For Bilious Colic: make a Decoction of Madder root, Tumeric 1 oz. each, Celandine and Centaury of each 1 handful. Boil in 1.5 lbs. each of Rhenish Wine and Spring water to 2 lbs. To the strained decoction add 2 oz. of the Syrup of the Five Roots. Take 0.5 lb. warm morning and night until cured. (Sydenham)

---

Back To SYRUPS
Back to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures