Syrupus de Althea
Syrup of Marshmallow

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Fernel

Herb Name

Latin

Amount *

Marshmallow root

Althea officinalis

2 oz.

Red Chick peas

Cicer arietinum

1 oz.

Couch grass root

Agropyron repens

Asparagus root

Asparagus officinale

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Raisins

Vitis vinifera

1⁄2 oz. ea. 

Marshmallow leaf

Althea officinalis

Mallow leaf

Malva sylvestris

Pellitory of the Wall

Parietaria diffusa

Burnet Saxifrage

Pimpinella saxifraga

Plantain

Plantago majus

White Maidenhair

Adiantum ruta-muraria

Black Maidenhair

Adiantum spp.

1 handful ea.

Melon seed

Citrullus vulgaris

Gourd seed

Lagenaria vulgaris

Pumpkin seed

Cucurbita pepo

Cucumber seed

Cucumis sativus

Chicory seed

Chicorium intybus

Endive seed

Chicorium endiva

Lettuce seed

Lactuosa sativa

Purslane seed

Portulaceae oleracea

3 drams ea.

Preparation:

Infuse all the herbs in the Water a whole day, then boil down to 4 lbs., and form a Syrup with 3 1⁄2 lbs. of Sugar, according to Art.
Charras in his Royal Pharmacopeia of France said the best method was to decoct the Grass roots for 15 minutes before adding the Marshmallow and Asparagus roots, then boil them all gently for half an hour together. Next add the dried Raisins and whole Chick peas, boil them a short while, then add the other herbs (except the Licorice and Maidenhair) and boil for a further 15 minutes. Lastly, the Licorice and Maidenhair are added, and as they boil, the Cold seeds are added, and just after, the pot is removed from the fire, and left to sit for a further 15 minutes. After straining, the beaten white of an Egg is added and mixed through to clarify the liquor, and afterwards 31⁄2 pounds of Sugar is added; boil over a moderate fire to the consistency of a Syrup

Function:

Clears Heat, nourishes Yin, promotes Urine

Use:

1. Obstruction of Urine by Heat; Strangury, Dysuria
2. Gravel and Stones
3. Colic
4. Dysentery
5. Chronic dry Cough, Bronchitis, Pleurisy, Consumption etc.
6. Gonorrhea
7. Yin de
ficiency

Dose:

1–2 oz. morning and evening

Comment:

“A fine cooling, opening, slippery Syrup, and chiefly commendable for the Colic, Stone, or Gravel in the Kidneys or Bladder” … “It is no less commended in diseases of the Breast [Lungs]” (Salmon)

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. A French version used 1 oz. each of Asparagus, Licorice and Raisins
2. The cold seeds may be reduced in number.

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