Important: Safety Warning
This page prescribes plants as medicine according to pre-modern medical theory. Several of the plants named are toxic, correct identification is difficult, and the doses given have no scientific basis. Do not ingest or apply any preparation described here.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Medicated Syrups › Compound Syrup of Hemlock
Compound Syrup of Hemlock
Bruise well 2 ounces each of water hemlock (Phellandrium aquaticum) seeds, queen's-root (stillingia silvatica), and red Peruvian bark.
Simmer them with 2 pints boiling water for 20 minutes; and, when cold, strain. Then evaporate to 1 pint, add 2 pounds white sugar, dissolve with a gentle heat, removing any scum that may arise, and strain the mixture while hot. Dose: 1 to 3 drachms 3 or 4 times daily.