Important: Safety Warning
This page recommends preparations containing opium, laudanum, morphine, or similar narcotics — in some cases for children. These substances are dangerously addictive, easily fatal in overdose, and strictly controlled by law today.
In addition, 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 › Medical Receipts › Rheumatic Decoction
Rheumatic Decoction
Virginia der. Ipecacuanha powder, and purified snake-root, 1 drachm; sarsaparilla in powder, opium, of each 1 part; sulphate of potassa, 6 drachms; burdock seed, 2 drachms; poke 8 parts; triturate them together to a fine root, 2 drachms; wine-pine bark, 2 drachms; powder. Be very careful to reduce the opium, cayenne pepper, drachm. Powder them, and intimately mix with the rest. This pow- and add 3 quarts of water. Boil down to 2 der is recommended by Dr. Dover as an quarts. A cupful 2 or 3 times a day. It is effectual remedy for rheumatism. The dose is from 2 to 5 grains, repeated. Avoid much drinking after taking it, or it might act as an emetic. most valuable in chronic rheumatism.