Decoctum Cetrariae (U. S. P.)—Decoction of Cetraria.
Related entry: Cetraria (U. S. P.)—Cetraria
SYNONYM: Decoction of Iceland moss.
Preparation.—"Cetraria, fifty grammes (50 Gm.) [1 oz. av., 334 grs ]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 f1℥, 391♏︎]. Cover the cetraria in a suitable vessel, with four hundred cubic centimeters (400 Cc.) [13 fl℥, 252♏︎] of cold water, express after half an hour, and throw the liquid away. Then boil the cetraria with one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎] of water for half an hour, strain, and add enough cold water, through the strainer, to make the product, when cold, measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.).
The object of macerating the moss in cold water is to remove a part of the bitter principle, a process objected to by many, who consider it no better than the ordinary demulcents, if it be deprived of this peculiar bitter. The British Pharmacopoeia directs decoction of Iceland moss to be boiled 10 minutes.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—(See Cetraria). The dose is from 2 to 4 fluid ounces from 3 to 5 times a day.
