Infusum Apii Compositum.—Compound Infusion of Parsley.
Related entry: Petroselinum.—Parsley
Preparation.—Take of parsley roots and seeds, coarsely bruised, carbonate of iron, each, 4 ounces; horseradish root, in small pieces, 2 ounces; juniper berries, squill, white mustard seed, mandrake root, and queen of the meadow, of each, finely bruised, 1 ounce; good cider, 6 quarts. Boil the cider and pour it on the rest of the articles mixed together in an earthen vessel; cover the vessel, and digest with a gentle heat for 24 hours.
The cider should not be hard, nor too new, but sparkling and pleasantly tart, and, after digestion by heat, it should be allowed to remain upon the articles without straining it off. By this course, the liquid becomes still further impregnated with the properties of the medicines.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This is a most excellent preparation in several varieties of dropsy, for which alone it is used. It increases the action of the kidneys, regulates the bowels, improves the digestive functions, and promotes activity of the absorbent vessels. The dose is 1 or 2 fluid ounces, 3 times a day. In the summer season, half the above quantity may be made at one time, as otherwise it becomes very sour and moldy. It should always be used immediately after its preparation (J. King).
