Decoctions

DECOCTIONS, Decocta, infusions, aqueous extracts from crushed plant parts. The medicinal plant material is poured with cold water and heated for half an hour in a boiling water bath; in specially indicated cases, it is heated over an open flame; while still warm, the decoction is filtered or strained through cloth and the residue is pressed. The decoction of condurango bark (Decoctum Condurango) must be filtered only after complete cooling, since the glycoside condurangin is insoluble in hot water and only goes into solution upon cooling. According to Ph. VII, D., in the absence of instructions in the prescription, are prepared from 1 part of medicinal substance to 10 parts of decoction, except for Bulbus Scillae, Rad. Colombo, Rad. Senegae, Rhiz. Valerianae, Secale cornutum, which are taken in 1 part to 30 parts of decoction. Plants containing potent substances are taken in quantities according to the physician's instructions; if no instructions are given, in the ratio of 1:400. All decoctions are prepared ex tempore. Salts, extracts, tinctures, syrups, acids, etc. are added to decoctions after their filtration and cooling. Medicinal substances are prescribed in the form of D. that are extracted from such medicinal preparations from which, due to the density of the covering, the therapeutically active soluble parts can be extracted only by prolonged boiling in water.