Syrupus Phytolaccae Compositus.—Compound Syrup of Poke.

Related entry: Phytolacca.—Phytolacca - Ampelopsis.—American Ivy

Preparation.—Take of poke-root and bark of American ivy (Ampelopsis quinquefolia), each, coarsely bruised, 16 troy ounces; black cohosh root, coarsely bruised, and sheep laurel leaves, each, 8 troy ounces. Prepare a syrup after the manner of making Compound Syrup of Aralia, using the same menstruum and the same proportion of sugar. Make 12 pints. Flavor with some aromatic essence, as sassafras, wintergreen, etc.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This syrup is an excellent alterative and antisyphilitic, and is beneficial in syphilis, scrofula, and rheumatism. If required, iodide of potassium may be added to it, as in the instance of Compound Syrup of Stillingia. The dose is a teaspoonful, 3 or 4 times a day, in ½ gill of water (J. King).


King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D.