Extractum Valerianae Fluidum (U. S. P.)—Fluid Extract of Valerian.
Related entry: Valeriana.—Valerian
Preparation.—"Valerian, in No. 60 powder, one thousand grammes (1000 Gm.) [2 lbs. av., 3 ozs., 120 grs.]; alcohol, water, each, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏]. Mix seven hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (750 Cc.) [25 fl℥, 173♏] of alcohol with two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.) [8 fl℥, 218♏] of water, and, having moistened the powder with three hundred cubic centimeters (300 Cc.) [10 fl℥, 69♏] of the mixture, pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator; then add enough menstruum to saturate the powder and leave a stratum above it. When the liquid begins to drop from the percolator, close the lower orifice, and, having closely covered the percolator, macerate for 48 hours. Then allow the percolation to proceed, gradually adding menstruum, using the same proportions of alcohol and water as before, until the valerian is exhausted. Reserve the first eight hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (850 Cc.) [28 fl℥, 356♏] of the percolate, and evaporate the remainder, at a temperature not exceeding 50° C. (122° F.), to a soft extract; dissolve this in the reserved portion, and add enough menstruum to make the fluid extract measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏]"—(U. S. P.).
Description, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—(See Valerian). This is a deep reddish-brown fluid, representing valerian root in odor and taste. It holds the virtues of valerian in a concentrated state, and may be used when desired to obtain the influence of that agent. It may also be combined with various other fluid extracts, as of cimicifuga, cypripedium, senecio, etc. The dose is 1 or 2 fluid drachms, 3 times a day, or oftener if required.
