Ancient formulation

Recipe presented bellow is an ancient formulation for the cough. This formulation is not a noxious one since the recipe contain only three ingredients and all three are harmless.

Mistura attenuans tussim leniter movens

Rp. Potus Caffe. Ibij

Mellis unc ij

Aceti Sambuc. Unc is

Sorbaet fervida quantum juvat.

Blend for the cough

A cup of the coffee mix with honey and vinegar made of the Elder (berries). Drink often, as much as is liked.

Elder (picture below) Leaves contain an alkaloid Sambucine, a purgative resin and the glycoside Sambunigrin, which crystallizes in white, felted needles. Fresh Elder leaves yield about 0.16 per cent of hydrocyanic acid. They also contain cane sugar, invertin, a considerable quantity of potassium nitrate and a crystalline substance, Eldrin, which has also been found in other white flowering plants.

Elder leaves are used in the preparation of an ointment, Unguentum Sambuci Viride, Green Elder Ointment, which is a domestic remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, for use as an emollient, and for applying to wounds. It can be compounded as follows: Take 3 parts of fresh Elder leaves, 4 parts of lard and 2 of prepared suet, heat the Elder leaves with the melted lard and suet until the color is extracted, then strain through a linen cloth with pressure and allow to cool. Elder Flower Water (Aqua Sambuci) is an official preparation of the British Pharmacopoeia, which directs that it be made from 100 parts of Elder Flowers distilled with 500 parts of water (about 10 lb. to the gallon), and that if fresh Elder flowers are not obtainable, an equivalent quantity of the flowers preserved with common salt be used. The product has at first a distinctly unpleasant odor, but gradually acquires an agreeably aromatic odor, and it is preferable not to use it until this change has taken place.