A Foment of Elder.
Take green leaves (or in the Winter time, inner Bark) of Elder 4 handfuls; boil in Water 3 pints to 1 quart; in the strain'd dissolve common Soap 1 ounce.
Its of great Effect ans specific Virtue against an Erysipelas, powerfully stopping and subduing it. But when the Cuticle is corroded, and the part raw like a Burn, it will cause such a smarting Pain, that it can scarce be endur'd.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710