A Magistral Decoction of Mallows.
Take Mallow leaves whole 8 handfuls; boil in Water 4 quarts to 3; let the Liqour run through a Sieve or Cullender of it self, without squeezing, put into it more whole Mallows 4 handfuls; boil again to 2 quarts, strain again as before, let it stand to settle, then pour off the clear, and put into it Marsh Mallow roots 4 ounces; Liquorice, Raisins, each 1 ounce; Gum Arabick half an ounce; Salt Prunell 2 drams; boil to 30 ounces; which after its strain'd, sweeten with Syrup of Marsh Mallows 2 ounces, mix.
It consists of mild, soft, mucous Particles, and so , blunts the Acrimony of Humours, incrassateth the too thin Serum, refrigerateth the Fervour of the Blood, moistneth the parboil'd, dry, habit of the Body; is Diuretick, and as good as any thing is, in the Stone.
Dr. Grew saith, 1 pound of Mallow yields 5 drams and 2 scruples of Lixivial Salt, that is the 23d part of the whole: So that this Plant, tho' of a very mild Taste, yet yields more Salt, than Mint it self, a bitter Plant. Whereby it no longer seems strange, that a Plant of so soft a Taste, should be so very Diuretic, and so evidently affect the Reins.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710