A Pectoral Decoction.
Take Pearl Barly, Raisins of the Sun ston'd each 1 ounce; Figs, Dates, each 8; Liquorice half an ounce; Aniseed (added at last) 2 drams; make a Decoction in Water 3 pints to 1 quart; which strain out for use.
Its endow'd with a mucilaginous, soft, and friendly Sweetness: And therefore, partly by incrassating the blood disposed for Fluxion, and correcting it when acrid: Partly by maturating crude Phlegm impacted in the Lungs, partly by appeasing, humecting and lubricating the Branches of the Bronchia, and Membranes of the Trachea, gives mighty relief in a Cough. Its also laudably us'd in a Pleurisy, Rheumatism, Small Pox, Measles and Stone: The Dose may be 3, 4, or 6 ounces, two or three times a day.
If you would have it Purging, Take of this Decoction 1 pint and half; Senna 1 ounce; Agaric, Cream of Tartar, each 2 drams; boil to 14 ounces; in it strain'd, dissolve Manna 2 ounces; strain again for 4 Doses.
Thomas Fuller
Pharmacopeia Extemporanea 1710