Alterative Extract or Juice.

The original formula for this preparation was introduced by Geo. W.
McDade, M. D., of Montgomery, Ala., who obtained it from the Creek
Indians. (?) It is claimed to be prepared from the fresh green medicinal
plants, each pint bottle containing the “unimpaired" virtues of 16
troyounces of the true medicinal plants Stillingia Sylvatica, Smilax
Sarsaparilla, Phytolacca Decandra, Lappa Minor, and Xanthoxylum
Carolinianum. It is furnished to the trade by Eli Lilly & Co., of
Indianapolis, Ind.
It is, of course, impracticable for druggists to obtain the fresh plants,
which are claimed to compose the original article; but a good Alterative
Extract may be made from the following formula, the ingredients of
which are mentioned in the McDade prescription:
Stillingia Root, 24 ounces av.
Sarsaparilla Root, 24 ounces av.
Poke Root, 8 ounces av.
Burdock Root, 16 ounces av.
Southern Prickly-Ash Bark, 4 ounces av.
Alcohol, 6 pints.
Glycerin, 1 pint.
Water, sufficient to make 1 gallon.
Grind the drugs to a coarse powder, moisten them with 3 pints of
Alcohol mixed with 2 pints of Water and macerate for 24 hours in a
covered vessel, then transfer to a water-bath percolator, pack firmly,
pour on the remainder of the Alcohol (3 pints) mixed with 3 pints of
Water, and set in a warm place for one day; then heat moderately and,
after one hour, begin to percolate, adding Water to the drugs, and
continuing the heat and percolation until 7 pints of percolate are
obtained. Continue the percolation with Water until 4 pints more have
passed, evaporate this to a soft extract, add to it the Glycerin and the 7
pints of percolate previously obtained and, after standing a few days,
filter.
The dose is a teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful, three times a day.

Posted in: Succus Alterans