Herbal Infusion

Define:
>>
Infusions are liquid preparations made by treating vegetable sub
stances with either hot or cold water. The drug is not subjected to the
boiling process, although it is common to pour boiling water over it ;
the whole is allowed to stand in a close vessel until cold. Whilst the
use of hot water has the advantage of saving time in some cases, it is
often objectionable because the inert principles in the drug are dissolved
by the hot water, and as the infusion cools, they are precipitated out in
such a very finely divided condition that they cannot be readily separated
by eolation or filtration. Cold water should be selected as the
menstruum when the drug contains a valuable volatile principle, when
the active agent is injured by heat, or when the desirable principles are
readily soluble in water of ordinary temperature. The time required
to make the infusion must be considered, for in warm weather it is quite
possible for an infusion to ferment or decompose before it is finished.
Pure water should be used in making infusions, and large quantities
should not be made at one time unless demanded for immediate use, as,
without special precautions to preserve them, they soon become decomposed.

Of the inert principles found in plants, starch is extracted by hot
water and albumen by cold water, whilst gum, sugar, and extractive are
dissolved by both. In making infusions the drug is usually coarsely comminuted,
sliced, or bruised. Fine powders should be avoided whenever possible, be
cause it is difficult to separate the fine particles from the infusion ; and
if percolation is resorted to, so much time is consumed in the operation,
owing to the swelling of the powder, that decomposition may set in be
fore the preparation is finished.
<<



Note this is just the start of a very informative chapter on Infusions
Ref. P 290

THE PRACTICE OF PHARMACY: A TREATISE ON THE MODES OF MAKING AND DISPENSING OFFICINAL,UNOFFICINAL, AND EXTEMPORANEOUS PREPARATIONS, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF THEIRPROPERTIES, USES, AND DOSES.INTENDED AS A HAND-BOOK FOR PHARMACISTS AND PHYSICIANS AND A TEXT-BOOK FOR STUDENTSBY JOSEPH P. REMINGTON, Ph.G., (1886)

Our Facebook group:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ADruidHerbal/

Using our Amazon associate links may help feed the Cats, thanks.