Syrupus Helianthi Compositus.—Compound Syrup of Sunflower Seed.

Botanical name: 

Related entry: Helianthus.—Sunflower

Preparation.—Take of bruised sunflower seed, 8 troy ounces; sugar, 24 ounces; Holland gin, 2 pints; water, a sufficient quantity. Pour 4 pints of water on the bruised seeds, and bring to a boil, strain, and evaporate the liquid to 24 fluid ounces, in which dissolve the sugar by the aid of heat. Then, when cold, add the Holland gin.

Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Prof. R. S. Newton highly lauds the compound syrup of helianthus in chronic affections of the lungs, larynx, bronchi, etc., as an efficient preparation for relieving cough, diminishing abnormal mucous secretion, and imparting tone and healthful vigor to the mucous tissues of the air passages. The dose varies from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, 3, 4, or more times per day, or whenever cough is severe. Where it is desired to obtain a diuretic effect, ½ ounce, each, of the oils of juniper and of stillingia may be added to the above syrup.


King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D.