Syrupus Zingiberis (U. S. P.)—Syrup of Ginger.
Related entry: Zingiber (U. S. P.)—Ginger
Preparation.—"Fluid extract of ginger, thirty cubic centimeters (30 Cc). [487♏︎]; precipitated calcium phosphate, fifteen grammes (15 Gm.) [232 grs.]; sugar, eight hundred and fifty grammes (850 Gm.) [1 lb. av., 13 ozs., 430 grs.]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Triturate the fluid extract of ginger with the precipitated calcium phosphate, and expose the mixture in a warm place until the alcohol has evaporated. Then triturate the residue with four hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (450 Cc.) [15 fl℥, 104♏︎] of water, and filter. In the filtrate dissolve the sugar by agitation, without heat, strain, and pass enough water through the filter to make the product measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix thoroughly. Syrup of ginger may also be prepared in the following manner: Prepare a percolator or funnel in the manner described under syrup (see Syrupus). Pour the filtrate obtained as directed in the preceding formula upon the sugar, return the first portions of the percolate, until it runs through clear, and, when all the liquid has passed, follow it by water, until the product measures one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix thoroughly"—(U. S. P.).
"Take of strong tincture of ginger, 6 fluid drachms; syrup, sufficient to produce 20 fluid ounces (Imp.). Mix with agitation"—(Br. Pharm., 1885). This produces a milky syrup.
Take of Jamaica ginger, in a uniform coarse powder, 4 ounces; water, deodorized alcohol, each, a sufficient quantity; carbonate of magnesium, 1 ounce; refined sugar, 20 pounds. Pack the ginger in a percolator, and slowly pour on it the alcohol, until 8 fluid ounces of tincture have passed; evaporate this spontaneously, or at 48.8° C. (120° F.), until it is reduced to 3 fluid ounces. Triturate it with the carbonate of magnesium and 2. ounces of the sugar, gradually adding 2 pints of water. Filter, and add enough water to make 8 pints of filtrate, to which add the rest of the sugar, in a covered vessel, and dissolve by a very gentle heat. If necessary, strain the syrup, while hot, through a damp cotton-flannel bag (Prof. Procter). This forms a beautiful, clear syrup, free from turbidity, possessing a decided taste of the ginger, with most of its medicinal virtues. That made by the official process is yellowish, and has the strong pungency and characteristic odor of ginger.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Syrup of ginger is used as a remedy in atonic bowel complaints of children, and as a stimulating aromatic addition to various medicinal preparations. The dose is from ½ fluid drachm to 2, 3, or 4 fluid drachms.
