decoction

[I]nſtead of Honey, Rob of Elder, Conſerve of Roſes, or Syrup of Violets; Glyſters, Pedilavia of emollient Decoctions with Nitre; or Elder, Vinegar, or Focus's of the ſame, applied with Sponges behind the Ears, to the Armpits, Groins, Hams, &c. or with Barley-water and a little Roſe-vinegar.

Even the fixed principles of vegetables, at least some of them, are injured by long decoction. The extractive matter, for instance, gradually absorbs oxygen from the atmosphere, and is converted into a substance nearly insipid and inert.