Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Jujube	Ziziphus jujuba
Sebesten	Cordia spp	15 ea.
Currant	Ribes nigrum
Fig	Ficus carica
Date	Diospyros lotus	1 oz. ea.
Fenugreek	Trigonella foenum-graecum	2 1⁄2 oz.
Maidenhair	Adiantum capillus-veneris	1⁄2 handful
Cinnamon	Cinnamonum zeylanicum
Hyssop	Hyssopus officinale
Orris	Iris germanica
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra
Aniseed	Pimpinella anisum
Fennel seed	Foeniculum vulgare
Linseed	Linium usitatissimum
Mint	Mentha arvensis	2 drams ea.

Preparation:

Seethe in 24 oz. of water down to half, first the Orris root, followed 15 minutes later by the Seeds, then the fruits and herbs, adding the Licorice and Cinnamon towards the end; then strain, and add to the decoction 12 oz. of Sugar Penids, and boil until thick; then add the following in powder:

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Pine nut	Nux Pinea	1 1⁄4 oz.
Sweet Almonds	Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Licorice juice	Succus Glycyrrhiza
Gum Arabic	Acacia arabica
Tragacanth	Astragalus tragacanth
Starch	Amylum	2 drams ea.
Violet root	Viola odorata	1 dram

Mix the powders and stir swiftly while it cools until it becomes white.

Function:

Clears Cold and Thick Phlegm, stops Cough

Use:

1. Cough with cold and thick Phlegm
2. Chronic Cough
3. Asthma
4. Wheezing, Difficult Breathing
5. Hoarseness
6. Cough during Measles or Fever

Dose:

1–2 drams

Comment:

“It succours the Breast, Lungs, Throat, oppressed by Cold, and attenuates thick and gross humours in the Breast and Lungs”. (Culpeper)
The name “Sound and Experienced” comes from the fact that it was well regarded and agreed to be very effective to the intended purposes.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. A version of the 1650 London Pharmacopoeia added Calamint, used equal amounts of Linseed and Fenugreek, and omitted Mint and Violet root.
2. For Chronic Cough, Asthma, Difficulty Breathing: Elec. Sanum et Expertum 2 oz.,  Diarrhodon Abbatis, 1 oz. each, Licorice juice, Flowers of Sulphur 2 dram each.

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