Electuary of Centaury
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Zenon of Athens (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)
| Herb Name | Latin | Amount * |
|---|---|---|
| Centaury | Centaurium erythraea | 100 aur * |
| Gentian | Gentiana lutea | 10 aur |
| Aniseed | Pimpinella anisum | |
| Fennel seed | Foeniculum vulgare | |
| Celery seed | Apium graveolens | 6 aur ea. |
| Frankincense | Boswellia sacra | |
| Clove | Eugenia caryophyllus | 1 dram ea. |
| Agaric | Fomitopsis officinalis | |
| Orris | Iris germanica | 1 aur ea. |
| Cubeb | Piper cubeba | |
| Galbanum | Ferula spp. | |
| Gum Ammoniacum | Dorema ammoniacum | |
| Castoreum | Castoreum | |
| Black Pepper | Piper nigrum | |
| Long Pepper | Piper longum | |
| White Pepper | Piper album | |
| Roman Spikenard ** | Valeriana celtica | 20 aur ea. |
| Indian Spikenard | Nardostachys jatamansi | |
| Turbith | Operculina turpethum | 30 aur ea. |
| Aloe | Aloe spp. | 17 aur |
| Balsam fruit | Commiphora opobalsamum | |
| Balsam wood | Commiphora opobalsamum | |
| Squill roasted | Scilla maritima | 16 aur ea. |
| Mastic | Pistacia lentiscus | |
| Saffron | Crocus sativus | 10 aur ea. |
| Scammony prepared | Convovulus scammonia | 8 aur |
* Aur is a traditional weight being that of a Gold coin. Over time, it was reduced from over 8 grams to around 6 grams. The weights may be easily adjusted for modern use.
** Several sources have stated that Roman Spikenard is the same as Celtic Spikenard. In any case, Roman Spikenard was regarded as a slightly weaker type of Spikenard when compared to Indian Spikenard, the latter of which was also commonly used for Liver obstruction. Therefore, Indian Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) may be used in its place.
Preparation:
Powder and mix with Honey to form an Electuary. The source text says to ‘submit in Barley for six months’ (submittantur in hordeo per sex menses). This probably refers to sitting the compound in a pot of Barley for 6 months to rise, as was done with Mithridate and Theriac.
Function:
Clears Phlegm and Damp, Opens Obstructions, Promotes Urine, Eases Pain
Use:
1. Arthritis
2. Joint Pain
3. Joint Disease
4. Gravel and Stones
5. Cleanses Phlegm from the Lungs
Dose:
4 drams
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
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