Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Pine nuts prepared *	Nux Pinea	15 drams
Bitter Almond	Prunus amygdalus amara	1 1⁄2. oz.
Sweet Almonds parched	Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Hazelnut	Corylus avellana
Gum Arabic	Acacia arabica
Tragacanth	Astragalus tragacanth
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra
Starch	Amylum
Maidenhair	Adiantum capillus-veneris
Orris	Iris germanica
Honey of Roses	Mel Rosata
Butter	Buturum
White Sugar	Saccharum alba	2 drams ea.
Date	Diospyros lotus	18
Clarified Honey	Mel	18 3⁄4 oz.

* Pine nuts are prepared by steeping overnight in Coltsfoot water, then drying.

Preparation:

Renodeus said ‘That this Eclegm may be rightly made, the dry roots must first be brayed [powdered] apart; then the Maiden-hair, then the fruits, then the gums and Amylum [starch]; but such as may better be incided, as Almonds and Filberts [Hazel nuts], may be cut with a knife. When all are well levigated [powdered], Rob or Honey of Raisins must be added; then the Butter; then an idoneous quantity of the whitest and best Honey, that the Eclegm [Electuary] may be of a legitimate consistency’.
A simpler version from Pharmacopoeia Persica (1681):

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Pine nuts	Nux Pinea
Orris	Iris germanica
Gum Arabic	Acacia arabica
Tragacanth	Astragalus tragacanth
Linseed toasted	Linium usitatissimum
Date Pulp	Carnum Dacti	3 drams ea.

Preparation:

Powder and mix with 2 pounds of Honey and a little Butter.

Function:

Strengthens Lung Qi and Yin, clears Thick Phlegm, stops Cough and Wheezing

Use:

“It cures inveterate Coughs, difficulty of Breathing; moves viscis Spittle; helps the asperity of the voice, helps coction and expectoration of Humours, and cures such affections of the Lungs and Breast, as arise from the plenty or noxious quality of Humours”. (Renodeus)
1. Chronic Cough
2. Wheezing
3. Difficulty Breathing
4. Asthma
5. Chronic Lung disease
6. Clears excess Phlegm and Fluid from the chest
7. Hectic Fever (Fever from Yin deficiency)
8. Good in chronic disease and chronic Fever

Dose:

1–2 drams, up to half an ounce.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Renodeus had a modified version which used equal parts of Pine nuts and Date pulp, and added Licorice juice.
2. Ghee can be used in place of Butter.
3. For Chronic Asthma or Breathlessness, take with prepared Fox Lung powder.

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