Electuary of Rhubarb
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Zenon of Athens (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)
| Herb Name | Latin | Amount * |
|---|---|---|
| Rhubarb | Rheum palmatum | 100 aur * |
| Lacca | Laccifer lacca | 20 aur |
| Aloeswood | Aquillaria agallocha | 36 aur |
| Cinnamon | Cinnamonum zeylanicum | 11 aur |
| Long Birthwort | Aristolchia longa | |
| Round Birthwort | Aristolchia rotunda | 30 aur ea. |
| Pistachio | Pistachio verum | 50 aur |
| Squinanth | Juncus odoratus | 80 aur |
| Marjoram | Oreganum marjorana | |
| Aniseed | Pimpinella anisum | |
| Sealed Earth | Terra Sigillata | 20 aur ea. |
| Agaric | Fomitopsis officinalis | |
| Indian leaf | Cinnamonum tamala | 6 aur ea. |
| Agrimony ** | Agrimonia eupatoria | 30 aur |
| Indian Spikenard | Nardostachys jatamansi | 16 drams |
| Black Pepper | Piper nigrum | |
| Long Pepper | Piper longum | |
| White Pepper | Piper album | |
| Ginger | Zingiber officinalis | 10 aur ea. |
| Stoechas | Lavendula stoechas | |
| Oregano | Oreganum vulgare | 9 aur ea. |
| Orris | Iris germanica | |
| Endive root | Chicorium endiva | 6 aur ea. |
| Hyssop | Hyssopus officinale | |
| Mastic | Pistacia lentiscus | |
| Saffron | Crocus sativus | 7 aur ea |
| Balsam fruit | Commiphora opobalsamum | |
| Balsam wood | Commiphora opobalsamum | 17 aur ea. |
* 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 adjusted for modern use.
** Gafit, given in the text, is Eupatorium, which sometimes equates with Eupatorium cannabinum. No matter which is intended, Agrimony was a commonly used for Eupatorium in Europe.
Preparation:
Powder and mix with Honey to form an Electuary
Function:
Strengthens the Liver, Opens Obstructions, Promote Urine
Use:
1. Flux of the Stomach (Diarrhea)
2. Liver obstruction with weakness
3. Used for hardness of the Organs
4. Edema
Dose:
2–3 drams
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
Similar Formulas:
This looks to perhaps have been the inspiration for some of the Opening formulas devised by the Arab physicians a millennia later. Compare with Greater Gum Lacca Powder of Mesue, Troches of Rhubarb and Troches of Lacca.
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