Pills of Agrimony Greater (Mesue)
Pilulae Agrimoniae Majus
Greater Pills of Agrimony
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
| Herb Name | Latin | Amount * |
|---|---|---|
| Agrimony dehydrated juice | Agrimonia eupatoria | 3 drams ea. |
| Wormwood dehydrated juice | Artemisia absinthum | 3 1⁄2 drams |
| Yellow Myrobalan | Terminalia chebula (yellow) | 1 dram |
| Rhubarb | Rheum palmatum | 1⁄2 dram |
| Mastic | Pistacia lentiscus | 5 drams |
| Saffron | Crocus sativus | |
| Aloes | Aloe vera |
Preparation:
Powder and form Pills with Water of Macedonian (ie. ‘Italian’) Parsley (or Syrup of Celery)
Function:
Clears Heat, opens Obstructions
Use:
1. Jaundice
2. Liver Tumors
3. Hepatitis
4. Liver obstructions;
5. for all diseases where excess Bile has weakened the body;
6. Periodic Fever;
7. chronic Fever associated with Liver Heat.
Dose:
1 scruple–1 dram; 1⁄2 dram is a common dose (some gave up to 2 drams)
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. Some versions used a greater amount of Rhubarb
Similar Formulas:
‘It is a gallant gentle purge, and strengthening, fitted for such bodies as are much weakened by disease or Choler. The author appropriates it to such as have Tertian Agues, the Yellow Jaundice, obstructions or stoppings of the Liver; half a dram taken at night going to bed, will work with an ordinary body, the next day by noon’. (Culpeper)
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