Powder of Ambergris (Diambra) (Mesue)

Diambra, Species de Ambrae
Powder for Ambergris

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name Latin Amount *
Cinnamon Cinnamonum zeylanicum 3 drams each
Doronicum Doronicum hookeri 2 drams each
Clove Eugenia caryophyllus 1 1⁄2 drams
Mace Myristica fragrans 1 dram each
Nutmeg Myristica fragrans 1⁄2 dram
Bay leaf Laurus nobilis
Galangal Alpina officinarum
Long Pepper Piper longum
Yellow Sandalwood Santalum citrinum
Aloeswood Aquillaria agallocha
Ginger Zingiber officinalis
Indian Spikenard Nardostachys jatamansi
Cardamon Elettaria cardamomum
Grains of Paradise Aframomum melegueta
Ambergris Ambre gris
Musk Moschus

Preparation:

Powder the herbs, adding the Musk and Ambergris at the end

Function:

Clears Cold and Damp, Warms the Yang, moves Qi and Blood, strengthens Stomach

Use:

1. Yang Deficiency: Coldness
2. Cold diseases of the Head and Brain; Mental Dullness, Loss of Senses, Poor Memory
3. A Special for Incubus, Nightmares
4. Strengthens the Three Spirits
5. Stomach Cold: Nausea, Vomiting, Poor Appetite
6. Heart deficiency with Coldness; Palpitations, Breathlessness
7. Cold Joint pain, Arthritis, Sciatica
9. Promotes Sperm in Cold bodies

Dose:

1⁄2–1 dram

Cautions:

Very hot and dry. Not suitable in Heat conditions or Yin deficiency.

Modifications:

1. For Catarrh, take with Diareos Salomonis
2. Strengthen the Heart, Liver and Brain in chronic illness, combine with Diamoschu, Manus Christi with Pearl, and Aloeswood; take with water of Water Lily before bed.
3. Cardiac Lozenges: Diambra, Angelica root 1⁄2 dram each, Oil of Nutmeg 4 drops, oils of Cinnamon and Clove 2 drops each, Sugar; form lozenges.
4. Palpitations, Diambra, Gascoines Powder (1 dram ea.), Cinnamon oil 1 drop. Mix for 6 doses.
Similar Formulas:
Diamoschu (Powder of Musk)

‘It is very forcible for all debility of the Head, and of the whole body; it provokes Natural Heat, it is also very good for all them that be vexed with Cold Humours, and in like manner for the Joints and against wambling of the Stomach, that can keep no meat or food, it causes Appetite and strengthens the Heart’. (Wirtzung)
    
‘Mesue appropriates this to the Head, and says, it heats and strengthens the Brain, causes Mirth, helps Concoction [Digestion], cherishes the Animal, Vital and Natural Spirits, it strengthens the Heart and Stomach, and resists all Cold diseases, and is therefore special good for Women and old Men’. (Culpeper)

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