Electuarium Sanum et Expertum
‘A Sound and Experienced Electuary’

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name

Latin

Amount *

Jujube

Ziziphus jujuba

Sebesten

Cordia spp

15 ea.

Currant

Ribes nigrum

Fig

Ficus carica

Date

Diospyros lotus

1 oz. ea.

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

2 1⁄2 oz.

Maidenhair

Adiantum capillus-veneris

1⁄2 handful

Cinnamon

Cinnamonum zeylanicum

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinale

Orris

Iris germanica

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Aniseed

Pimpinella anisum

Fennel seed

Foeniculum vulgare

Linseed

Linium usitatissimum

Mint

Mentha arvensis

2 drams ea.

Preparation:

Seethe in 24 oz. of water down to half, first the Orris root, followed 15 minutes later by the Seeds, then the fruits and herbs, adding the Licorice and Cinnamon towards the end; then strain, and add to the decoction 12 oz. of Sugar Penids, and boil until thick; then add the following in powder:

Herb Name

Latin

Amount *

Pine nut

Nux Pinea

1 1⁄4 oz.

Sweet Almonds

Prunus amygdalus dulcis

Licorice juice

Succus Glycyrrhiza

Gum Arabic

Acacia arabica

Tragacanth

Astragalus tragacanth

Starch

Amylum

2 drams ea.

Violet root

Viola odorata

1 dram

Mix the powders and stir swiftly while it cools until it becomes white.

Function:

Clears Cold and Thick Phlegm, stops Cough

Use:

1. Cough with cold and thick Phlegm
2. Chronic Cough
3. Asthma

4. Wheezing, Difficult Breathing
5. Hoarseness
6. Cough during Measles or Fever

Dose:

1–2 drams

Comment:

“It succours the Breast, Lungs, Throat, oppressed by Cold, and attenuates thick and gross humours in the Breast and Lungs”. (Culpeper)
The name “Sound and Experienced” comes from the fact that it was well regarded and agreed to be very effective to the intended purposes.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. A version of the 1650 London Pharmacopoeia added Calamint, used equal amounts of Linseed and Fenugreek, and omitted Mint and Violet root.
2. For Chronic Cough, Asthma, Difficulty Breathing: Elec. Sanum et Expertum 2 oz.,  Diarrhodon Abbatis, 1 oz. each, Licorice juice, Flowers of Sulphur 2 dram each.

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