Compound Guaiacum Confection
also known as ‘Chelsea Pensioner’

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

There were a number of variations.
The first is the original formula:

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Guaiacum resin	Resina Guaiacii	1⁄2 oz.
Mustard seed	Sinapis alba
Sublimed Sulphur	Sulphura sublimata	1 oz. ea.
Saltpeter	Potassium Nitrate
Rhubarb	Rheum palmatum	2 drams ea.
Molasses	Molasses	16 oz.

The following uses Nutmeg instead of Mustard seed, Cream of Tartar instead of Saltpeter, and Honey instead of Molasses:

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Guaiacum resin	Resina Guaiacii	1 dram
Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans	1
Sublimed Sulphur	Sulphura sublimata	2 oz.
Cream of Tartar	Potassium bitartrate	1 oz.
Rhubarb	Rheum palmatum	2 drams
Honey	Mel	1 lb.

Some versions were simplified, but the following suffers from the lack of Rhubarb:

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Guaiacum resin	Resina Guaiacii	350 grams
Sublimed Sulphur	Sulphura sublimata
Cream of Tartar	Potassium bitaritrate	25 grams ea.
Honey	Mel	450 grams

Some versions added Colchicum:

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Sublimed Sulphur	Sulphura sublimata	1 oz.
Guaiacum resin	Resina Guaiacii
Saltpeter	Potassium Nitrate	1⁄2 oz. ea.
Colchicum	Colchicum autumnale
Nutmeg	Myristica fragrans	2 drams ea.
Simple Syrup	Syrupus	2 oz.

Preparation:

Powder the herbs and gum, add the powdered Sulphur and Saltpeter, then mix well with the warmed Molasses / Honey / Syrup.

Function:

Clears Heat and Damp, clears Toxin, moves the Blood

Use:

1. Arthritis
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
3. Gout

Dose:

One spoonful twice daily. Some recommended taking 1 teaspoonful every 2 hours until the bowels move freely, then take a teaspoonful twice daily.

Comment:

‘Chelsea Pensioner’ is a formula allegedly made by an Apothecary in the Chelsea area in the U.K. The pensioners in this area were prone to Arthritic and Rheumatic complaints, and this formula was written to treat his patients. The formula became widely known, so much so that variations of it became official in some of the Pharmacopoeias.