Electuarium Dianthu

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Galen

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Wormwood fl owers	Artemisia absinthum	2 lbs.
Wormwood leaf	Artemisia absinthum
Red Sandalwood	Pterocarpus santalinus
White Sandalwood	Santalum album	1 lb. ea.
Clove	Eugenia caryophyllus
Indian Spikenard	Nardostachys jatamansi
Galangal	Alpina officinarum	1⁄2 oz. ea.
Long Pepper	Piper longum	3 drams
Mastic	Pistacia lentiscus	2 drams
Licorice	Glycyrrhiza glabra	1 lb.
Licorice juice	Succus Glycyrrhiza	1 oz.
Sugar	Saccharum	1 lb.
Rose	Rosa gallica	2 drams
Honey	Mel	sufficient

Preparation:

Powder the herbs, then mix with the sugar and honey to form an Electuary.

Function:

Opens Obstructions, strengthens Liver

Use:

1. Heart pain
2. Liver obstruction
3. Liver weakness
4. Weakness; ‘debility of nature’
5. Chronic illness

Dose:

1–2 drams

Comment:

This is an interesting formula. It has a large proportion of Wormwood whose bitterness is tempered with an almost equal proportion of Licorice, Sugar and Honey. The large dose of the Sandalwoods move Liver Qi and open obstruction. It is a good medicine for the Liver and was regarded as very strengthening.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

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