Electuary of Costus

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Bitter Costus *	Inula racemosa (?)
Cassia Wood	Cinnamonum cassia	5 drams ea.
Cinnamon	Cinnamonum zeylanicum	10 drams
Asarum	Asarum europeum	4 drams
Rhubarb	Rheum palmatum
Schoenanth	Cymbopogon schoenanthus
Celery seed	Apium graveolens
Aniseed	Pimpinella anisum	3 drams ea.
Sa ffron	Crocus sativus
Long Birthwort	Aristolchia longa
Round Birthwort	Aristolchia rotunda
Myrrh	Commiphora molmol	2 drams ea.
Honey clari fied	Mel	sufficient

* Bitter Costus can refer to several plants; possible Inula racemosa. Standard Costus can be used in this case.

Another version from Pharmacopoeia Persica (1681):

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Cinnamon	Cinnamonum zeylanicum
Cassia Wood	Cinnamonum cassia
Costus	Saussurea lappa	30 drams ea.
Opium	Opium
Aniseed	Pimpinella anisum
Rhubarb	Rheum palmatum
Celery seed	Apium graveolens	10 drams ea.
Asarum	Asarum europeum	29 drams
Sa ffron	Crocus sativus	20 drams
Schoenanth	Cymbopogon schoenanthus	24 drams

Preparation:

Powder the herbs, then mix with the Honey to form an Electuary

Function:

Opens Obstructions, relieves Pain

Use:

1. Pain of the organs (especially Stomach and Liver) associated with Obstruction
2. beginning stages of Edema

Dose:

1–2 drams in warm wine.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. This could be recreated without the Asarum or Birthworts. Suitable substitutes for these can be found under their respective monographs. Corydalis Yan Hu Suo can be used in place of Birthwort, especially if there is strong pain. The second version does not contain Birthworts.
2. The second version adds Opium which is important for severe Pain. The formula will stand without it, or Corydalis Yan Hu Suo can be used in its place.

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