Electuarium Diaphoenicon
Electuary of Dates
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount * |
|---|---|---|
|
Carnum Dacti |
1 lb. | |
|
Prunus amygdalus dulcis |
3 oz. | |
|
Mel |
1 lb. |
The Dates are stoned, steeped in vinegar 24 hours, pushed through a sieve and evaporated to a thickness. The beaten Almonds are mixed in along with the Honey. Boil a little to “exhale the vinegar”. Then add the following in Fine powder:
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount * |
|---|---|---|
|
Operculine turpethum |
4 oz. | |
|
Convolvulus scammonia |
1 ½ oz. | |
|
Zingiber officinale | ||
|
Alpina officinale | ||
|
Aquillaria agallocha | ||
|
Cinnamonum zeylanicum | ||
|
Myristica fragrans | ||
|
Ruta graveolens | ||
|
Piper longum | ||
|
Foeniculum vulgare | ||
|
Dacus carota |
2 drams ea. |
A more simple version from Pharmacopoeia Persica (1681):
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount * |
|---|---|---|
|
Carnum Dacti | ||
|
Prunus amygdalus dulcis | ||
|
Ruta graveolens |
60 drams ea. | |
|
Zingiber officinalis | ||
|
Piper album |
20 drams ea. | |
|
Convolvulus scammonia |
10 drams |
Preparation:
The Dates are steeped in Vinegar then pulped (as above), add Honey, then add the Powder and form an Electuary.
Renodeus said that various authors used Hydromel or Wine to wash the Dates, but that those prepared with Vinegar are better to purge phlegm, and are therefore more fitting to the intended purpose. However, either of the former menstruums can be used according to each individuals preference, as Wine will more easily carry the medicaments into the Blood, while Hydromel purges noxious Humors and phlegm.
Function:
Purges Phlegm and Bile, Strengthens the Stomach
Use:
1. Stomach Pain
2. Abdominal fullness and pain
3. Obstinate Colic
4. “Illiac Passion” (Intestinal obstruction)
5. Nausea and Vomiting from Foul Humors (Food Stagnation)
6. Chronic diseases associated with Bile and Phlegm including Gastric and Urinary diseases
7. A purge in excess cases of Infertility etc.
Dose:
3–4 drams (of either)
Comment:
“It is meetly strong for to purge therewith in the Quotidian [Daily] and Tertian [3 day] Agues [Fever]. It purges Phlegm and Choler. It has a marvelous efficacy against all pain of the Stomach, and other like pains of the guts, which are caused through any rough slimy humour”. (Wirtzung)
Cautions:
1. Avoid in Yin deficiency
2. Not suitable for long-term use.
Modifications:
1. The Scammony could be replaced with Senna, Rhubarb or Aloe.
2. The formula from the London Pharmacopeia, 1650, was different in the following ways: the pulp of Dates was boiled in Hydromel, strained, and added an equal amount of Sugar Penids, beaten, then add the Almonds and beat well. It did not contain Galangal or Aloeswood.
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