Electuary of Rhubarb

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Zenon of Athens (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)

Herb Name

Latin

Amount *

Rhubarb

Rheum palmatum

100 aur *

Lacca

Laccifer lacca

20 aur

Aloeswood

Aquillaria agallocha

36 aur

Cinnamon

Cinnamonum zeylanicum

11 aur

Long Birthwort

Aristolchia longa

Round Birthwort

Aristolchia rotunda

30 aur ea.

Pistachio

Pistachio verum

50 aur

Squinanth

Juncus odoratus

80 aur

Marjoram

Oreganum marjorana

Aniseed

Pimpinella anisum

Sealed Earth

Terra Sigillata

20 aur ea.

Agaric

Fomitopsis officinalis

Indian leaf

Cinnamonum tamala

6 aur  ea.

Agrimony **

Agrimonia eupatoria

30 aur

Indian Spikenard

Nardostachys jatamansi

16 drams

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum

Long Pepper

Piper longum

White Pepper

Piper album

Ginger

Zingiber officinalis

10 aur ea.

Stoechas

Lavendula stoechas

Oregano

Oreganum vulgare

9 aur ea.

Orris

Iris germanica

Endive root

Chicorium endiva

6 aur ea.

Hyssop

Hyssopus officinale

Mastic

Pistacia lentiscus

Saffron

Crocus sativus

7 aur ea

Balsam fruit

Commiphora opobalsamum

Balsam wood

Commiphora opobalsamum

17 aur ea.

* Aur is a traditional weight being that of a Gold coin. Over time, it was reduced from over 8 grams to around 6 grams. The weights may be adjusted for modern use.
**
Gafit, given in the text, is Eupatorium, which sometimes equates with Eupatorium cannabinum. No matter which is intended, Agrimony was a commonly used for Eupatorium in Europe.

Preparation:

Powder and mix with Honey to form an Electuary

Function:

Strengthens the Liver, Opens Obstructions, Promote Urine

Use:

1. Flux of the Stomach (Diarrhea)
2. Liver obstruction with weakness
3. Used for hardness of the Organs
4. Edema

Dose:

2–3 drams

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

Similar Formulas:

This looks to perhaps have been the inspiration for some of the Opening formulas devised by the Arab physicians a millennia later. Compare with Greater Gum Lacca Powder of Mesue, Troches of Rhubarb and Troches of Lacca.

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