Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Rhasis (Rhazes)

Preparation:

Beat the Myrobalan with 12 ounces of water into a fine paste and triturate until one-fifth remains. Strain or filter, then add 6 ounce of Honey and heat gently until excess water is consumed. To every 12 ounces of this add 1 ounce of the above herbs in very fine powder (not including the Myrobalans), and form an Electuary.
It may be made into Tablets or used as a Powder without the Myrobalan fruit.

Function:

Strengthens the Spleen and Qi, relieves Damp and Melancholy, moves Blood and Qi, benefits the Heart and Mind, Cheers the Spirit

Use:

“the medicine promotes Happiness, promotes good color, enhances digestion and slows gray hair” (Nicholas, Antidotarium)
1. Spleen Weakness
2. Melancholy, Sad or Fearful thoughts, excess Worry or Stress
3. Mild-to-moderate Depression
4. Dementia
5. Promotes Happiness and a sense of wellbeing
6. Promotes a good Complexion
7. Strengthens Digestion
8. Stops Greying of the Hairs
9. Useful as a tonic in Chronic Illness to strengthen the Organs

Dose:

a piece the size of a hzaelnut, or 1⁄2–1 dram of the powder
It was also put into a small red silk bag and worn over the Heart, in which case a little Aloeswood was often added.

Comment:

Letificans means to be Happy or Cheerful. These formulas were used to promote a feeling of Happiness or a sense of Wellbeing. It is an elegant formula, composed of medicines that move Qi and Blood, gladden the Heart, strengthen the Liver and calm the Mind and Nerves.
“It strengthens all the principal parts of a Man’s body, and helps much the natural warmth and concoction; it withstands all grievous thoughts, and makes also Merry”.
 
“They refresh the Vital Spirits … expel all bad cogitations, they make a good color, they ease the digestion of the Stomach … and they stay grey hairs”. (Wirtzung)

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Some versions omitted Mastic, Saffron and/or Doronicum.
2. Balm herb was often used instead of Balm seed.
3. Some versions used 1⁄2 oz. Cinnamon.
4. Some versions (such as that of Pharmacopoeia Augustana) made it into Tablets without the Myrobalans using 1 ounce of powdered Herbs to 12 ounces of White Sugar
5. Some added Gold and Silver leaf.
6. Sometimes Aloeswood was added

Similar Formulas:

This is one of several Letificans formulas, the most commonly used being Letificans of Galen.

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