Noble Confection for the Heart

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

De morbus internis curandis, Mesue, 1551

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Tabasheer	Bambusae silicae
Rue seed	Ruta graveolens
Capers root-bark	Capparis spinosa
Lacca	Laccifer lacca
Red Coral	Corallum rubrum
Galangal	Alpina officinarum
Mace	Myristica fragrans
Clove	Eugenia caryophyllus
Cubeb	Piper cubeba
Aniseed	Pimpinella anisum
Mastic	Pistacia lentiscus
Eyebright	Euphrasia officinalis	2 drams ea.
Musk	Moschus	1⁄2 dram
Pine nut	Nux Pinea
Sweet Almonds	Prunus amygdalus dulcis
Melon seed	Citrullus vulgaris
Gourd seed	Lagenaria vulgaris
Pumpkin seed	Cucurbita pepo
Cucumber seed	Cucumis sativus	3 drams ea.
Pearl	Margarita
Amber	Succinum
Sapphire	Sapphirus
Hyacinth (Zircon)	Hyacinthus	4 drams
Balsam	Commiphora opobalsamum	1 dram
Honey	Mel	1 oz.
White Poppy seed	Papaver somniferum	2 oz.
Sandalwood	Santalum album
Endive seed	Chicorium endiva	3 drams ea.

Preparation:

With Rose water, Pomegranate juice, and an equal amount of sugar; boil and form a confection

Function:

Clears Heat, strengthens the Radical Moisture (Yin) and Vital Spirit (Qi), Strengthens the Heart and Stomach, benefits Digestion

Use:

1. ‘Comforts the whole of nature’.
2. strengthens weak Organs
3. Clears Heat from the Heart and calms the Mind and Spirit
4. Strengthens the Stomach
5. ‘Makes the Fearful bold’.

Dose:

1 dram

Comment:

This is a curious medicine. It was praised as comforting the whole of nature, benefitting weak ‘members’ (organs) and making the ‘fearful bold’. It appears more like a medicine to clear Heat from the Heart and calm the mind and Spirit (it is was in section of Heart Medicines in the source text). It definitely has a cooling nature, and is also moist, thus being a tonic to the Radical Moisture (Yin), and perhaps even a Essence tonic. Since ancient times, the precious stones have been accounted as having a peculiar but powerful effect on the body organs due to their planetary associations, and this formula has a larger than normal percentage of gems. The formula is also headed by Poppy seed, not only cooling and moist but with an astringent nature that restrains essence while strengthening.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

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