Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Nicholas Myrepsus

Preparation:

Steep the root and seeds, having been beaten, in 1 quart of water for 3 days. On the forth day, boil gently until a thick mucilage is formed. Press them out hard, then boil with the oil until the excess water has gone. Next add the remaining ingredients, remove from the heat, adding the Turpentine when mildly warm, stirring until cool.

Function:

Moistens, softens, resolves Hardness

Use:

1. Hard Swellings
2. Fibroid Tumors
3. Scrofula, Lymphadenitis
4. Cramping
5. Tightness of the Sinews
6. Dislocations
7. weakness and wasting of the Limbs

Dose:

apply topically, warm, and bind firmly

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Some versions did not use Wax
2. An increase in the dose of Wax can be used in place of Resin
3. For resolving hardness and inflammation, Camomile can be added
4. Some added Gum Ammoniac to make it stronger to break up Phlegm swellings. For Tumors of the Spleen or Breast, Gum ammoniac dissolved in Vinegar of Squill is added 5. Squill may be added to make it stronger to clear Phlegm and resolve Swellings
6. It may be combined with equal parts of Ointment of Agrippa for Uterine Fibroids (Aristotle)
7. For Hardness and Tumors, oil of Earthworms and oil of Orris can be added
8. Litharge (Lead oxide) was often added to such Plasters. When Litharge is added, it is very similar to Diachilon

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