Antidotum Orvietanum
Orvietan Antidote

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Carline Thistle root	Carlina vulgaris
Tormentil	Potentilla tormentilla
Long Birthwort	Aristolchia longa
Round Birthwort	Aristolchia rotunda
Calamus	Acorus calamus
Scorzonera	Scorzonera hispanica
Masterwort	Imperatoriae ostruthium
Angelica	Angelica archangelica
Anthora	Aconitum anthora
White Dittany	Dictamnus albus
Wormseed	Artemesia santonicum
Armenian Earth	Terra Armenius
Sealed Earth	Terra Sigillata	1 oz. ea.
Old Theriac	Theriac	3 oz.

Preparation:

Powder the herbs, and gradually add to 8 lbs. of warmed Honey, stirring well. Then the Theriac is beaten and added.

Function:

Resists Poison, warms the Yang, resolves Wind and Damp

Use:

“It has the virtues and dose of Treacle of Andromachus [Theriac]”.
1. Infectious and Epidemic diseases
2. Spotted Fevers such as Measles and Small Pox
3. Used to protect against Infection
4. Effective against Poisons
5. Cold diseases of the Stomach and Brain
6. Wind Colic

Dose:

1 scruple–1 dram, up to 2 drams in stronger constitutions or severe conditions.

Comment:

This was used as Theriac, but was often regarded as stronger. It was also a way to dilute the expensive imported Venetian Theriac without losing its potency and effect.
“Orvietan thus prepared is of great efficacy against all sorts of Poisons, against the Small Pox, Measles, and all sorts of Epidemic Diseases. It is also proper against all cold Diseases of the Brain and Stomach, and against all windy Colics”. (Charras, French Pharmacopoeia)

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. There were many variations. The French Pharmacopoeia made various additions including Bistort, Costus, Gentian, Sage, Rosemary, Blessed Thistle, Bay berry and Juniper berry, as well as Viper powder in a weight equal to Theriac, but omitted the Earths.