Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Philon / Galen

Preparation:

Powder, and mix with three times their weight of Honey, form an Electuary.

Function:

Moves Qi, calms Wind, relieves Pain, stops Cough

Use:

1. Originally written for a type of Epidemic Colic common in Rome at the time of Philon.
2. Painful Colic
3. Pain of the Liver, Hypochondria (Gall Bladder?), Spleen or Uterus
4. Obstinate Cough
5. Toothache
6. Dental Decay
7. “Controls catharsis”
8. Used for Hemorrhage
9. Also reportedly useful for obstinate Hiccough.

Dose:

1⁄2–1 scruple

Comment:

The Philonium formulas are very powerful medicines and were important and highly regarded formulas in the past, being an early form of Opiate. It was advised to get the ‘counsel of a learned Physician’ before using this type of medicine.

Philonium, with Mithridate, Treacle of Andromachus, and Diascordium, formed ‘The Four Capitals’, the cornerstones of medicine for centuries in the treatment of Epidemic and Infectious diseases.

The Small Dispensatory of Sabur ibn Sahl (869AD) said it is “useful against pains in the Liver, Cough, Regurgitation, Toothache, Dental Decay, and Colic”.

They are largely obsolete today due to their heavy reliance on Henbane seed and Opium. Some of the Triphera formula are used similarly, but are far safer

Philonium was a famous antidote invented by Philon of Tarsus who lived in the first century AD. Galen said by his time it had already developed a long and sound reputation, and that it was one of the earliest of this type of formula. Galen was responsible for translating the recipe out of obscure Greek poetry that would have been lost if not for him. It thus usually bared Galen’s name, although it was penned by Philon.

Mesue, renowned for his use of effective formulas, also listed this medicine.

It was the basis for what became known eventually as Confection of Opium in the latter London Pharmacopoeias, which remained until 1867.

Cautions:

A strong formula which must be used cautiously. Henbane and Opium are both Narcotics which are illegal in many countries. Poppy seed could replace Opium.

Modifications:

1. Poppy seed can replace Opium and Henbane seed.
2. A version attributed to Avicenna in Pharmacopoeia Persica listed 7 drams of White Pepepr and Henbane seed instead of 20 drams.

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