Pilulae Masticinae
Pills of Mastic
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Aloe spp. |
10 drams | |
|
Pistacia lentiscus |
4 drams | |
|
Fomitopsis officinalis |
3 drams |
Preparation:
Powder well and form pills with a little Marshmallow juice or Hydromel
Function:
Purge Phlegm and Bile, strengthen the Stomach
Use:
“They purge very gently, but strengthen much, both Head, Brain, Eyes, Belly, and Reins [Kidneys]”. (Culpeper)
1. Weak Stomach with Phlegm and Bile; Indigestion, Poor Appetite, Nausea
2. Stomach and Abdominal Pain
3. Stomach Ulcers
4. Headache, Migraine
5. Pain of the Uterus
6. Pensiveness (Wirtzung)
Dose:
1⁄2–1 dram
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
A version from the London Pharmacopeia added 3 drams of Species Hiera Picra, and formed a pill mass with Syrup of Wormwood.
Similar Formulas:
Similar to Stomach Pills of Mesue, these using Agaric in place of the Roses
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‘They do great pleasure and virtue unto all them that use the same, against all pain of the Stomach, of the Head, of the Belly, and the Matrix [Uterus]. Item, for all Pensiveness be they also especially good” (Wirtzung). This is interesting as these pills strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, and Spleen deficiency is the cause of Pensiveness in TCM.
“Mesue calls all the Pills that receive Mastic, Stomachical, where-of he gives not only various descriptions: But his Commentaors, and such as wrote of the same Subject, and promulgated Antidotaries also, one while augmenting the Aloes, another time the Agarick, sometimes the Mastic, or else diminishing or adjecting.
The description we have here given, is more usual and safe; whereunto, if you add a little Diamoschum, they will be Pills of Aloes, according to the vulgar edition: But the Agaric should be first brayed; as also the Aloes and Mastic, and subacted with Hydromel, rather then with Wine, both for efficacy and conservation.
It is thought, that Petrus de Abano was their Author, who would not denominate them from their exuberant Aloes, lest many Pills of the same name should be confounded.
They purge the stomach gently, roborate excellently, detract and expel all excrementitious humours from the Abdomen without molestation; cure the dolour of the head, and many affections of the Uterus”, (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)