Pilulae Styrace
Pills of Storax

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name

Storax calamita (dried)
Frankincense
Myrrh
Licorice juice
Saffron

Latin

Styrax officinalis
Boswellia sacra
Commiphora molmol
Succus Glycyrrhiza
Crocus sativus

Amount

1⁄2 oz. ea.
1 dram

Preparation:

Powder and make pills with Syrup of White Poppy.

Function:

Clears Phlegm, stops Cough, moves the Blood

Use:

1. Hoarseness
2. Coughs, including Coughing at night that prevents sleep
3. Asthma and Wheezing
4. It can also be used for Angina Pectoris and Chest Pain, and other pain associated with Blood stagnation.

Dose:

15 grains–1 scruple

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Some added Opium to more strongly prevent Cough; Poppy seed could be added, or the Pills can be taken with a decoction of Poppy seed.
2. There was a Pill Against Cough which used Opium instead of Storax:
Licorice juice, Frankincense 1 dram ea.
Myrrh, Saffron, Opium 1 scruple ea.
3. Chest Pain, add Camphor and Sandalwood.