Diambra, Species de Ambrae
Powder for Ambergris

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name

Latin

Amount

Cinnamon

Cinnamonum zeylanicum

Doronicum

Doronicum hookeri

Clove

Eugenia caryophyllus

Mace

Myristica fragrans

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

Bay leaf

Laurus nobilis

Galangal

Alpina officinarum

3 drams ea.

Long Pepper

Piper longum

Yellow Sandalwood

Santalum citrinum

Aloeswood

Aquillaria agallocha

2 drams ea.

Ginger

Zingiber officinalis

1 1⁄2 drams

Indian Spikenard

Nardostachys jatamansi

Cardamon

Elettaria cardamomum

Grains of Paradise

Aframomum melegueta

Ambergris

Ambre gris

1 dram ea.

Musk

Moschus

1⁄2 dram

Preparation:

Powder the herbs, adding the Musk and Ambergris at the end

Function:

Clears Cold and Damp, Warms the Yang, moves Qi and Blood, strengthens Stomach

Use:

1. Yang Deficiency: Coldness
2. Cold diseases of the Head and Brain; Mental Dullness, Loss of Senses, Poor Memory
3. A Special for Incubus, Nightmares
4. Strengthens the Three Spirits
5. Stomach Cold: Nausea, Vomiting, Poor Appetite
6. Heart de
ficiency with Coldness; Palpitations, Breathlessness
7. Cold Joint pain, Arthritis, Sciatica
9. Promotes Sperm in Cold bodies

Dose:

1⁄2–1 dram

Cautions:

Very hot and dry. Not suitable in Heat conditions or Yin deficiency.

Modifications:

1. For Catarrh, take with Diareos Salomonis
2. Strengthen the Heart, Liver and Brain in chronic illness, combine with Diamoschu, Manus Christi with Pearl, and Aloeswood; take with water of Water Lily before bed.
3. Cardiac Lozenges: Diambra, Angelica root 1⁄2 dram each, Oil of Nutmeg 4 drops, oils of Cinnamon and Clove 2 drops each, Sugar; form lozenges.
4. Palpitations, Diambra, Gascoines Powder (1 dram ea.), Cinnamon oil 1 drop. Mix for 6 doses.

Similar Formulas:

Diamoschu (Powder of Musk)


“This compound is very aromatical and sweet, both because of the Amber [Ambergris], from which it is denominated, and of the Musk, and other Aromarta’s that ingrede it. It is kept either in form of a powder, or of a solid Electuary, or of Honey: if it be required of a hard consistence, as that of Tablets, its powder must be received into Sugar of Roses perfectly cocted; if soft, like that of Opiates, its powder must be received into the Julep of Roses, or Alexadrian Syrup.

Its preparation is only pulveration; which must be effected as we have demonstrated in the 9 and 10 Chap. and a Book of our Institutions.

Diambra doth most efficaciously roborate [strengthen] the bowels, especially if their imbecillity be from a cold cause: for by calefaction [warming] it refects [restores] the Spirits [Qi], and foments the Native Heat [Yang]; it helps the affections of the Uterus, and is very convenient for old men and women”, (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)


“It is very forcible for all debility of the Head, and of the whole body; it provokes Natural Heat, it is also very good for all them that be vexed with Cold Humours, and in like manner for the Joints and against wambling of the Stomach, that can keep no meat or food, it causes Appetite and strengthens the Heart”. (Wirtzung)


Mesue appropriates this to the Head, and says, it heats and strengthens the Brain, causes Mirth, helps Concoction [Digestion], cherishes the Animal, Vital and Natural Spirits, it strengthens the Heart and Stomach, and resists all Cold diseases, and is therefore special good for Women and old Men”. (Culpeper)

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