Pulvis Laetificans,
or Electuarium Exhilarans
Powder of Happiness
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Galen is often attributed to be the originator.
This version is taken from Nicholas Praepositus
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Ocinum sanctum | ||
|
Crocus sativus | ||
|
Curcuma zedoaria | ||
|
Alpina officinarum | ||
|
Santalum citrinum | ||
|
Eugenia caryophyllus | ||
|
Citrus medica | ||
|
Myristica fragrans | ||
|
Myristica fragrans | ||
|
Styrax officinalis |
2 1⁄2 drams ea. | |
|
Eboris | ||
|
Pimpinella anisum | ||
|
Thymus vulgaris | ||
|
Cuscuta europea |
1 dram ea. | |
|
Margarita | ||
|
Os Cordis Cervii | ||
|
Ambre gris | ||
|
Moschus | ||
|
Camphora |
1⁄2 dram ea. | |
|
Aurum | ||
|
Argentum |
5–15 each |
* Basil flower was originally ordered
** Balsam wood was in the original recipe but was replaced by Sandalwood
Preparation:
Powder; it was also made into a confection with 8 times their weight of Sugar in which the clarified juices of Quince, Sweet Apple and Borage had been added and boiled to a syrup.
Function:
Moves Qi and Blood, clears Cold and Damp, relieves Melancholy, strengthens
Use:
1. clears Cold and Phlegm from the Stomach and Liver, benefits Digestion and restores Appetite (when hindered by Damp);
2. Weakness of the Heart
3. Palpitations
4. restores a ‘Good Habit’ to the body
5. improves Complexion.
6. Principally used for Melancholy, Sadness, Fear without Cause, Depression, and to help in Anxiety
Dose:
1⁄2 scruple–1⁄2 dram in wine or some other appropriate vehicle
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. Some versions omitted Camphor, Gold and Silver. Musk and Ambergris were commonly added in a fraction of the dose given in the recipe, and were likewise sometimes omitted.
Galen was commonly credited as being the author. However, Renodeus said none of his works mentioned it, and he was apparently unfamiliar with some of the medicines. It may have been a formula written by Galen with later additions added by other authors. The Arabs, including Rhasis andNicholas had versions of it.
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How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures
“It causes a merry Heart, a good color, helps Digestion, and keeps back old age”.. (Culpeper)
Charras in his French Pharmacopoeia (1678) said “This powder is highly esteemed to correct Cold and Moist temperature of the Stomach and Liver, to help Digestion, and restore the Appetite. It is also very proper against Weaknesses, and Palpitations of the Heart, to restore a good habit of the body, and to bring a good color to the face, to keep the breath sweet, restore decayed strength, and dissipate Melancholy that proceeds from an Internal or no real cause”.
“There are two descriptions of this name; one given by Rhasis, which is seldom made; the other by an uncertain Author, which we have transcribed out of Praepositus as better. They err, that attribute this confection to Galen; for it is not contained in his works, neither did he know many of the ingredients, as Musk, Camphor, Amber and Pearls.
It is called Laetificans, or Powder of gladness, from its effect; for it laetificates the Heart and Spirits; we have expunged Balm-wood [Balsam wood] out of its confection, being very precious and rare, and in its stead substituted Citrian [yellow] Sandalwood; Lentisks and Aloeswood are also good substitutes for Balm-wood; as also for the Harts heart-bone, its Horn. The rest being always in readiness, need no substitutes.
The laetificant Electuary denotes its eximious faculties by its name; it laetificates the Heart, and all the Vital Parts and Faculties, recreates the bowels, absumes excrementitious humours, dissipates flatulency, and roborates [strengthens the ventricle [Stomach]”. (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)