Trochisci Alipta Moschata
The Surgeon’s Musked Troches
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Nicholas Praepositus
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount |
|---|---|---|
|
Cytinus hypocystis |
3 oz. | |
|
Styrax officinalis |
1 1⁄2 oz. | |
|
Styrax benzoin |
1 oz. | |
|
Aquillaria agallocha |
2 drams | |
|
Abre gris |
1 dram | |
|
Camphora |
1⁄2 dram | |
|
Moschus |
1⁄2 scruple |
Preparation:
In the Dog Days (heat of Summer), blend the gums with Rose water or a little Almond oil until soft, then add the remaining in powder, and form into Troches.
Function:
Strengthens the Heart and Spirit, clears Phlegm and Damp, revives the Brain and Senses, Resists Poison
Use:
1. Epilepsy
2. Apoplexy
3. Vertigo
4. Lethargy
5. Migraine
6. Asthma (especially in children)
7. Cough with thick Phlegm and chest tightness
8. Fainting
9. also to preserve from infection during Epidemics
Dose:
6–8 grains for a child; up to 1 scruple for an adult in Water or Wine.
They were also carried in little bags to smell to prevent infection during epidemics. Such bags can be worn around the neck. For the same purpose, they were also burned as incense.
Cautions:
Not used during Pregnancy
Modifications:
1. Early versions did not contain Benzoin and reduced the amount of Aloeswood.
Alipta is a surgeon. These were primarily used by Surgeons.
Commonly added to larger formulas: “enters into the most precious medicines and electorates”
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“These Trochisks are seldomer made then the former [Gallia Moschata], although in halite, suavity and odour, they are very affine [similar]: they are laboriously made, after Salernitanus his description; but easily thus: Iadanum must be brayed in a hot Copper-Mortar, with a hot Iron Pestel, in Rose-water, till by much duction and agitation, it become like a smooth Unguent, without the least asperity; then must the Storax be added, and much diduced with the Pestel; afterwards Xylo-aloes Camphor, Musk, and Amber, washed apart in a little Rose-water in another vessel, all brayed, confusedly mixed, and subacted into a mass, may be made into Trochisks, dried in a shade, and reposed in pots.
They most efficaciously corroborate the brain, heart, livers, ventricle, and all nutritive parts, and refresh the spirits.” (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)