Syrup de Absynthio Compositus
Compound Syrup of Wormwood

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name	Latin	Amount *
Wormwood	Artemisia absinthum	1⁄2 lb.
Rose	Rosa gallica	2 oz.
Indian Spikenard	Nardostachys jatamansi	3 drams
White wine	Vinum alba
Quince juice	Succus Cydonia	2 1⁄2 lbs. ea.

Preparation:

Digest in a warm place for a day, then boil gently in B.M. down to half, and strain. With 2 lbs. of Sugar, make a Syrup according to Art.
Usually Roman Wormwood was used in place of Wormwood; clarified Honey was often preferred to Sugar. Renodeus said often there were two versions prepared at Apothecaries: one of Common Wormwood and Honey, the other of Roman Wormwood and Sugar.

Function:

Clears Phlegm and Damp, strengthens the Stomach and Liver

Use:

1. Indigestion
2. Poor appetite
3. Phlegm obstructing the Stomach
4. Edema
5. Jaundice
6. Obstruction of the Liver or Spleen
7. Cachexia
8. Epilepsy

Dose:

1⁄2–1 oz.

Comment:

“Mesue is followed verbatim in this; and the receipt is appropriated to cold and phlegmatic Stomachs, and it is an admirable remedy for it, for it strengthens both Stomach and Liver, as also the instruments of concoction; a spoonful taken in the morning, is admirable for such as have a weak Digestion, it provokes an Appetite to one’s victuals, it prevails against the Yellow Jaundice, breaks wind, purges humours by Urine”. (Culpeper)
“This Syrup is especial good for the Stomach, for the Liver, and for all nourishing parts: it makes appetite to meat, and helps to digest meat: it is good for the Falling Sickness, it expels Wind, and dries out all bad humours by the urine”. (Wirtzung)