Theriaca Diatessaron,
Or, simply Diatessaron
Tiryaq Arbaa (Unani)
Theriac of Four Ingredients
Or, The Antidote of Four
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
|
Herb Name |
Latin |
Amount * |
|---|---|---|
|
Gentiana lutea | ||
|
Laurus nobilis | ||
|
Commiphora molmol | ||
|
Aristolchia rotunda |
2 oz. ea. | |
|
Mel |
2 pounds |
* Some sources list Long Birthwort
Preparation:
Beat all the herbs to fine powder, then with Honey, form an Electuary.
In modern Unani practice, then herbs are powdered, then fried with Ghee.
Function:
Resists Poison, promotes Sweat, Clears Wind-cold, moves the Blood
Use:
Specifically an Antidote to Cold and Cold Poisons
1. Prevents and treats Infection during Epidemics.
2. Poisons and Venoms
3. Arthritis, Rheumatism
4. Edema
5. Skin diseases
6. Cold and Moist Coughs
7. Chronic Coughs
8. Jaundice
9. Obstructions of the Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Kidneys
10. Obstructed Menstruation
11. Other indications include Convulsions, Epilepsy, Migraines, Vertigo,: Insanity, Delirium, Palpitations etc
Dose:
1⁄2–1 1⁄2 drams, taken in the morning, fasting
1 dram taken with wine, then keeping warm after was used to potently promote Sweat.
Today, Unani practitioners prescribe 2–5 grams with Hot water.
Cautions:
1. Birthworts are no longer used because of the Aristolchic acid content. Substitutesshoulds be used.
Modifications:
1. Unani versions use Long Birthwort in place of the Round.
2. Some substituted Costus for Myrrh
3. Some added Saffron
4. For Coughs, take with Barley water.
5. The Arabs also had a Theriac of Eight Ingredients which added Costus, Tumeric, Rhubarb and Caper root-bark.
6. Take with Water or Syrup of Violets for obstinate Skin diseases.
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How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures
“The Antidote of the Four is useful against Poisons. This is for Poisons of animals which kill by stinging especially the Scorpion, and for Phlegmatic diseases”. (The Medical Formulary of al Samarqandi)
“Useful against trapped Wind in the belly, pain in the Liver and Spleen, Epileptic Fits, Palpitations of the Heart, and the Venom of Reptiles and other Vermin”. (Small Dispensatory of Sabur ibn Sahl, 869AD)
“A very Sovereign remedy against Poison” … “It potently promotes sweat”. (Wirtzung)
“This Treacle was invented for the Poor”, being a cheap, readily available and effective medicine against Poison and Infection, but also used for numerous other conditions. It was used almost as a Cure-all, and farmers were known to use it on their Cattle.