WESTERN CLASSIFICATION of the MATERIA MEDICA
2K. RESOLVENT
Resolvitive, Diaphoretica, Discutientia, Discussives, Dissolvents
Materia Medica in Arabic & Persian, Shirazy, 1793
Resolvent or Discussing medicines are those that break up, dissolve and disperse thick matter. They resolve Inflammations and Swellings, and are also used for Tumors. The Greeks called them Diaphoretica as they help the matter transpire through the skin (‘insensible transpiration’). Taken internally in full doses, they tend to promote Sweat.
They may be used with opening medicines and Blood movers for chronic obstructions including those of the Qi, Blood, Humors or Fluids, and are useful in Tumors. However, when used for Tumors, Emollients should be added to avoid excessive drying.
This class work in several ways, and many of these medicines have multiple effects to achieve this result. Some cut through Phlegm and Damp, some promote Sweat, others move Qi and Blood.
Mild
Stronger
Strongest
Mineral
| Nitre | Salt |
| Sal Ammoniac | Lime |
| Alabaster, Gypsum | Fullers Earth |
| Ceruse | Burnt Lead |
| Azurite | Orpiment |
| Sulphur | Shilajit |
Western Classification of the Materia Medica
s. Strengthening
t. Glutinate
u. Suppuratives
v. Expel Pus
w. Sarcotics
x. Incarnative
y. Corrosive
z. Cicatrizing
3. Tertiary Faculties
a. Sudorifics and Diaphoretics
b. Febrifuge and Antipyretic
c. Alexipharmic
d. Cordials and Cardiacs
e. Diuretics
f. Lithontriptic
g. Emmenagogue
h. Lactagogue
i. Aphrodisiacs
j. Increase Semen
