WESTERN CLASSIFICATION of the MATERIA MEDICA
2Q. ANODYNE
Dolores Sedantia; Analgesics
Materia Medica in Arabic & Persian, Shirazy, 1793
Medicines which ease pain without stupefying; if warm, they clear cold pain; if hot, cold pain. They are generally thin, open the pores and capillaries, and have some relaxing effect.
Classically, it has been stated that ‘all pain comes from obstructions’, so medicines to relieve pain, other than narcotics, tend to open obstructions of Qi and/or Blood. Otherwise some are Cold and relieve Pain caused by Heat, Bile Humor and Inflammation.
Some of them clear the exterior (promote sweat), some move Qi and Blood. Some have a cooling, soothing nature that clears Heat and soothes inflammation thereby relieving pain.
See also 2R. Narcotics which are stronger analgesics with narcotic effects.
Sample Anodyne Formula
Anodyne Troches (Galen)
Triangular Troches (Unani)
Tincture Producing Sleep
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
