Antidotum Aurelii

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Nicholas Alexandrinus (Medici Graeci, 1541)

Herb Name	Latin	Amount
Cassia Wood	Cinnamonum cassia
Oregano	Oreganum vulgare
Southernwood	Artemisia abrotanum
Savin	Juniperus sabina
Germander	Teucrium chamaedrys
Silver bush	Anthyllis barba-jovis
Agrimony	Agrimonia eupatoria
Cyperus	Cyperus rotundus
Mother of Thyme	Thymus serpillum
Gentian	Gentiana lutea
Long Birthwort	Aristolchia longa
Agrimony root	Agrimonia eupatoria
Dragon root	Dracunculus vulgaris
Calamus	Acorus calamus
Marjoram	Oreganum marjorana
White Pepper	Piper nigrum
Fennel seed	Foeniculum vulgare
Cumin	Cuminum cyminum
Pilionis	?
Parsley seed	Petroselinum crispum
Citron seed	Citrus medica
Turnip seed	Brassica rapa
Sanicle	Sanicula europaea
Camels Hay seed	Juncus odoratus
Wild Turnip seed	Brassica spp.
Wild Rue seed	Peganum harmala
Horseradish seed	Armoracia rusticana
Plantain	Plantago major	9 drams ea.
Honey	Mel	sufficient

Preparation:

Powder the herbs and with sufficient honey (three times the weight), form an electuary.

Function:

Moves qi and blood, opens obstructions, clears Phlegm, promotes Urine, benefits the Liver, Stomach and Spleen

Use:

1. Stomach pain
2. Liver obstruction and pain
3. Spleen obstruction and pain
4. Edema

Dose:

As much as a hazelnut, with warm water if hot, otherwise with wine

Comment:

This is large and ancient formula, the original text using a number of obscure names which were difficult to translate, Pilionis still being uncertain. However, as it is placed amongst several seeds of the Apiaceae, it is almost certainly a similar seed of the same family as this group of medicines were commonly used, and usually placed together within a formula unless their dosages varied.
It is worthy of studying as it contains a number of different types of medicines in equal dose, yet contains no harsh medicines. It could be simplified to make a useful medicine for the intended purposes.