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Compound Guaiacum Confection
also known as ‘Chelsea Pensioner’

Tradition:
Western

Source / Author:

There were a number of variations.
The first is the original formula:


Herb Name
Guaiacum resin
Mustard seed

Sublimed Sulphur
Saltpeter

Rhubarb
Molasses

Latin
Resina Guaiacii
Sinapis alba
Sulphura sublimata
Potassium Nitrate
Rheum palmatum

Molasses
Amount
1⁄2 oz.

1 oz. ea.


2 drams ea.
16 oz.


The following uses Nutmeg instead of Mustard seed, Cream of Tartar instead of Saltpeter, and Honey instead of Molasses:

Herb Name
Guaiacum resin
Nutmeg

Sublimed Sulphur
Cream of Tartar

Rhubarb
Honey

Latin
Resina Guaiacii
Myristica fragrans

Sulphura sublimata
Potassium bitartrate
Rheum palmatum
Mel

Amount
1 dram
1
2 oz.
1 oz.
2 drams
1 lb.


Some versions were simplified, but the following suffers from the lack of Rhubarb:

Herb Name
Guaiacum resin
Sublimed Sulphur

Cream of Tartar
Honey

Latin
Resina Guaiacii
Sulphura sublimata
Potassium bitaritrate
Mel

Amount
350 grams

25 grams ea.
450 grams


Some versions added Colchicum:

Herb Name
Sublimed Sulphur
Guaiacum resin
Saltpeter

Colchicum
Nutmeg
Simple Syrup

Latin
Sulphura sublimata
Resina Guaiacii
Potassium Nitrate
Colchicum autumnale
Myristica fragrans
Syrupus

Amount
1 oz.

1⁄2 oz. ea.


2 drams ea.
2 oz.

Preparation:
Powder the herbs and gum, add the powdered Sulphur and Saltpeter, then mix well with the warmed Molasses / Honey / Syrup.

Function:
Clears Heat and Damp, clears Toxin, moves the Blood

Use:
1. Arthritis
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
3. Gout

Dose:

One spoonful twice daily. Some recommended taking 1 teaspoonful every 2 hours until the bowels move freely, then take a teaspoonful twice daily.

Cautions:
None noted

Modifications:

  • Comment
  • History
  • Research
<
>
‘Chelsea Pensioner’ is a formula allegedly made by an Apothecary in the Chelsea area in the U.K. The pensioners in this area were prone to Arthritic and Rheumatic complaints, and this formula was written to treat his patients. The formula became widely known, so much so that variations of it became official in some of the Pharmacopoeias.
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