Confection for Diabetes
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Galen (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Bambusae silicae | ||
Aquillaria agallocha usta | ||
Santalum album | ||
Portulaceae oleracea | ||
Astragalus tragacanth | ||
Acacia arabica | ||
Operculina turpethum | ||
Berberis vulgaris | ||
Chicorium endiva | ||
Terra Armenius | 4 drams ea. | |
Pistacia lentiscus | ||
Cinnamonum zeylanicum | ||
Oreganum vulgare | 3 drams ea. | |
Saccharum | 1 oz. |
* If this formula is really of Galen, the Spodium in the text will not refer to Tabasheer. Spodium is typically burnt Ivory, but to the ancient Greeks it was also used for the scrapings of the inside of a furnace. We have listed Tabasheer, as most Latin formulas requesting Spodium indicates Tabasheer, and Tabasheer is generally a suitable substitute for burnt Ivory.
Preparation:
Mix well and form a Confection with Conserve of Roses.
Function:
Strengthens the Kidneys, Astringes, Stops Leakage
Use:
1. Diabetes * (see comment below)
2. Thirst with Excess Urination
3. Nocturnal Enuresis
4. Frequent Urination
5. Bedwetting in Children
Dose:
8 drams every morning for an adult
Comment:
* Diabetes, classically meant inability to hold water, or constant urination, usually accompanied with Thirst. It can overlap the modern understanding of Diabetes, but is not synonymous. Of course, were it used in true Diabetes, a sugar free version should be used, perhaps as pills or powder, or maybe as a honey-based Confection using Honey of Roses in place of Conserve of Rose.
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. Whereas some traditional formulas listed for Diabetes may be useful in Diabetes Mellitus, this probably isn’t one of them. If it were used, the Sugar should be omitted.

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