Confectio de Hyacintho
Confection of Hyacinth
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Hyacinthus | ||
Corallum rubrum | ||
Terra Armenius | ||
Terra Lemnia | 1⁄2 oz. ea. | |
Quercus coccifera | ||
Potentilla tormentilla | ||
Dictamnus albus | ||
Citrus medica | ||
Rumex acetosa | ||
Portulaceae oleracea | ||
Crocus sativus | ||
Commiphora molmol | ||
Rosa gallica | ||
Pterocarpus santalinus | ||
Santalum album | ||
Santalum citrinum | ||
Os Cordis Cervii | ||
Cornu Cervi Usta | ||
Eboris | 4 scruples ea. | |
Smaragdus | ||
Topazius | ||
Sapphirus | ||
Margarita | ||
Sericum | 2 scruples ea. | |
Aurum | 20 | |
Argentum | 10 | |
Camphora | ||
Moschus | ||
Ambre gris | 5 grains ea. |
Preparation:
The stones must be properly prepared by levigation or other means; The Earths are prepared by levigating with Rose water then drying; Make a Confection with 4 oz. of Syrup of Lemons to every ounce of the above Powder by slowly adding the powders to the Syrup, adding the Musk, Ambergris, Gold and Silver towards the end.
It was often made without Musk and Ambergris.
Function:
Strengthens, clears Heat, benefits the Heart, stops Wind, settles the Mind and Nerves, Resists Poison
Use:
1. Syncope, Fainting
2. Palpitations
3. Heart weakness
4. Melancholy,. Sadness without Cause, Depression
5. Protects the Heart in Epidemic disease
6. Small Pox, Measles, Epidemic Fever
7. Weakness or Debility due to Fever
8. Shortness of Breath
9. Promotes a Happy disposition; Exhilarant
10. Dysentery
11. Some recommended it for Cancer
Dose:
1 scruple–1 dram; in Fever, take with Syrup of Lemon
Comment:
‘It much helps the Heart and Noble parts in their affections; it cures the Syncope, exhilarates the Heart, emends Palpitations, dulcorates the Breath, takes away Melancholy, and her sister Sadness without a manifest cause; it cures venerate and contagious diseases, and produces the same effects with the Confection of Scarlet grains [ie. Confectio Alkermes]’. (Renodeus)
Cardanuus said his Powder of Hyacinth cured many of Melancholy within 8 days.
Some said it has the virtues of Confectio Hamech, and used it for Cancer.
Although the author of this formula is uncertain the formula was in common use for a very long time. Galen had a powder which was likewise named after the Hyacinth stone, but this version is very different from his original and dose not therefore carry his name. Cardanuus had a Powder of Hyacinth, but it is not certain if this is a modified version of his prescription in the form of a Confection.
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. In some versions the Raw Silk, Bone of a Stag’s Heart and Camphor. Some used burnt Ivory instead of Ivory.
2. Dysentery, take with Troches of Amber
3. Also for Dysentery, take with Plantain
4. In Fever, take with Syrup of Lemons.
5. Syphilis, combine Confect. de Hyacinth with Confection of Alkermes and Abbot’s Confect of Roses as a strengthener in the long-term treatment of Syphilis.
6. Cancer: Confect. de Hyacinth 1 1⁄2 oz., Confect. Alkermes 3 drams, Conserve of Rose, Conserve of Bugloss root 1 oz., Syrup of Apples, qs, form an Electuary. Take as much as a nut with wine.
Although the author of this formula is uncertain the formula was in common use for a very long time. Galen had a powder which was likewise named after the Hyacinth stone, but this version is very different from his original and dose not therefore carry his name. Cardanuus had a Powder of Hyacinth, but it is not certain if this is a modified version of his prescription in the form of a Confection.
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Cardanuus said his Powder of Hyacinth cured many of Melancholy within 8 days.
Some said it has the virtues of Confectio Hamech, and used it for Cancer.
Neotericks invented this Confection, which the Mompelian Medics, who were first seen to usurp it, had in much use, It agrees only nominally with that in the first Section of the greater Luminary, which is denominated of Hyacinth, under the authority of its inventor Galen. But whoever was the Author of this, he hath selected the best Medicaments, congested them in the best Method and Order; and therefore I judge nothing changeable herein, unless it be Ivory, which I think were better crude then burnt; and Silk, which I would willingly detract, or tincture it in Kermes before composition.
Some require a greater weight of simples, who may by my permission either augment or lessen the quantity, if they detract not from the vertue and efficacy of the mixture; for a little change is none.
It much helps the Heart and noble parts in their affections; it cures the Syncope, exhilarates the Heart, emends Palpitation, dulcorates [soothes] the Breath, takes away melancholy, and her sister sadness without a manifest cause; it cures venenate [poison] and contagious diseases, and produces the same effects with the confection of Scarlet Grains [Confectio Alkermes]. (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)