Diamargariton Frigidum
Compound Cooling Pearl Powder
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Nicholas
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Margarita | 3 drams | |
Citrullus vulgaris | ||
Cucurbitas spp. | ||
Cucurbita pepo | ||
Cucumis sativus | ||
Portulaceae oleracea | ||
Papaver somniferum | ||
Rosa gallica | ||
Nymphea alba | ||
Borago officinalis | ||
Myrtus communis | ||
Santalum citrinum | ||
Zingiber officinalis | ||
Aquillaria agallocha | 1 dram each | |
Corallum rubrum | ||
Corallum album | 1⁄2 dram each |
Preparation:
Powder them all finely. The 4 Cold Seeds and Poppy seed were ordered not to be added until the powder was prescribed (as they will go rancid if left long). In that case, 1 dram the other powders can be mixed with 1 scruple of the powdered seeds. Some perfumed it with Musk and Ambergris.
Function:
Nourishes and restores Yin, clears deficient Heat, strengthens the Lungs, Stomach, Kidneys and Liver when damaged by Heat and dryness
Use:
1. Used for Consumption, Hectic Fevers and Wasting from Yin-deficient Heat 2. Used for Chronic dry and Yin-deficient Cough and Wheezing
3. Used for Yin Deficiency associated old-age disorders and convalescence.
4. Beneficial in chronic diseases associated with Heat of Blood or Bile.
5. Calms the Spirit when annoyed by Heat: Insomnia, Restlessness, Palpitations
6. Useful Female tonic: Heat-type Uterine Bleeding or Excess Menstruation; PMS and Menopausal syndrome; weakness during Pregnancy and after Birth.
Dose:
1⁄2–1 dram, often taken in Violet or Water Lily Syrup, or with Rose Water etc.
Cautions:
Not suitable in Cold and Damp conditions
Modifications:
1. Some versions added Tormentil, Dittany, Cinquefoil
2. some added a little Gold leaf and Musk.
3. Others added precious stones and Amber.
4. A French version added Deer horn.
5. It was often taken with Diarrhodon Abbatis for Cough, Asthma, Palpitations, Heart Weakness, Heat Inflammations, Consumption, Menopausal complaints etc.
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“This powder, which is denominated from Pearl, is so variously described, that its Author is not known, but everyone changes it variously at will: This though, which we have exhibited out of Platerius, is by most learned writings attested the most genuine,
And it is called Frigid Diamargaritum, to difference it from anoher, which is hotter but made of few or none: it is also called the compounded Diamargatirum, in reference to Manus Christi, which consists only of the Sugar of Roses, and of Pearls. There is yet another compounded one, which admits of many precious stones, Amber, and Musk; but differing from the Electuary of Gems; only in that. it refrigerates more. It is seldom made.
The preparation of Diamargaritum is most in triture [powder], whereof we have largely treated in our Institutions [another text]. Pearls are oriental and pellucid, which are proved by their candor, rotundity, smoothness, weight, and magnitude, Those that are ponderous and crass, are called vinous: which because of their rarity and value, seldom ingrede Medicinal Compositions; they, like Coral, be ducted, and levigated upon a Purple-stone: The four cold seeds must be minutely incided, and pulverated very small; then the rest, and all confusedly mixed at last.
Diamargarirum is most efficacious to resartiate strength, take away swoundings, to help difficult breathers, to coct the cough, to refresh the tabid [emaciated], to recreate the languisher [weak], and to recuperate ones former state”. (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)
“Authors hold it to be restorative in Consumptions, to help such as are in Hectic Fevers, to restore Strength lost, to help Coughs, Asthmas and Consumptions of the Lungs, and restore such as have labored long under Languishing or Pining diseases”. (Culpeper)