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Diseases of the Brain
Crooke, Mikrokosmographia, 1618
"Diseases of the Brain" refers to diseases of the Mind, Brain and Senses. This includes diseases such as Headache, Migraine, Vertigo, Dizziness, Epilepsy etc., being comparable to what would be called 'Wind' diseases in the Eastern systems. Sometimes referred to as 'Diseases of the Head' or Capitalis, meaning Head.
In the West, medicines that 'Strengthen the Brain' and 'Medicines which Purge the Brain (or Head)' were most often referred to. The former are applicable in poor mental function, confusion or poor concentration and failing Memory. The latter are indicated in poor mental function associated with excess humors of the Head. There will be confusion, lack of clear thinking, a thick tongue coating and discharge of the eyes, ears or nose.
See also
Wind Diseases
Wind Diseases
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Western Tradition
Simples
Simples to Purge
Primary Compounds for the Brain
Cerebrum confortant–Strengthen the Brain
Decoction of Senna Compound Syrup of Peony Syrup of Citron Peel Rosemary Wine Sage Wine Tincture of Sage Tincture of Amber Confection of Borage (Khamira Gaozaban) (Unani) Conserve of Rosemary Aromatic Rose Formula (Aromaticum Rosatum) Abbots Confect of Rose (Diarrhodon Abbatis) (Nicholas) Powder of Three Sandalwoods (Diatriasantalum) (Mes.) Powder of Ambergris (Diambra) (Mesue) Restorative of Nicholas (Pleres Arconticon) Powder of Happiness (Letificans) Cooling Pearl Powder (Diamargariton Frigidum) Cooling Powder of Gems (Mesue) Warming Powder of Gems (Mesue) Electuary of Calamus (Diacorum) (Mesue) Gallia Muscata (Mesue) Gallia Muscata (Nicholas) Common Pills Stomach Pills (Mesue) Powder of Trithemius Troches of Gallia Alephangine Triphala Electuary of Coriander (Itriphal Kishneez) Oil of Oregano Oil of Cinnamon Oil of Stoechas Cerebrum Frigidum– Brain Diseases from Wind and Cold/Phlegm Conserve of Betony flower Conserve of Sage flower Calamus root confected Vinegar of Squill Oxymel of Squill Syrup of Citron Peel Syrup of Stoechas (Fernelius) Electuary of Gems of Mesue Diamuscum Theriac of 4 Ingredients (Diatessaron) Antimoron (Nicholas) Confection of Alfesera (Diabryonias) (Democrites) Cerebrum Calidum– Brain Diseases from Heat Syrup of Rose Syrup of Violet Conserve of Rose Conserve of Violet Cooling Pearl Powder (Diamargariton Frigidum) Abbots Confect of Rose (Diarrhodon Abbatis) (Nicholas) Powder of Three Sandalwoods (Diatriasantalum) (Mes.) Cooling Powder of Gems Troches of Camphor Cerebrum purgant & mundificant– Purge and Cleanse the Brain Confection of Alfesera (Diabryonias) (Democrites) Troches of Agaric Triphala Electuary of Coriander (Itriphal Kishneez) Aromatic Pills of Aloes (Aloephangine) (Mesue) Pil Assaireth Golden Pills of Nicolai Cerebrum oppilatum sanant– Open obstructions of the Brain Cyclamen Oxymel of Squill Antimoron (Nicholas) Triphala Electuary of Coriander (Itriphal Kishneez) Cerebri apostematibus conferunt– Abscess of the Brain Agaric Antimoron (Nicholas) Blanca Nicolai |
TCM Classification
The TCM classification for 'Diseases of the Brain' are generally associated with Wind disorders. They can be classified as follows:
Qi Stagnation Dull mind, depressed, worry, thinking too much Xiao Yao San Internal Wind Spasms, vertigo, tinnitus, thinking too much, hypertension etc. are from Wind affecting the Head. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Heat Irritability, restlessness, headache, insomnia with high colored urine and a rapid pulse Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Phlegm or Damp Dullness and heaviness of the Head, excess mucus and saliva, pale face, weak pulse and a thick or wet tongue coating; vertigo, dizziness, dull headache Er Chen Tang Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang Shi Xiang Fan Sheng Wan Heart Yin Deficiency Irritable, insomnia, low spirit, confused, poor memory, red tongue with little coating and a thin, rapid pulse Tian Wan Bu Xin Wan Heart Wind
Tibetan Medicine recognises Heart Wind as a disease. Wind in the upper body affects the Heart, Mind and Spirit. There will be chest pain and oppression, poor memory and concentration, nervousness, withdrawal, despondency, depression, mental unrest, shortness of breath, insanity Bi Ma La (Tibetan Medicine) |
Special Formula
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1. Warming Magisterial Powder for the Head
Stoechas Nutmeg Betony Seselos Marjoram Aloeswood Clove 1 dram 2. Temperature Powder for the Head Rose White Sandalwood Betony Stoechas Peony Sage Marjoram Clove 1 dram 3. Troches for Cold Diseases of the Head Calamus Red Coral prepared 2 drams Calendula Betony Stoechas Rosemary 1 scruple Coriander prepared Nutmeg Cinnamon ½ oz. Annis Sweet Fennel Peony Siler montane 3 drams Cardamon Clove 1 dram With Sugar of Rosemary, qs, form Tragema. |