An Electuary is a stiff paste. Some are simply Powders that are mixed with clarified Honey. Some are mixtures of concentrated decoctions to which Sugar or Honey are added to form a thick type of syrup; some of these also have juices or powders added.
In India, similar paste-medicines are made with Ghee (clarified butter), or Ghee and Honey, while some also add Coconut Milk or animal Milk.
Electuaries are often elaborate medicines, and are suitable for keeping over a period of time. They are generally fairly concentrated and are usually quite palatable due to the Honey or Sugar content.
Sometimes the Electuary is left to ferment, being stirred a couple of times weekly over months until it rises. This was the case with Mithridate and Theriac.
In India, similar paste-medicines are made with Ghee (clarified butter), or Ghee and Honey, while some also add Coconut Milk or animal Milk.
Electuaries are often elaborate medicines, and are suitable for keeping over a period of time. They are generally fairly concentrated and are usually quite palatable due to the Honey or Sugar content.
Sometimes the Electuary is left to ferment, being stirred a couple of times weekly over months until it rises. This was the case with Mithridate and Theriac.
Extra Classical Formulas – Electuaries
A number of Classical Electuaries, less commonly used by 17th century
Triphala, Triphera and Itrifal – Formulas based on the Myrobalans
All the Great Medical systems with the exception of TCM have relied heavily on Myrobalan fruit and their formulas. Formulas based on the Three Myrobalans are called Triphala in Ayurveda, Triphera in Latin and Itrifal by the Arabs. They are some of the famous formulas of Traditional Medicine. The formulas of Mesue are especially well regarded, many of the Unani formulas below being based on his formulas. Most Myrobalan based formulas are in the form of Electuaries; some are Powders but will be listed below.
Other Myrobalan-based Formula
Ghirta–Preparations of Ghee
In Ayurveda, paste-medicines similar to Electuary are made of powders and ghee, often with the addition of Honey.