Electuary of Rhubarb
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Zenon of Athens (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Rheum palmatum | 100 aur * | |
Laccifer lacca | 20 aur | |
Aquillaria agallocha | 36 aur | |
Cinnamonum zeylanicum | 11 aur | |
Aristolchia longa | ||
Aristolchia rotunda | 30 aur ea. | |
Pistachio verum | 50 aur | |
Juncus odoratus | 80 aur | |
Oreganum marjorana | ||
Pimpinella anisum | ||
Terra Sigillata | 20 aur ea. | |
Fomitopsis officinalis | ||
Cinnamonum tamala | 6 aur ea. | |
Agrimony ** | Agrimonia eupatoria | 30 aur |
Nardostachys jatamansi | 16 drams | |
Piper nigrum | ||
Piper longum | ||
Piper album | ||
Zingiber officinalis | 10 aur ea. | |
Lavendula stoechas | ||
Oreganum vulgare | 9 aur ea. | |
Iris germanica | ||
Chicorium endiva | 6 aur ea. | |
Hyssopus officinale | ||
Pistacia lentiscus | ||
Crocus sativus | 7 aur ea | |
Commiphora opobalsamum | ||
Commiphora opobalsamum | 17 aur ea. |
* Aur is a traditional weight being that of a Gold coin. Over time, it was reduced from over 8 grams to around 6 grams. The weights may be adjusted for modern use.
** Gafit, given in the text, is Eupatorium, which sometimes equates with Eupatorium cannabinum. No matter which is intended, Agrimony was a commonly used for Eupatorium in Europe.
Preparation:
Powder and mix with Honey to form an Electuary
Function:
Strengthens the Liver, Opens Obstructions, Promote Urine
Use:
1. Flux of the Stomach (Diarrhea)
2. Liver obstruction with weakness
3. Used for hardness of the Organs
4. Edema
Dose:
2–3 drams
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
Similar Formulas:
This looks to perhaps have been the inspiration for some of the Opening formulas devised by the Arab physicians a millennia later. Compare with Greater Gum Lacca Powder of Mesue, Troches of Rhubarb and Troches of Lacca.
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