Herb Groups of the Western Tradition
Traditional Western Pharmacy had a number of groups of medicines that were often used in formulas.
These are groups of medicines which complement each other to achieve a common goal. They have similar nature and effects, and so if all medicines of the group are not available, one herb of the group may be used in double proportion to replace another.
The following is taken from Pharmacopoeia Londinensis (London Pharmacopoeia), translated by William Salmon, 1696. In it he lists the standard medicines of the group, along with other medicines of a similar nature which can be used to indicate suitable substitute medicines.
These are groups of medicines which complement each other to achieve a common goal. They have similar nature and effects, and so if all medicines of the group are not available, one herb of the group may be used in double proportion to replace another.
The following is taken from Pharmacopoeia Londinensis (London Pharmacopoeia), translated by William Salmon, 1696. In it he lists the standard medicines of the group, along with other medicines of a similar nature which can be used to indicate suitable substitute medicines.
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Two Opening Roots
Fennel, Parsley To these may be added: Chicory, Endive, Celandine, Squill, Masterwort Five Greater Opening Roots Parsley, Asparagus, Fennel, Celery, Sea-Holly (according to some, Butcher's Broom) To these may be added: Garlic, Onions, Licorice, Angelica, Gentian |
Five Lesser Opening Roots
Cough Grass, Sea Holly, Capers root-bark, Madder, Restharrow To these may be added: Elecampane, Horseradish, Birthwort, Polypody, Turmeric The Opening Roots are used to open obstructions, promote Urine and clear Phlegm and Damp in particular. |
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Four Greater Cold Seeds
Pumpkin, Gourd, Cucumber, Melon To these may be added: various members of the Cucur-bitaceae have been used for the 4 Greater Cold seeds Four Lesser Cold Seeds Endive, Chicory, Lettuce, Purslane To these may be added: Sorrel, Dandelion, Plantain, Chickweed. Arab Physicians often use Plantain, Sebesten seed, Quince seed and Basil seed. The Cold Seeds clear Heat, relieve inflammation, help clear Phlegm and Damp and help nourish Yin. |
Four Greater Hot Seeds
Aniseed, Caraway, Cumin, Fennel To these may be added: Cardamon, Grains of Paradise, Mustard seed, Pepper Four Lesser Hot Seeds Bishops Weed, Amomus, Parsley (or Celery), Carrot To these may be added: Cubeb, Dill, Celery, Rocket The Hot seeds warm the Organs, move Qi and clear Wind and Colic. They especially warm the Stomach, Bowels, Kidneys and Uterus. They are useful for Cold, Phlegm and Damp conditions |
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Three Warm Cordial Flowers
Camomile, Meliot, Dill Three Cold Cordial Flowers Violet (or Rose), Bugloss, Borage Four Cordial Flowers Violet, Rose, Bugloss, Borage To these may be added: Saffron, Spikenard, Rosemary, Clove-Gilliflowers (Dianthus caryophyllus), Poppy Cordial flowers benefit the Heart. Four Emollient Herbs Mallow, Marshmallow, Violet, Acanthus Five Emollient Herbs Mallow, Marshmallow, Beet, Mercury, Violet leaf To these may be added: Arrach, Cabbage, Pellitory of the Wall, White Lily, Meliot The Emollient herbs soothe and soften. The Three Peppers Black Pepper, White Pepper, Long Pepper The Three Balsams Balsam fruit, Balsam wood, Balsam gum Four Carminative Herbs Camomile, Dill, Meliot, Rue |
Five Capillary Herbs
Maidenhair, Wall Rue, Spleenwort (Ceterach), Hart's Tongue, Trichomanes (Politricum) Five Greater Capillary Herbs Rosemary, Lavender, Peony, Sage, Poppy Capillary herbs help open the fine vessels. Five Myrobalans Chebulic, Yellow, Black, Emblic and Belleric. Used to balance, regulate and remove excess of the Humors. Five Precious Stones Garnet, Jacinth (Zircon), Sapphire, Sardine (or Carnelian), Emerald. When Precious stones are called for, equal parts are used. Used in Cordial preparations to calm and cheer the Mind and Spirit. |