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Hiera Picra
Ayarij Fiqra
‘Holy Bitters’
Ayarij Fiqra
‘Holy Bitters’
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Themison of Ladodicea (c. 50 BC)
Galen is often credited, but he was not the originator.
1. The First version is the original of Themison of Ladodicea (c. 50 BC)
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2. The Second is the reformed version of Galen:
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3. The Third is from Mesue
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5. A Contemporary Unani version (Ayarij Fiqra):
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Preparation:
It is either used as a powder, or mixed with Honey to form an Electuarty. Generally, 3 parts by weight of clarified Honey can be used to form an Electuary.
Function:
Cleanses the Stomach, purifies the Blood, opens Obstructions, promotes Urine and Menstruation
Use:
1. cleanses the Stomach and Bowels; used when Appetite or Digestion is affected by excess Humors or Food Stagnation.
2. cleanses the Blood;
3. used for various diseases requiring cleansing and opening; Ulcers; Tumors;
4. often added to larger formulas.
5. Also sometimes used in Enemas
Dose:
1⁄2–1 dram of the powder with Honey, or with Prunes; 2–3 drams if made into a confection with Honey.
Cautions:
1. Not used during Pregnancy
2. Not used for more than 2 weeks without a break
Modifications:
1. To cleanse and purge the Stomach, add Cassia Fistula and Sugar.
2. To cleanse the Stomach when Damp, take with Tubith and Ginger
3. Insatiable Hunger from Heat, take with a decoction of Rhubarb, Myrobalans and Sour Dates
4. Obstruction of the Liver with Heat, take with Cassia Fistula 5. Stomach Ulcers, take with Barley water or Mead
‘Probably it is the oldest Pharmaceutical compound still in existence’, according to Woottons Chronicles of Pharmacy (1910). That would, perhaps, be debatable when we consider the age of some of the Chinese and India formulas, nevertheless, this was commonly used for nearly 2 millennia. Also, its exact origin is not certain; it could be older than 50BCE. It is a principle cleansing formula, promoting circulation of Qi and Blood, removing obstructions, and clearing stagnation and excess.
In 1721, the London Pharmacopeia omitted Mastic and Spikenard, substituting Cardamon for the latter, and in 1746, it was reduced to just Aloes and Canella, under the name Pulvis Aloeticus.
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