Pilulae Imperiales
Imperial Pills
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Fernelius
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Aloe vera | 2 oz. | |
Rheum palmatum | 1 1⁄2 oz. | |
Fomitopsis officinalis | ||
Cassia angustifolia | 1 oz. ea. | |
Cinnamonum zeylanicum | 3 drams | |
Zingiber officinalis | 2 drams | |
Myristica fragrans | ||
Eugenia caryophyllus | ||
Nardostachys jatamansi | ||
Pistacia lentiscus | 1 dram ea. |
Preparation:
Form pills with Syrup of Violets
Function:
Purges Bile and Phlegm, Purges Mixed Humors, strengthens the Stomach
Use:
“It cleanses the body of mixed humours, and strengthens the Stomach exceedingly, as also the Bowels, Liver, and Natural Spirits: it is good for cold natures, and cheers the Spirits”. (Culpeper)
1. purges excess, purges Phlegm, Bile and Mixed Humors
2. cleanses the Stomach, Bowels and Liver;
3. benefits the Stomach and Digestion;
4. also for Headache, Vertigo, Gout etc
5. A safe, general purge for occasional use
Dose:
2 scruples–1 1⁄2 drams
It can be taken for 5–10 days every change of season, or once per week.
Cautions:
None noted
Not to be used continuously. Best not used for more than 7–10 days without a break.
Modifications:
1. It is better to increase the amount of Mastic.
2. It will be stronger with Saffron 1 dram added.
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These were called Imperial Pills “from the multiplicity of their faculties, and their benignity in acting”, and because they may safely be used by (almost) everyone.
“The Author did not without reason give this egregious denomination to these Pills, which from the multiplicity of their faculties, and their benignity in acting, merit a more noble title. They may also be called Catholical Pills, because they universally expurge all humours from all parts, as the Liver, Spleen, Ventricle, Brain; and if in greater quantity, from parts farther dissited [distant].
Nic. Prepositus describes more of the same name, which are seldom made, because they consist of more things, and are less efficacious.
These Imperial Pills of Fernelius, purge, roborate, and liberate all the bowels from infarctures, educe all noxious and obvious humours, and help the economy of all nutritive parts”, (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)