Mespilus, Medlar

Dutch Medlar

Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Kreutterbuch, Matthiolus, 1586

Flora von Deutschland (25), Kohler, 1886

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Botanical name:
Mespilus germanica (syn. M. vulgaris)
Pliny listed three varieties:
  1. Anthedon (Crataegus azarolus)
  2. Setania (Italian Medlar)
  3. Gallic (French Medlar)

Parts used:
Fruit; Kernel; rarely the Leaf

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, dry. Green fruit are more Sour and Dry. Fresh fruit is less dry and Sweet.

Uses:
1. Astringes to Stop Leakage:
-chiefly for Diarrhea and Dysentery
-Leukorrhea, Spermatorrhea
-Mesue used it to astringe (firm) the Uterus and Vulva
-Dried Green fruit is strongest; Green fruit, Ripe fruit and Leaf also share this function in descending order of strength

2. Promotes Urine, Clears Stones
-Edema
-expel stones from the Kidneys
-Medlar kernels are more often used for this purpose

3. Externally:
-Vomiting and Fluxes (Cataplasm over the Stomach)
-Plaster applied to the lower back prevents Miscarriage
-in Gargles for pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat
-in Baths for the Uterus for excess menstruation


Main Combinations:
1. Vomiting or Diarrhea, with Rose, Clove, Nutmeg and Red Coral
2. Gravel, Stones:
i. Medlar kernels powdered and taken with decoction of Parsley root expels Stones.
ii. Medlar kernel with Nutmeg, Juniper berry, Bay berry (as in Powder of Maximillian for Gravel)
iii. Medlar, with Chicken Gizzard skin, Fennel seed, Aniseed

Major Formulas:
Powder of Maximillian for Gravel

Cautions:
1. The fruit hurts the Stomach, especially when green and hard. (Schroder)

Main Preparations used: