Nosh Daru Electuary

Tradition:

Unani

Source / Author:

The Medical Formulary, Al-Kindi

Herb Name	Latin	Amount
Rose	Rosa damascena	6 dirhams
Cyperus *	Cyperus scariosus	5 dirhams
Clove	Eugenia caryophyllus
Mastic	Pistacia lentiscus
Spikenard	Nardostachys jatamansi
Cinnamon	Cinnamomum cassia	3 dirhams ea.
Ceylon Cinnamon	Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Yew (Zarnab) **	Taxus baccata
Saffron	Crocus sativus	2 dirhams ea.
Sebesten	Cordia latifolia
Greater Cardamon	Amomum villosum
Lesser Cardamon	Elettaria cardamomum
Walnut	Jugulans regia	1 dirham ea.

* Source text lists Cyperus longus. C. scariosus is probably intended (as it is used in other versions of Nosh Daru available on the Unani market). Cyperus rotundus can be used in its place.
** Abies webbiana has been listed by several sources for Zarnab.

Preparation:

“a ratl [400 grams] of the best young, purified [emblic] myrobalan is cooked with nine ratls [3.6 liters] of clear potable water until three ratls [1.2 liters] of liquid remain. Then it is clarified and that liquid returned to the vessel. On it is thrown two ratls [800 grams] of Sijistan sugar candy. Then it is boiled gently until it becomes the consistency of a thick electuary. The vessel is removed from the fire and the [powdered] ingredients are sprinkled in”.

Function:

Strengthens the Heart and Stomach, Moves Qi, Promotes Happiness

Use:

“makes those happy who drink it, for it makes Sadness disappear. It is pleasing to the Heart and the Spirit; it strengthens them both. It also strengthens the body, for it does away with a yellow complexion and improves the color. It strengthens the stomach and renders the body perspiration agreeable, improves the odor of the breath, and is good for the liver. It is harmless and is to be taken before or after meals.”
1. Sadness, mild Depression
2. Mental Fatigue, Restlessness
3. Liver Qi constraint
4. Qi obstruction affecting Digestion, Gastritis, GERD
5. Regarded as a good, general health tonic

Dose:

1–2 mitqal (4–8 grams) on an empty stomach

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

There are a number of variations of Nosh Daru available on the Unani market.
1. To make it more strengthening, add Red and White Behen
2. To more strongly move Liver Qi, add Sandalwood and Citron peel
3. To more strongly benefit the Heart, add Doronicum
4. To more strongly calm the Spirit, add Pearl

Comment:

This is related to the Letificans formulas. It has similar functions and uses, being especially similar to Letificans Almansoris in that both use a paste of Myrobalans as their basis.

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