Pilulae Agrimoniae Majus
Greater Pills of Agrimony
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Agrimonia eupatoria | ||
Artemisia absinthum | 3 drams ea. | |
Terminalia chebula (yellow) | ||
Rheum palmatum | 3 1⁄2 drams | |
Pistacia lentiscus | 1 dram | |
Crocus sativus | 1⁄2 dram | |
Aloe vera | 5 drams |
Preparation:
Powder and form Pills with Water of Macedonian (ie. ‘Italian’) Parsley (or Syrup of Celery)
Function:
Clears Heat, opens Obstructions
Use:
1. Jaundice
2. Liver Tumors
3. Hepatitis
4. Liver obstructions;
5. for all diseases where excess Bile has weakened the body;
6. Periodic Fever;
7. chronic Fever associated with Liver Heat.
Dose:
1 scruple–1 dram taken before bed; 1⁄2 dram is a common dose (some gave up to 2 drams)
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. Some versions used a greater amount of Rhubarb
Similar Formulas:
Pills of Agrimony Lesser.
Pills of Rhubarb
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“Mesue describes two forms of these Pills; the former which we have here inserted, he calls the greater, the other the lesser, which are seldom (as both indeed) prepared. But these being very commendable for the Jaundice, and all obstructions of the Liver, should be kept in Pharmacopolies, that it might go better with the diseased. They should rather be denominated from Rhubarb, which is the Basis in the composition: But Authors put names upon the compounds they invent, rather according to their own wills, then valid reason.
For the due making of them, the succe [juice] of true Agrimony and Wormwood should by evaporation be inspissated [thickened], exsiccated [dried], and afterwards pulverated [powdered]; then mixed with other Medicaments, brayed apart; then all subacted into a fit mass, with Syrup of Endive or Succory. They are perperously, who following Mesue’s advice, put Powders into water of Endive, and so coact them into a mass.
These greater Pills of Agrimony do not only cure the Jaundice, but periodical and circularly-reiterated [repeating] Fevers also”. (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)
‘It is a gallant gentle purge, and strengthening, fitted for such bodies as are much weakened by disease or Choler. The author appropriates it to such as have Tertian Agues, the Yellow Jaundice, obstructions or stoppings of the Liver; half a dram taken at night going to bed, will work with an ordinary body, the next day by noon’. (Culpeper)