Pilulae de Hermodactylis Majus
Habb-e-Suranjan Kalan
Pills of Colchicum Greater
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Colchicum luteum | ||
Ferula persica | ||
Aloe vera | ||
Terminalia chebula | ||
Ipomoea turpethum | ||
Commiphora mukul | ||
Citrullus colocynthus | 6 drams ea. | |
Euphorbium officinale | ||
Commiphora guidottii | ||
Astragalus sarcocolla | ||
Castoreum | ||
Ruta graveolens | ||
Apium graveolens | 3 drams ea. | |
Crocus sativus | 1 ½ drams |
Preparation:
Dissolve Opopanax and Sarcocolla in a warm syrup made of Cabbage juice and Honey, strain, boil to a suitable thickness, then add the rest in fine powder and form pills.
Note:
In contemporary Unani medicine, Colchicum (Suranjun) is divided into Sweet and Bitter varieties. The Bitter variety, which is the true Colchicum on the ancients, is generally not used internally, but is used externally in certain compounds. The Sweet variety is variously reported to be of Merendera spp. or Colchicum luteum. However, it is the type most suitable for internal consumption in modern days being less toxic and irritant.
Function:
Clears Wind-Damp, Relieves pain
It has demonstrated Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-arthritic effects.
Use:
This has the same indications as the Lesser Pills of Colchicum.
1. Gout
2. Hyperuricemia (high Uric acid)
3. Arthritis
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis
5. Osteoarthritis
6. Back pain
7. Musculo-skeletal aches and pain
8. Sciatica
9. Diseases of the Nerves from Wind-Cold-Damp
Dose:
Traditionally taken in doses of 1 scruple (1.2 grams)–half a dram (1.9 grams).
Today it is used in doses of 250–500mg, twice daily with milk. (Maximum daily dose is around 2 grams)
Cautions:
1. Avoid overdose or long-term use.
2. Not used in Pregnancy
3. Not used in Yin deficiency
Modifications:
1. Even without Colchicum, Colocynth and Euphorbium, it has the basis of a good formula to clear Wind-Damp Arthritic pain. Colocynth and Euphorbium are not used in the Lesser Pills of Colchicum.
2. Indian Spikenard can replace Castoreum.
3. Often combined with Foetid Pills for Arthritic diseases, and Damp diseases of the Nerves.
Similar Formulas:
Lesser Pills of Colchicum
Foetid Pills
Pills of Opopanax
Pills of Sagapen
Arthritic Pills
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How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures
“These Pills, which take their name from Hermodactyls [Colchicum], are very usual, and only sufficient for the inveterate dolours [pain] of the arteries [vessels], and more efficacious then those we call Arthritical Pills: yea, they are more securely sanitative then such as are denominated from Sagapenum, Opopanax or Sarcocolla; so that we shall not need to describe these.
For their due preparation, Sagapenum and Opopanax must be melted in the succe [juice] of Coleworts [cabbage]; then transmitted through a linen cloth, and then a little cocted [boiled]; then must the Powders of other simples be mixed in the succe cocted with Honey; and all brayed subacted, and handled by hands anointed with oil together til they acquire a due consistence: They may also be rightly subacted with the Eclegm of Cauls.
Pills of Hermodactyls potently expel crass and serous humors from all extreme [distant] parts, but especially from the articles [joints]; and conduce to the cold diseases of the head, nerves, and junctures.” (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)