Pisum, Peas

Ortus Sanitatis, Meydenbach, 1491

New Kreuterbuch, Matthiolus, 1563

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Flora von Deutschland (24), Kohler, 1886

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Botanical name:
Pisum sativum
Several varieties were known and used

Parts used:
Peas

Temperature & Taste:
Warm, dry. Sweet

Uses:
1. Warms the Kidneys, Nourishes Sperm:
-Impotence, Infertility
-long used to Nourish Sperm; also increases Essence

2. Nourishes Qi and Blood:
-'they nourish much, and restore in Consumption'. (Salmon)
-cause a 'strong, healthy, and good habit of Body', (Salmon)
-restorative in Consumption, chronic weakness, Wasting, Convalescence
-promote strength and a good complexion
-pea porridge is good for shortness of breath from deficiency

3. Promotes Urine, Clears Stones:
-Gravel, Stones, obstructed Urine (Decoction)

4. Externally:
-as a wash or scrub to cleanse and beautify the skin; freckles, discoloration
-in cataplasm to discuss tumors
-applied to receding gums

Dose:
Pea meal (powder) 2–5 grams or more
Peas may be eaten daily in doses of 1–2 oz., either boiled, or made into a porridge or gruel.

Correctives:
Cumin, Caraway, Fennel, Aniseed, Ginger, Cinnamon, Pepper

Main Combinations:
1. Added to a strong meat broth and boiled until they break down, it restores in consumption. (Salmon)
2. Receding or wasting gums, Pea meal (made into cakes with honey, dried and powdered), Dragon's Blood, Frankincense, Mastic (2 drams each), Birthwort, Orris (1 dram each). Powder and rub on the gums often (Wirtzung)

Cautions:
Peas like other legumes are Windy, so may aggravate Wind diseases and Wind constitutions.

Main Preparations used:
Volatile Salt (used as Volatile Salt of Beans)