Diambra, Species de Ambrae
Powder for Ambergris
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
Herb Name | Latin | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Cinnamonum zeylanicum | ||
Doronicum hookeri | ||
Eugenia caryophyllus | ||
Myristica fragrans | ||
Myristica fragrans | ||
Laurus nobilis | ||
Alpina officinarum | 3 drams ea. | |
Piper longum | ||
Santalum citrinum | ||
Aquillaria agallocha | 2 drams ea. | |
Zingiber officinalis | 1 1⁄2 drams | |
Nardostachys jatamansi | ||
Elettaria cardamomum | ||
Aframomum melegueta | ||
Ambre gris | 1 dram ea. | |
Moschus | 1⁄2 dram |
Preparation:
Powder the herbs, adding the Musk and Ambergris at the end
Function:
Clears Cold and Damp, Warms the Yang, moves Qi and Blood, strengthens Stomach
Use:
1. Yang Deficiency: Coldness
2. Cold diseases of the Head and Brain; Mental Dullness, Loss of Senses, Poor Memory
3. A Special for Incubus, Nightmares
4. Strengthens the Three Faculties and Three Spirits
5. Stomach Cold: Nausea, Vomiting, Poor Appetite
6. Heart deficiency with Coldness; Palpitations, Breathlessness
7. Cold Joint pain, Arthritis, Sciatica
9. Promotes Sperm in Cold bodies
Dose:
1⁄2–1 dram
Cautions:
1. Very hot and dry. Not suitable in Heat conditions or Yin deficiency.
2. Not used in Pregnancy
Modifications:
1. For Catarrh, take with Diareos Salomonis
2. Strengthen the Heart, Liver and Brain in chronic illness, combine with Diamoschu, Manus Christi with Pearl, and Aloeswood; take with water of Water Lily before bed.
3. Cardiac Lozenges: Diambra, Angelica root 1⁄2 dram each, Oil of Nutmeg 4 drops, oils of Cinnamon and Clove 2 drops each, Sugar; form lozenges.
4. Palpitations, Diambra, Gascoines Powder (1 dram ea.), Cinnamon oil 1 drop. Mix for 6 doses.
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“This compound is very aromatical and sweet, both because of the Amber [Ambergris], from which it is denominated, and of the Musk, and other Aromarta’s that ingrede it. It is kept either in form of a powder, or of a solid Electuary, or of Honey: if it be required of a hard consistence, as that of Tablets, its powder must be received into Sugar of Roses perfectly cocted; if soft, like that of Opiates, its powder must be received into the Julep of Roses, or Alexadrian Syrup.
Its preparation is only pulveration; which must be effected as we have demonstrated in the 9 and 10 Chap. and a Book of our Institutions.
Diambra doth most efficaciously roborate [strengthen] the bowels, especially if their imbecillity be from a cold cause: for by calefaction [warming] it refects [restores] the Spirits [Qi], and foments the Native Heat [Yang]; it helps the affections of the Uterus, and is very convenient for old men and women”, (A Medicinal Dispensatory, Renou, 1657)
“It is very forcible for all debility of the Head, and of the whole body; it provokes Natural Heat, it is also very good for all them that be vexed with Cold Humours, and in like manner for the Joints and against wambling of the Stomach, that can keep no meat or food, it causes Appetite and strengthens the Heart”. (Wirtzung)
“Mesue appropriates this to the Head, and says, it heats and strengthens the Brain, causes Mirth, helps Concoction [Digestion], cherishes the Animal, Vital and Natural Spirits, it strengthens the Heart and Stomach, and resists all Cold diseases, and is therefore special good for Women and old Men”. (Culpeper)