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Pilulae Stomachica
Stomach Pills,
or Pills before Meals
Stomach Pills,
or Pills before Meals
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
Preparation:
Powder and form pills with Syrup of Wormwood or Syrup of Rose
Function:
Cleanses the Stomach, strengthens Stomach and promotes Digestion
Use:
1. Stomach weakness with Indigestion, Nausea, Poor Appetite
2. Vertigo, Migraine, Lethargy associated with stomach dysfunction
Dose:
1–2 scruples, usually taken before meals; sometimes before bed.
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. Replacing Rose with Agaric makes Pills of Mastic.
2. When Clove, Saffron and Scammony prepared are added, it forms Pills of Aloe and Mastic of Nicholas, used similarly.
3. When Senna, Gum Ammoniac and Myrrh are added, it forms Stomach Pills with Gums, stronger, and better for thick and obstinate Phlegm.
4. A more compound Stomach Pills added Myrobalans, Cardamon, Aloeswood, Sandalwood, Clove, Nutmeg, Rhubarb and Turbith. This is stronger to strengthen and regulate the Stomach, and is better for thick Phlegm and more obstinate Humors.
Similar Formulas:
1. Similar to Pills of Mastic of Mesue, which use Agaric in place of Rose. The Pills of Mastic are stronger for Phlegm and Damp.
2. A number of formulas are based on this trio including Pills for Arthritis, Golden Pills, Pills to Clarify, ‘Pills without which I would not be’ etc.
These were traditionally held to gently cleanse the Stomach, but strongly strengthen the same, promoting and strengthening digestion.
‘They cleanse the Stomach from all foulness, strengthening it, and rendering it capable to perform all its functions. They are also called Pills Before Meals, because they are usually taken before Meals, and require no Regiment at all. They cause but little evacuation at a time, and are therefore given in a small dose, from one scruple to half a dram. You may take them as often as you find occasion’. (Salmon)
‘They cleanse the Stomach from all foulness, strengthening it, and rendering it capable to perform all its functions. They are also called Pills Before Meals, because they are usually taken before Meals, and require no Regiment at all. They cause but little evacuation at a time, and are therefore given in a small dose, from one scruple to half a dram. You may take them as often as you find occasion’. (Salmon)
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