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Theriaca Diatessaron,
or simply Diatessaron
Tiryaq Arbaa (Unani)
Theriac of Four Ingredients
or simply Diatessaron
Tiryaq Arbaa (Unani)
Theriac of Four Ingredients
Tradition:
Western, Unani
Source / Author:
Mesue
Herb Name
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Preparation:
Beat all the herbs to fine powder, then with Honey, form an Electuary.
In modern Unani practice, then herbs are powdered, then fried with Ghee.
Function:
Resists Poison, promotes Sweat, clears Heat, moves the Blood
Use:
Specifically an Antidote to Cold and Cold Poisons
1. prevents and treats Infection
2. Poisons and Venoms
3. Arthritis, Rheumatism
4. Edema
5. Skin diseases
6. Cold and Moist Coughs
7. Chronic Coughs
8. Jaundice
9. Obstructions of the Stomach, Liver, Spleen, Kidneys
10. obstructed Menstruation
11. other indications: Convulsions, Epilepsy, Migraines, Vertigo,: Insanity, Delirium, Palpitations etc
Dose:
1⁄2–1 1⁄2 drams, taken in the morning, fasting; 1 dram taken with wine, then keeping warm after was used to potently promote Sweat.
Today, Unani practitioners prescribe 1–5 grams with Hot water.
Cautions:
1. Birthworts are not longer used because of the Aristolchic acid content. Substitutes used in Europe include prepared Arum root, Zedoary, or Madder root. In TCM Stephania tetrandra (Han Fang Ji) and Cocculus orbiculatus (Mu Fang Ji) are accepted substitutes. Zedoary is perhaps the most beneficial substitute in this case as it was highly regarded against Poison and Contagion.
Modifications:
1. Unani versions use Long Birthwort in place of the Round.
2. Some substituted Costus for Myrrh
3. Some added Saffron
4. For Coughs, take with Barley water.
5. The Arabs also had a Theriac of Eight Ingredients which added Costus, Tumeric, Rhubarb and Caper root-bark.
6. Take with Water or Syrup of Violets for obstinate Skin diseases.
It was invented for the Poor, being a cheap, readily available and effective medicine against Poison and Infection, but also used for numerous other conditions. It was used almost as a Cure-all, and farmers were known to use it on their Cattle.
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