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Trochisci Viperini
Troches of Vipers,
also called Viperine Pastils,
or Theriacal Pastils


Tradition:
Western

Source / Author:


Preparation:

  Of the body, Hearts and Livers of Vipers, dried in the Sun                sufficient

The Vipers are best caught in the Spring. Their heads are cut off, their skin removed as are their bowels, leaving the Liver, Heart, and flesh with Bones. They are then to be sufficiently dried in the shade, then powdered and sieved. Then put a little Gum Arabic into 3 oz. of good Malmsey wine. Take a sufficient amount of this, add the Viper powder to it, then incorporate them very well to form a stiff paste out of which Troches are formed. This method is very good to preserve the virtue of the Viper and so were often used when Viper was called for.


It was traditionally prepared by the Ancients by being boiled in water with Salt and Dill until the flesh fell from the bones, then this was incorporated with Bread crumbs (quarter the weight of the vipers) to form Troches, but this method caused the loss of much of the inherit virtue.

Function:
Opens the Channels, promotes Circulation, clears Wind Damp, Resists Poison

Use:
1. Poison
2. Epidemic Disease (prevent and treat)
3. Arthritis, Rheumatism
4. Itching
5. Leprosy, Elephantiasis
6. Small Pox
7. Plague
8. Syphilis
9. Jaundice
10. improves Eyesight and Complexion
11. Weakness, Debility, Wasting diseases
12. Consumption, Hectic Fever
13. Scrofula, Tumors, Cancer
14. believed to promote Longevity (since Dioscorides)

Dose:

½ scruple–½ dram, up to a dram to those with a strong constitution, taken in Wine, Decoction etc.

Cautions:
None noted

Modifications:
1. Poison, Measles, Epidemic disease, Viper troches with Scorzonera, Angelica, Bistort, Gentian, Blessed Thistle (as in Orvietanum)
2. against all Poison and Infection with troches of Squill, Juniper, Angelica, Gentian, Saffron, St. John's wort, Myrrh (as in Reformed Theriac of D' Aquin)
3. Jaundice with Saffron, Salt of Amber, Citron peel
4. to strengthen Digestion, with Fennel seed, Aniseed, Coriander seed
5. Scrofula, Tumors, Cancer, Viper has been combined with Pill Millipede


  • Comment
  • History
  • Research
<
>
Troches of Vipers was regarded as the best way of keeping Vipers, so was the preferred method of use. It was also an easier way to trade Viper as a medicine.

It was prepared in ancient times by boiling in water with Dill, but later physicians believed this led to a loss of much of the vertues, so the above method was used.

Viper flesh has been important in most Traditions since ancient times. It is regarded as being able to penetrate the finest vessels and channels, clear Wind and Damp and renovate the body. It has a long association with longevity, and an equally long history of use against chronic and obstinate diseases such as Rheumatism and Leprosy.

Salmon said "the constant use of them for some time changes the Natural State, and as it were renovates or renews the whole man to a wonder ... they quicken the Sight, cause a good Color, and are Pectoral".

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