Electuarium Sanum et Expertum
‘A Sound and Experienced Electuary’

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name Jujube Sebesten Currant Fig Date Fenugreek Maidenhair Cinnamon Hyssop Orris Licorice Aniseed Fennel seed Linseed Mint

Latin Ziziphus jujuba Cordia spp Ribes nigrum Ficus carica Diospyros lotus Trigonella foenum-graecum Adiantum capillus-veneris Cinnamonum zeylanicum Hyssopus officinale Iris germanica Glycyrrhiza glabra Pimpinella anisum Foeniculum vulgare Linium usitatissimum Mentha arvensis Amount 15 ea. 1 oz. 2 1⁄2 oz. 1⁄2 handful 2 drams ea.

Preparation:

Seethe in 24 oz. of water down to half, first the Orris root, followed 15 minutes later by the Seeds, then the fruits and herbs, adding the Licorice and Cinnamon towards the end; then strain, and add to the decoction 12 oz. of Sugar Penids, and boil until thick; then add the following in powder:

Herb Name Pine nut Sweet Almonds Licorice juice Gum Arabic Tragacanth Starch Violet root

Latin Nux Pinea Prunus amygdalus dulcis Succus Glycyrrhiza Acacia arabica Astragalus tragacanth Amylum Viola odorata Amount 1 1⁄4 oz. 2 drams ea. 1 dram

Mix the powders and stir swiftly while it cools until it becomes white.

Function:

Clears Cold and Thick Phlegm, stops Cough

Use:

1. Cough with cold and thick Phlegm
2. Chronic Cough
3. Asthma
4. Wheezing, Difficult Breathing
5. Hoarseness
6. Cough during Measles or Fever

Dose:

1–2 drams

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. A version of the 1650 London Pharmacopoeia added Calamint, used equal amounts of Linseed and Fenugreek, and omitted Mint and Violet root.
2. For Chronic Cough, Asthma, Difficulty Breathing: Elec. Sanum et Expertum 2 oz.,  Diarrhodon Abbatis, 1 oz. each, Licorice juice, Flowers of Sulphur 2 dram each.

“It succours the Breast, Lungs, Throat, oppressed by Cold, and attenuates thick and gross humours in the Breast and Lungs”. (Culpeper)

The name “Sound and Experienced” comes from the fact that it was well regarded and agreed to be very effective to the intended purposes.
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