Diasptum
Or, Electuarium Centaurium
Antidote of Seven Things
Or, Electuary of Centaury

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Seven Books of Paulus Aegineta

Herb Name St. John’s wort Long Birthwort Centaury Ground Pine Agaric Germander Gentian Honey

Latin Hypericum perforatum Aristolchia longa Centaurium erythraea Ajuga chamaepitys Fomitopsis officinalis Teucrium chamaedrys Gentiana lutea Mel Amount 1 oz. ea. 3 oz. ea. 4 oz. 5 oz. 5 drams

Preparation:

Powder the herbs and mix with three times their weight of clarified Honey to form an Electuary.

Function:

Clears Heat and Damp, relieves Inflammation and Pain

Use:

1. Gout of the Feet;
2. Arthritic conditions

Dose:

1 dram

Cautions:

Birthwort should be omitted or substituted.

Modifications:

1. Some added Stone Parsley seed 1 oz. Celery seed could be used in its place.
2. Birthwort should be replaced by a suitable substitute.

‘But Aetius chiefly commends the Antidote of Centaury, and he writes, that he knew many cured by the use thereof; and that it was so wholesome for such as were troubled with the Gout [Arthritis], that the use thereof had enabled many that had been affected herewith fifteen years, and so well recovered them, that they went journeys on foot; and that it was grateful to the stomach, convenient for the belly, and provoking much urine’. (Sennertus, Practical Physick, 1676)
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