Pulvis Oxytocius
Birth Powder
Western
Source / Author:
Powder
Moves the Blood, promotes Labor, relieves Pain
Promotes and Increases Labor. Evidently, it was used to induce Labor when due or overdue, but was most commonly used to enhance and increase Labor, and is especially useful if Labor has stalled. Once regular, strong contractions have begun, it is not necessary to use unless Labor is lasting too long or has stalled again.
2–4 scruples in wine, Mugwort water, or mixed into a soft-cooked Egg yolk; doses can be repeated every 2–4 hours as needed (smaller doses more often maybe better), with a maximum of 4 doses in 12 hours. Often, a full dose given to begin with, followed by a half dose 2 or 3 hours later if needed will suffice.
1. Not used during Pregnancy, except when labor is due or has begun.
2. Borax is potentially toxic in overdose.
1. There were many variations on this theme; variations were often prepared without Borax:
i. Cinnamon, Saffron
ii. Myrrh, Saffron and Amber;
iii. Cinnamon, Saffron and Amber;
iv. Cinnamon, Cassia Wood and Saffron
v. Cinnamon, Cassia Wood, Saffron and Amber
2. Another added Dittany of Crete and Castoreum of each 2 drams, Savin 1⁄2 dram
‘It is a most powerful medicament to accelerate the Birth, provoke the Terms &c.’ (Salmon)
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Birth Powder
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Herb NameSaffronCassia Wood Myrrh White Amber Borax |
|
Preparation:
Powder
Function:
Moves the Blood, promotes Labor, relieves Pain
Use:
Promotes and Increases Labor. Evidently, it was used to induce Labor when due or overdue, but was most commonly used to enhance and increase Labor, and is especially useful if Labor has stalled. Once regular, strong contractions have begun, it is not necessary to use unless Labor is lasting too long or has stalled again.
Dose:
2–4 scruples in wine, Mugwort water, or mixed into a soft-cooked Egg yolk; doses can be repeated every 2–4 hours as needed (smaller doses more often maybe better), with a maximum of 4 doses in 12 hours. Often, a full dose given to begin with, followed by a half dose 2 or 3 hours later if needed will suffice.
Cautions:
1. Not used during Pregnancy, except when labor is due or has begun.
2. Borax is potentially toxic in overdose.
Modifications:
1. There were many variations on this theme; variations were often prepared without Borax:
i. Cinnamon, Saffron
ii. Myrrh, Saffron and Amber;
iii. Cinnamon, Saffron and Amber;
iv. Cinnamon, Cassia Wood and Saffron
v. Cinnamon, Cassia Wood, Saffron and Amber
2. Another added Dittany of Crete and Castoreum of each 2 drams, Savin 1⁄2 dram
‘It is a most powerful medicament to accelerate the Birth, provoke the Terms &c.’ (Salmon)
Back to POWDERSBack to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures