Syrupus de Byzantinus Simplex et Composita
Byzantine Syrup, Simple & Compound

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name Endive juice Barberry juice Hops juice Bugloss juice

Latin Chicorium endiva Berberis vulgaris Humulus lupulus Anchusa officinalis Amount 2 lbs. ea. 1 lbs. ea.

Boil together and scum. Add an equal amount of Sugar, and boil to a Syrup.

The Compound version:

Herb Name of the above juices Rose Licorice Aniseed Fennel seed Celery seed Indian Spikenard

Latin Rosa gallica Glycyrrhiza glabra Pimpinella anisum Foeniculum vulgare Apium graveolens Nardostachys jatamansi Amount 4 lbs. 2 oz. 1⁄2 oz. 3 drams ea. 2 drams

Preparation:

Boil the herbs in the Juices, scumming as needed; strain it. To 3 lbs. of decoction, add 2 lbs. of Vinegar, 4 lbs. of Sugar, and make a Syrup.

Function:

Opens obstructions, clears Bile and Phlegm

Use:

The Simple and Compound versions are used similarly, but the Compound is better corrected and stronger for the intended purposes.
1. Phlegm and Heat obstructing the Stomach, Liver or Spleen
2. Used to help prepare the Phlegm and Melancholy Humors for purging
3. Cholecystitis and obstruction of the Gall Bladder
4. Jaundice
5. Chronic Fever
6. Urinary Obstructions
7. Gravel and Stones
8. Amenorrhea
9. Rickets
10. Adjunct for Worms

Dose:

1–2 oz. taken in the morning on an empty Stomach. It can be taken with water or decoction of Agrimony or Wormwood.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Edema, take with Syrup of Five Opening Roots.
2. Jaundice, take with Dodder, Hart’s Tongue, Chicory

“This syrup makes all the tough slimy matter to avoid, and it opens all obstructions”. (Wirtzung)
It was called Byzantine because it was very commonly used in Constantinople where it supposedly came from, and it was said Mesue obtained it from there.
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