Compound Guaiacum Confection
also known as ‘Chelsea Pensioner’

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

There were a number of variations.
The first is the original formula:

Herb Name Guaiacum resin Mustard seed Sublimed Sulphur Saltpeter Rhubarb Molasses

Latin Resina Guaiacii Sinapis alba Sulphura sublimata Potassium Nitrate Rheum palmatum Molasses Amount 1⁄2 oz. 1 oz. ea. 2 drams ea. 16 oz.

The following uses Nutmeg instead of Mustard seed, Cream of Tartar instead of Saltpeter, and Honey instead of Molasses:

Herb Name Guaiacum resin Nutmeg Sublimed Sulphur Cream of Tartar Rhubarb Honey

Latin Resina Guaiacii Myristica fragrans Sulphura sublimata Potassium bitartrate Rheum palmatum Mel Amount 1 dram 1 2 oz. 1 oz. 2 drams 1 lb.

Some versions were simplified, but the following suffers from the lack of Rhubarb:

Herb Name Guaiacum resin Sublimed Sulphur Cream of Tartar Honey

Latin Resina Guaiacii Sulphura sublimata Potassium bitaritrate Mel Amount 350 grams 25 grams ea. 450 grams

Some versions added Colchicum:

Herb Name Sublimed Sulphur Guaiacum resin Saltpeter Colchicum Nutmeg Simple Syrup

Latin Sulphura sublimata Resina Guaiacii Potassium Nitrate Colchicum autumnale Myristica fragrans Syrupus Amount 1 oz. 1⁄2 oz. ea. 2 drams ea. 2 oz.

Preparation:

Powder the herbs and gum, add the powdered Sulphur and Saltpeter, then mix well with the warmed Molasses / Honey / Syrup.

Function:

Clears Heat and Damp, clears Toxin, moves the Blood

Use:

1. Arthritis
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
3. Gout

Dose:

One spoonful twice daily. Some recommended taking 1 teaspoonful every 2 hours until the bowels move freely, then take a teaspoonful twice daily.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

‘Chelsea Pensioner’ is a formula allegedly made by an Apothecary in the Chelsea area in the U.K. The pensioners in this area were prone to Arthritic and Rheumatic complaints, and this formula was written to treat his patients. The formula became widely known, so much so that variations of it became official in some of the Pharmacopoeias.
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