Confection for Diabetes

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Galen (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)

Herb Name Tabasheer * Aloeswood burnt White Sandalwood Purslane seed Tragacanth Gum Arabic Turbith Barberry Endive seed Armenian Earth Mastic Cinnamon Oregano Sugar

Latin Bambusae silicae Aquillaria agallocha usta Santalum album Portulaceae oleracea Astragalus tragacanth Acacia arabica Operculina turpethum Berberis vulgaris Chicorium endiva Terra Armenius Pistacia lentiscus Cinnamonum zeylanicum Oreganum vulgare Saccharum Amount 4 drams ea. 3 drams ea. 1 oz.

* If this formula is really of Galen, the Spodium in the text will not refer to Tabasheer. Spodium is typically burnt Ivory, but to the ancient Greeks it was also used for the scrapings of the inside of a furnace. We have listed Tabasheer, as most Latin formulas requesting Spodium indicates Tabasheer, and Tabasheer is generally a suitable substitute for Ivory Spodium.

Preparation:

Mix well and form a Confection with Conserve of Roses.

Function:

Strengthens the Kidneys, Astringes, Stops Leakage

Use:

1. Diabetes * (see comment below)
2. Thirst with Excess Urination
3. Nocturnal Enuresis
4. Frequent Urination
5. Bedwetting in Children

Dose:

8 drams every morning for an adult

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Whereas some traditional formulas listed for Diabetes may be useful in Diabetes Mellitus, this probably isn’t one of them. If it were used, the Sugar should be omitted.

* Diabetes, classically meant inability to hold water, or constant urination, usually accompanied with Thirst. It can overlap the modern understanding of Diabetes, but is not synonymous. Of course, were it used in true Diabetes, a sugar free version should be used, perhaps as pills or powder, or maybe as a honey-based Confection using Honey of Roses in place of Conserve of Rose.

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