Electuary of Black Hellebore

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Zenon of Athens (Omnia Quae extant in Latinum Sermonem Conversa, 1556)

Herb Name Black Hellebore, prepared Aloeswood Saffron Aniseed Mastic Marjoram Agaric Orris Stoechas Turbith

Latin Helleborus niger Aquillaria agallocha Crocus sativus Pimpinella anisum Pistacia lentiscus Oreganum marjorana Fomitopsis officinalis Iris germanica Lavendula stoechas Operculina turpethum Amount 20 aur * 1 1⁄2 aur 1 aur 2 aur 4 aur 1 aur 6 aur 8 aur ea. 4 aur

* Aur is a traditional weight based on a Gold coin. As each dose in the formula is Aur it can be easily modified to grams.

Preparation:

Powder and mix with clarified Honey to form an Electuary.

Function:

Stops Wind, clears Phlegm

Use:

1. Vertigo
2. Other Wind diseases of the Head

Dose:

4 drams (given in the source text; a lower dose would be given to begin with)

Cautions:

Contains the toxic Hellebore which requires preparation. Avoid overdose and begin with smaller doses.

Modifications:

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