Diacorum
Electuary of Calamus

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name Calamus Chick pea root Pine nut Black Pepper Long Pepper Clove Rose Ginger Mace Nutmeg Galangal Cardamon

Latin Acorus calamus Cicer arietinum Nux Pinea Piper nigrum Piper longum Eugenia caryophyllus Rosa gallica Zingiber officinalis Myristica fragrans Myristica fragrans Alpina officinarum Elettaria cardamomum Amount 1 1⁄2 lbs. 1 oz. 1⁄2 oz. ea. 3 drams ea.

Preparation:

Clean, cut and boil Chick pea (or Sea Holly) root, then pulp. Next add them to 10 lbs of clarified Honey and boil to the consistency of thick Honey. Remove from the fire and add the Calamus and Pine Nuts, both having been beaten; then add the rest in fine Powder, and mix well to form an Electuary.

Function:

Warms and strengthens the Kidneys and Brain

Use:

1. Cold and Weak Kidneys, benefits Kidney Yang
2. Impotence
3. Weakness of the Brain and Senses: improves mental function, benefits the Wit.
4. Epilepsy, Paralysis or Convulsions caused by Yang deficiency.

Dose:

1⁄2–2 drams, commonly 1 dram

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Sea Holly root was regularly used in place of Chick pea root. Another Kidney tonic root like Asparagus could be used also.

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