Diaprunis lenitiva
Or, Diamascenum
Electuary of Prunes

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Nicholas Myrepsus

Herb Name Damask Prunes, stoned Violet flowers Cassia Fistula Tamarind Sugar

Latin Prunus domestica Viola odorata Cassia fistula Tamarindus indica Saccharum Amount 50 ¾ oz. ¼ oz. ea. 6 oz.

Seethe the Prunes in sufficient water, then push it through a strainer. To the water they were boiled in add the Violets and boil gently. Strain, add to the Prunes, and with the Sugar, boil gently until thick. Next, take a little of the thickened Syrup, and add the Cassia and Tamarinds, beat well, add to the rest. The following powders can then be added:

Herb Name White Sandalwood Red Sandalwood Rhubarb Cinnamon Red Roses Violets Purslane seed Endive seed Barberries Gum Tragacanth Licorice juice Melon seed Gourd seed Pumpkin seed Cucumber seed

Latin Santalum album Pterocarpus santalinus Rheum palmatum Cinnamonum zeylanicum Rosa gallica Viola odorata Portulaca oleracea Chicorium endiva Berberis vulgaris Astragalus tragacanth Succus Glycyrrhiza Citrullus vulgaris Lagenaria vulgaris Curcubita melo Cucumis sativus Amount 3 drams ea. 2 drams ea. 1 dram ea.

Preparation:

Mix well to form an Electuary.

Function:

Clears Heat, Purges Bile, Supports Yin

Use:

1. Acute Fever
2. Continual Fever
3. Burning Fever
4. Fever from excess Bile
5. Acute diseases with excess (Cold, Flu)
6. Good to prepare and purge the Bile humor
7. Liver heat conditions

Dose:

½–1 oz. for an adult, taken before bed at night; 2 drams–½ oz. for a child.

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Some added Tabasheer
2. Some used Dates instead of Tamarinds
3. Some used Licorice powder instead of the juice
4. Some omitted Barberry, claiming their effect was provided by Rose and Rhubarb.

“The laxative Confection of Prunes (called Diaprunis lenitiva) is very pleasant and meet: it does not only loosen the belly, but delays Choler, it quenches Thirst, and is good for all Heat, but especially when the Ague is in his prime”.
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