Electuary of Rhubarb

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

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

Herb Name Rhubarb Lacca Aloeswood Cinnamon Long Birthwort Round Birthwort Pistachio Squinanth Marjoram Aniseed Sealed Earth Agaric Indian leaf Agrimony ** Indian Spikenard Black Pepper Long Pepper White Pepper Ginger Stoechas Oregano Orris Endive root Hyssop Mastic Saffron Balsam fruit Balsam wood

Latin Rheum palmatum Laccifer lacca Aquillaria agallocha Cinnamonum zeylanicum Aristolchia longa Aristolchia rotunda Pistachio verum Juncus odoratus Oreganum marjorana Pimpinella anisum Terra Sigillata Fomitopsis officinalis Cinnamonum tamala Agrimonia eupatoria Nardostachys jatamansi Piper nigrum Piper longum Piper album Zingiber officinalis Lavendula stoechas Oreganum vulgare Iris germanica Chicorium endiva Hyssopus officinale Pistacia lentiscus Crocus sativus Commiphora opobalsamum Commiphora opobalsamum Amount 100 aur * 20 aur 36 aur 11 aur 30 aur ea. 50 aur 80 aur 20 aur ea. 6 aur  ea. 30 aur 16 drams 10 aur ea. 9 aur ea. 6 aur ea. 7 aur 7 aur ea. 17 aur ea.

* Aur is a traditional weight being that of a Gold coin. Over time, it was reduced from over 8 grams to around 6 grams. The weights may be adjusted for modern use.
** Gafit, given in the text, is Eupatorium, which sometimes equates with Eupatorium cannabinum. No matter which is intended, Agrimony was a commonly used for Eupatorium in Europe.

Preparation:

Powder and mix with Honey to form an Electuary

Function:

Strengthens the Liver, Opens Obstructions, Promote Urine

Use:

1. Flux of the Stomach (Diarrhea)
2. Liver obstruction with weakness
3. Used for hardness of the Organs
4. Edema

Dose:

2–3 drams

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

Similar Formulas:

This looks to perhaps have been the inspiration for some of the Opening formulas devised by the Arab physicians a millennia later. Compare with Greater Gum Lacca Powder of Mesue, Troches of Rhubarb and Troches of Lacca.

Back To ELECTUARIES
Back to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures