Elixir of Camphor,
or Pestilential Elixir,
or Spirit of Wine Camphorated


Tradition:


Western

Source / Author:


Hartman

Herb Name

Camphor
Saffron
Spirit of Wine                     

Latin


Camphora
Crocus sativus
Spiritum Vini

Amount


7 drams, 1 scruple
1 scruple
1 lb.


Preparation:


Cut the Camphor and dissolve with fire; it may be sealed with the Spirit in a sealed vessel and left in a gentle warmth such as the Sun to dissolve. In the liquor while infusing is to be hung 1 scruple of Saffron tied up in a rag. Shake daily. In 10 days it is ready.
The amount given for Camphor was for use during the Summer, during the Winter it was to be increased to 10 drams, 2 scruples.

Function:


Promotes Sweat, resists Poison, protects the Heart

Use:


1. Prevents infection during Epidemics
2. Treats acute and epidemic diseases including Cold and Influenza
3. Fever
4. Fainting
5. Nervous excitement, Hysteria
6. Headache
7. Trauma, Bruising, Sprains, Strains (topically and internally)
8. Arthritic pain (topically and internally)
9. Neuralgia
10. Bronchitis, Asthma
11. Difficulty urinating


Dose:


½–1 spoonful..
It is applied topically to aches, pains, strains, arthritic pain, neuralgia, trauma and bruising.


Cautions:


None noted

Modifications:



    ‘It is good in the Plague, to Preserve and Cure’. (Schroder)
    It is a good way to use Camphor, and has all the benefits of Camphor. It is especially good to clear Poison, and resist infection of Plague and Epidemic diseases because it keeps the body open. It may be used in various Fevers including Cholera, Typhoid, Malarial, Meningitis, Colds and Influenza.
    Camphor is a powerful stimulant, so this is also useful in Fainting, Nervous Excitement and Hysteria for which it was long used. It is good for Headache caused by nervous debility, eyestrain and stress.
    It moves the Blood and eases Pain, used either internally or externally in Trauma, Sprains and Strains, Arthritic Pain, and Gout.
    In modern Unani, it has been used as a prophylactic against contagion, is useful in Hemoptysis, relieves Bleeding Piles, and is useful in Tuberculosis. 
    Also used for difficulty Urinating, Bronchitis, Asthma, Sinusitis, Neuralgia etc.

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