Gum Ammoniac & Saffron
Gum Ammoniac is very Warm, dry and Pungent. It strongly resolves Phlegm and Damp from the Lungs, Stomach and other parts. It resolves thickness and tumors associated with Phlegm and Damp.
Saffron is a potent Blood-mover. It opens the fine capillaries to resolve stasis. It also enhances circulation of the Heart and Lungs in particular.
Together, this combination is used for 2 main indications:
- Phlegm-type Cough, Wheezing and Asthma, especially of a chronic nature.
- Tumors, Hardness and Masses caused by Phlegm and Blood Stagnation.
Key Indications:
- Cough and Asthma from Cold Phlegm
- Hardness, Tumors, Fibrosis
Examples:
Troches Praised for Liver Hardness of Nicholas
Electuarium Acharistum (Nicholas)
Hiera Logadi
Plaster for Uterine Tumors (Aristotle)
Additions:
1. Asthma and Shortness of Breath
i. add Hyssop
ii. add Myrrh, Mastic, Benzoin (Pharmacopoeia Sardoa, 1773)
iii. Gum Ammoniac (2 drams), Venice Turpentine (7 drams), Saffron (half dram)
2. Hardness of the Liver (or other abdominal organs)
i. this pair is used as a stand-alone medicine in Troches Praised for Liver Hardness of Nicholas
ii. add Bdellium, Bitter Almond
3. Obstructions and pain of the Liver, Spleen and Stomach, add Sagapen, Myrrh, Bdellium, Frankincense, Aloe, Cinnamon, Spikenard, Pepper, Cumin (Syrian ‘Book of Medicine‘, Budge, 1913)
4. To promote Menstruation:
i. add Myrrh, Pennyroyal and Rue
ii. add Myrrh, Asafetida, Sagapen
5. Plaster for Hardness and Fibroids:
i. of the Uterus, add Myrrh, Bdellium, Oppopanax
Cautions:
Heating and drying, so not suitable in Heat diseases or Yin deficiency.