Antidotum Orvietanum
Orvietan Antidote
Western
Powder the herbs, and gradually add to 8 lbs. of warmed Honey, stirring well. Then the Theriac is beaten and added.
Resists Poison, warms the Yang, resolves Wind and Damp
“It has the virtues and dose of Treacle of Andromachus [Theriac]”.
1. Infectious and Epidemic diseases
2. Spotted Fevers such as Measles and Small Pox
3. Used to protect against Infection
4. Effective against Poisons
5. Cold diseases of the Stomach and Brain
6. Wind Colic
1 scruple–1 dram, up to 2 drams in stronger constitutions or severe conditions.
None noted
1. There were many variations. The French Pharmacopoeia made various additions including Bistort, Costus, Gentian, Sage, Rosemary, Blessed Thistle, Bay berry and Juniper berry, as well as Viper powder in a weight equal to Theriac, but omitted the Earths.
This was used as Theriac, but was often regarded as stronger. It was also a way to dilute the expensive imported Venetian Theriac without losing its potency and effect.
“Orvietan thus prepared is of great efficacy against all sorts of Poisons, against the Small Pox, Measles, and all sorts of Epidemic Diseases. It is also proper against all cold Diseases of the Brain and Stomach, and against all windy Colics”. (Charras, French Pharmacopoeia)
The following is an advertisement for. variety of Orvietan that was evidently licensed by the King after supposedly witnessing its effectiveness.
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Orvietan Antidote
Tradition:
Western
Source / Author:
Herb NameCarline Thistle rootTormentil Long Birthwort Round Birthwort Calamus Scorzonera Masterwort Angelica Anthora White Dittany Wormseed Armenian Earth Sealed Earth Old Theriac |
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Preparation:
Powder the herbs, and gradually add to 8 lbs. of warmed Honey, stirring well. Then the Theriac is beaten and added.
Function:
Resists Poison, warms the Yang, resolves Wind and Damp
Use:
“It has the virtues and dose of Treacle of Andromachus [Theriac]”.
1. Infectious and Epidemic diseases
2. Spotted Fevers such as Measles and Small Pox
3. Used to protect against Infection
4. Effective against Poisons
5. Cold diseases of the Stomach and Brain
6. Wind Colic
Dose:
1 scruple–1 dram, up to 2 drams in stronger constitutions or severe conditions.
Cautions:
None noted
Modifications:
1. There were many variations. The French Pharmacopoeia made various additions including Bistort, Costus, Gentian, Sage, Rosemary, Blessed Thistle, Bay berry and Juniper berry, as well as Viper powder in a weight equal to Theriac, but omitted the Earths.
This was used as Theriac, but was often regarded as stronger. It was also a way to dilute the expensive imported Venetian Theriac without losing its potency and effect.
“Orvietan thus prepared is of great efficacy against all sorts of Poisons, against the Small Pox, Measles, and all sorts of Epidemic Diseases. It is also proper against all cold Diseases of the Brain and Stomach, and against all windy Colics”. (Charras, French Pharmacopoeia)
The following is an advertisement for. variety of Orvietan that was evidently licensed by the King after supposedly witnessing its effectiveness.
Back To ELECTUARIESBack to FORMULAS
How to Modify a Formula
Substitutes
Weights & Measures