Pestilential Pills of Basil
Picture

Tradition:


TCM

Source / Author:


Antidotarium medico chymicum reformatum 1620

Herb Name

Aloe
Rhubarb
Myrrh
Zedoary
Saffron

Latin


Aloe spp.
Rheum palmatum
Commiphora molmol
Curcuma zedoaria
Crocus sativus

Amount


2 drams

1 dram ea.

1 scruple ea.

Preparation:


Powder and form pills with Lemon juice

Function:


Opens Obstruction, cleanses excess, prevents Infection, moves Blood

Use:


1. prevents Infection during Epidemics
2. cleanses Stomach and Bowels
3. Amenorrhea, Dysmenorrhea

Dose:


1⁄2 dram

Cautions:


Not to be used during Pregnancy

Modifications:


There were many variations:
1. Some added Venice Theriac
2. Some added Agaric and Gentian.
3. Some added Spices.
4. Some added Camphor.
5. Another version of Pesilential Pills:
  Aloes                             1 oz.
  Venice Treacle             4 drams
  Rhubarb                        2 drams
  Saffron, Myrrh, Agaric 1 dram  ea.
  Zedoary, Gentian         1 scruple ea.
It should be noted that this is the same formula as the original Swedish Bitters, only in Pill form and with different proportions used.
  “They are held by some as a great secret, being very good against all kinds of Malignity, they strengthen the Head, Brain, Memory, Stomach and indeed the whole body, ease pains in the Bowels, quicken the Sight, Hearing and other senses, resists Crudities and Putrefaction, powerfully open obstructions and provoke sweat”. (Salmon)
  “Some call them Pills of Jesus, and hold them as a great Secret”. (Schroder)

Similar Formulas:


This is an expanded version of Pills of Ruffus.
Swedish Bitters

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