Pilulae Arthritica
Pills for Arthritis

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Nicholas

Herb Name Colchicum Turbith Agaric Cassia Wood Indian Spikenard Clove Aloeswood Cubeb Mace Galangal Ginger Mastic Asafetida Aniseed Fennel seed Saxifrage seed Asparagus seed Butchers Broom Rose Gromwell Rock Salt Scammony prepared Aloe

Latin Colchicum autumnale Operculina turpethum Fomitopsis officinalis Cinnamonum cassia Nardostachys jatamansi Eugenia caryophyllus Aquillaria agallocha Piper cubeba Myristica fragrans Alpina officinarum Zingiber officinalis Pistacia lentiscus Ferula asafetida Pimpinella anisum Foeniculum vulgare Pimpinella saxifraga Asparagus officinale Ruscus aculeatus Rosa gallica Lithospermum officinale Sal Gem Convovulus scammonia Aloe spp. Amount 1⁄2 oz. ea. 2 drams ea. 1 oz. 7 oz.

Preparation:

Powder and form into Pills with Syrup of Ground Pine, or thickened Fennel juice, or another suitable syrup or juice.

Function:

Clears Wind-Cold-Damp, relieves Pain

Use:

1. Arthritis
2. Rheumatism
3. Sciatica
4. Scrofula, Swollen Lymph nodes
5. Cook (Marrow of Surgery, 1685) recommended them in chronic Legs Ulcers, taken every 3 days.
6. Used for other diseases caused by Damp and Phlegm

Dose:

1⁄2–1 dram in wine or another suitable vehicle

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. In Arthritic conditions, some used a greater proportion of Asafetida.
2. Asparagus root can replace the seed.

Similar Formulas:

Pills of Colchicum Major (Mesue)

‘It helps the Gout, and other pains in the joints, comforts and strengthens both Brain and Stomach, and consumes diseases whose original comes of Phlegm [and Damp]’. (Culpeper)
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