Pilulae de Agarico
Pills of Agaric

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Avicenna

Herb Name Agaric Mastic Turbith Hiera Picra of Galen Colocynth Sarcocolla Blue Flower-de-luce Horehound Saffron

Latin Fomitopsis officinalis Pistacia lentiscus Operculina turpethum Hiera Picra Galenii Citrullus colocynthus Astragalus sarcocolla Iris pseudoacorus Marrubium vulgare Crocus sativus Amount 3 drams ea. 5 drams 4 drams 2 drams ea. 1 dram ea.

Preparation:

Powder and form pills with Wine.

Function:

Purges Phlegm and Damp, stops Cough and Wheezing

Use:

1. Cough with excess Phlegm
2. Asthma
3. Wheezing
4. Catarrh
5. Arthritis
6. Edema
7. Vertigo
8. Lethargy and Sleepy diseases

Dose:

1⁄2–1 dram

Cautions:

Very drying; only for cases with excess Phlegm or Damp.

Modifications:

1. Later authors used Troches of Agaric and Troches of Alhandal rather than pure Agaric and Colocynth, these being better corrected and more gentle.
2. For Arthritic disorders, combine with Pills of Colchicum.

This formula was listed by Avicenna in Book 3, and by Mesue in his chapter on Asthma

See Pills to Cleanse the Chest which is a variation of Pills of Agaric. However, Pills of Agaric were far more commonly used. See also Pills of Agaric of Mesue
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