Pilulae Agrimoniae Majus
Greater Pills of Agrimony

Tradition:

Western, Unani

Source / Author:

Mesue

Herb Name Agrimony dehydrated juice Wormwood dehydrated juice Yellow Myrobalan Rhubarb Mastic Saffron Aloes

Latin Agrimonia eupatoria Artemisia absinthum Terminalia chebula (yellow) Rheum palmatum Pistacia lentiscus Crocus sativus Aloe vera Amount 3 drams ea. 3 1⁄2 drams 1 dram 1⁄2 dram 5 drams

Preparation:

Powder and form Pills with Water of Macedonian (ie. ‘Italian’) Parsley (or Syrup of Celery)

Function:

Clears Heat, opens Obstructions

Use:

1. Jaundice
2. Liver Tumors
3. Hepatitis
4. Liver obstructions;
5. for all diseases where excess Bile has weakened the body;
6. Periodic Fever;
7. chronic Fever associated with Liver Heat.

Dose:

1 scruple–1 dram; 1⁄2 dram is a common dose (some gave up to 2 drams)

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. Some versions used a greater amount of Rhubarb

Similar Formulas:

Pills of Agrimony Lesser.

‘It is a gallant gentle purge, and strengthening, fitted for such bodies as are much weakened by disease or Choler. The author appropriates it to such as have Tertian Agues, the Yellow Jaundice, obstructions or stoppings of the Liver; half a dram taken at night going to bed, will work with an ordinary body, the next day by noon’. (Culpeper)
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