Pulvis ad Casum
Powder for Bruises

Tradition:

Western

Source / Author:

Lemery (Pharmacopeia Universal, 1749)

Herb Name Hares Rennet Amber Madder Comfrey Spermaceti Myrrh Rhapontic Frankincense

Latin Coagulum Lepus Succinum Rubia tinctorum Symphytum officinale Spermaceti Commiphora molmol Rheum rhaponticum Boswellia sacra Amount 1⁄2 oz. ea. 2 drams ea. 2 scruples ea.

Preparation:

Powder

Function:

Moves the Blood, clears Stasis, clears Heat

Use:

1. Bruising
2. Trauma

Dose:

1⁄2 dram with wine

Cautions:

None noted

Modifications:

1. This will stand without the Spermaceti and Hare’s Rennet, in which case it becomes practical for modern use. A reformed version may be made with 1 part each Myrrh and Frankincense, and 3 parts each Comfrey, Madder and Amber.
2. A related version from Palestra Pharmaceutica (Felix Palacios, 1763) used dried Hares Blood in place of Rennet and regular Rhubarb in place of Rhapontic.

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