Siliqua, Carob

Locust bean
Kharnub Shami (Unani)
Kharoub (Arabic)

Prosperi Alpini, de plantis Aegypti liber, 1592

Krauterbuch, Lonitzer, 1578

Thomé, O.W., Flora von Deutschland Österreich und der Schweiz, vol. 3 (1885)

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Botanical name:

Ceratonia siliqua

Parts used:

Fruit

Temperature & Taste:

Cool, dry. Sweet

Uses:

1. Benefits Qi:
-fatigue, weakness, convalescence
-has a mild effect

2. Stops Cough:
-used in pectoral medicines; Cough, Bronchitis, Lung weakness

3. Moistens Intestines:
-mildly laxative

4. Restrain Leakage:
-reportedly used as a Folk remedy for Diabetes

Dose

6–9 grams

Preparation:

Sometimes roasted to make it better to stop leakage.

Main Combinations:

1. Chronic Diarrhea:
i. Carob with Pomegranate flower, Sumac, Gall, Indian Spikenard (as in Powder for Chronic Diarrhea of Nicholas)
ii. Carob with Pomegranate seed, seeds of unripe Grape, Myrtle seed, Coriander seed (as in Pomegranate Seed Powder from Dispensatory of Ibn at Tilmid)
2. Cough with Diarrhea, Carob, Chestnut, Gum Arabic, Starch, Purslane seed, Poppy seed (all roasted), and add Red Earth (from Dispensatory of Ibn at Tilmid)

Major Formulas:

Powder for Chronic Diarrhea (Nicholas)
Electuary for Sadness and Worry

Caution:

None noted

Main Preparations used:

Extract

1. Extract of Carob:
i. Carob beans 4 pounds, boiling water 12 pounds. Infuse 3 days, then boil until the fruit is soft and express; set aside the liquor, evaporate in a water-bath to the consistency of an extract.