Digestive Aperient Pills
Historical medicinal pills combining aloes, mastic, gentian, and galbanum with aniseed oil, designed as a mild digestive aid and laxative. This recipe is for historical reference only and should not be prepared or consumed without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.
Ingredients
- 40 grains Socotrine aloes, powdered (Approximately 2.6 grams; a strong laxative compound)
- 18 grains Gum mastic, powdered (Approximately 1.2 grams; a resinous binding agent)
- 24 grains Compound extract of gentian (Approximately 1.6 grams; a bitter digestive tonic)
- 24 grains Compound galbanum pill (Approximately 1.6 grams; an antispasmodic resin)
- 0 sufficient quantity Oil of aniseed (A few drops to bind the mass and add carminative properties)
Instructions
- 1Measure out 36 to 40 grains of socotrine aloes and 18 grains of gum mastic. Place both powdered ingredients in a mortar.
- 2Using the pestle, thoroughly rub the socotrine aloes and gum mastic together until they form a uniform powder mixture. This should take several minutes of continuous grinding and mixing.
- 3Add 24 grains each of compound extract of gentian and compound galbanum pill to the mortar containing the aloes and mastic mixture.
- 4Mix all the ingredients together in the mortar, grinding and rubbing until they are thoroughly combined into a uniform mass.
- 5Add oil of aniseed drop by drop to the mixture, working it in with the pestle until the mass becomes cohesive and can be formed into pills. Use only enough oil to bind the ingredients together.
- 6Remove the mass from the mortar and divide it into 20 equal portions. Roll each portion between your fingers or on a clean surface to form round pills of uniform size.
- 7Allow the pills to dry in a cool, dry place for several hours until firm. Store in a tightly sealed container away from light and moisture.
