The Complete Works of Galen, Vol. 12 (1821) - Page 16

ON THE POWERS [OF SIMPLE MEDICINES], BOOK 8

10. On Caraway The seed of caraway original: "κάρου" (karou); referring to Carum carvi. Galen identifies its primary qualities as heating and drying. warms and dries in roughly the third degree In the Galenic system, the "third degree" indicates a very potent medicinal effect, stronger than mild foods but less intense than a poison or caustic substance.. It possesses a moderately sharp quality. Because of these traits, it dispels flatulence and acts as a diuretic. This is true not only for the seed, but for the entire plant.

11. On Cassia Cassia original: "Κασία" (kasia); a fragrant bark related to cinnamon, highly valued in ancient pharmacology. dries and warms in roughly the third degree. It is also composed of quite fine parts original: "λεπτομερὴς" (leptomerēs); Galen used this term for substances that can penetrate deeply into the body's tissues to thin out thick fluids.. In taste, it is mostly sharp, but it also has a slight astringency. Because of all these qualities, it "cuts" original: "τέμνει" (temnei); the medical action of breaking down thick, viscous humors to make them easier for the body to expel. and disperses excess waste products in the body at the same time. Furthermore, it adds strength to the organs. It is also suitable for cases of suppressed menstruation, especially when the flow is blocked by a combination of a large quantity and a thickness of waste products.

12. On Walnuts The Walnut tree original: "Κάρυα" (karya); refers to the walnut tree, Juglans regia.. The tree possesses a certain astringency in its shoots and its leaves. However, this quality is most evident and most abundant in the husk of the walnut, both when it is fresh and when it is dry. For this reason, dyers are also accustomed to using it. We use the juice pressed from these husks in the same way as the juice of mulberries and blackberries for... The sentence ends abruptly, likely continuing with a description of a medicinal throat gargle or "diamoron" on the following page.