Apotherapeia iatrikē

XLIV.

Finally, we shall use strengthening agents, but first and foremost, a convenient diet shall be prescribed, contrary to the ailment (which a prudent physician will prescribe immediately at the very beginning), which consists of the six non-natural things. Primarily, medicated wines are convenient, such as Aniseed wine, Wormwood wine, or Peppered wine. All things that can generate thick humor and flatus must be avoided.

XLV.

These things are to be done if Phlegm itself is the cause, purging on alternate days, for one must be diligent that the bowels are not made constricted; for Avicenna says: in colic, move the feces daily. Hence, to accomplish this, we shall prescribe Wormwood wine, with the addition of purgatives, which also serves as a form of preservation so that they do not suffer a recurrence.

XLVI.

If the ailment has arisen from flatus, the indication will be the resolution of the flatus; therefore, a similarly convenient diet will be prescribed. Primarily, among foods, they recommend with Galen the "rustic’s theriac," called Garlic. And because humors are for the most part mixed with flatus, if the bowels are constricted, they must be soothed similarly with clysters—not only with emollient ones but also with those that disperse flatus—starting from the milder ones and afterward purging with convenient agents, such as Syrup of Peach flowers, Plums, Manna, Diaprunum laxativum, and the like. Having done these things, we shall use flatulence-dispersing agents, both internal and external.

XLVII.

Internally, Electuary of Laurel Berries will be conducive: Nutmeg with Cretan wine, or what is called Hippocratic wine. Diatrion piperion, Diagalanthum, Diaspolium, Diacastoreum. The use of Theriac is recommended by Galen and Avenzoar: Mithridatium also is convenient, with Conserve of Anthos or Betony.

XLVIII.

Externally, however, warm oils will be convenient, such as those of Rue, Dill, and Anise. Plasters, such as those made from Laurel berries. Fomentations, made from flatulence-dispersing agents. Bags likewise. A large heated cupping glass applied to the belly is recommended by Galen in book 12 of Method of Healing, such that it produces something in these ailments similar to some sort of enchantment.

XLIX.

If it happens from hardened feces (to add this in passing), it must be softened with soothing agents,