Fenugreek (foenum-graecum) (f81r)

[Part 1 of 4]

The seeds of Fenugreek, being sound, whole, and free from corruption, constitutes suitable material for the preparation of this remedy. It shall be prepared by orderly maceration and in the prescribed quantity, then left to rest until it attains the proper condition. Its decoction possesses the virtue of alleviating pain, and the mucilaginous substance derived from it is beneficial in frictions and external applications. The root, when suitably reduced by grinding, likewise exhibits notable medicinal properties. The leaves of the plant, being of recognized utility, should be handled with moderation, avoiding excessive crushing that might impair their qualities. Care must be taken that none of the ingredients show signs of defect, corruption, or deterioration. By means of kneading, a uniform paste is formed, preserving the cohesion of the substance and preventing the separation or distortion of its parts. The seeds may be applied once ground to the requisite fineness, keeping them properly incorporated within the compound. For preparations of smaller quantity, the process shall include washing, pressing, and the extraction of their juice or liquor. After maceration, when the mixture has acquired the desired consistency, it shall be spread upon the affected part until firm adhesion is achieved. The application should retain a moderate degree of moisture and be maintained at a gentle warmth. The seeds shall be moistened according to this method and, once the mass has been formed, a portion of finely ground material shall be incorporated to perfect its texture. Finally, the macerated preparation shall be compounded in the prescribed proportions through the proper mixing and kneading of all its constituents, thereby producing a homogeneous preparation suitable for use.

[Part 2 of 4] [Update october 6, 2026]

The medicinal preparation derived from this portion of the plant is composed of the very substance proceeding therefrom. From its leaves is obtained a mucilage of moderate virtue, which contributes to the proper making of the compound. By means of its operation, the several parts are cooked together, forming a uniform matter wherein the inner pulp is joined to the substance that contains and surrounds it.            
This preparation possesses agglutinative and emollient qualities, for the nature of this plant favours the cohesion of its parts and the softness of the mixture. Once the proper consistency hath been attained, all superfluous handling should be avoided, as well as any action that might disunite, break, or disperse the matter already compounded. Likewise, it is not fitting to alter the order of the procedure nor to depart from the proportions prescribed for its preparation.        
During the cooking, care shall be taken to preserve the stability of the remedy, maintaining the quantity according to the measure appointed. When the composition is not subjected to the fire, it yieldeth its active principles by the natural exudation of the fruits in sufficient quantity, the moist matter retaining its properties and efficacy. Nevertheless, even in the absence of cooking, the prescribed proportions must be diligently observed, for any alteration of its condition or loss of stability diminisheth the strength of the compound and impair eth the particular virtue of each of its ingredients.                
Therefore, every care should be taken that the remedy preserve its efficacy entire, avoiding all causes of weakness or corruption, and applying it always according to the method and order established for its preparation.    

[Part 3 of 4] [Update november, 5, 2026]

The medicinal root, being suitably reduced by grinding, is employed in the preparation of this remedy, forming part of the compound prepared together with the leaves of the plant. To this composition shall be added a preparation made of sugar candy, honey, and the substance extracted from the root, incorporating it little by little and in small quantities until the mixture be perfectly united.                            
                            
The matter thus obtained shall be divided into moderate portions, care being taken to avoid the formation of lumps that might hinder the proper absorption and disposition of the remedy. Thereafter it shall be left to rest, that it may gently exude its virtues and acquire the consistency required, after which the covering appointed to contain the preparation shall be duly arranged.                            
                            
For this purpose, the bandage or wrapping shall be carefully prepared, applying a moderate pressure so as to encourage the exudation of the matter and accommodating the compound by means of the necessary folds. This being done, the preparation shall be mixed anew and worked until a perfect uniformity hath been attained throughout all its parts.                            
                            
It is not expedient to permit the compound to grow cold, but rather to preserve it in a suitable vessel, thereby maintaining its qualities. By means of a gentle and temperate heat, it shall be incorporated into the adhesive mass, and the cataplasm shall be disposed and secured by a fitting ligature, with the aid of the substance reserved within the vessel.                            
                            
Neither the bandages nor the folds should be disturbed once they have been arranged. The surface of the preparation ought to be carefully smoothed, thereby promoting the due exudation of its virtues, and spread upon the affected part without excessive compression. The cataplasm shall be applied in this manner, employing only ingredients that are sound and well preserved, ensuring a uniform mixture and avoiding an over-vigorous kneading that might impair the disposition of the compound.    
                                    
Finally, the adhesive mass shall be placed upon the region under treatment, being wrapped and adjusted as occasion requireth, all superfluous matter being removed and a gentle, orderly pressure applied, so as to secure its firm adhesion and continuance in place.    ​​​​​​​