Volume 64, 1 June 2015, Pages 95-99
[Farmaceutická historie kapucínského kláštera v Praze na Hradčanech Část II. Kapucínský balzám (Balsamum capucinorum)]
a
Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Přírodovědecká Fakulta, Katedra Analytické Chemie, Hlavova 8, Praha 2, Czech Republic
b Národní Muzeum, Historické Muzeum, Oddělení Starších Českých Dějin, Czech Republic
b Národní Muzeum, Historické Muzeum, Oddělení Starších Českých Dějin, Czech Republic
Abstract
The history of
traditional capuchin balsam is the focal point of the second part of the
article on the unknown history of pharmacy at the capuchin monastery in
Prague-Hradčany. Capuchin balsam, a medicinal
speciality, was being manufactured in the monastery from the end of the
18th century till the year 1950. It is a spirit tincture, its
prescription originating from the formulation by Oswald Croll. Balsamum
Peruvianum, Gummiresina myrrha, Gummiresina olibanum, and Styrax are the
main ingredients, besides assorted plants.
The balsam was taken as an antiseptic, antiphlogistic, and analgesic.
The balsam was a favoured rustic medicine, and it was sold also abroad (Germany,
Poland, USA, Ireland, Belgium). The profit made from the sale of the
balsam supported the reconstruction and the maintenance of the monastery
and the local theological studies. Other medical formulations connected
with the name of the capuchin order are also mentioned.
Author keywords
Capuchin balsam; Capuchins; Monastics pharmacies; Pharmaceutical history
Indexed keywords
EMTREE drug terms: analgesic agent; antiinfective agent; antiinflammatory agent; balsam; capuchin balsam; unclassified drug
EMTREE medical terms: Article; Balsamum Peruvianum; Belgium; drug formulation; drug marketing; Germany; Gummiresina myrrha; Gummiresina olibanum; history of medicine; Ireland; medicinal plant; pharmaceutical care; Poland; prescription; profit; Styracaceae; theology; tincture; United States
