BEŞİNCİ BÂB · ÜÇÜNCÜ FASIL · Yedinci Madde
Seventh Item
It describes the nature and benefits, properties, and rulings of commonly used simple medicines and foods according to the order of the letters of the abjad *heẕẕ* [60].
O esteemed one! Know that medical experts have said: Everyone should be the doctor of their own body. They should know the nature and benefits of the simple medicines and foods they use, and employ them appropriately so that their body remains in good health.
Regarding each of the simple medicines which notably affect the human body; it is certain that if an effect from that medicine reaches a person and affects the body’s natural heat, and if it does not exert more influence than the quality pertaining to the person, then that medicine is mild. If it exerts more influence than the person's quality, then that medicine is outside of balance and that quality.
If that effect is slight and unnoticeable, then that medicine is of the first degree. If the effect is noticeable but does not harm the body, then that medicine is of the second degree. If it harms the body, but the harm is not fatal, then that medicine is of the third degree. If the harm leads to death, then that medicine is of the fourth degree; it is called a poisonous medicine.
The rulings of simple foods are seen in the degrees of these simple medicines, so their names and rulings have been explained according to the order of the abjad letters.
Aleph
Silk; it is warm and comfortable. Un-dyed silk is particularly beneficial. Wearing it prevents seed production.
‘Ijjās (Mulberry); [61] It is cold and moist in the second degree. Its sweetness relaxes the stomach and causes diarrhea. Its sourness soothes inflammation of the heart and expels bile. The sweet is less likely to cause diarrhea than the sour.
Isfānāh (Spinach); it is cold and moist in the first degree. It is very good as nourishment. [62] It is beneficial for the lungs and chest, which are hot and drying. It softens the belly; it relieves painful lower back pain.
Eftīmūn (Horsetail); [162/a] It is a plant that is drying in the first degree and warm in the third degree. Its fragrance is soothing and suitable for and beneficial to the middle-aged group [63] and the elderly. It removes lovesickness and phlegm. It repels diarrhea, epilepsy, and melancholy (black bile – *malihulyā*). It causes thirst in young people and those whose insides are burned.
Enīsūn (Anise); it is a known seed that is drying and heat-giving in the third degree. It has a complete effect in opening blockages of the kidneys, bladder, uterus, liver, and spleen, and in expelling gas. Its vapor, inhaled into the nose, is beneficial for headaches, diseases related to bile, and dizziness. When its powdered form is dripped into the ear with rose oil, it relieves pains arising from blows, impacts, and falls within the ear. It is beneficial for urination, menstrual blood, the discharge of moisture in women, and thirst caused by phlegm. It increases sperm and semen; it removes the harm of poisons.
Ismid (Kohl); This is Isfahan kohl, which is the ore of deadly (red) lead. It is cold in the first degree and dry in the second degree. When it lacks sourness, it is drying and constipating. It strengthens the eye; it stops nosebleeds and discharge.
‘Arūz (Rice); it is a known food that is warming in the first degree and drying in the second degree. Washing with its water cleanses the limbs of impurities. Eating it disciplines the stomach.
Bā’
Basal (Onion); It is drying in the second degree and warm in the third degree. It is a digestive, cutter, softener, and like a *miswak* [tooth stick]. Opening vein mouths is its characteristic. A strong one reddens the face. If its seed is crushed and applied to a leper, it cures the disease. With salt, it dissolves boils. Eating it in moderation strengthens the stomach and appetite. It often causes headaches and lightens the mind. Cooked onion is very beneficial but gives heat. It is beneficial for dimness of vision and opens hemorrhoid protrusions. It increases sexual desire; it promotes urination. It softens the nature. It is beneficial for poisonous odors. If cooked onion is applied to a wound, it relieves its pain and throbbing.
Bittīh-i asfar (Muskmelon); It is warming in the first degree. It quickly turns into bile. It is corrected by *sür’atli bîn* [vinegar honey].
Bittīh-i ahdar (Watermelon); It is moist and cooling in the second degree. It protects the body from impurities; it promotes urination. It drops stones (hasât) that form in the kidneys and bladder. Eating it with food is beneficial.
Bayz (Egg); The best is half-fried. That is, the essence of chicken egg fried halfway in melted fat. The most beneficial is fresh and delicious chick eggs. A hard-boiled egg (smoky) is empty and useless; it has approached moderation. However, its yolk is very inclined to heat, and its white to coldness. Both are moist and beneficial. Its white protects against sunlight and the heat of fire when applied to the face. If its yolk is mixed with honey and applied to blemishes and freckles on the face, it removes them. Its white is beneficial for eye pain, sore throats, hoarseness, coughs, shortness of breath, and the release and expulsion of blood. Chicken eggs act quickly. They have good digestion, abundant nourishment, and produce sperm. The yolk of a cooked egg is constipating. It relieves diarrhea when mixed with pounded flour of *mazi* (clay). When mixed with tar, it opens wounds and draws out their contents. Egg is strengthening to the flesh; for it is a part of an animal, even potentially an animal. The most precious part of the egg is its yolk.
Bāzincān (Eggplant); It is warm and drying in the second degree. It causes lovesickness, dizziness, stagnation in the body, scabies, hemorrhoids, and leprosy. It alters skin color; it darkens and lightens it.
Bunduq (Walnut); It tends toward heat and dryness. It is digested quite slowly, increases sexual desire, provokes headaches and vomiting.
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