Diascordium

/ˌdaɪəˈskɔrdiəm/ noun

Definition

A medieval medicinal compound or electuary supposedly made with discordant ingredients, believed to have healing properties.

Etymology

From diascord + Latin suffix '-ium'. Renaissance physicians believed that combining opposing or seemingly contradictory substances could create powerful medicines that balanced the body's humors.

Kelly Says

Medieval doctors literally made medicines called 'discord' because they thought throwing opposite ingredients together—bitter and sweet, hot and cold—would magically balance your sick body!

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