Electuary

/ɪˈlɛktʃuˌɛri/ noun

Definition

A medicinal paste made by mixing fine powders, herbs, and spices with honey, syrup, or other thick liquid binders, traditionally used in medicine.

Etymology

From Greek elektuarion, possibly from eklektos (selected) + chyein (to pour). Medieval physicians and apothecaries used electuaries extensively, and the term persisted through the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Electuaries were sophisticated pharmaceutical technology for their time—apothecaries could precisely measure herbs and minerals, mix them into a stable paste with honey, and create medicine that actually tasted good enough for patients to use.

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