Aqua Mirabilis, also known as aquae mirabiles in its plural form, refers to a distilled cordial of old pharmacy with a long history.
Historical Significance
Aqua Mirabilis is not a single, fixed recipe, but rather a type of medicinal preparation that falls under the realm of traditional pharmacy. Its purpose was to provide a healing tonic, often described as a cordial for revitalization.
Key Ingredients
This old pharmacy drink contains a blend of:
- Spirits (the base of the cordial)
- Aromatic herbs, including:
- Sage
- Betony
- Balm
The inclusion of “other aromatic ingredients” suggests a variety of possible recipes.
Purpose and Use
- Medicinal: The herbs included were chosen for their purported medicinal benefits.
- Cordial: It was used as a revitalizing cordial, similar to a tonic.
- Traditional: Aqua Mirabilis represents the historical practices of herbal medicine and pharmacy.
Variations
The specific combinations of ingredients could vary, leading to slight differences between the aquae mirabiles. These variations likely depended on:
- Availability of ingredients
- Specific ailments targeted
- Local customs of the apothecary or pharmacy
Modern Relevance
While not widely used today, studying Aqua Mirabilis offers insight into:
- Historical pharmacy practices
- Traditional uses of herbs and spirits in medicine
- The evolution of modern pharmaceuticals
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Aqua Mirabilis (aquae mirabiles in plural) |
| Type | Distilled cordial from old pharmacy |
| Main Base | Spirits |
| Key Herbs | Sage, Betony, Balm, and other aromatics |
| Primary Use | Medicinal cordial, tonic |
| Historical | Part of traditional pharmacy practices |
