Čes. slov. farm. 2015, 64(3):95-99 | DOI: 10.36290/csf.2015.022

Pharmaceutical history of capuchin monastery in Prague-Hradčan. Part II. Capuchin balsam (Balsamum capucinorum)

Karel Nesměrák^1,*, Jana Kunešová²

¹ Univerzita Karlova v Praze, Přírodovědecká fakulta, Katedra analytické chemie, Praha

² Národní muzeum, Historické muzeum, Oddělení starších českých dějin

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.

Keywords: pharmaceutical history; capuchins; capuchin balsam; monastics pharmacies

Received: March 24, 2015; Accepted: May 15, 2015; Published: March 1, 2015  Show citation