[Page] 98

...from the harmful humor gathered beside the teeth. 72. Toothache caused by harmful humor and cold shall not pass until its causes are dispelled. Therefore, on whichever side the tooth aches, upon the cheek of that side one must place, in a small pouch, warm chamomile, or elderflower, or hay-chaff, mixed with a little camphor, which must also be changed frequently as it cools. Likewise, have [the patient] rinse the mouth frequently with tea brewed from elderflower or chamomile flower, mixed with a little sal ammoniac [*anushadr*] or saltpeter [*shnchʻborak*]. 73. If the aforementioned remedies do not help, and the pain gradually increases and signs of fever appear, then apply one or two leeches to the gums on that side where it aches. Before applying the leech[es], place the feet in warm water, and between the two shoulder blades [*ērstʻatʻ*] apply sour dough prepared with mustard (see number 95), and leave [it] until the patient feels a burning sensation in that place; then remove [it] and rub olive oil upon the spot. When, from the humor gathered near the tooth, a swelling appears near the gums, place upon it a slice of fig boiled in milk, or apply honey frequently, until the swelling matures and bursts; and also have [the patient] rinse the mouth with water boiled with mint, or sage, or chamomile, mixed with a little vinegar and honey. 74. If the toothache has arisen from damage or decay of the tooth, one must smoke a pipe [*chʻibukh*], or rinse the mouth frequently with water boiled with mallow, or chamomile, or wild poppy. When the pain is severe, then take four *mskhal*s of unripe poppy [heads], boil [them] in sufficient water, and rinse the mouth with the water. If the tooth be rotten, smear pitch upon cotton or lint, and apply [it] upon the tooth three times a day. Amirdovlatʻ, the Armenian physician, advises: chop finely the bark of the roots of the white mulberry and the walnut tree, boil [it] in water, and rinse the mouth therewith; or cut a piece of wild tarragon root the size of a pea, place [it] upon the aching tooth, and leave...