Pill

A medicinal preparation made by mixing finely ground medicinals with a binding medium (usually honey, water, or flour and water paste), and forming them into small round balls. The pill preparation has the advantage of being more convenient for the patient than the decoction, especially when medication has to be taken over a long period. The active constituents are absorbed into the body more slowly, but their effect is longer lasting. Pills are therefore most commonly used in the treatment of enduring diseases, and especially concretions and accumulations. They are also used for certain acute patterns since they can be kept at hand ready for occasional use. Pills are taken by swallowing with, or dissolving in water. See medicinal preparation.