As I compared these recipes I found several similarities. I was able to create my own recipe, as listed below. Though I was unable to obtain all the same herbs, I was able to substitute using other herbs that were used in similar recipes in medieval times.
� oz Labdanum � oz Storax
� oz Benzoin (Benjamin) � oz Cloves
1/16 oz Nutmeg 1/8 oz Mace
1/8 oz Calamus 1/16 oz Musk
4 drops Spike Lavender Oil 1/8 oz Cinnamon
Beeswax 1/16 oz Lignum Aloes
Before I began to combine the ingredients, I ground each of the ingredients into separate coarse powders (this made it easier to combine the scents). It doesn�t matter the order in which you powdered your ingredients (Nutmeg, Calamus, Benzoin, Storax, Cloves, Mace, Musk, Cinnamon, Lignum Aloes). I heated the marble mortar and pestle by placing it in the oven till it was warm to touch but not to hot to handle (this makes it easier to work with the resins). While the mortar and pestle were still hot, I combined and beat the Labdanum, Storax, Benzoin, and Calamus till they were well combined and soft. I then added the Spike Lavender Oil and continued to mix well. Slowly I added the Nutmeg, Mace, Musk, Lignum Aloe, and Cinnamon � mixing well after the introduction of each. Once the mixture was well blended I formed a ball. After allowing the ball to dry for a few days I then dipped it in beeswax for a thin protective coating
Materials:
Most of my ingredients are organically grown (no insecticides, and a better quality of plant) and were bought from a local merchant. In medieval times, these ingredients could have been bought from both local merchants on the streets and from apothecaries.
Steps to Ensure Authenticity:
I took an herbal class at Pennsic XXX which had noted a period recipe in Ram�s Little Dodoen. After many hours of research I was able to compile several recipes (excerpts from books printed before 1700�s), of which are listed below as well as my redactions. Though many of my resources are post 1600, it stands to reason by the vast amount of recipes, that these herbs were commonly used and grown prior to the publication dates.
I consulted the �The Constants and Equations Pages� to better understand what period measurements meant. Below is the medieval measurement conversion chart I was able to compile, which was useful in my redactions:
1 pound = 12 ounces = 5760 grains = 240 penny-worth
1 ounce = 480 grains = 20 penny-worth
1 penny-worth = 24 grains = 1/20 ounce
1 dram = 1/8 ounce = 60 grains = 1 groat
Period Recipes
Resources
Pomander Cases