ḥabb al-balādhur

Ingredients

anacardium nut, balādhur sap

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The substance is derived from the anacardium nut (ḥabb al-balādhur). Between the outer wall of the nut and its pericarp lies a specific sap described as 'amber-coloured, inky, sticky, [and] pungent' (p. 45). This sap is harvested for use as a marking agent. Historically, for medicinal consumption (which is related to its physical properties), it was often mixed with honey or other sweet substances to balance its 'hot' qualities (p. 45). As an ink, its extract is noted for being highly abrasive (p. 45).

Evidence

"Today, anacardium is known as ‘marking nut’ because its sap is used to stain linens and paper, and it can also mark bodies as a tattooing ink."

Remarks

The text identifies Balādhur as a 'marking nut' used specifically for staining paper and linen, as well as for tattooing (p. 45). It was used by scholars in Mamluk Cairo as a memory-enhancing drug, despite severe toxic side effects including the eruption of boils and dementia (p. 45-48). The author notes that the sap's abrasive nature is effective enough that it can be used to remove tattoos as well as create them (p. 45). In the context of Mamluk society, the use of this substance was widespread among both Muslim and Jewish scholars for intellectual pursuits (p. 45).