Nepenthe

Webster's Dictionary

(n.) A drug used by the ancients to give relief from pain and sorrow; - by some supposed to have been opium or hasheesh. Hence, anything soothing and comforting.

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(from Gr. νή, not, and πένθος, grief), is the name of a magic potion mentioned both by Greek and Roman poets, which was supposed to make persons forget their sorrows and misfortunes. It was the juice or infusion of a plant now unknown. Homer says it grew in Egypt, and that Helen learned its use from the Egyptians. According to Theodorus Siculus the Theban women also knew the secret of making it.

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

An imaginary goddess, the allayer of pain and the soother of sorrows, or the impersonation of stern retributive justice.