418-2 
as an abortivant, should the intender be not too late with her prescription. The oil 
is anti-emetic, anti-spasmodic, and rubefacient in rheumatism; with raw linseed 
oil, it makes an excellent dressing for recent burns. The oil has been recom- 
mended as an ointment to keep off gnats, ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes ; many who 
have camped in the northern woods, have anointed their hands, neck, and face 
with this body, to guard against the pests of that region, but with only partial 
success. 
The herb and Oleum Hedeome are officinal in the U.S. Ph.; in the Eclectic 
Dispensatory, the oil and Decoctum Hedeome are recommended. 
PART USED AND PREPARATION.—The whole fresh plant, at the flower- 
ing period, is treated as described for the root of Collinsonia.* The resulting 
tincture has a deep orange color by transmitted light; retains the odor and taste 
of the plant to a high degree; and has an acid reaction. 
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS.— O7/ of Hedeoma.—This body is easily obtain- 
able by distilling the fresh herb with water. It results as an almost colorless, light- 
yellow liquid, becoming darker with age. It retains the odor and taste of the herb, 
is neutral, has a sp. gr. of 0.941,} and is readily soluble in alcohol. 
PHYSIOLOGICAL ACTION.—A case of poisoning by the oil is reported by 
Dr. Toothacker,t of a woman who took, at intervals, doses of a teaspoonful of the 
oil; she presented the following symptoms: Severe headache ; difficult deglutition ; 
great nausea, severe retchings, but inability to vomit; intolerable bearing down, 
labor-like pains, with tenderness of the abdomen; constipation; dyspncea; semi- 
paralysis of the limbs; nervous weakness, and prostration. 
DESCRIPTION OF PLATE 118. 
1. Whole plant, Binghamton, N. Y., July 21st, 18385. 
2. Flower. . 
3. Calyx. 
4. Mouth of corolla. 
5. Pistil. 
6. Fruiting calyx. 
7- Nutlet. — 
(2-7 enlarged.) 
43 * Rage 119-2. _ + The sp. gr. of the oil of Mentha pulegium is 0.925. 
t Phil. Four. of Hom., 2,655. 
