1 18 PEPPERMINT — PERIWINKLE — PERSIMMON. 



PEPPERMINT. Mentha piperita. 



Synonym — Brandy Mint. 



Part used — Herb. 



Action — Stimulant, stomachic, carminative. Used 

 for allaying nausea, flatulence, sickness, vomiting, and 

 as an infants' cordial. Generally combined with other 

 medicines when its stomachic effects are required. The 

 infusion of i ounce to a pint of boiling water is taken 

 in wineglassful doses. 



Preparations — Fluid extract: Dose, J-i drachm. 

 Oil : Dose, £-3 drops. Spirit B.P. : Dose, 5-20 drops. 



PERIWINKLE. Vlnca major. 



Synonym — Greater Periwinkle. 



Part used — Herb. 



Action — Astringent, tonic. It is reputed to be useful 

 in menorrhagia and hemorrhage. 



PERSIMMON. Dlospyros virglniana. 



Synonym — Dateplum. 



Part used — Bark, unripe fruit. 



Action — Tonic, astringent. The bark has been 

 used in febrile complaints. The fruit is beneficial in 

 various intestinal disorders where a mild astringent is 

 called for. The infusion of the bark is made in a 

 strength of 1 ounce to a pint, of the fruit 8 ounces 

 (bruised) to a pint. The dose is from a tablespoonful 

 to a wineglassful. 



PERUVIAN BALSAM. Myroxylon Pereira. 



Synonym — Balsam of Peru. 



Part used — Balsam. 



Action — Stimulating, expectorant. Useful in all 

 chronic mucous affections, catarrh, gonorrhoea, leu- 

 corrhcea, diarrhoea, dysentery. Externally used in 

 ulcers, wounds, ringworm, eczema, and other cutaneous 

 affections. Dose, 10-30 drops. 



