PENNYROYAL. 205 



royal are much alike, not only in physical but in medicinal qualities. 

 The latter is more energetic, and is generally considered more 

 useful as a carminative and emmenagogue, though less effica- 

 cious as a stomachic. Its excitant powers are such that, accord- 

 ing to Haller*, the external application of it has produced 

 irritation of the skin and even ulceration. In addition to its 

 tonic and excitant effects upon the stomach, it sometimes acts, 

 either directly or sympathetically, upon the surface of the body, 

 at other times upon the kidneys, promoting the secretion of 

 urine, and more frequently it excites the bronchial exhalation, 

 and thus facilitates expectoration. From its prompt and vigor- 

 ous action upon the nervous system it is especially regarded as 

 an antispasmodic and anti-hysteric. 



The alcoholic infusion of this plant, in defect of more powerful 

 remedies, has been used in syncope, asphyxia, and paralysis. It 

 has also been employed in amenorrhoeaf, asthma, hysteria, 

 hypochondriasis, atonic gout, and flatulence. Ray J, Boyle §, Sau- 

 vages ||, and others, have particularly recommended the aqueous 

 infusion in hooping-cough, but Werlhoff^[ and Cullen** think it 

 injurious rather than beneficial. " It must not be forgotten that 

 this plant is essentially stimulant, and although admissible in 

 convulsive cough and other affections when accompanied with 

 atony and exempt from phlogosis and irritation, it will be 

 hurtful in contrary circumstances." ff 



The theiform infusion is given in variable doses. The vinous 

 infusion may be administered in the quantity of a wine-glassful 

 at a time. From two to six drops of the essential oil J J may be 

 given upon sugar, in emulsion, or with egg. The dose of the 

 distilled water J J is from one to three ounces. The spirit J J, which 

 is similar in virtues to that of spear-mint, is prescribed in doses 

 of one to three drachms. 



* Hist, stirp. Helv. 221. 



■f " An infusion of the herb in white wine, I have never known to fail." 

 Haller, 1. c. 



+ Hist. PI. torn. i. p. 534. 



§ Boyle's Works, t. iv. p. 475. 



|| Nosol. method, torn. ii. P. 2. p. 157. 



f Coram. Noric. 1733, p. 173. 



** Mat. Med. vol. ii. p. 150. 



ff Flore Medicale, torn. v. p. 242. 



+% Pharmacopoeia Lond. 1836. 



