GENERAL ACTION OF VOLATILE OILS 473 



may be given in emulsion, or to dogs in capsules, and in 

 combination with salicylic acid or salicylates. 



Oil of wintergreen is serviceable in the following lini- 

 ment for rheumatism : 



5 



M. 



Tine. Aconiti. 

 01. Gaultheriae. 



Chloroformi aa 5 i 



Lin. Saponis ad. § viii. 



External use. 



The external application of methyl salicylate to acutely 

 inflamed rheumatic joints is one of the most efficient forms 

 of treatment, and, since some is absorbed, will take the place 

 of the internal administration of salicylates to a considerable 

 extent. It is usually best to combine this treatment with 

 internal medication, however. Plain gauze, or other absorb- 

 ent material, is saturated with methyl salicylate, applied 

 to the affected joint, and then covered with oil silk, or 

 rubber protective and bandage. 



SECTION IX.— VOLATILE OILS, OR DRUGS 

 CONTAINING THEM. 



GENERAL ACTION OF VOLATILE OILS. 



Synonym. — Essential, ethereal, aromatic or distilled oils. 



Externally, volatile oils cause reddening of the skin (rube- 

 facients), sometimes blistering (vesicants), and often local 

 anaesthesia, notably oil of cloves and peppermint. They are 

 also parasiticide, antiseptic and disinfectant, particularly oil 

 of mustard, which is the most powerful germicide known. 



Internally, these agents stimulate the flow of gastric, 

 salivary, and intestinal secretions, and increase the vascu- 

 larity and movements of the stomach and bowels. They 

 therefore temporarily improve digestion, overcome flatulence 

 by expelling gas from the intestines, prevent griping pro- 



