500 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



ditions. There is no sufficient evidence to sliow that arnica 

 possesses any therapeutic value when given internally, 

 although it has been used and is recommended for dysentery, 

 chronic bronchitis, rheumatism, nervous disorders, etc. 



Myrrha. Myrrh. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Synonym. — Myrrhe, F. 



A gum-resin obtained from Commiphora Myrrha (Nees) 

 Engler (nat. ord. Burseracese). 



Habitat — Eastern Africa and Southwestern Arabia, 

 along the borders of the Bed Sea. 



Description. — In roundish or irregular tears or masses ; 

 dusty, brownish-yellow or reddish-brown ; fracture waxy, 

 somewhat splintery ; translucent on the edges, somewhat 

 marked with whitish veins ; odor balsamic ; taste aromatic, 

 bitter and acrid. When triturated with water, myrrh yields 

 a brownish-yellow emulsion ; it is soluble in alcohol. 



Constituents. — 1, an active resinous principle, myrrhin 

 (C,,H3,0i„), 30 to 40 per cent. ; 2, myrrhol (C,oH,,0,), a volatile 

 oil, 2 8 per cent. ; 3, arabin, a gum, 50 to 60 per cent. ; 4, a 

 bitter substance. 



Dose.—R. k C, 3 ii.-iv. (8.-15.); Sh. & Sw., 3ss.-L 

 (2.-4.) ;D.,gr.v.-xxx. (.3-2.). 



PREPARATIONS. 



Tinctura Myrrhce. Tincture of Myrrh. (U. S. & B. P.) 



Made by maceration of myrrh, 200, with alcohol, and filtration to 

 make 1000. (U. S. P.) 



Dose.—B.. & C, I i.-ii. (30.-60.) ; Sh. & Sw., 3 iii.-vi. (12 -24.) ; D., 



3 88.-i.(2.^.). 



Tinctura Aloes et MyrrJice. Tincture of Aloes and Myrrh. 

 (U. S. & B. P.) 



Made by maceration and percolation of myrrh, 100; purified aloes, 

 100; liquorice root; with alcohol and water to make 1000. (U. S. P.) 



Dose— H. & C, I ii.-iv. (60.-120.) ; Sh. & Sw., § ss.-i. (15.-30.) ; D., 

 3 i.-ii. (4.-8.). 



Action and Uses. — Myrrh, externally, is a mild stimulant 



