506 VEGETABLE DRUGS 



chloroform in solution ( 3 ss. to J i.), in urticaria or pruritus. 

 An ointment is also serviceable, or a solution by heat in 

 oleic acid (1 to 24). For burns, the following will be found 

 beneficial : Sweet oil and lime water, each one ounce ; 

 menthol, one drachm. The cooling sensation produced by 

 menthol is due to a specific effect upon the nerves of temper- 

 ature. The anaesthetic and antiseptic action of menthol has 

 been taken advantage of in the treatment of boils and super- 

 ficial abscesses. A 10 to 50 per cent, solution in ether is 

 said to abort these lesions when painted frequently on the 

 inflamed parts. A menthol and camphor solution, obtained 

 by dissolving fifteen grains of each in an ounce of liquid 

 petrolatum, is one of the best preparations to use in an 

 atomizer or dropper for acute or chronic nasal catarrh of 

 dogs. 



Internally, the essence of peppermint or oil are of worth 

 in cases of mild colic and flatulence on account of their 

 anaesthetic, carminative and antiseptic action. Menthol may 

 be given to dogs to relieve vomiting. Peppermint water 

 assuages thirst in fever, and this preparation is also used as 

 a pleasant vehicle in the administration of disagreeable 

 drugs to dogs. The oil is prescribed in pill or ball to pre- 

 vent the griping of cathartics. 



Administration, — The essence is the preparation in most 

 common use and is given in water. The oil is dissolved in 

 spirit, or exhibited to dogs on sugar. Menthol may be 

 administered in alcohol and syrup, equal parts ; or in pill or 

 capsule to dogs. 



Mentha viridis (spearmint) is official together with 

 oleum menthse viridis (oil of spearmint), spiritus menthse 

 viridis (spirit of spearmint), and aqua menthse viridis. The 

 actions, uses and doses are the same as those of peppermint 

 aud its preparations, but the latter are more popular and 

 pleasant. 



Anisum. Anise. 



Synonym. — Anisi fructus, B.P.; anis, Fr.; anis, G. 



