BENZOIN. 25 



steep a leaf or two in water and drink the resulting 

 mucilage freely. Externally they also apply this in 

 ophthalmic and cutaneous complaints. The seeds con- 

 tain an oil which is used in the same manner as Olive 

 Oil and has a laxative effect. Given internally this oil 

 is said to promote menstruation. 



Distinctive character Leaves alternate, ovate, or 

 lanceolate, the lower ones often three-lobed, prominently 

 veined beneath. Taste, mucilaginous. Seeds ^ inch 

 long, -fa inch broad, flat, obovate, usually white or 

 black, but there are yellowish and reddish varieties. 

 Taste, mucilaginous, oily. 



BENZOIN. Styrax Benzoin, Dry. 



N.O. Styyacea. 



Syn. Gum Benzoin, Gum Benjamin, Siam Benzoin, 

 Sumatra Benzoin. 



Part used Resin. 



Action Stimulating, expectorant. Used as part of 

 Friar's Balsam in coughs, bronchitis, and externally 

 applied to wounds, sores, &c. Contains Benzoic Acid 

 and thus enters into the preparation of Paregoric. 



Preparations Benzoid acid B.P. : Dose, 5-15 grains. 

 Lozenges (Benzoic) B.P. Compound tincture benzoin 

 B.P. and U.S. P. : Dose, -1 drachm. Compound 

 tincture camphor B.P. (Paregoric) : Dose, -1 drachm. 

 Tincture U.S. P.: Dose, 15 drops. 



Distinctive character In greyish brown, resinous 

 lumps, containing white tears. Odour, balsamic, or 

 recalling the odour of hyacinth, in the Penang kind, and 

 that of vanilla in the Siam kind. Giving off a fragrant 

 odour when heated. It is soluble in spirits of wine, 

 except for debris, which should not exceed 10 per cent, 

 (and in exceptionally good specimens would not exceed 

 2 per cent.). 



