PEPPERMINT PERIWINKLE. 213 



Pills." The powdered Peppercorns may be taken in 

 doses of 3-15 grains. 



Preparations Confection of Pepper B.P. : Dose, 

 1-2 drachms. Oleoresin U.S. P. : Dose, grain. 



Distinctive character Black pepper is the dried, 

 unripe fruit, externally black and wrinkled, inch in 

 diameter, spherical, containing only one seed which is 

 horny and grey and starchy internally. Taste, very 

 pungent. Odour, characteristic. 



PEPPERMINT. Mentha plperita, Sm. 



Syn. Brandy Mint. N -- Labiate. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Stimulant, stomachic, carminative. Used 

 for allaying nausea, flatulence, sickness, vomiting, and 

 as an infants' cordial. Generally combined with other 

 medicines when its stomachic effects are required. The 

 infusion of i ounce to a pint of boiling water is taken in 

 wineglassful doses. Menthol is obtained from Pepper- 

 mint Oil by subjecting it to a very low temperature. 



Preparations Fluid extract : Dose, J-i drachm. 

 Oil : Dose, -3 drops. Spirit B.P. : Dose, 5-20 drops. 

 Water B.P. and U.S.P. : Dose, 4 drachms. 



Distinctive character Stem usually purplish, 2-4 

 feet high, quadrangular, leaves stalked, 2-3 inches long 

 and -i inch broad, serrate, slightly but not visibly 

 hairy. Taste and odour, characteristic. 



PERIWINKLE. Vlnca major, Linn. 



Syn. Greater Periwinkle. N -- Apocynoce*. 



Part used Herb. 



Action Astringent, tonic. It is reputed to be useful 

 in menorrhagia and haemorrhages generally. 



Distinctive character Stems cylindrical, smooth, 

 leaves opposite, shining at intervals of 2-3 inches, 



