184 Botanic Drugs 



But the various forms of tannin vary largely in 

 effectiveness, and it is probable witchhazel offers 

 it in a more than ordinarily available form. Cer- 

 tainly it is an agreeable form in which to use it. 



THERAPEUTICS. For internal use the fl., in 10- to 

 30-minim doses, should be used. It will do what- 

 ever a good tannin product will do no more. See 

 "Tannic Acid." It is a superior astringent for in- 

 ternal use, and a valuable astringent and hemostatic 

 externally. 



It is a suitable application to a host of minor con- 

 gestions, sprains, and bruises, and in some cases of 

 pruritus. As a toilet preparation after shaving, 

 etc. it possesses value. In passive hemorrhage of 

 the skin and mucous surfaces it often serves well, 

 and it is a palliative application in hemorrhoids, 

 prolapsus ani, and other venous congestions. 



The British Pharmacopeia ointment and the B. P. 

 Codex PASTA HAMAMELIDIS, or WITCHHAZEL SNOW, 

 are good products. Use hamamelis within its reason- 

 able indications, and it will not disappoint; but re- 

 member it is no wonder-worker, as some assert. 



HEDEOMA 



PENNYROYAL (American), Hedeoma pulegioides. 

 Official in the Eighth U. S. P., as was also oil of 

 pennyroyal. In Mexico the flowering herb is official. 

 It is a gentle aromatic stimulant useful in flatulent 

 colic and used in infusion. Large doses of the oil 

 possess narcotic properties of no known therapeutic 

 usefulness. A spirit of the oil is repellent to fleas 

 and mosquitos, and is applied to the skin and face 

 as the lesser of two evils by those who consider it 

 such. Pennyroyal has no specific influence upon 



