Botanic Remedies 319 



STYRAX 



STORAX, Liquidambar orientalis. Universally offi- 

 cial. This balsam, which acts similarly to the other 

 balsams, is seldom used except in combination, 

 such as the compound tincture of benzoin. Storax 

 is used externally as a stimulating antiseptic in 

 ulcer and in parasitic skin diseases, more especially 

 in scabies and pediculosis. Frostbite responds well 

 to it. Equal parts of storax and olive oil are used 

 externally, and the drug is given internally in doses 

 of 15 grains. 



Styrax benzoin yields the balsamic resin known 

 as BENZOIN, which is also given in 15-grain doses 

 internally. Benzoin is universally official, the 

 Sumatra and Siam benzoin being separately desig- 

 nated in several standards. Benzoinated lard, the 

 tincture (dose, 15 minims), and the compound 

 tincture, FRIAR'S BALSAM, given in 30-minim doses, 

 are all popular pharmaceuticals. 



The article on "Benzoic Acid" covers benzoin 

 pharmacologically. Do not confuse these two 

 forms of "Styrax," and remember that compound 

 tincture of benzoin contains storax as well as ben- 

 zoin, tolu and aloes. 



SUMBUL 



MUSK ROOT, Ferula species and F. sumbul. Offi- 

 cial in the U. S. and Mexico. Galbanum (the gum 

 resin) is also derived from Ferula species, more par- 

 ticularly F. galbaniflua and F. rubricalis. Asafetida, 

 q. v., is derived from Ferula species, four of them 

 being recognized. 



Sumbul is an over-rated and poorly defined drug, 



