244 MATER i A MEDIC A AND THERAPEUTICS. 



toothache from dental caries, acting at once as an anodyne and 

 disinfectant. At the same time, the nerves of taste and smell 

 (flavour) are powerfully excited. Several results, of the first 

 importance in digestion, follow these local changes, namely : (1) 

 reflex salivation ; (2) reflex flow of mucus ; (3) reflex hyper- 

 semia of the gastric mucosa, a sense of hunger, and a flow of 

 gastric juice ; (4) stimulation of the appetite and increase of 

 relish by the pleasing flavour ; and (5) in a word, increased 

 desire for, enjoyment of, and digestion of food. 



Aromatic oils are accordingly used very extensively in 

 cookery, where the proper use of them constitutes an important 

 portion of the culinary art. Those of them which are also 

 bitter, such as orange, are taken with wines and spirits as 

 various "aromatic bitters," liqueurs, etc., to rouse or strengthen 

 appetite and digestion before or during a meal. In pharmacy 

 they are employed to correct the tastes of nauseous drugs ; and 

 theiapeutically they are given in dyspepsia and debility along 

 with most bitters to increase the saliva and gastric juice. 



In the stomach, the effect of aromatics on the vessels and 

 nerves is continued ; and here it is generally described as 

 carminative. Besides causing an increased flow of juice, by 

 stimulation of the mouth, these substances are powerful 

 stomachics in several ways. The vessels of the mucosa are 

 dilated ; the nerves of the same are first excited (causing a sense 

 of heat in the epigastrium) and then soothed, thus relieving pain ; 

 the contents, rf decomposing, as in dyspepsia, are partly disin- 

 fected. Their reflex influence is equally important. The mus- 

 cular coat is stimulated, thus increasing the gastric movement, 

 expelling flatulence, and relieving painful cramps, spasms, 

 hiccup, and other forms of distress. Distant organs are also 

 stimulated : the vigour of the heart increased, the blood pressure 

 raised, and the spinal, medullary, and even cerebral centres 

 temporarily excited, to the relief of low, hysterical, and 

 " spasmodic " symptoms, very common in certain classes of 

 females, as well as of more serious conditions, such as asthma, 

 cardiac pain, and palpitation. Aromatics are thus general 

 stimulants and antispasmodics. 



In the intestines the aromatic oils may still be found partly 

 unabsorbed, acting on the same structures as before, increasing 

 the local functions, stimulating the intestinal movements, and 

 expelling flatus. They thus relieve or prevent pain or spasm 

 (colic), and provide us with valuable correctives of the griping 

 tendencies of many purgatives. The constitution of the most 

 important compound pills, powders, and laxative draughts 

 should be studied in this connection, such as Pilula Rhei Com- 

 posita, Pulvis Jalapae Compositus, and Mistura Sennae Com- 



