222 SPECIFICS FOR THE ALIMENTARY TRACT 



CAPSICUM 



Synonyms. Cayenne Pepper, Eed Pepper 



Parts Used. The fruit of Capsicum frutescens, a small shrub 

 of tropical countries. Its active principle is Capsaicin. 

 Preparations and Doses: 



Capsicum. H. and C. grs. xx — ^Ix; 1.3 — 4. D. grs. j — viij ; 



0.06—0.5. 



Fluidextractum Capsici. H. Tl\ xx — Ix; 1.3 — 4. D. TTL 



]■— viij ; 0.06—0.5. 

 Oleoresina Capsici. H. TIX x — xxx; 0.6 — 2. D. T([ % — j; 



0.016—0.06. 



Tinctura Capsici. H. 3 ij — iv; 8. — 15. D. nx v — xxx; 



0.3—2. 



Action. Externally and locally capsicum is a sharp irritant 

 producing burning, redness and even vesication. Its irritant action 

 is much more prolonged and severe than mustard. Internally there 

 is no effect except upon the gastro-intestinal canal. In therapeutic 

 doses it produces a feeling of burning in the mouth and warmth to 

 the stomach, stimulates peristalsis and aids in the expulsion of flatus. 

 Large doses cause severe inflammation of the gastro-intestinal and 

 genito-urinary tracts accompanied by vomiting and purging and 

 scanty high colored urine. 



Therapeutics. 



1. Externally. As a counterirritant, it is not used so much as 

 mustard because it is more powerful and the action is more pro- 

 longed. 



2. Internally. As a carminative. It should always be well di- 

 luted as it is very irritant to the mouth. 



Piper Nigra (Black Pepper). This is similar in action and 

 uses to the above but is much weaker. 



ZINGIBER 



Synonym. Ginger 



Parts Used. The rhizomes of Zingiber officinale, an herb grow- 

 ing in the tropics. It contains a volatile oil and an oleoresin. 

 Official Preparations and Doses. 



Zingiber. H. Sij— §j ; 8.— 30. Sh. & Sw. 5 ]'— ij ; 4.-8. 



D. gr. V— XV ; 0.3—1. 



Fluidextractum Zingiberis. H. 3ij — §j ; 8. — 30. D. ITt 



V— xv; 0.3—1. 



