CLASSIFICATION OF VOLATILE OILS 285 



odor which is disagreeable and nauseating to most people, the best 

 known of which are asafoetida and valerian. The oil of valerian 

 is prepared from Valeriana officialis. It does not possess a marked 

 odor when freshly prepared but after some time when exposed to the 

 air it assumes an unpleasant penetraUng odor. It is interesting to 

 note that while these oils are very disagreeable to most people, 

 asafoetida is used in India as a condiment and valerian was form- 

 erly used in England as a perfume. 



These two drugs are used in hysteric conditions in human prac- 

 tice and their benefits have been assumed as due to the mental im- 

 pression produced by their unpleasant odor and taste. Asafoetida 

 is also used as a carminative. 



3. Genito-Urinary Stimulants and Disinfectants. 



Most important of these are: 



Copaiba — Cubebs — Sandalwood — Matigo. 



4. For Diuretics. See- group of Diuretics. 



Juniper TJva Ursa Zea 



Buehu Bearberry Chimaphila 



5. Skin Irritants. See irritants and counterirritants. 



a. Turpentine group. 



Turpentine Tar 



Succini Cajuput 



Lavender Eesin 



E,osemary S^abina 



b. Mustard oil group. 



Sinipis Alba Sinipis Mgra. 



c. Cantharidin group. 



Cantharides Pulsatilla 



Euphorbium Chrysarobinum 



Epicarin 



6. Used Mainly in Respiratory Diseases. 



The volatile oils act as stimulants and antiseptics to the respira- 

 tory mucous membranes. They may be applied locally as sprays, 

 inhalations, etc., or given internally as expectorants in chronic 

 bronchitis, exerting their action in the course of their elimination 

 through the lungs. 



The most important members of the group are: 



Turpentine Terebene 



Terpin hydrate Pine bark 



Tolu Eucalyptol 



Grindelia Cubebs 



