VOLATILE AND FIXED OILS 
Their Nature and Uses 
In order to make our description of oils 
and their properties clear to everybody in- 
terested in this field of knowledge, we are 
submitting an explanation of a few medical 
terms used therein. 
Alteratives change the process of nutri- 
tion and excretion, sometimes exercising 
a decidedly beneficial effect. 
Anthelmintics are used to expel or des- 
troy intestinal worms. 
Astringents contract the tissues and 
thus tend to arrest the discharges, 
Anti-spasmodics are designed to allay or 
prevent the recurrence of spasms reliev- 
ing muscular irritability and excessive 
contraction. 
Aromatics and Carminatives have a 
pleasant flavor and pungent taste and 
are sometimes useful in expelling gas 
from the stomach and intestines by in- 
creasing peristalsis. They are also used 
to make other substances more palatable 
and to prevent griping of cathartics. 
Cathartics and Laxatives increase the 
amount or frequency of intestinal evacu- 
ation. They are divided into: Laxatives 
(mild) and Purgatives (drastic). 
Demulcents (Emollients) tend to modify 
the action of acrid and irritating mat- 
ters upon the mucous membranes of 
the throat, stomach, intestines, bladder 
and the urinary passages. ‘They are 
soothing to the irritated or inflamed mu- 
cous membrane and also act as emol- 
lients, softening the skin when applied 
externally. They ofien allay the pain of 
inflamed parts. 
Diaphoretics produce an increased per- 
spiration. 
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