1190

ELEMENTS OF MATERIA MEDICA.

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Myrrh differs from the fetid gum-resins (asafcetida, galbanum, — ^

not possessing that influence over the nervous system which has lethe use of the latter in various spasmodic diseases, and to their denonution of antispasmodics. From the balsamic substances it is distingmsby its tonic influence. It has some relation to cascarilla, but is 1stimulant. c .

Uses. —The employment of myrrh is indicated in diseases c ® a u j arterised by feebleness of the vascular action, by weakness of the mu* 0fibre, and by excessive secretion from the mucous membranes. H-eiand leucoplilegmatic constitutions best admit of its use. It is ^ e( | U j'gp'dassociated with tonics, especially the chalybeates, or with aloes, tnit is rarely used alone. It is contra-indicated in inflammatory diseaand in plethoric individuals. It is used in the following cases: 1 ,

1. In disordered conditions of the digestive organs arising from ° r gnected with an atonic condition of the alimentary canal, as in some

of dyspepsia, apepsia, flatulence, &c. _ , a

2. In disordered states of the menstrual functions characterised }

lax and debilitated state of the system, as in many cases of amenorrand chlorosis. . fl dtli

3. In excessive secretion from the mucous membranes unconnected

inflammatory symptoms, and accompanied by marks of debiM }- ^chronic pulmonary catarrh, for example, it is sometimes admissible^useful. It has also been used to check puriform expectoration in p 11 ^ ^pulmonalis, though it is now rarely employed for this purpose, gmost cases it proves either useless or injurious. In mucous disc ifrom the urino-genital organs, as well as from the alimentary canal,also been administered. oge s.

4. As an external application, myrrh is employed for various Pj ir P gU t,-Thus it is used as a dentifrice, either alone or mixed with othei ^stances; and in caries of the teeth, and in a spongy or ulceratedition of the gums, is very serviceable. As a gargle in ulcerations j.throat, tincture of myrrh, diluted with water, is frequently elll P 'L-q-

\nfoul ulcers, myrrh has been used to destroy unpleasant odour, ^y

mote granulations, and to improve the quality and diminish the fl u ^ erll -of secreted matters: for these purposes it has been applied in a p ulent form, as an ointment, or as a wash. _ of

Administration. —Dose, gr. x. to 5ss. It

is given in

powder, pill, or emulsion. The aqueous infusion and extract, ' aJJt ,have been recommended for their mildness, are seldom employ® ’ j )a f-very rightly so, as I conceive. Myrrh is a constituent of severamacopceial preparations ; as mistura ferri composita (p. 5o4)> "ferri composites (p. 554), pilules aloes cum myrrhd (p. 649), dealoes compositum (p. 650), pilulce rhei composite (p. 821), an *galbani composites (p. 1048). , fio e

Tinctuba Mybbhje, L. E.D. (Myrrh , bruised [in moderate} ^powder, E.], jiij.; Rectified Spirit , Oij. [Oj. and fjxiij- E-\, a ,id

Proof Spirit, Oiss. D.] Macerate for fourteen days [seven, j.

filter, L. D. “ Pack the myrrh very gently, without any spirit; * U oUJ1 ce scolator; then pour on the spirit; and when thirty-three n ulhave passed through, agitate well, to dissolve the oleo-resinous ^ uC liwhich first passes, and which lies at the bottom. This tincture i ,, £.)less conveniently obtained by the process of digestion for seven cm} ’