A volatile oil distilled from the unripe fruit of Juniperus communis.

Characters. - Colourless or pale greenish-yellow, of a sweetish odour, and warm aromatic taste.

Dose. - 1-4 min.

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Spiritus Juniperi (with spirit 1 volume in 50)........

(Is contained in Mistura Creasoti.)

30 min.-l fl. dr.

U.S.P.

Spiritus Juniperi (3 per cent. in alcohol)........................................

30-60 min.

,, ,, Compositus ........................................................

2-4 fl. dr.

U.S.P. Spiritus Juniperi Compositus. Compound Spirit of Juniper. - Oil of juniper, 10; oil of caraway, 1; oil of fennel, 1; alcohol, 1,000; water up to 5,000.

Action and Uses. - Oil of juniper is a local stimulant. It is contained in gin and hollands. It resembles oil of turpentine in its action, but has a more powerful effect on the kidneys. It is used chiefly as a diuretic in dropsy depending on cardiac, liver, or kidney disease. In the last case it must be employed with caution. In a healthy man it does not seem to increase the flow of urine. Gin is flavoured with juniper, and is frequently employed as a diuretic. The compound spirit of juniper, U.S.P., approximates to gin in strength and may be used in place of it.