The oil distilled in Britain from fresh flowering peppermint, Mentha piperita, B.P.

A volatile oil distilled from peppermint, U.S.P.

Characters. - Colourless or pale yellow, with the odour of peppermint; taste warm, aromatic, succeeded by a sensation of coldness in the mouth.

Preparations.

B.P.

Dose.

Aqua Menthae Piperitae (1 1/2 fl. dr. to 1 gallon).....

.1-2 fl. oz.

Essentia Menthae Piperitae (1 volume in 5).......

.10-20 min.

Pilula Rhei Composita (vide p. 523) (1 min. in 1 dr.)..

.nearly 5-10 gr.

Spiritus Menthae Piperitae (1 volume in 50)......

1/2 fl. dr.

Tinctura Chloroformi et Morphinae (1 min. in 2 fl. oz.).,

.5-10 min.

Dose. - 1-5 min.

U.S.P.

Aqua Menthae Piperitae .......................................................

.1-2 fl. oz.

Spiritus Menthae Piperitae ............................................

.10-15 min.

Trochisci Mentha Piperitae3 (Peppermint Lozenges)...

.ad lib.

Action and Use. - Carminative and stimulant, used to relieve flatulence and colic; and as an adjunct to purgatives, to lessen griping. Mosquito-bites may be prevented by rubbing the skin of the face and hands, the lips and the margins of the nostrils with soap strongly scented with peppermint or lavender. A sprig of peppermint or pennyroyal, or a small bottle containing their volatile oils, hung near the head during sleep is said to have a similar effect. Peppermint lozenges are useful in relieving flatulence and the tendency to faintness due to it.