Origin. - A volatile oil distilled from the leaves of Gaultheria procumbens L., a small evergreen plant indigenous in the northern hemisphere and bearing a scarlet, fleshy, berry-like fruit.

Description and Properties. - The volatile oil is a colorless or yellow, or occasionally reddish, liquid, having a characteristic, strongly aromatic odor, and a sweetish, warm, and aromatic taste. Specific gravity, 1.172 to 1.180 at 25o C. (77o F.).

It consists almost entirely of methyl salicylate. It should be kept in well-stop-pered bottles, protected from light.

Dose. - 2-10 minims (0.12-0.6 Cc.) [15 minims (1 Cc), U. S. P.].

Official Preparation