European Olive. Nat. Ord. Oleaceae. Limit Syst. Diandria Monogynia. Hab. Asia, Greece, Southern Europe.

Med. Prop. and Action. The leaves and the resinous exudation of the Olive Thre were formerly highly esteemed as tonics and febrifuges. The latter contains a peculiar principle, Olivile. The unripe fruit is esteemed as a preserve; but the ripe fruit is the part chiefly valued, as from it is obtained a large quantity of bland fixed oil (Oleum OlivAe), which is extensively employed, not only in medicine, but in the arts, in the manufacture of soap, glycerine, &c. Olive Oil is composed of about 72 per cent. of Oleine and 28 per cent. of Margarine. With alkaline bases it forms soaps. Hard Soap is made from Olive Oil and Soda (see Sapo Durus); Soft Soap from Olive Oil and Potash (see Sapo Mollis). In doses of fl. oz. j. - fl. oz. ij. it is a mild laxative; but it is principally used as an emollient ingredient in enemas in dysentery, worms, &c, and it acts as a mechanical antidote in cases of poisoning, enveloping the poisonous particles, and protecting the surface of the stomach from their action. It enters into the composition of a large number of liniments, cerates, and ointments.

Offlc. Prep. of Olive Oil (Oleum OlivAe): - 1. Linimentum Calcis (Solution of Lime fl. oz. ij.; Olive Oil fl. oz. ij.).

2. Linimentum Camphorae (Camphor Oz

j.; Olive Oil fl. oz. ij.).

Olive Oil is also contained in Linimentum Crotonis; Emplastrum Ammo-niaci cum Hydrargyro; Emplastrum Hydrargyri; Emplastrum Lithargyri; Emplastrum Picis; Enema MagnesiAe Sulphatis; Unguentum Cantharidis; Unguentum Hydrargyri Nitratis; Unguentum Plumbi Subacetatis, and Unguentum VeratriAe.

Dose of Olive Oil, fl. drm. j. - fl. oz. j. - fl. oz. ij., as a demulcent and laxative.

1922. Therapeutic Uses

In Intermittent Fevers, the leaves and resin of the Olive Tree are popular remedies in Italy and Southern Europe. Dr. Giadoron* relates several cases in which he employed the resin with success. He employed the resin in doses of 3xij., divided into six parts: of these, one was taken in a little water, every two hours, during the intermission. The leaves he also found efficacious, in doses of 3j. - 3iij., every two hours, in the intervals of the fever. Much interesting information on the febrifuge properties of the Olive has been adduced by Mr. Daniel Hanbury.

1923. In Pruritus Pudendi, a little Olive Oil, spread over the parts with a feather, often affords relief when other remedies have failed. In Pruritus Scroti, seu Ani, it is also very efficacious. In that extreme irritation which so often accompanies the presence of Ascarides in the Rectum, an enema containing fl. oz. ij. - fl. oz. iij. of Olive Oil often affords immediate relief. Dr. Bennett found it relieve the itching produced by Cowhage, more effectually than any other remedy.

1924. In Ophthalmia Tarsi, and Granular Disease of the Eyelids, a great amount of relief, sometimes permanent, will follow the introduction of a drop of Olive Oil into the eye. Many forms of Ophthalmia, attended with much irritation, are benefited by this application.

* Ann. Univ. di Med., June 1851. Pharm. Joum. xiii. p. 853.

1925. Otalgia is often greatly relieved by introducing a few drops of Olive Oil (with or without a few drops of T. Opii) into the meatus, which should be previously syringed out with tepid milk and water, or with diluted Liq. Plumb. Subacet.