Latin, Mentha Piperita (Gen., Menthae Piperitae)

Eng., Peppermint. The dried leaves and flowering tops of Mentha piperita. Average Dose.-60 grains (4 Gm.).

Official Constituents and Preparations.

Oleum Menthae Piperitae

Eng., Oil of Peppermint. A volatile oil. Average Dose.-3 minims (0.2 mil).

Menthol

See Menthol, p. 221

Aqua Menthae Piperitae

Eng., Peppermint Water. A saturated, aqueous solution of Oil of Peppermint.

Average Dose

4 fluidrachms (15 mils).

Spiritus Menthae Piperitae

Eng., Spirit of Peppermint. Synonym, Essence of Peppermint. Represents 10 per cent. of Oil of Peppermint and 1 per cent. of the crude drug.

Average Dose

30 minims (2 mils).

Therapeutic Action

Oil of Peppermint is refrigerant, carminative, stomachic, antiseptic.

Uses

Frequently used as a flavoring agent; also in the treatment of acute indigestion, flatulence, hysteria, etc. Externally it is sometimes employed for neuralgia, rheumatism, etc.

Administration

The following prescriptions illustrate the employment of the preparations of peppermint both as active agents and as vehicles:

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 929

or

Camphorae..................

gr. iv

26

O1. Menth. Pip.,

O1. Pini Syl.,

Eucalyptolis....................

āā. Mentha Piperita Peppermint 930 iv

26

Petrolati Liq.................

q. S.Mentha Piperita Peppermint 931

120

00

M.

Sig

Use as a spray every four hours.

The internal use of peppermint is shown in the following for acute indigestion:

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 932

or

Spir. Menth. Pip.,

Spir. Aetheris Co................

aa.Mentha Piperita Peppermint 933

15

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every hour till relieved.

In the treatment of acute indigestion, etc.:

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 934

or

Spir. Chloroformi,

Spir. Menth. Pip......................

aa.Mentha Piperita Peppermint 935

15

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water every two hours till relieved.

These are usually employed in a glass of hot water, after having emptied the stomach by the use of warm saline solution. Sodium Bicarbonate is often added at the time of administration.

Used as a vehicle in the treatment of rheumatism:

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 936

or

Sodii Salicylatis..............

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 937

15

Aquae Menthae Pip..............

q.s.Mentha Piperita Peppermint 938

120

M.

Sig

Two (2) teaspoonfuls well diluted every two hours.

In the treatment of chronic vomiting of childhood:

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 939

or

Liq. Potas. Arsenitis.............

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 940 xij

75

Sodii Bicarbonatis................

gr. xxiv

1

50

Aquae Menthae Pip....................

q.s.Mentha Piperita Peppermint 941

90

00

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful three times a day.

1 Musser and Kelly: Practical Treatment. 2 Ruhrah: Diseases of Children.

As a vehicle in a preparation for the treatment of constipation:

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 942

or

Flext. Cascarae Sagr. ..............

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 943

30

Tinct. Cardamomi Comp............

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 944

15

Glycerini.................

Mentha Piperita Peppermint 945

30

Aquae Menthae Pip...............

q.s.Mentha Piperita Peppermint 946

90

M.

Sig

Teaspoonful in water after meals.