This section is from the book "Practical Materia Medica And Prescription Writing", by Oscar W. Bethea. Also available from Amazon: Practical Materia Medica and Prescription Writing.
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.
Eng., Oil of Peppermint. A volatile oil. Average Dose.-3 minims (0.2 mil).
See Menthol, p. 221
Eng., Peppermint Water. A saturated, aqueous solution of Oil of Peppermint.
4 fluidrachms (15 mils).
Eng., Spirit of Peppermint. Synonym, Essence of Peppermint. Represents 10 per cent. of Oil of Peppermint and 1 per cent. of the crude drug.
30 minims (2 mils).
Oil of Peppermint is refrigerant, carminative, stomachic, antiseptic.
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.
The following prescriptions illustrate the employment of the preparations of peppermint both as active agents and as vehicles:
or | |||
Camphorae.................. | gr. iv | 26 | |
O1. Menth. Pip., | |||
O1. Pini Syl., | |||
Eucalyptolis.................... | āā. iv | 26 | |
Petrolati Liq................. | q. S. | 120 | 00 |
M.
Use as a spray every four hours.
The internal use of peppermint is shown in the following for acute indigestion:
or | |||
Spir. Menth. Pip., | |||
Spir. Aetheris Co................ | aa. | 15 |
M.
Teaspoonful in water every hour till relieved.
In the treatment of acute indigestion, etc.:
or | |||
Spir. Chloroformi, | |||
Spir. Menth. Pip...................... | aa. | 15 |
M.
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:
or | |||
Sodii Salicylatis.............. | 15 | ||
Aquae Menthae Pip.............. | q.s. | 120 |
M.
Two (2) teaspoonfuls well diluted every two hours.
In the treatment of chronic vomiting of childhood:
or | |||
Liq. Potas. Arsenitis............. | xij | 75 | |
Sodii Bicarbonatis................ | gr. xxiv | 1 | 50 |
Aquae Menthae Pip.................... | q.s. | 90 | 00 |
M.
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:
or | |||
Flext. Cascarae Sagr. .............. | 30 | ||
Tinct. Cardamomi Comp............ | 15 | ||
Glycerini................. | 30 | ||
Aquae Menthae Pip............... | q.s. | 90 |
M.
Teaspoonful in water after meals.
 
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