Juniperus

Juniper

Juniper. The fruit of Juniperus communis Linné (Nat. Ord. Coniferae). (U. S. P.) Baies de geniévre,' Fr.; Wach-holderbeeren, Ger.

Infusum Juniperi

Infusion of juniper (oz j—Oj). Dose, oz ss— oz ij. (Not official.)

Oleum Juniperi

Oil of juniper. Dose, τη v—τη xx.

Spiritus Juniperi Compositus

Compound spirit of juniper. (Oil of juniper, 8 c. c.; alcohol, 1,400 c. c.; water, sufficient to make 2,000 c. c.; oils of caraway and fennel, each 1 c. c. Dose, oz ss— oz j.

Spiritus Juniperi

Spirit of juniper. (Oil of juniper, 50 c. c.; alcohol, 950 c. c.) Dose, 3 j— oz j.

Oleum Cadinum

Oil of cade. A product of the dry distillation of the wood of Juniperus oxycedrus.

Composition

Juniper contains a volatile oil, upon which its medicinal effects chiefly depend. A non-crystallizable principle (juni-perine) exists in the berries in very small quantity.

Actions and Uses

Juniper increases the appetite and digestion, but in overdoses will disorder the stomach. The volatile oil diffuses into the blood with facility. Increased action of the heart and of the arteries, a subjective sensation of warmth, diaphoresis, and diuresis, are produced by it.

The oil is eliminated by the kidneys chiefly, and imparts an odor of violets to the urine. It powerfully stimulates the renal functions, and in large doses causes strangury and bloody urine. It may set up a high degree of irritation of the kidneys, leading to suppression and uraemic intoxication. In common with the other remedies of this group, juniper excites the venereal appetite; in large doses may cause priapism, and in women promotes the menstrual flow.

The principal use of juniper is as a diuretic. It is contraindicated in acute affections of the kidneys. It is largely employed as a diuretic in cardiac and renal dropsy. The infusion is an excellent vehicle for the exhibition of saline diuretics in these affections. The oil of juniper acts similarly to, and is indicated under the same conditions as, turpentine in chronic pyelitis, chronic cystitis, gleet, prostorrhoea, etc Diuretic effects may be obtained by inhalation of the vapor of the oil. For this purpose a few drops may be put into hot water, and the vapor be inhaled.

The empyreumatic oil of juniper (oleum cadinum), obtained by destructive distillation from Juniperus oxycedrus, is a thick, black liquid, similar in appearance to and smelling like common tar. It is much employed as a local application in chronic eczema, impetigo, ichthyosis, psoriasis, acne rosacea, etc. It is usually combined with German soft-soap. Rx Alcoholis, saponis mollis, ol. cadini, āā oz j; ol. lavendulae, 3 jss. M. Rx O1. juniperis empy. (ol. cadini), saponis mollis, āā oz j; ol. lavend., 3 ss. M. Sig.: Ointment. Rx O1. juniperis empy., 3 j— oz j; sevi, oz ss; adipis, ozj. M. Sig.: Ointment.