Extractum Anthemidis.—Extract of Chamomile.
Related entry: Anthemis (U. S. P.)—Anthemis
Preparation.—"Take of chamomile flowers 1 pound (av.), oil of chamomile 15 minims, distilled water 1 gallon. Boil the chamomile with the water until the volume is reduced to one-half; then strain, press, and filter. Evaporate the liquor by a water-bath until the extract is of a suitable consistence for forming pills, adding the oil of chamomile at the end of the process (Br. Pharm.). This is an aqueous extract of deep-brown color, representing the odor and bitter taste of the flowers. An alcoholic extract may be prepared as follows:
Extractum Anthemidis Alcoholicum, Alcoholic extract of chamomile.—Exhaust chamomile flowers, bruised, 1 pound, with diluted alcohol a sufficient quantity, proceeding in the same manner as explained for the preparation of Alcoholic Extracts, on page 758. At the close of the process volatile oil of chamomile, 15 minims, may be thoroughly incorporated with the extract, as advised by the British Pharmacopoeia.
Medical Uses and Dosage.—Extract of chamomile is a tonic, and may be used in all cases where the crude article is indicated. It may be beneficially combined with other extracts, as of scullcap, cramp-bark, black cohosh, golden-seal, ladies'-slipper, etc. The dose of the alcoholic extract is from 1 to 5 grains 3 times a day; of the aqueous extract, 1 to 10 grains.
