Tinctura Myrrhae (U. S. P.)—Tincture of Myrrh.
Related entry: Myrrha (U. S. P.)—Myrrh
Preparation.—"Myrrh, in moderately coarse powder, two hundred grammes (200 Gm.) [7 ozs. av., 24 grs.]; alcohol, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix the powder with eight hundred cubic centimeters (800 Cc.) [27 fl℥, 25♏︎] of alcohol, and macerate for 7 days in a closed vessel; then filter through paper, adding, through the filter, enough alcohol to make the tincture measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.). A brown or red-yellow tincture, of a bitter, balsamic taste and an aromatic odor. When added to water, resin is precipitated.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Tincture of myrrh is used as a stimulating application to obstinate, fetid ulcers, and to promote the exfoliation of carious bones (Coxe). It is also useful as a wash, either alone or diluted with water, in ulceration of the mouth and throat, spongy and bleeding gums, etc. Internally, it has been used in chronic cough, catarrh, etc., as a stimulating expectorant; also as an emmenagogue. The dose is from ½ to 1 fluid drachm.
