Unguentum Staphisagriae.—Ointment of Stavesacre.
Botanical name:
Related entry: Staphisagria (U. S. P.)—Staphisagria
Preparation.—"Take of stavesacre seeds, 4 ounces (av.); benzoinated lard, 8 ounces (av.). Crush the seeds, and macerate them in the lard, kept melted over a water-bath for 2 hours. Strain through calico, and set aside to cool. This ointment contains about 10 per cent of the oil of stavesacre"—(Br. Pharm., 1885). The British Pharmacopoeia (1898) uses stavesacre seeds, 4 parts; benzoated lard, 17 parts; and yellow beeswax, 2 parts.
Action and Medical Uses.—This ointment is said to be extensively employed in England in itch, prurigo, and certain other skin diseases. Its chief use, however, is to destroy pediculi, both of the head and body.
