Spiritus Juniperi, Spiritus Juniperi Compositus.
Spiritus Juniperi (U. S. P.)—Spirit of Juniper.
Related entry: Oleum Juniperi (U. S. P.)—Oil of Juniper
Preparation.—"Oil of juniper, fifty cubic centimeters (50 Cc.) [1 fl℥, 332♏︎]; alcohol, nine hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (9,50 Cc.) [32 fl℥, 59♏︎]; to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Mix them"—(U. S. P.). A more agreeable spirit may be prepared if oil of juniper berries, as directed, instead of common oil of juniper, be employed. It is improved by keeping.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Diuretic and carminative, and frequently added to diuretic medicines, to enhance their value in ascites. Dose, ½ to 1 fluid drachm.
Spiritus Juniperi Compositus (U. S. P.)—Compound Spirit of Juniper.
Preparation.—"Oil of juniper, eight cubic centimeters (8 Cc.) [130♏︎]; oil of caraway, one cubic centimeter (1 Cc.) [16♏︎]; oil of fennel, one cubic centimeter (1 Cc.) [16♏︎]; alcohol, fourteen hundred cubic centimeters (1400 Cc.) [47 fl℥, 163♏︎]; water, a sufficient quantity to make two thousand cubic centimeters (2000 Cc.) [67 fl℥, 301♏︎]. Dissolve the oils in the alcohol, and gradually add enough water to make the product measure two thousand cubic centimeters (2000 Cc.) [67 fl℥, 301♏︎]"—(U. S. P.). This preparation is closely related to Holland gin, and is designed as a substitute therefor. Age improves it, its flavor is pleasant, provided good essential oils are used, and it is more uniform in composition than ordinary gin.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Compound spirit of juniper is carminative and diuretic, and is frequently added to diuretic mixtures to increase their efficiency in ascites. The dose is from 1 to 4 fluid drachms.
