Spiritus Menthae Piperitae (U. S. P.)—Spirit of Peppermint.
Related entries: Mentha Piperita (U. S. P.)—Peppermint - Oleum Menthae Piperitae (U. S. P.)—Oil of Peppermint - Essentiae.—Essences
SYNONYMS: Essence of peppermint, Tinctura olei menthae piperitae, Tincture of oil of peppermint.
Preparation.—"Oil of peppermint, one hundred cubic centimeters (100 Cc.) [3 fl℥, 183♏︎]; peppermint, bruised, ten grammes (10 Gm.) [154 grs.]; alcohol, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]. Dissolve the oil of peppermint in nine hundred cubic centimeters (900 Cc.) [30 fl℥, 208♏︎] of alcohol, add the peppermint, and macerate for 24 hours. Then filter through paper, and add, through the filter, enough alcohol to make the spirit measure one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏︎]"—(U. S. P.). The purpose of adding peppermint is to give the preparation a green color.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—Tincture of oil of peppermint, more commonly known as essence of peppermint, is carminative and antispasmodic. It may be used in nausea, colic, flatulency, cramp, or griping of the bowels, etc. The dose is from 10 to 30 drops, on sugar or in sweetened water.
