A gum-resinous exudation from the stem of Balsamodendron Myrrha. Arabia Felix and Abyssinia.

Characters. - In irregular-shaped tears or masses varying much in size, somewhat translucent, of a brownish-yellow or reddish-brown colour, fractured surface irregular and somewhat oily; odour agreeable and aromatic, taste acrid and bitter.

Composition. - Gum (50-60 per cent.) soluble in water, and of which arabin constitutes a portion. The remainder, insoluble in water, is made up principally of a resinous acid, myrrhic acid, and a volatile oil.

Dose. - 10-30 gr.

Preparations

B.P.

Dose.

Decoctum Aloes Compositum ..................................................................

1/2-2 fl. oz.

Mistura Ferri Composita...........................................................................

1-2 fl. oz.

Pilula Aloes et Myrrhae (vide p. 522).....................................................

5-10 gr.

,, Asafoetidae Composita (vide p. 522)............................................

5-10 gr.

,, Rhei Composita (vide p. 523).......................................................

5-10 gr.

Tinctura Myrrhae...................................................................................

1/2-1 fl. dr.

U.S.P.

Mistura Ferri Composita...........................................................................

1-2 fl. oz. (30-60 c.c.)

Pilulae Aloes et Myrrhae (vide p. 523)....................................................

1 pill.

,, Ferri Compositae (vide p. 523).....................................................

2-6 pills.

,, Galbani Compositae (vide p. 523)................................................

2-4 pills.

Tinctura Aloes et Myrrhae.......................................................................

1-2 fl. dr. (4-8 c.c.)

Tinctura Myrrhae.......................................................................................

1-2 fl. dr. (4-8 c.c.)

Action and Uses. - Myrrh is a very useful astringent in the form of wash or gargle for spongy gums, aphthous stomatitis, and ulcerated throats. Internally it is used as an expectorant in chronic bronchitis; and combined with iron and aloes is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea. It is also useful in bronchor-rhcea and leucorrhoea.