Origin. - A volatile oil distilled from the fresh tops of savine.

Description and Properties. - A colorless or yellowish liquid having a pecular terebinthinate odor and a pungent, bitterish, and camphoraceous taste. It becomes darker and thicker by age and exposure to the air. Soluble in an equal volume of alcohol.

Dose. - 1-5 minims (0.06-0.3 Cc.) [1 minim (0.05 Gm,), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - The action of savine depends on the presence of the volatile oil, and this oil differs in its local external effect from the oil of turpentine merely in that the oil of savine is more active. It occasions much irritation, vesication, and even pustulation when applied to the skin. Taken internally in small doses, it produces a sensation of heat in the epigastrium, with flatulence and frequently nausea. Toxic doses excite violent gastro-enteritis.

The drug stimulates the heart's action, and later, under full medicinal doses, depresses it. It is rapidly absorbed, and is excreted by various channels, increasing the urinary and bronchial excretions. These excretions, as well as the sweat and breath, smell strongly of the drug.

Savine is a decided irritant to the uterus and ovaries, inducing marked hyperemia of those organs, and promoting contractions of the pregnant uterus.

Toxic doses produce symptoms similar to those occasioned by oil of turpentine - violent gastro-enteritis, suppressed or bloody urine, great depression, etc. The treatment in poisoning by oil of savine would be full doses of Epsom salt, demulcents, anodynes, and stimulants if necessary.

Savine in the form of an ointment is used as a stimulant application to keep up the discharge from blisters. An alcoholic solution of oil of savine, 5-30 minims (0.3-1.8 Cc.) to 1 ounce (30.0 Cc), is used in alopecia pityroides.

Oil of savine is a very efficient remedy in amenorrhea, and is also of benefit in certain cases of Menorrhagia due to an enlarged and passively congested uterus. The hemorrhage following abortion is usually well controlled by this remedy.

The powder or fluidextract may be given, but the oil is the most effective preparation, and may be prescribed in capsules, pills, or emulsion. It should be given cautiously.