Althaeae Folia (Althae. Fol.), Althaea Leaves, N.F. (Marsh Mallow Leaves).
Action and Uses: Domestic demulcent and emollient; inferior for internal use to gums and for poultices to flaxseed.
Dosage: 2 Gm. or 30 grains (N.F.).
Species Emollientes (Spec. Emoll.), Emollient Species, N.F. (Emollient Cataplasm).—Althaea leaves, mallow leaves, melilot, matricaria and flaxseed. Emollient poultice is made by adding a suitable quantity of hot water to this powder.
*Alumen (Alum.), Alum, U.S.P.—AlNH4(SO4)2 + 12H2O or AlK(SO4)2 + 12H2O. (The physician may indicate whether ammonium alum or potassium alum is desired.)
Colorless crystals or white powder, odorless and possessing a strongly astringent taste. Ammonium alum is somewhat less soluble in water than is potassium alum, which is freely soluble in water (1:7.2); both are insoluble in alcohol.
Action and Uses: Astringent, styptic and hemostatic. Seldom administered internally.
Dosage: As a gargle, in from 1 to 5 per cent. solution (somewhat injurious to the teeth); as an injection in gonorrhea, in from 0.5 to 1 per cent. solution; as a lotion in skin diseases, in 1 per cent. solution.
*Alumen Exsiccatum (Alum. Exsic.), Exsiccated Alum, U.S.P. (Alumen Ustum, Dried Alum, Burnt Alum).—Anhydrous AlNH4(SO4)2 or anhydrous AlK(SO4)2. (The composition of the desired salt may be indicated.)
White, odorless powder, with an astringent taste. Very slowly soluble in water (1:14); insoluble in alcohol.