MEL. L.E.D. Honey.
This well known substance appears to be merely collected from the flowers, and not elaborated by the internal economy of the insect; when properly diluted it undergoes vinous fermentation, the product of which is the beverage well known by the name of Mead. The English honey is more waxy than that from the south of Europe. Virgin honey is that wrought by young bees which have never swarmed, and permitted to run from the comb without heat or pressure. Chemical Composition. Sugar, mucilage, wax, an acid, and occasionally some essential oil. Clarified Honey, (Mel Despumatum. L.D.) has not the agreeable smell of crude honey; it does not however ferment so readily, nor is it so apt to gripe. Uses. It is principally employed for forming several officinal preparations, i. e. Mellita, viz. Mel Boracis. L. Mel Ros. L.D. Oxymel. L.D. Oxymel Colchici. E. Oxymel Scillæ. L.D.[[562]] Sir John Pringle considered it as useful in nephritic disorders; it possesses also a laxative property, which renders it on many occasions preferable to Syrup. Adulterations. Flour may be detected by diffusing the honey in tepid water, by which it will be separated, and, by subsequent boiling, converted into a thick paste.
MELIA AZEDARACH.
Pride of China. Cortex radicis.
[This plant is a native of the East Indies, from whence it was introduced into Europe and North America. The part used in medicine is the bark of the root. It is a powerful anthelmintic, and affects the system in a way very similar to the Spigelia Marylandica, producing not unfrequently confusion of the head, stupor, trembling of the hands, &c. This is particularly the case if it be used in the months of March and April, when the sap rises in the tree. It is chiefly against the round worm that the Melia has been found successful, though in some cases it has proved effectual also against the Tænia. It is generally given in the form of decoction: to prepare this, ℥iij or ℥iv of the bark of the fresh root are put into a quart of water and boiled down to a pint, of which ℥ss to ℥j may be given every two or three hours till it operates. Administered in this way, it frequently causes both purging and vomiting.]
MENTHA PIPERITA. L.E.D.
Mentha Piperitis. D. Peppermint.[[563]]
All the qualities of this plant depend upon an essential oil and camphor; it readily and strongly impregnates either water or spirit, by infusion; its infusion, and the water distilled from the plant, are carminative and antispasmodic; they also serve as vehicles for other medicines, to correct their operation, or to disguise their flavour. Officinal Preparations. Aq. Menth. Piperit. L.E.D. Spir. Menth. Pip. L.D. Ol. Menth. Pip. L.D. If this plant be cut in wet weather, it turns black, and is worthless.
MENTHA VIRIDIS. L. Mentha Sativa. D.
Spearmint.