Tinctura Valerianae (U. S. P.)—Tincture of Valerian.
Related entry: Valeriana.—Valerian
Preparation.—"Valerian , in No. 60 powder, two hundred grammes (200 Gm.) [7 ozs. av., 24 grs.]; alcohol, water, each, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏]. Mix alcohol and water in the proportion of seven hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (750 Cc.) [25 fl℥, 173♏] of alcohol to two hundred and fifty cubic centimeters (250 Cc.) [8 fl℥, 218♏] of water. Moisten the powder with one hundred cubic centimeters (100 Cc.) [3 fl℥, 183♏] of the menstruum, and macerate for 24 hours; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical percolator, and gradually pour menstruum upon it, until one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏] of tincture are obtained"—(U. S. P.). Tincture of valerian depends, for its color, upon the condition of the valerian employed. Its color is either brown or red-brown, and, when added to water, it renders the latter turbid. The odor and taste of valerian is well preserved.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—(See Valeriana.) Dose, from 1/2 to 2 fluid drachms.
Tinctura Valerianae Ammoniata (U. S. P.)—Ammoniated Tincture of Valerian.
SYNONYM: Tinctura valerianae composita.
Preparation.—"Valerian, in No. 60 powder, two hundred grammes (200 Gm.) [7 ozs. av., 24 grs.]; aromatic spirit of ammonia, a sufficient quantity to make one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏]. Moisten the powder with two hundred cubic centimeters (200 Cc.) [6 fl℥, 366♏] of aromatic spirit of ammonia, and macerate for 24 hours, in a closed vessel; then pack it firmly in a cylindrical glass percolator, and gradually pour aromatic spirit of ammonia upon it, keeping the percolator well covered, until one thousand cubic centimeters (1000 Cc.) [33 fl℥, 391♏] of tincture are obtained"—(U. S. P.). This tincture exhibits the sensible properties of ammonia and valerian. It has a brown color.
Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage.—This forms an excellent antispasmodic in hysterical and nervous attacks, especially when attended with gastric acidity. The dose is 1 or 2 fluid drachms, in mucilage, milk, or some sweetened fluid.
King's American Dispensatory, 1898, was written by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D.
