(Oil of American Wormseed.)

Origin. - A volatile oil distilled from chenopodium.

Description and Properties. - A thin, colorless or yellowish liquid, having a peculiar penetrating, somewhat camphoraceous odor, and a pungent and bitterish taste.

Dose. - 2-10 minims (0.12-0.6 Cc.) [3 minims (0.2 Cc), U. S. P.].

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Both the powdered seed and the oil are efficient anthelmintics, particularly useful to expel roundworms (Ascarides lumbricoides) from children. The drug should invariably be followed by a brisk cathartic. The powder may be given suspended in molasses, or the oil may be given dropped upon loaf-sugar, or in the form of an emulsion, or enclosed in capsules.