According to the directions of the U. S. Pharmacopoeia, this is prepared by dissolving a troyounce of carbonate of ammonia in three fluidounces of water of ammonia previously diluted with four fluidounces of water; mixing this solution with a pint and a half of alcohol in which certain proportions of the volatile oils of lemon, nutmeg, and lavender have been dissolved; and then adding water enough to increase the measure to two pints. The British Pharmacopoeia prepares it by distilling a mixture of carbonate of ammonia, strong solution of ammonia, the volatile oils of nutmeg and lemon, and rectified spirit.

The spirit is, therefore, a solution of carbonate of ammonia with ammonia in alcohol, impregnated with aromatics. it is nearly colourless, of an agreeably aromatic and refreshing, though pungent odour, and of a warm, acrid, alkaline taste, which, however, when the liquid is diluted and sweetened, is very favourably modified; and this is the least disagreeable to the palate of the ammoniacal preparations. The aromatic spirit, though it produces the same effects on the system as the aqueous solution and spirit, is much milder. On these accounts, it is now very generally preferred for internal administration. it is much used in cases of acidity of stomach, with a depressed or weakened state of the organ, and more or less general debility at the same time. A dose of it often checks a tendency to faintness or asphyxia, and sometimes proves serviceable in the sick-headaches of nervous persons. it often also affords speedy relief in flatulent pains of the stomach, gastro-dynia, and cardialgia. With other antacids, such as magnesia and the alkaline carbonates, it is often associated in prescription, in order to render them more stimulant to a torpid stomach. it may also be added to the saline cathartics, under similar circumstances, to counteract their depressing effect on the digestive organs. The simple smell of it is often sufficient to rouse a patient out of faintness, and to check various nervous disorders in hysterical women.

The close is from thirty minims to a fluidrachm, to be given in a wineglassful of sweetened water. An over-dose might produce serious effects. Care should be taken not to confound this with the British aromatic spirit, which is much stronger, though of somewhat indefinite strength.