PDR for Herbal Medicines

30 /AMMONIAC GUM PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Production: Ammoniac gum is the naturally-exuding gum

resin latex of Dorema ammoniacum hardened in the air and

collected in the wild.

Not to be Confused With: Confusion may occur with North

African and Cyrenian ammoniac.

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Resin (60 to 709c): chief component ammoresinol

Water-soluble polysaccharides (10 to 20%)

Volatile oil (0.1 to 0.3%): chief components linalool, linalyl

acetate, citronellyl acetate

EFFECTS

The drug is credited with being mildly diuretic, sudorific,

spasmolytic, expectorate and menstruation-promoting in its

effect, although research data regarding these effects is not

available.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Uses dating back to ancient times include

ingestion for its expectorant effect in chronic bronchitis,

especially in the elderly. Because of the resin's purported

diuretic, antispasmodic and stimulant properties, it was often

employed internally as a diaphoretic and emmenagogue as

well as externally as a plaster for swellings of the joints and

indolent tumors. In the late 19th century, it was used as an

expectorant for chronic catarrh and externally in plasters to

relieve hyperadenosis and in compresses for abscesses. More

recently, internal folk medicine uses include chronic bron-

chitis, asthma, sciatica and joint pain as well as conditions of

the liver and spleen. Among external uses are treatment of

wounds and abscesses as well as lymph node swelling.

Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathic uses include bronchitis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
The drug is contraindicated during pregnancy due to the
existence of indications of a menstruation-inducing effect.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
According to older sources, repeated visual disorders and
glaucoma-like states appeared following ingestion of the
drug, however no health hazards have been verified in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Preparations for internal and
external use
Preparation:
Ammoniacum depuratum — 1000 parts coarse ammoniac
powder are heated with 1500 parts ethanol 60% in a steam
bath while being constantly stirred until an emulsion is

fogned. It is then pressed through linen and evaporated until

a few drops can be worked in the hand without becoming

sticky.

Combination — Ammoniac emulsion: toluene: distilled

water; 1:2:30

Daily Dosage: 0.3 to 1 g drug

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every

30 to 60 minutes (acute) and 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);

parenterally: 1 to ml sc acute: 3 times daily; chronic: once a

day (HAB1); special doses for children

Storage: The drug should be stored over chalk in a container

that protects it from light.

LITERATURE

Blaschek W, Hansel R, Keller K, Reichling J, Rimpler G,

Schneider G (Eds) Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen

Praxis. Folgeb nde 1 und 2. Drogen A-Z. Springer. Berlin,

Heidelberg 1998.

Anacardium occidentale

See Cashew

Anacyclus Pyrethrum

See Pellitory

Anagallis arvensis

See Scarlet Pimpernel

Anamirta cocculus

See Fish Berry

Ananas comosus

See Pineapple

Amomum aromaticum

See Nepalese Cardamom