Chapter 24 Ear, nose and orthopharynx
Infections of the ear, nose and throat are treated under medical supervision with antibiotics, but a number of soothing and antiseptic preparations from plant sources are available for use. Decongestants have already been discussed in Chapter 16.
The ear
Infections of the ear are treated with either topical or systemic antibiotics. However, the removal of wax from the ear is achieved with the aid of softening agents such as almond, arachis or olive oil (BNF), sometimes followed by ear syringing. For details of arachis oil, see Chapter 22.
The orthopharnyx
Thymol ![image](/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/B9780702033889000240_icon01-9780702033889-2.jpg)
Thymol (Fig. 24.1) was originally extracted from thyme (Thymus spp.) and is present in many oils, including ajowan, but is now more easily synthesized chemically. It is antiseptic, deodorizing and antiinflammatory and is widely used in dental products (e.g. compound thymol glycerin). Thymol causes irritation in high concentrations when applied externally, and should not be swallowed in significant amounts. Normal doses associated with the herb do not normally cause problems.
Peppermint oil, Mentha × piperita L. (Menthae piperitae aetheroleum) ![image](/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/B9780702033889000240_icon01-9780702033889-3.jpg)
Peppermint oil is antiseptic, deodorizing and antiinflammatory and is widely used in skin and dental products. Other species of mint, such as spearmint, are also used for the same purpose (for botanical and chemical details, see Chapter 14).
Constituents
The major constituents are menthol (30–55%) and menthone (14–32%), with isomenthone (2–10%), menthofuran (1–9%), menthyl acetate (3–5%), 1,8-cineole (6–14%), limonene (1–5%), pulegone (not more than 4.0%) and carvone (not more than 1.0%). Menthol (Fig. 24.2) can cause irritation in high concentrations.
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