AROMATIC

AROMATIC, Aromaticus,is understood of a Drug, Plant, or the like, which yields a brisk, agreeable smell, and a warm, spicy taste. Such are Frankincense, Storax, Benzoin, Cinnamon, Mace, Cloves, Nutmeg, Pepper, etc.—Such also are Lavender, Marjoram, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, etc. See SPICE, etc.

The word is formed of the Greek ἀρωμα, from ἀράω, to make fit, accommodate; in regard Spices, which are all aromatic, are used for the seasoning and preparing of meats.



Aromatics, or aromatic medicines, are either simple or compound.—To this class belong most cardiac, cephalic, and carminative remedies, with many stomachic ones.

See CARDIAC, CARMINATIVE, CEPHALIC, STOMACHIC, etc.

The Aromaticum Rosatum, is a compound officinal powder, made of red roses, liquorice, aloes wood, yellow sanders, cinnamon, cloves, mace, gum, tragacanth, nutmegs, cardamoms, galangals, spikenard, ambergris and musk mixed together.—It is chiefly prescribed in cordial and cephalic boluses and electuaries, to strengthen the stomach and head, which all aromatics have a tendency to.

Some writers give the title Aroma Germanicum to elecampane, as preferring it, in that intention, to ginger itself.

See ELECAMPANE, etc.

Aromatics are of particular service in cold cachectic habits, where the load of humours has been forced away by strong detergents and cathartics; as they tend to strengthen the fibres, and prevent a relapse.—Hence they become of absolute use after purging, as carrying off the waters of a dropsy; or in the intervals thereof, to fortify the springs, and prevent a filling again.

See DROPSY.

AROMATIC