Euphorbium

Euphorbium, an extremely acrid gum-resin, obtained from several species of Euphorbia or Spurge (q.v.), as E. officinarum and E. antiquorum in the north of Africa, Arabia, and the East Indies, and E. Canariensis in the Canary Islands. It is obtained by incisions in the branches, whence issues a corrosive milky juice, which dries in the sun, and becomes a yellowish-gray, waxy gum-resin. The persons who collect it are obliged to defend their mouths and nostrils by a cloth, as its particles produce incessant sneezing, violent inflammation of the nostrils, and a very painful burning sensation in the mouth. On account of its excessive acridity its use is now almost entirely confined to veterinary medicine, although it is still occasionally mixed with Burgundy pitch or other substances to make rubefacient plasters for chronic affections of the joints; and its powder, mixed with much starch or flour, has been employed as an errhine in chronic affections of the eyes, ears, or brain. It was formerly administered as an emetic and drastic purgative, but is dangerously violent in its action.