Manna.
The concrete saccharine exudation of Fraxinus Ornus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae). A tree of southern Europe. Dose, 1 drachm to 2 ounces.
Common Name: Manna.
Description.—Irregular, flattened, longish pieces, of a yellowish-white exterior and nearly white interior, somewhat porous and crystalline-like, having a peculiar odor, a taste sweet followed by feeble bitterness and acridity. It should not contain more than four-tenths part of irregular, yellowish-white, resin-like fragments.
Principal Constituents.—Mannite (90 per cent) with sugar (10 per cent).
Action and Therapy.—Nutritive in small doses and mildly laxative in larger amounts. In doses of one to three drachms for infants and one to two ounces for adults it makes a very pleasant laxative when administered in milk. It is suitable for the constipation of pregnancy. It sometimes causes flatulency and griping. This may be obviated by giving with it any warm aromatic.
