The Natural History of Pliny, Volume 4 (of 6)

Oil of chamæmyrsine, or oxymyrsine,3019 possesses similar properties. Oil of cypress3020 also, produces the same effects as oil of myrtle, and the same as to oil of citrus.3021 Oil of walnuts, which we have previously mentioned3022 as being called “caryinon,” is good for alopecy, and is injected into the ears for the cure of hardness of hearing. Used as a liniment, it relieves head-ache; but in other respects it is of an inert nature and disagreeable taste; indeed, if part only of one of the kernels should happen to be decayed, the whole making is spoilt. The oil extracted from the grain of Cnidos3023 has similar properties to castor3024 oil. Oil of mastich3025 is very useful as an ingredient in the medicinal preparation known as “acopum;”3026 indeed it would be fully as efficacious as oil of roses, were it not found to be somewhat too styptic in its effects. It is employed in cases of too profuse perspiration, and for the cure of pimples produced thereby. It is extremely efficacious also for itch in beasts of burden. Oil of balanus3027 removes spots on the skin, boils, freckles, and maladies of the gums.3028