Nitre is a diuretic and refrigerant.
It is _used externally_ as a detergent when dissolved in water, and as
a lotion to inflamed and painful rheumatic joints.
It is given _internally_ in doses of from ten grains to half a drachm,
or even one drachm; in spitting blood it is given in one drachm doses
with great benefit. It is beneficial in sore throat, a few grains
being allowed to dissolve in the mouth.