Everyone should possess an elementary knowledge of home remedies. Even this elementary knowledge of home remedies will go a long way in alleviating a diversity of human suffering and saving valuable lives. All cannot afford to pay the doctor's bill and purchase costly patent medicines. The results achieved by "Chamberlain's Cough Remedy" or "Venos Lightening Cough Cure" can be very easily obtained by a decoction of the vegetable Ladies-finger at the cost of a few pies, or a lozenge made out of black pepper, sugar-candy, liquorice and honey.

This book supplies a handy list of "Home Remedies" and a list of very useful, practical, potent prescriptions made up from them. There are very good prescriptions for diarrhoea, dysentery, fevers, malaria, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, debility, influenza, bronchitis, cough, scurvy, rheumatism, biliousness, liver, kidney, lung troubles, etc.

In places where there are no dispensaries, "Home Remedies" will come to your help, and guide you like an able Family Physician. Prakriti or Mother Nature has been very, very kind and be-neficent. She has placed valuable potent herbs and plants at your backyard, immediate neighbourhood and garden. Make use of these herbs and be healthy and strong.

Equip your household, domestic, medicine chest with preparations like dysentery powder, diarrhoea powder, cough lozenges, constipation powder, pills, etc. Your whole family will be immensely benefited.

Rural dispensaries can give you a great deal of medical relief at a very little cost if "Household Remedies" or Bazaar medicines are intelligently, judiciously and largely used.

In the Medical Schools and Colleges in India, Europe and America, the students should get a knowledge of Indian plants, herbs and drugs, during their course of study of Materia Medica. There is a great potency or potentiality in each of In-dian herbs and plants. Many plants have very great therapeutic value.

Zandu Pharmaceutical Works, Bombay, and Alembic Chemical Works, Baroda, are manufacturing many valuable preparations out of the Indian herbs and plants. Still big manu-facturing and pharmaceutic chemists are needed in India and the whole world at large who can make and standardize prepa-rations and put them on the market.

Free India should start now many Ayurvedic laboratories in different parts of India to manufacture various Ayurvedic preparations and send them to different parts of the world and should have Ayurvedic conquest. Ayurveda will surely have tri-umph over other systems of medicine as the preparations are very potent, cheap and produce lasting effect and permanent cure.

A doctor should have a very large Vedantic heart and broad tolerance. He should see good in every system of medi-cine. He should welcome good from each system and utilise it in the treatment of his patients. Every individual has a peculiar temperament. Allopathic drug that suits one temperament will not be suitable to another person. Homeopathy suits X, allopathy suits Y and Ayurveda suits Z. And as such a synthetic doctor can do more good to the patients by taking recourse to different systems. Every doctor should have a synthetic knowl-edge of all systems. Every doctor should have a perfect knowl-edge of the Indian plants and herbs. Then they can attend well to the health of the patients and their families.

It is hoped that this handy book will be of great help to the householders, rural doctors and the general practitioners as well.

INTRODUCTORY

THE INDIAN MEDICINAL HERBS

The central fact of Indian Culture is its conception of the spiritual Ideal. Its core and essence is the fundamental belief that the attainment of perfection is the sole purpose of man's life. Thus the worth and value of all the other parts and aspects of our life is estimated and equated in terms of their utility in serving this central Ideal. The value of human birth and body was accepted because man's body was recognised as the su-preme instrument through which to strive for reaching life's great consummation. The ancient Seers, the Rishis of wisdom, therefore, spared no pains in carefully evolving a great system of medicine to help to keep this precious instrument, i.e., the human body, in perfect trim. The maintenance of the body in proper disease-free condition and perfect health was a sacred duty of man, for it constituted the primary means of all attain-ments because, "Health is the supreme root of attainment of the Good Life, of all wealth, fulfilment of cherished desires and ultimate Liberation". The intuitive sages of India were in full awareness of this important fact; for, notwithstanding their lofty idealism they had the admirable faculty to be intensely practical and thorough.

The Indian Seers in the past have devoted special atten-tion to the study of health, disease and therapeutics. They have worked upon Ayurveda or the science of Life as another Veda.

Ayurveda believes in treatment by herbs which form its mainstay. The greater part of the treatment of Ayurvedic practi-tioner is by medicinal herbs. How very minute and how thor-oughly scientific is their study of these herbs and their characteristics is amply evidenced by the scholarly treatises of these ancient scientists in which subjects they have given us the results of their admirable researches.

Besides this evidence, the very fact of these herbal medi-cines continuing to be widely used with remarkable success, even up to this day, by quite modern Ayurvedic medical practi-tioners all over India, is a patent proof beyond any doubt about the high and enduring merits of this system of therapeutics.

The high development and specialisation of herbal medi-cation in this country has been a direct outcome of the fact that due to her vastness and fertility, India had the unique advan-tage of possessing a wide range of climatic, geographical and geological conditions wherein came to flourish an infinite vari-ety of numerous, rare and precious herbs. The ancient seer scientists were ardent lovers of nature and dwellers of the syl-van forests, and as such, had wonderful scope for close obser-vation of the rich herbal wealth of the vegetable kingdom. Theirs has been a critical examination and study of almost all the important medicinal herbs. Thus a good deal of literature, deeply interesting and greatly informative, came into being on this branch of knowledge. One of the greatest authorities upon this subject is the illustrious author Charaka whose invaluable work, the "Charaka-Samhita" is still accepted as the standard classical work on medicine. It forms by far the most exhaustive treatise, and in it Maharshi Charaka gives nearly fifty different groups of medicinal herbs, naming ten herbs under each group. These fifty groups or ganas, he considers as being quite sufficient for the purpose of the average medical practitioner. Another great authority, the able author Sushruta, who is ranked equal with Charaka, has mentioned about 760 herbs which he has divided into thirty seven ganas or groups in accor-dance with certain common characteristics. His masterly work was translated into Arabic as early as twenty centuries ago somewhere about 800 A.D. Later, translations into Latin and German also appeared. Charaka's works too were translated into Arabic and references are made in several Latin works of eminent Western physicians.

The grouping of these medicines by these writers reveal an astonishing knowledge of pathology and diseases thera-peutics, of the savants of so ancient a period. In the wide range of these grouping are included Anaesthetic, Anabolic, Anthelmintic, Anemetic, Anodyne, Antibromic, Anticolic, Anti-fat, Antasthmatic, Anticholeric, Antiscorbutic, Antihy-pnotic, Anuretic, Antipyretic, Antipsoric, Antiphlegmagogue, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Aphrodisiac, Antitoxic, Cathartic, Calmative, Cholagogue, Carminative, Constringent, Cosmetic, Demulcent, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Emetic, Drastic, Emmenagogue, Epispastic, Expectorant, Epulotic, Frigorific, Fat-producer, Flatus-Producer, Fat-former, Galactagogue, Haemostatic, Hypnotic, Hydragogue, Liquefacient, Lithonlytic, Laxative, Parturifacient, Phlegmagogue, Purgative, Inebrient, Rejuvenascent, Refrigerant, Rubefacient, Restorative, Siala-gogue, Sedative, Semen-improver, Stypic, Tonic, Vermibarous, Stomachic, Spermatopoietic, Voice-improver etc. A disciple of the great Charaka, Agnivesha by name, enumerates many more classes of medicines besides those mentioned above. The "Bhava-Prakasha" of Bhava Misra (another important writer on medicinal herbs) further adds certain valuable medi-cines. New light is thrown upon a number of these medicines in the "Aatankatimirabhaskara" a comparatively recent work of considerable size by some Ayurveda Acharya belonging to the eighteenth century. An even more recent author Pundit Godbole has published in the later half of last century his "Nighantaratnakara" epitomising all the previous works on Materia Medica with nearly fifty new herbs added, as the result of fresh research.

The high potency and curative value of the Indian medici-nal herbs have, for long, been well recognised in countries out-side India. Even so, as far back as previous to the Christian Era, ancients like Hippocrates recommended Indian herbs in their medical treatises. The Greek physician Dioscordes (100 A.D.) speaks well of the numerous Indian plants, the medicinal virtues of which he had thoroughly investigated before incorpo-rating them into his famous Materia Medica. Later on the Physi-cians who came in the train of the Mohammedan conquerors were quick to perceive the great potency and worth of the In-dian medicines, and began to make use of them without hesita-tion. Mohammed Akbar Arzani, the Court Physician of Emperor Aurangazeb and Nuruddin Mohammed Abdulla Shirazee, the personal Hakeem to the great Shah Jehan have both included numerous efficacious medicines from the Ayurveda Materia Medica into their famous works on medicine. And a glance at the "Allopath's Pharmacopeia" today will be enough proof that the Indian herb has fully lived upto its reputation as potent heal-ers.

There is a special reason why medicinal herbs constitute the most invaluable sovereign remedy for every ailment. It is because they contain in them the 'curative element' in its most vital, potent, and withal, easiest state. This is brought about by the following factors: the herbs are God sent apparatuses en-dowed with the unique capacity for converting valuable inor-ganic ganic earth-salts, chemicals and minerals into organic substances eminently suitable for complete absorption into the human system. The cells in the human body are vital tissues. Chemical drugs are inert matter. They are never fully absorbed into the human system and fail to go to the root of the trouble and effect a radical cure. In herbs we have vital substances that actually get absorbed into the very core of our tissues. The es-sence of herbs is the vital substance. These remedies go to the very root of the disease and remove it in toto as they are assim-ilated into the cell of the human system. They are also, in a way, in predigested form because they come from the soil, specially energised by potent rays of the sun and the gases of the atmo-sphere. Thus, these herbal essences get purified and irradi-ated during the hours of day light and, in addition, store up the healing potencies of the lunar rays at night. The latter infuse the herb with marvelous curative properties. Furthermore, the herb forms the medicine par excellence as it is infused by a life-prin-ciple drawn out of the power of the Panchabhutas or the five fundamental elements, i.e., earth, water, fire, air and ether. The physical frame of man is a combination of these five, and hence, the herbal extract is the nearest approach to the most ideal combination for administration. The secret of the marvel-lous and almost miraculous curative potencies of the herb, is the presence in them of a supraterrestrial force, i.e., the solar energy. The Sun is the source of cosmic energy. It is the source of the mightiest healing power known to mankind. Hindu seers have regarded the Sun as Divine in nature. And the only sub-stance known in nature that possesses the capacity of stock piling solar energy in the form of a usable essence is the plant chlorophyll. Precisely, therefore, herbs are said to possess di-vine potency termed by Hindus as Divya Shakti.

The study of herbs is of absorbing interest. Their adminis-tration is also simple, compared to the elaborate and compli-cated process of other pharmacopoeias. It is now an established fact that the science of herbal cure is not experi-mental. Its high merits and practical utility have long been put to severe tests by the Rishis and practitioners of the past whose researches and practical therapeutical findings have been mi-nutely recorded for us in their illuminating treatises. Therein we find their minute study of the herbs; their characteristics, habi-tat, conditions for their healthy growth, their appearance, the time of highest potency etc. The proper season for gathering the herbs, the localities from which they should be collected and the right method of processing them, isolating the active principle and preserving it, are all accurately and scientifically detailed. One noteworthy point in the naming of these Indian medicinal herbs is that in great many cases their very names are descriptive of the specific character or prominent appear-ance of the plant. This becomes an effective means for the easy identification of the particular herb. Thus, for instance, Acores Calamus has the name Ugra-gandha (strong-odour), for it is characterised by very pungent smell. The name Vatsa-nabha (calf's navel) describes the plant Aconitum ferox because its root resembles the umbilical cord of a calf. Tribulus Terrestris is referred to by the significant name Trikantaka (three-thorned) as its fruit contains three prickles. Ricinus Communis goes by the name Chitrabija (spotted seed) due to its seed being speckled by white or brown patches. Datura Alba is named Ghanta-pushpa (bell-flower) due to the shape of its flowers. The long and cylindrical podded Cassia Fistula gets the name Deerghafala (long fruit) and the plant Sapindus Emarginatus is called Bahuphena (very foamy) because its berries produce a rich soapy lather when rubbed and shaken with water.

A full study of all the herbal medicines is not a possibility in the introductory note. The interested reader can gather some idea of the precious gems that are to be found in the mine of this Ayurvedic Materia Medica.

India has ever been evolving art after art, science after sci-ence as her contribution to the common heritage of all the na-tions of the world. Her greatest gift to the world is the gift of the spiritual science of Self-perfection. Next to it I would place this science of Life, the Ayur-veda as a precious gift to be carefully developed and broadcast to all nations. It is a national duty of every Indian.

CONTENTS

Preface	6
Introductory: The Indian Medicinal Herbs	8

Part-I

Section-I

Chapter-I

1.Abrus	41
(i) Description
(ii)Syrup Abrus. Co
(iii)Uses of Leaves
(a)Abrus Leaves Extract
(b)Cooling Bathing Oil
(iv)Uses of Seed
2.Acacia Arabica	43
(i)Description
(ii)The Gum and the Twig
(iii)Babul Bark Decoction
3.Agati Grandiflora	44
(i)The Uses of Leaves
(ii)The Uses of Juice

CHAPTER II

4.Ajowan	45
(i)Ajowan: It’s Usefulness
(ii)Its Properties and Preparations
5.Aloes	46
(i)Its Varieties
(ii)It’s Properties & Uses
6.Alum	47
(i)Description
(ii)Uses of Alum

7.Amla	48
(i)Description
(ii)Amla Sherbet
(iii)A Laxative
8.Anise	50
(i)Digestive Powder
(ii)Aqua Anise
(iii)For Cough
(iv)A Digestive Power
(v)A Gentle Laxative
9.Arai Keerai	51
(i)Introductory
(ii)Uses of Arai Keerai

CHAPTER III

10.Asafoetida	52
(i)Some Particulars
(ii)For Wind and Colic Bowels
(iii)Asafoetida Enema
(iv)For Hysteria
(v)A Good Digestive Powder
(vi)Asafoetida Ear Drops
(vii)For Scorpion Sting
11.Asoka	54
(i)Description
(ii)For Dysentery
(iii)Asoka Decoction
(iv)Asokarishta (Asokamritam)
(v)Asoka Ghrita
12.Astercantha Longifolia	55
(i)Description
(ii)Kokilaksha Decoction
(iii)Kokilaksha Infusion
(iv)Aphrodisiac Tonic

CHAPTER IV

13.Aswagandha	56
(i)Description
(ii)Aswagandha Choorna (Powder)-1
(iii)Aswagandha Choorna (Powder)-2
(iv)Aswagandha Choorna (Powder)-3
(v)Aswagandha Decoction
(vi)Aswagandha Paste
(vii)Aswaagandhadi Pills 5-Grains
(viii)Aswagandha Arishta-1
(ix)Aswagandha Arishta-2
(x)Aswagandhi Ghritam
(xi)Aswagandha Lehyam	60
14.Atis or Atees
(i)Description
(ii)Atis Powder
(iii)Atis with Sugar
(iv)Atis with Honey
(v)Atis Co. Decoction
(vi)Compound Atis Powder

CHAPTER V

15.Babchi Seeds	61
(i)A Reputed Ayurvedic Medicine For Leucoderma
(ii)The Seeds, The Oil, The Tablet
16.Barley	63
(i)A Nutritive Food for the Anaemic
(ii)Manifold Utility of Barley Water
(iii)Pearl Barley and the Powder
17.Bel Fruit	63
(i)Uses of the Half-Ripe Fruit
(ii)Uses of the Unripe Fruit
(iii)The Pulp, The Leaf & The Root
(iv)Prescriptions

CHAPTER VI

18.Betel Leaf	66
(i)Uses of the Leaf
(ii)Betel Poultice
(iii)Betel Leaf-Ginger Juice
(iv)Songsters’ Friend
(v)Betel Juice and Golochan
(vi)Betel Decoction
(vii)Betel Suppository

19.Betel Nut	68
(i)Uses
(ii)Powder for Diarrhoea
(iii)Areca Nut Decoction
(iv)Areca Nut Tooth Powder
(v)Compound Areca Nut Tooth Powder
(vi)Areca Root Decoction
(vii)For Tape-Worm
(viii)For Round and Thread-Worms
20.Bilwa Tree	70
(i)Its Properties
(ii)Its Uses
(iii)Parts Used
(iv)Medical Preparations

CHAPTER VII

21.Black Pepper	72
(i)Properties and Uses
(ii)Cholera Pill
(iii)Digestive Powder
(iv)Pepper Confection
(v)Pepper Infusion
(vi)Pepper Tulsi Tea
(vii)For Growing Hair
22.Bonduc Nut	73
(i)Description
(ii)Bonduc Seed Powder
(iii)Bonduc Seed Tooth-powder
(iv)Bonduc Seed Powder with Asafoetida
(v)Bonduc Leaf Poultice

23.Borax	75
(i)Description and Uses
(ii)Glycerine-Boracis
(iii)Mel Boracis
(vi)Plain Borax
(v)Borax Dehydrated
CHAPTER VIII 24.Butea Seeds-I	76
(i)The Leaf and the Seed
(ii)For Round-worm, Tape-worm, Ulcers
25.Butea Seeds-II	77
(i)The Powder, The Leaves and The Gum
(ii)For Cobra Poison
(iii)Bark Decoction
(vi)Decoction of Butea Leaves
(v)Butea Root (Palas-ka-ark)
(vi)Butea Bark (For Snake Bite)
(vii)Butea Flower
(viii)Butea Gum Powder (Bengal Kino)
(ix)Butea Leaf
CHAPTER IX 26.Buttermilk	80
(i)Description
(ii)Its Medicinal Qualities
(iii)Properties and Uses
27.Camphor	81
(i)An Anaphrodisiac
(ii)An antigalactagogue
(iii)An Antiseptic
(iv)For Pains
(v)An Anti-Spasmodic
(vi)The Many Uses
28.Capsicum	82
(i)Properties and Contents
(ii)Capsicum Gargle
(iii)Capsicum Pill
(iv)Capsicum Decoction
(v)Capsicum Lozenge
(vi)Capsicum Liniment
(vii)Capsicum Powder
(viii)Capsicum Ointment

29. Caraway Seeds	84
(i)Caraway Digestive Powder
(ii)Pancha-Deepagni Lehiam
(iii)Caraway Water
(iv)Digestive Powder
(v)Borax Dehydrated

CHAPTER X

30. Cardamom	86
(i)Digestive Powder—I
(ii)Cardamom Decoction
(iii)Digestive Powder—II
(iv)Compound Cardamom Powder
(v)Cardamom Ghee
(vi)Cardamom Co. Pill
31. Cassia Alata	88
(i)Dadmurdan Ointment
(ii)Dadmurdan Paste
(iii)Dadmurdan Oil
(iv)Preparation for Many Uses
32. Castor Oil	89
(i)Castor Oil Poultice
(ii)Castor Oil Emulsion
(iii)Castor Oil with Tr. Opium
(iv)Castor Oil Eye Drops
(v)As a Poultice
(iv)The Three Ghee

CHAPTER XI

33. Catechu	91
(i)Description
(ii)Tincture Catechu
(iii)Catechu Powder
(vi)Catechu Compound Infusion
(v)For Diarrhoea in Children
(vi)A Good Dentifrice
(vii)Catechu Infusion
(viii)Catechu Co. Ointment

34. Chaulmoogra Oil	93
(i)Uses and Some Instructions
(ii)Chaulmoogra Co. Emulsion
(iii)Chaulmoogra Ointment—I
(iv)Chaulmoogra Ointment—II
(v)Chaulmoogra Tonic
(vi)Chaulmoogra Pill
(vii)Plain Chaulmoogra Emulsion
35. Chiretta	95
(i)Description
(ii)Uses Chiretta Infusion—I
(iii)Chiretta Infusion—H
(iv)Chiretta Infusion—Ill
(v)Chiretta Infusion—IV

CHAPTER XII

36. Cinnamon	97
(i)Properties and Uses
(ii)Compound Cinnamon Powder
(iii)Cinnamon Decoction
(iv)Cinnamon and Catechu Decoction
(v)Cinnamon and Catechu Powder
37. Cloves	99
(i)Properties, Uses and Preparations
(ii)Infusion of Cloves
(iii)A Good Purgative
(iv)Cloves Chiretta Tonic
(v)Compound Cloves Powder
(vi)Cloves Triphala Powder
38. Cocculus Indicus	101
(i)Description
(ii)For Itching Skin
(iii)For Intravenous Injection

CHAPTER XIII

39. Coriander Seeds	102
(i)Description
(ii)Uses of coriander Leaf
(iii)Coriander Infusion
(iv)Coriander Coffee
(v)Coriander Co. Powder
(iv)Oil of Coriander
40. Country Fig	104
(i)Uses of Fig Fruit
41. Country Gooseberry	104
(i)Description
(ii)Leaf, Seed and Fruit
(iii)Gooseberry Juice
(iv)Gooseberry Sherbet
(v)For Vomiting
(vi)Gooseberry Chutney
(vii)Gooseberry Patchadie
(viii)To relieve Constipation

CHAPTER XIV

42. Country Ipecacuantia Tylophora	106
(i)Description
(ii)Uses of Powdered Dried Leaves
43. Country Sarsaparilla	107
(i)Its Importance Emphasised in Ayurvedic Scriptures
(ii)Its Utility in Many Diseases
(iii)Sarsaparilla Coffee-1
(iv)Sarsaparilla Coffee-2
(v)Sarsaparilla Drink
(vi)Sarsaparilla Sherbet
(vii)Saribadyarishta
(viii)Sariva Quath (decoction)
44. Croton Seeds	109
(i)Description and Uses
(ii)Croton Pill
(iii)Croton Oil Liniment
(iv)How to Purify Croton
45. Cubebs	111
(i)Description and the Uses
(ii)Cubebs Co. Powder-1
(iii)Cubebs Co. Powder-2
(iv)Cough Mixture
(v)Cubebs with Hot Milk
(vi)Cubebs Oil Mixture
(vii)Cubeb Decoction
(viii)Cubebs with Honey

Section II

CHAPTER XV

46.Dhatura	113
(i)Properties, Varieties and Uses
(ii)Fr inhalation in Asthma
(iii)Dhatura Cigarette
(iv)Dhatura Fomentaion
(v)Dhatura Poultice
(vi)Dhatura Liniment
47.Dill Seeds	115
(i)Description and the Uses
(ii)Dill Water
(iii)Dill and Lime Water
(iv)D.L.A. Water
(v)Dill Flower Decction
(vi)For Confinement Women
(vii)Dill Leaf Poltice
(viii)Dill Leaf Powder
(ix)Dill Juice
48.Dried Ginger	117
(i)Aromatic, Stimulant and Carminative
(ii)Uses and Preprations

CHAPTER XVI

49. Edible Hibiscus	119
(i)Description, Properties and Uses
(ii)Lady's Finger Decoction
50. Essence of Ginger	120
(i)Its Colour and Its Uses
51. Fenugreek	120
(i)Description and the Uses
(ii)Methi Leaf
(iii)Confection of Leaf
(iv)Methi Decoction
(v)Methi Seeds
(vi)Methi Laddu
(vii)Methi Seeds with Rice
(viii)Methi Soup or Kuzhambhu

CHAPTER XVII

52. Four o'clock Flower	122
(i)Derivation of the Name
(ii)The Leaf a Deobstruent, the Root a Laxative
(iii)Preparations and Uses
53. Fresh Ginger	123
(i)Ginger with Milk
(ii)Ginger Juice Preparation
(iii)Allopaths and Ginger Preparations
(iv)Kitchen & Some Common Uses of Ginger
54. Galangal	124
(i)Its Two Varieties and Its Uses
(ii)Galangal Powder
(iii)Galangal Infusion
(iv)Galangal Decoction

CHAPTER XVIII

55. Galls or Galla	125
(i)Description
(ii)Three Varieties and Many Uses
(iii)Gall Decoction
(iv)Compound Gall Powder
(v)Compound Gall Pill
(vi)Gall and Ghee Ointment
(vii)Gall Gargle
(viii)Plain Gall Powder
(ix)Gall Snuff
(x)Gall and Benzoin Ointment
(xi)For Intermittent Fever
(xii)Gall and Chiretta
(xiii)Tannic Acid
(xiv)Tannic Acid Ointment
56. Garjan Oil	129
(i)Characteristics & Effective Uses
(ii)Garjan Oil Emulsion—I
(iii)Garjan Oil Emulsion—II
(iv)Garjan Oil Ointment
57. Garlic	130
(i)Properties of Garlic
(ii)Uses of Garlic
(iii)Ear Drops
(iv)Dysentery Confection
(v)Liniment
(vi)Garlic Decoction
58. Gulancha	132
(i)Description
(ii)Beneficial Effects of Tinospore
(iii)Gulancha Compound Infusion
(iv)Sat-Gilo or Giloka-sat
(v)Gulancha Infusion
(vi)Gulancha Decoction
(vii)Gulancha-Chiretta Decoction

CHAPTER XIX

59. Holy Basil	134
(i)Religion and Holy Basil
(ii)The Black and the White
(iii)Properties of Leaves
(iv)The Uses of Leaves
(v)Insect-bite and Tulasit
(vi)The Tea, the Oil the Seeds
60. Honey	136
(i)Value of Honey for Medicine Chest
(ii)Glucose and Laevulose in Honey
(iii)Mel Borax
(iv)Oxymel
(v)The Morning Drink
(vi)A Substitute for Sugar and Useful in Burns
61. Indian Acalypha	138
(i)Description
(ii)Its Properties and Medicinal Purposes
(iii)Beneficial in Chronic Bronchitis
(iv)Juice of the Leaves: An Emetic
(v)Powder Useful in Cough
(vi)Uses of the Juice and the Decoction
(vii)Paste of the Leaves

CHAPTER XX

62. Indian Parselanen	140
(i)Description
(ii)Uses of the Juice and the Paste
63.Indian Pennywort-I	141
(i)A Very Precious Herb
(ii)Uses of the Powder
(iii)The Brahmi Drink
(iv)The Juice and Powder
(v)Decoction of the Entire Plant
(vi)The Paste and the Juice
64.Indian Pennywort-II	143
(i)Pennywort Pills
(ii)Pennywort Poultice
(iii)For Diarrhoea of Children
(iv)Pennywort Co. piils
(v)Pennywort Decoction
(vi)Pennywort Leaves Powder
(vii)For Leprosy
(viii)Pennywort Co. Decoction
(ix)Juice and Milk
(x)Pennywort Ointment
65. Isafgul	145
(i)The Preparation
(ii)For Dysentery and Diarrhoea
(iii)A Special Preparation

CHAPTER XXI

66. Jatamanji	146
(i)The Uses
(ii)The Two Varieties
(iii)Infusion Jatamanji
(iv)Epilepsy-Hysteria Mixture
(v)Jatamanji Co. Powder
(vi)For Grey Hair
67. Kala-Dana	148
(i)Description and Uses
(ii)Purgative Powder
(iii)Fever Powder
68. Kamela	149
(i)Uses
(ii)For Tapeworm, etc.
(iii)For Ringworm, etc.
69. Kandang Kathri	150
(i)Uses
(ii)Juice Boiled with Mustard Oil
(iii)Juice Boiled with Linseed Oil
(iv)Juice Boiled with Almond Oil
(v)Seeds and the Fruit

CHAPTER XXII

70. Kuppameni	151
(i)Description
(ii)Therapeutic Uses
71. Kurchi	152
(i)Description
(ii)Kurchi Infusion
(iii)Kurchi Powder
72.Lawsonia Alba	153
(i)The Properties
(ii)The Uses
(iii)The Flowers, Leaves and the Bark
73.Lemon-Grass Oil	154
(i)Description
(ii)Uses
(iii)Emulsion
(iv)A Good Liniment

CHAPTER XXIII

74.Lime Fruit	155
(i)Uses of the Fruit—I
(ii)Uses of the Juice—I
(iii)Uses of the Fruit—II
(iv)Uses of the Juice—II
(v)Lemonade
75. Linseed	157
(i)Uses of the Leaf, the Seed and the Flower
(ii)Linseed Oil
(iii)Linseed Tea
(iv)Linseed Poultice
(v)Carron Oil
(vi)Linseed and Sugar
(vii)Linseed Confection
(viii)Linseed Lehiam
76. Liquorice	159
(i)Constituents and Preparations
(ii)Syrup of Liquorice
(iii)Liquorice Lozenge
(iv)Liquorice Pill
(v)Liquorice Extract
77. Long Pepper (Pipul)	160
(i)Uses
(ii)Long Pepper with Myrobalan
(iii)Cough Powder
(iv)Pipul Infusion
(v)A Good Digestive Powder
(vi)Pipul with Honey
(vii)Pipul with Milk
(viii)Pipul Confection

CHAPTER XXIV

78. Malabar Night Shade	162
(i)Description
(ii)Uses
79.Manathakkali	163
(i)The Uses of the Fruit and Leaf
(ii)Juice and Decoction of the Leaf
80. Mint	164
(iii)Varieties of Mint
(iv)Its Uses
(v)Pudina Tel and Its Utilities
81. Moringa	165
(i)The Root, Flower and the Bark
(ii)Murungai Infusion
(iii)The Leaves and Their Uses
(iv)Utility of the Flower, Fruit and the Gum

CHAPTER XXV

82. Mudar	166
(i)Mudar Root-Bark
(ii)Mudar Powder
(iii)Mudar Leaf
(iv)Mudar Flower
83. Mustard	167
(i)The Uses
(ii)Its Utilities in Foot-Bath
(iii)Mustard Plaster
84. Myrobalan	168
(i)Description, Properties and Uses
(ii)A Safe and Gentle Laxative
(iii)Triphala, Choorna
(iv)A Good Laxative
(v)Myrobalan Decoction
85. Neem (Margosa)	171
(i)The Properties and the Uses
(ii)Neem Decoction
(iii)Neem Powder
(iv)Neem Poultice
(v)Neem Leaf
(vi)Children's Friend
(vii)Neem Flower Chutney
(viii)Neem Flower Rasam
(ix)Neem Bark Decoction
86. Nutmeg
(i)The Properties and the Uses
(ii)Nutmeg Co. Powder
(iii)Pulvis Nutmeg Compound

CHAPTER XXVI

87. Opium	176
(i)Description
(ii)Properties and Uses
(iii)Allopathic Preparations
(iv)Instructions for Uses
(v)Compound Opium Powder
(vi)Gall and Opium Ointment
(vii)Poppy Heads Fomentation
88. Papaya-I	178
(i)The Fruit and the Milky Fluid
(ii)The Digestive Powder
(iii)The Digestive Drink
(iv)The Uses of Ripe and Unripe Fruit
(v)The Utility of the Leaves

89. Papaya—II	180
(i)Papaya Juice with Honey
(ii)Papaya Juice with Sugar
(iii)Papaya Juice with Milk
(iv)Papain
(v)For Ringworm
Papaya Leaf Poultice
90. Peepul Tree	182
(i)Description
(ii)The Uses
(iii)Powder
(iv)Dusting Powder
(v)Decoction
(vi)Infusion
Ash of the Bark
91. Pellyworth Root	184
(i)The Properties and the Uses
(ii)Compound Pellyworth Powder

CHAPTER XXVII

92. Physic-nut Plant	185
(I)Description and the Properties
(II)The Utility of Leaves and Milk
(III)The Uses of the Oil
(IV)The Stick and the Root-bark
93. Pine Apple	186
(i)The Properties of Leaf and Fruit
(ii)The Uses of the Fruit
94. Plantain	187
(i)Description
(ii)The Flower
(iii)The Fruit
(iv)The Leaf
(v)Plantain Fruit with Milk
(vi)Plantain with Tamarind
95. Pomegranate	189
(i)Properties
(ii)Pomegranate Decoction
(iii)Pomegranate and Kurchi Decoction
(iv)Pomegranate Decoction with Alum
(v)Root-Bark Decoction
(vi)The Uses

CHAPTER XXVIII

96. Ponnangkani	190
Description
Preparations and Uses
97. Ptercarpus Marsupium	191
Description
Uses of the Timber
Kino from the Bark
The Leaves
Germination and Growth of the Tree
A Piece of Wood and the Drink
98. Pulichakkerai	193
Properties and Uses
Juice of the Flower

CHAPTER XXIX

99. Rice	194
(i)Varieties of Rice and Properties
(ii)For External Use
(iii) Internal Use
100. Salt	197
(i)Salt Oil
(ii)Salt Gargle
(iii)Salt as an Emetic
101.Sandal Wood	197
(i)Uses
(ii)Sandal Wood Oil
102. Sapota	198
(i)For Blood Enrichment
103. Senna	198
(i)Description
(ii)Uses
(iii)Method of Preparation
(iv)For Children

CHAPTER XXX

104. Sesamum	200
(i)Uses of Leaves
(ii)Uses of the Seeds
(iii)Uses of the Oil of Sesamum—I
(iv)Uses of the Oil of Sesamum—II
105. Spinach	201
(i)Importance of Green Leaves
(ii)Nutritive and Medicinal Value of Spinach
(iii)Uses of the Juice
The Decoction of the Leaves
106. Sundakai	202
(i)A Digestive Tonic
(ii)Contains Carbohydrates
(iii)As a Pickle
(iv)Uses
(v)Some Preparations
(vi)As Snuff
107. Sweet Flag	203
(i)Description and Uses
(ii)Infusion Acorus
(iii)Infusion Acorus and Chiretta
(iv)Decoction of Acorus
(v)Acorus Paste
(vi)Acorus Co., Decoction
(vi)Acorus Co., Digestive Powder

CHAPTER XXXI

108. Tamarind	206
(i)Description and Uses
(ii)Tamarind Drink—I
(iii)Tamarind Drink—II
(iv)A Good Laxative
(v)Panakam
109. Thumbai	207
(i)Properties and Uses
(ii)Decoction of the Flower
(iii)Other Uses of the Juice of the Flower
110. Thuthulai	208
(i)Uses of the Leaf and the Flower
(ii)Uses of the Unripe and the Ripe Fruit
(iii)Preparations from the Leaf
111. Turmeric	209
(i)The Many Uses of Turmeric
(ii)Turmeric Paste
(iii)Turmeric Digestive Powder
(ivTurmeric Decoction
(v)Turmeric Ointment
(vi)Turmeric Poultice
112. Vasaka-I	211
(i)Constituents of the Herb
(ii)Uses
(iii)Adhatoda Decoction
113. Vasaka-II	213
(i)Description
(ii)Uses of Leaves
(iii)Juice of the Leaves

CHAPTER XXXII

114. Vernonia Seeds	214
(i)Description
(ii)Uses
(iii)Vernonia Paste
115. Walnut	215
(i)Description
(ii)Uses of Leaf, Fruit, Nut and Seed
(iii)Uses of the Skin of the Fruit
116. White Pumpkin	215
(i)Properties and Uses
(ii)The Confection
117. Worm-Killer	216
(i)Properties and Uses
(ii)Preparation
(iii)Leaves and the Paste of the Root
(iv)Powder
(v)Oil

PART II

CHAPTER XXXIII

ANTISEPTICS AND BAZAAR DRUGS

118. Lysol	218
119. D.D.T.	218
120. Bran	218
121. Dill Water	218
122. Garlic	219
123. Honey	219
124. Sarsaparilla	219

CHAPTER XXXIV

DRESSINGS AND LINIMENTS

125. Acetic Acid	219
126. Belladonna Plaster	219
127. Boric Lint	220
128. Carron Oil Dressing	220
129. Eucalyptus Oil	220
130. ABC Liniment	220
131. Turpentine Liniment	220

CHAPTER XXXV

PATNT ONITMENTS AND OTHER ONITMENTS

132. Burnol Ointment	221
133. Cibosol Ointment	221
134. lodex	221
135. Penicillin Ointment	221
136. Tannafax	221
137. Chrysophanic Ointment	221
138. Gall and Opium Ointment	222
139. Rediodide of Mercury Ointment	222
140. Salicylic Ointment	222
141. Sulphur Ointment	222

CHAPTER XXXVI

PATENT MEDICINES FOR INTERNAL USE

142. Amyl Nitras	222
143. Chlorodyne	222
144. Easton's Syrup	223
145. Essence of Ginger	223
146. Essence of Peppermint	223
147. Huxley's Syrup	223
148. Kurchi	223
149. Neuro Phosphate (Eskay Brand)	224
150. Parrish's Chemical Food	224
151. Santogen	224
152. Sal Volatile	224
153. Syrup of Figs	225
154. Syrup of Vasaka	225
155. Tessol	225

CHAPTER XXXVII

POWDERS FOR INTERNAL USE

156. Asafoetida	225
157. Ammon. Carbonate	225
158. Alum	226
159. Aspirin	226
160. Bismuth Salicylate	227
161. Bismuth Carbonate	227
162. Bismuth and Starch Powder	227
163. Calcium Lactate	227
164. Camphor	227
165. Catechu	227
166. Dover's Powder	228
167. Epsom Salt	228
168. Glucose	228
169. Pulvis Glycirrihaza Co.	228
170. Magnesium Citrate	228
171. Rhubarb	228
172. Santonin	229

CHAPTER XXXVIII

POWDERS FOR EXTERNAL USE

173. Acriflavine	229
174. Borax	229
175. Boric Acid	229
176. Copper Sulphate	230
177. Pot. Permanganate	230
178. Picric Acid	230
179. Protargol	230
180. Tannic Acid	230
181. Zinc Oxide	231

CHAPTER XXXIX

PRESCRIPTIONS

182. Babchi	231
183. Boro-Zinc-Alum Eye Lotion	231
184. Dusting Powder	231
185. Gum Paste	231
186. Golden Ointment for Eyes	232
187. Mandal's Pigment	232
188. Stomach Powder	232
189. Tooth Powder	232

CHAPTER XL

PURGATIVES AND LAXATIVES

190. Black Draught	232
191. Cascara Sagrada	233
192. Castor Oil	233
193. Confection of Sulphur	233
194. Glycerin Suppository	233
195. Liquid Paraffin	233
196. Myrobalan	233
197. Senna Leaves	233

CHAPTER XLI

TABLETS FOR INTERNAL USE

198. Atebrin	234
199. Blud's Pill	234
200. Brewer's Yeast	234
201. Cibalgin	234
202. Cibazol	235
203. Coramine	235
204. Cathartic Co. Tablet B.W. & Co.	235
205. Entero-Vioform	235
206. Multivite Pellet	236
207. Paludrine	236
208. Peps	236
209. Penicillin Lozenges	237

CHAPTER XLII

TINCTURES FOR EXTERNAL USE

210. Tincture Myrrh	237
211. Tincture Iodine	237
212. Friar's Balsam	237

CHAPTER XLIII

PILES, SCORPION STING, SNAKE BITE, WARTS

213 Piles	238
(i)Devadaalyaadi Lepa
(ii)Arshakuthaar Lepa
(iii)Durnaphar Lepa
(iv)Ksheeraadi Lepa
(v)Shigru Mooladi Lepa
(vi)Kaachanee Lepa
(vii)Nimbaadi Lepa
(viii)Turaaksheeree Lepa
(ix)Kaisaraadi Lepa
(x)Ahephenaadi Lepa
(xi)Guggulaadi Kalka

214. Scorpion Sting	240
215. Snake Bite	241
(i)Treatment
(ii)Nature Cure
(iii)Divine Cure
216. Miracle Cure of Country Folk for Warts	242

CHAPTER XLIV

EQUIPMENTS FOR HOME REMEDIES CUP-BOARD

217. Thirteen Common Household Remedies	243
(i)Pepper Lozenges
(ii)Camphor-tobacco
(iii)Burnt Alum
(iv)Mulati (liquorice)
(v)Lime Water
(vi)Mustard Oil and Camphor
(vii)Acetic Acid
(viii)Anethi Water
(ix)Curd Loaf
(x)Oil of Babchi
(xi)Seena Leaves (Sonnamukhi)
(xii)Castor Oil
(xiii)Tincture Quinine Ammoniate

218. Domestic Remedies for Medicine Chest

245

219. Home Remedies Cup-Board

246

(i)Equipment for Dressing

(ii)Equipment for External Uses

(iii)Equipment for Internal Uses

(iv)The Appliances

220. Common Herbs: Their Names in

248

Different Languages

APPENDICES

APPENDIX-I

1. Index to Therapeutic Action of Bazaar Drugs	249
2. Names of Bazaar Medicines	255
3. Index to Ayurvedic Drugs	257

APPENDIX-II

1. Indian Domestic Weights and Measures	262
2. Table of Indian and English Weights	262
3. Weights and Measures—I	263
4. Weights and Measures—II
A. Avoirdupois Weight
B. Measures of Capacity .
C. English Domestic Measures
D. Weight for Solids
E. Measures for Fluid
5. Weights and Measures—III	265
A. Apothecaries' Weights
B. Apothecaries' Measures
C. Metric Units
D. Indian Weights
E. Domestic Measures

APPENDIX-II

Simple Veterinary Treatment at Home

266

PART-I

Section-I

CHAPTER I

ABRUS,ACACIA ARABICA,AGATI GRANDIFLORA

1.ABRUS

(COUNTRY LIQUORICE ROOT)

English	:Jequirity
Hindi	:Rati
Kanarese	:Gul-ganji
Tamil	:Kundumaniver
Telugu	:Guru-venda,Guru-ginja
Malayalam	:Kunni-Kuru
Gujarati	:Gumchi
Bengali	:Kunch-ka-jar,Jaishtomodhu,Bengala
Sanskrit	:Gunja

(i)Description

The root of Abrus Precatorius. The taste of the root is gen-erally not distinctly sweet. It yields an extract which is nearly similar in medicinal properties to the extract of glycerrhiza (Atimathuram in Tamil. Liquorice), though somewhat bitter in taste. The leaves are distinctly sweet. The extract from the dried leaves is much superior both in taste and as a medicine.

The root is obtained from a twining shrub. This shrub is common throughout India. It has bright-red seeds which have a black spot at one end. The seeds are used for weighing by goldsmiths. The root possesses many of the medical proper-ties of the true liquorice root. Therefore it is known by the name Country Liquorice.

There are white, black, red, yellow and blue varieties. The chief ones are the white, black and red. The leaves of Abrus are laxative, antiphilegistic, aphrodisiac, expectorant. The seed has purgative properties. It is a tonic as well. The root has emetic and expectorant qualities.

(ii) Syrup Abrus.Co

Re: Fresh Abrus root bruised	oz. 2
Lady's finger (vegetable) sliced	oz. 1
Water	oz. 20

Boil for 30 minutes and strain. Add to the decoction 10 ounces of sugar-candy or honey. Boil down to the consistence of syrup. Dose: One tea to a tablespoonful, several times a day when the cough is troublesome in children whether fever is present or not. This can be administered very freely. This is a good addition or auxiliary to other cough mixtures. You can pre-pare the Syrup without lady's finger also.

Prepare only a small quantity at a time as it undergoes fer-mentation. If you add 10 or 20 grains of acid Salicylic to the Syrup when it is under preparation, it will keep good and sweet for a long time. Acid Salicylic arrests fermentation as it is an an-tiseptic.

(iii) Uses of Leaves

Put a few leaves in the mouth, chew and swallow the juice. Hoarseness of voice will disappear.

Abrus Leaves' Extract

Pour boiling water on the dried leaves till they are cov-ered, Keep the vessel on a slow fire for 6 hours. Then strain the decoction when it is hot and evaporate on a water bath to a proper consistency. It is very sweet. An extract can be prepared from the juice of the fresh leaves also.

If there is pain in the chest or any part of the body apply castor oil to the part and over this fix the leaves The pain will vanish and the fluid inside will also disappear.

Mix the juice of the leaves with mustard or sesamum oil and rub the mixture over the painful swelling, The swelling and the pain will disappear.

(b)Cooling Bathing Oil

Re: Juice of the leaves	oz. 10
Juice of Bhringraj (Karisalamganni)	oz. 10
Gingily oil	oz. 10

Mix and boil. Take oil bath with this oil. It will cool the body, head and brain.

(iv) Uses of Seed

The seed acts as a purgative. The outer covering of the seed has this effect. The seed can be boiled and eaten. It acts as an aphrodisiac (dhatupushti) and is useful in debility or im-potence. It increases the semen.

Powder the seeds and use the powder as a snuff. This will relieve headache due to cold in the head.

Put the powder of one seed in milk, boil it and drink. It will build the body and give strength.

The powder of the seed is useful in diseases of the eye, jaundice, biliousness, fevers which produce unconsciousness, and which are associated with perspiration, bronchitis.

Make a paste of the seed with water and apply it in contu-sion, rheumatic swelling of joints. They will be cured.

2. ACACIA ARABICA

(INDIAN GUM ARABIC TREE)

English	:Babul tree :
Hindi	Kala-babul, Kikar :
Kanarese	Karijali :
Tamil	Karuvel :
Telugu	Nalla-tumma :
Malayalam	Karuvelum :
Marathi	Babul :
Gujarati	Kaloabaval :
Sanskrit	Kala barbura

Description

A dried gummy exudation from the stem and branches of Acacia Arabica, Acacia Senegal or other varities of Acacia in round or avoid tears or masses. It is odourless and of bland mu-cilaginous taste. It is straw coloured or yellowish. Its chief con-stituent is Arabic acid combined with Calcium, Potassium and Magnesium. It contains Tannin.

Musilage of Acacia is used for making castor oil emulsion and Bismuth mixture. It is used to suspend oils, resins and in-soluble powders, in water to make pills and lozenges on ac-count of its cohesive property. It acts as a demulcent to soothe the mucous membrane of the throat when it is used in the prep-aration of lozenges.

The leaf, bark, root and seed possess astringent proper-ties.

(ii) The Gum and the Twig

The gum is a demulcent, emollient, nutrisnt, pectoral and aphrodiasiac. The gum thickens the semen, stops the dis-charge in gonorrhoea and gives beauty and strength. It is an auxiliary to medicines which are given in diabetes millitus and insipidus.

Keep a small piece in the mouth and slowly swallow the juice. Dry cough, pain in the throat, burning in the chest will be cured.

The twig of the tree is an excellent tooth-brush. It strength-ens and hardens the teeth.

(iii) Babul bark decoction

Re: Babul bark	2 ounces
Water	20 ounces
Boil for 15 minutes and strain.

This is a useful gargle for spongy gums, ulceration of gums, loose teeth, sores in the mouth, mercurial ulceration in the mouth and sore throat. This is also a very good application (enema) for prolapse or descent of rectum and anus and piles. This is a good lotion (for injection) in leucorrhoea and gonor-rhoea. You can add a teaspoonful of alum to the decoction. Plain Babul bark decoction is useful in chronic diarrhoea. Dose: One or two ounces twice daily.

3. AGATI GRANDIFLORA

English	:Agati Grandiflora
Hindi	:Hadaga
Kanarese	:Agashi
Tamil	:Agatthi
Telugu	:Avise
Malayalam	:Agatti
Marathi	:Agasta
Gujarati	:Agathiyo
Bengali	:Buko
Sanskrit	:Agastya

This is found in abundance in India. It is a tree which grows to the height of 20 or 30 feet. It is cultivated also.

(i) The Uses of Leaves

The leaves, flowers, bark are useful. The leaf is an anti-dote, refrigerant, febrifuge, laxative and digestive. It removes biliousness and digests the food. The leaves are prepared in South India as a vegetable and taken on the day following Ekadasi, i.e., Dvadasi days (12th day of the fortnight).

(ii) The Uses of Juice

Instill 2 or 3 drops of the juice of the leaf into the nose. Quotidian type of fever will be cured. Quotidian fever comes on the fourth day. Headache and nasal catarrh also will be re-lieved.

CHAPTER II

AJOWAN, ALOES, ALUM, AMLA, ANISE, ARAI KEERAI

4.AJOWAN

Hindi	:Ajowan
Tamil	:Omum
Telugu	:Omamu, Vaamu

(i) Ajowan Its Usefulness

This is a very good digestive. It has a good aroma. It has carminative properties, i.e., it expels wind from the bowels. It relieves intestinal colic. It has antispasmodic properties, i.e., it relieves spasms or contraction of the muscles of the bowels. It is pungent and stimulating. It is useful in dyspepsia, diarrhoea, flatulence, vomiting of cholera.

(ii) Its Properties and preparations

It is mixed with rock-salt, asafoetida, ginger, black pepper, cardamum, Chhoti Har or myrobalans chubelic to form a diges-tive powder. The two chief preparations of Ajowan are: arrack or omum water (Aqua Ptychotis) and oil of Ajowan. Ajowan has all the properties of thymol. It kills intestinal parasites. The seed contains an oil which has 50% thymol in it.

Omum water (Aqua Ptychotis) is useful in diarrhoea, wind in the bowels, indigestion. Two tablespoonfuls of omum water can be taken. One ounce of omum laudanum water can be mixed with one ounce of lime water and 5 drops of laudanum or Tr. Opii.

5. ALOES

English	: Indian Aloes
Hindi Kanarese	: Kumari, Ghikanvar
Tamil	: Kathalai Gida, Lolisara
Telugu	: Kartazhai : Kalabanda
Malayalam	: Kattuvazha, Katar Vazha
Marathi	: Korakanda
Gujarati	: Kumara
Bengali	: Musabhar, Ghrita Kumari
Sanskrit	: Kumari

(i) Its Varieties

Small aloe, big aloe, red aloe. It is difficult to get the red variety. The properties of all the varieties are the same. It tastes sweet. Ghrita Kumari as a fresh juice is much used in Ayurvedic medicine. The inspissated juice is popularly called Musabhar.

It is the solid extract from exudation. It is the juice obtained from the transversed cut leaves of various species of aloe. It occurs in hard masses, yellowish or black-brown in colour with a characteristic smell. It is fairly soluble in alcohol and also in water.

Bazaar aloes must be purified by boiling in water, allowing to stand for ten hours, then straining and setting aside in an open vessel till it evaporate to dryness.

This is a good purgative but is not suitable for pregnant women, children and those who have piles, and in inflamma-tory condition of the pelvic organs.

(ii) Its Properties & Uses

Aloe has tonic, alterative, purgative and emmanagogue properties. It acts chiefly on the large intestine. It is a bitter tonic. It is the slowest of all purgatives. It takes fifteen hours to act. It relieves habitual constipation.

In small doses it is a stomachic bitter. It invigorates the stomach. In absence of menstruation and anaemia (poverty of blood) it is combined with iron. It is a tonic cathartic in habitual constipation associated with ammenorrhoea and anaemia.

It comes mainly from West India Islands. Its active prin-ples are (1) Aloin and (2) Emodin. It also contains a little resin, a trace of gallic acid and a volatile oil. Dose: 2 to 5 grains.

Aloes pill. Dose: 4 to 8 grains. Aloes and iron pill. dose: 4 to 8 grains. Aloes and asafoetida pill. (useful in hysteria and flatulence). Dose: 4 to 8 grains. These are all preparations of aloes.

Aloin is a pale yellow powder with a bitter taste. Dose: y4 to 1 grain.

Mix the fresh inner pulp of aloes with sesamum oil. Boil. This helps the growth of hair. This medicated oil bath brings good sleep.

If you clean the fresh inner pulp of aloes with water several times, it is purified. Put this in a clean cloth, fold the cloth and foment the eyes. This is useful in conjunctivitis, swelling of the eye lids.

6. ALUM

English	: Alum
Hindi	: Phitkari
Kanarese	: Phatikara
Tamil	: Patikaram
Telugu	: Pathikaramu
Marathi	: Phatiki
Bengali	: Phatkiri
Sanskrit	: Sphatikari

(i) Description

Alum has an acid, sweetish, astringent taste. It is a crystal-line, semi-transparent mass. It looks like sugar candy crystal. Some take it with great avidity and cupidity, taking it for sugar candy and throw it off with a peculiar castor-oil face.

If the bazzar alum is not pure, you can render it pure by dissolving it in pure water, straining and evaporating the solu-tion. You will get pure crystals of alum.

(ii) Uses of Alum

Alum is a powerful astringent. It stops bleeding from wounds, from the nose. Plug the nostril with a small piece of clean cloth or cotton wool dipped in a solution of alum. It will stop the bleeding at once. It stops bleeding from the gums. It is an ingredient in tooth powder. Alum can be purified and dehy-drated by puttting it in the fire or by putting it in the frying pan and then putting the frying pan over the fire. Then you can pow-der it nicely and easily.

It is used as a gargle for sore throat, as an application to the eyes in conjuntivitis or sore eyes. It is used as a wash for sore nipples. It is used for douching the vagina in Ieucorrhoea. It is seldom used internally but it is useful in diarrhoea and other chronic discharges.

During rainy season when the water is dirty and full of sed-iments, take a big piece of alum and stir the water 5 to 6 times with this piece. Within ten or fifteen minutes the water will be-come clear. Do not put the alum piece in the water. Mere stirring the water with the piece will serve your purpose.

Alum tablet is applied to the face after shaving. It removes pimples and freckles on the face and renders the skin smooth and glossy.

7. AMLA

English	: Indian Gooseberry
Hindi	: Amlaka, Amla
Tamil	: Nellikai
Telugu	: Usirikaya
Malayalam	: Nellikkai
Sanskrit	: Amalaki

(i) Description

Taste: Sour, astringent and sweet. This Amla or Nellikkai (Phyllanthus Emblica), which is very rich in Vitamin C, is a very cheap and common fruit. This, indeed, is one of the richest nat-ural sources of Vitamin C. Amla grows abundantly in all Indian forests. It is obtainable in unlimited quantities from January to April. Its fresh juice contains nearly twenty times as much Vita-min C as orange juice. A single fruit is equivalent in Vitamin C to one or two oranges.

Amla has been held in high esteem in India since time im-memorial and is included as an ingredient in many Ayurvedic medicines and tonics. Tablets made from Amla are now being used to supply Vitamin C to soldiers. The use of Amla tablets will help to prevent the occurrence of scurvy and safeguard health and physical efficiency when there is a shortage of fruits and vegetables. Fresh Amla is the most effective cure for scurvy.

The fresh fruit is diuretic and laxative. A good cooling bev-erage can be made from the fresh fruits. The dried fruit is astrin-gent and is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery.

Amla is a very important ingredient in the most famous confection, Chyavanaprash. It is one of the constituents of Triphala powder.

(ii) Amla Sherbet

Re: Juice of fresh Amla	4 teaspoonfuls
Sugar	3 tablespoonfuls
Water	16 ounces

This is a good sherbet or beverage. It is diuretic and laxa-tive too.

(iii)A Laxative

Re: Amla Powder	4 teaspoonfuls
Myrobalans	4 teaspoonfuls
Bahera	4 teaspoonfuls
Water	20 ounces

Boil for twenty minutes and strain. Dose: Two ounces in the early morning. This is a good laxative. It corrects digestion.

Amla removes excessive salivation, biliousness, vomit-ing, constipation, giddiness, spermatorrhoea, internal heat of the body, seminal weakness, menstrual disorders in women, and bestows beauty.

Make a paste of Amla, apply it to the head and take bath. Burning in the eyes will be cured. The brain and head will be cooled.

Amlakalpa, Amla Oil, Amla Drink and Amla Confection are preparations of Amla. Amla Oil is excellent for the head. Apply a small quantity to the head before bath. It will cool the head and the brain and remove ninety-six diseases of the eye, night-blindness and bilious giddiness.

Amla confection is useful in syphilis, flatulence, bronchitis, asthma and consumption.

8. ANISE

(SOMB, PERUM JEERAKAM)

Tamil :	:Sombu
Telugu	:Somp

It is the dried fruit of Pimpinella Anisum, obtained from many parts of India and also from middle and south Europe. It is a carminative, stomachic and an atomatic stimulant. It has an agreeable, aromatic odour.

Oil of anise (oleum anise) is a volatile oil, distilled from the anise fruit. Dose: 1 to 3 minims. It is usually used for flatulence in children. In allopathic system there is Spirit of Anise. Dose: 6 to 20 minims.

Re: Anise 4 drachms

Sugar 4 drachms

Mix. Dose: 1 teaspoonful twice daily

(i) Digestive Powder

The anise must be gently fried and powdered. Useful in cough, indigestion, flatulence, colic, etc.

(ii) Aqua Anise

Re: Anise seed	1 ounce
Water (Distilled)	40 ounce

Distill to 20 ounces or boil till it is reduced to 20 ounces and strain. Dose: 1 ounce. This is a basis for all cough mix-tures. It is an, expectorant and anti-spasmodic in bronchitis or cough.

(iii) For Cough

Re: Honey	2 teaspoonfuls
Anise water	1 ounce

Mix well. Useful in bronchitis or cough. You can add 2 tea-spoonfuls Syrup Vasaka.

(iv) A Digestive Powder

Re: Anise	1 ounce
Cuminseed	1 ounce

Gently fry. Dose: 1 teaspoonful after food; twice daily.

(v) A Gentle Laxative

Anise seed	1 drachm
Myrobalans	1 drachm
Sugar	1 drachm

Take this in the early morning or at bed time.

9. ARAI KEERAI

(AMARANTUS TRISTIS)

Kanarese	: Harive Soppu
Tamil	: Araikeerai
Telugu	: Koiya-Kura
Malayalam	: Arakirai

(i) Introductory

This is a small herb that is cultivated in South India. The leaves and seeds are used. This is a stimulant and aphrodi-siac.

(ii) Uses of Arai Keerai

This is eaten as a vegetable. This is useful in fevers, cough, tremor, collapse, rheumatism and paralysis. It will in-crease the semen and sexual vigour.

Put the seeds into a fresh coconut from which the water is taken out and bury it underneath the earth for 40 days. Then take it out. Remove the shell. Mix the powder of kernel with sesamum oil and boil. Cool it and strain. Apply this oil to the head. Diseases of the head will be cured. The hair will become black and grow nicely.

CHAPTER III

ASAFOETIDA, ASOKA, ASTERCANTHA LONGIFOLIA

10. ASAFOETIDA

English	: Asafoetida
Hindi	: Hing
Kanarese	: Ingu
Tamil	: Kayam, Perungayam
Telugu	: Inguva
Sanskrit	: Hingu

(i) Some Particulars

Dose: 5 to 15 grains. Taste: Bitter. Asafoetida is the gum resin of a plant growing in Persia and Northern India. It grows in Kashmir, Afghanistan and Turkistan. It is used as a spice in pre-paring vegetables, soups, etc. Pilula Aloeset Asafoetida and Tr. Asafoetida are official preparations of Asafoetida. There is also a white variety. It is called 'Soma Kayam' or 'Pal Kayam'. It is more vigorous.

It occurs in the forrn of irregular masses of dull yellow col-our, becoming darker on keeping. It is obtained by incising the root of Ferula Fetida and other similar species. It contains a vol-atile oil with its characteristic unpleasant smell and also resin and gum. It is a stimulant, expectorant, antispasmodic and car-minative. It brings out sputum easily and expels wind from the bowels. It is beneficial in flatulence and the early stages of diar-rhoea or cholera. It is useful in hysterical fits and nervous affec-tions in women.

It is a laxative (Laghu Vitechani), anthelmintic (Kriminasini or destroyer of worms), diuretic (Mootravardhini), and ammenagogue (Rituvardhini). It is generally given in combina-tion with other remedies.

(ii) For Wind and Colic Bowels

Re: Asafoetida	1 teaspoonful
Rock Salt	1 teaspoonful
Ajowan	1 teaspoonful
Myrobalan Her	1 teaspoonful
Dried Ginger	1 teaspoonful
Cardamom	1 teaspoonful

Powder and mix. Dose: 10 grains. Useful in flatulence and intestine colic. It will energise digestion and increase appetite.

(iii)Asafoetida Enema

Re: Asafoetida	30.grains
Water	8 oz.

(iv) For Hysteria

Re: Asafoetida	2 drachms
Boiling water	10 ounces

Strain and cool. Add musk 30 grains. Dose: 1 teaspoonful, thrice daily. This can be taken without musk also.

(v) A Good Digestive Powder

(PACHAKA CHOORAN)

Re: Asafoetida	1 teaspoonful
Dried Ginger	1 teaspoonful
Long Pepper	1 teaspoonful
Ajowan Seeds	1 teaspoonful
Cumin Seeds	1 teaspoonful
Black Pepper	1 teaspoonful
Rock Salt	1 teaspoonful

Powder and mix well. Dose: 10 to 20 grains. This is Kshudha Vardhak Choorna also. It increases the appetite and invigorates the Jataragni or digestive fire.

(vi) Asafoetida Ear Drops

Re: Asafoetida	60 grains
Sesamum oil	2 ounces

Put the asafoetida in the oil, boil and strain. Instil a few drops into the ear and plug it with cotton wool.

(vii) For Scorpion Sting

Make a paste of asafoetida with a little water and apply it over the part stung by scorpion. The pain will vanish.

11. ASOKA

English	: Asoka-tree
Hindi	: Asok, Anganapriya
Kanarese	: Kenkalimara, Asoka
Tamil	: Asogu
Telugu	:Asokamu
Malayalam	: Asogam
Marathi	:Ashoka
Gujarati	:Asupala
Bengali	:Anganapriya
Sanskrit	:Asoka, Gandhapushpa

(i) Description

Asoka removes the grief of women; hence the name. The bark of Asoka is used in Ayurveda. It has considerable reputa-tion in uterine diseases. It is a strong astringent. It is used in checking uterine haemorrhage or bleeding from the womb, menorrhagia or excessive menstruation, and bleeding of piles. The Asoka tree is cultivated in the Western Ghats, Ganjam and Visakapatnam. The flower is red. It is in the form of a bunch. It flowers in February and March. Asoka is an astringent, uterine sedative and uterine tonic.

(ii) For Dysentery

Re: Asoka Flower (powder)	30 grains
Water	2 ounces

Mix: one dose. To be taken twice daily. Useful in dysentery with discharge of blood and mucus.

(iii) Asoka Decoction

Re: Asoka Bark	6 ounces
Milk	6 ounces
Water	20 ounces

Boil to a quarter and strain. Dose: 1 ounce thrice daily. Useful in menorrhagia or excessive discharge of menses bleeding from the womb. The womb will be strengthened. All diseases of the womb will be cured.

The decoction must be freshly prepared daily. Take the fresh juice from the bark and give a tablespoonful twice daily.

Useful in menorrhagia and all diseases of the womb. Tincture of Asoka is also available.

In Ayurveda there are two preparations, viz., Asokarishta (decoction) and Asoka Ghrita (ghee).

(iv) Asokarishta (Asokamritam)

Dose: to 2 tolas twice daily after meals. Specially useful in leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, pain in the womb, irregular monthly periods, scanty menstrual discharge, amenorrhoea or absence of menstruation, painful menstruation, displaced uterus, congested uterus, sterility and other complaints. This is an alterative and stimulant. This prevents miscarriage and re-stores normal action to the uterus. It restores tone to the uterine system and removes all abnormal conditions. It also eradicates general debility, distaste for food, anaemia and weakness after confinement. It improves the conceptive capacity and in-creases general strength.

(v) Asoka Ghrita

Dose: yzi to 1 tola to be taken twice daily. Useful in leucorrhoea, menorrhagia, chlorosis, dark discharges, pain in the waist, back or womb and other female complaints.

Asoka is a real friend of the fair sex. It gives longevity, strength, nutrition and improves the complexion and beauty. What Sterri's Vibutero or Aletris Cordial is to Allopathic doctors, Asokarishta or Asoka Ghrita is to Ayurvedic Kavirajs or Vaids. What Hydrastis or Viburnum or Ergot is to Allopaths, Asoka is to Ayurvedic doctors.

12. ASTERCANTHA LONGIFOLIA

English	: Hygrophila Spinosa
Hindi	: Talmalkhana, Goksura
Kanarese	: Kollavalike
Tamil	: Nirmulli
Telugu	: Nirugobbi
Malayalam	: Vayalchulli
Marathi	: Kolsundara
Gujarati	: Ekharo
Bengali	: Kanta-kalika
Sanskrit	: Kokilaksha

(i) Description

It grows spontaneously in wet places throughout India. It is a kind of thorn. The seed and root are obtainable in bazaars. It is sweet and slightly bitter.

The leaf is demulcent and diuretic. The root is refrigerant, diuretic and demulcent. The seed is diuretic and aphrodisiac.

(ii) Kokilaksha Decoction

Re: Root of Kokilaksha	1 ounces
Water	20 ounces

Boil for 15 minutes and then strain. Dose: 1 oz. thrice daily. Useful in ascites or dropsy or swelling of belly on account of water and swelling of body and difficulty in passing urine. This acts as a diuretic and helps the free flow of urine in large quantities. Thus the swelling is reduced.

(iii) Kokilaksha Infusion

Re: Astercantha leaves freshly dried	2 ounces
Distilled vinegar	16 ounces

Macerate for 3 days. Press and strain. Dose: 2 table-spoonfuls in 2 ounces of water three times a day. Useful in dropsy, ascites, difficulty in passing urine, etc.

(iv) Aphrodisiac Tonic

Re: Kokilaksha seeds	1 tablespoonful
Milk	1/2 seer

Soak the seeds in the milk and the sugar and drink in the morning and at night. Useful in impotency or sexual debility.

CHAPTER IV

ASWAGANDHA ATIS OR ATEES

13.ASWAGANDHA

(WINTER CHERRY, WITHANIA SEMNIFERA, DUNAL)

English	Winter Cherry
Hindi	Aswagandh
Kanarese	Sogade-beru
Tamil	Amukkurak kizhangu, Achuvagandi
Telugu	Penneru-gadda
Malayalam	Amukkuram
Marathi	Asagandha
Gujarati	Asundha
Bengali	Aswagandha
Sanskrit	Ashvagandha

(i) Description

This is a small plant cultivated in India and Baluchistan. It is an erect shrubby plant. The leaves, seeds and the root are used. The leaf is a febrifuge. The seed is a diuretic. The root is an alterative, aphrodisiac, deobstruent, diuretic, tonic, nutritive, hypnotic and sedative. Aswagandha increases the Jatharagni or gastric fire and so it is an appetizer. It is useful in Rheuma-tism, eczema, anaemia, dropsy, fever, swelling, debility, etc. Aswagandha Choorna (powder), Aswagandha Rasayana (Confection), Aswagandha Tel (oil) are made out of Aswagandha.

(ii) Aswagandha Choorna (Powder)—I

( Re: Aswagandha root powder	1 part
Sugar candy	4 parts

Mix well. Dose: One teaspoonful twice daily. The dose of the plain powder is 20 to 40 grains. Drink half a seer of cow's milk after taking the powder. Tonic and alterative. Useful in spermatorrhoea, sexual and nervous debility, rheumatism, old age, consumption, emaciation of children, nervous diseases and leucorrhoea. It gives strength, vigour and vitality. It in-creases the semen. Boil the root in cow's milk, wash it and dry it. Then make a powder.

(iii) Aswagandha Choorna (Powder)—II

Re: Aswagandha Powder	30 grains
Honey	1 teaspoonful

Mix: One dose. To be taken twice daily. Useful in cough, rheumatism, dyspepsia, corpulence or obesity, swelling of body, debility, etc. It gives strength and vigour and increases semen. The powder can be taken along with ghee.

(iv) Aswagandha Choorna (Powder)-111

Dose: 20 to 80 grains. To be taken morning and evening with milk. The only two ingredients are Aswagandha and Vriddha-darak. Alterative and tonic. Removes sexual debility, spermatorrhoea, debility from old age, leucorrhoea, etc. A paste of the root is a valuable nutriment for children and adults. It is taken with milk and ghee.

Aswagandha confection (Rasayana) is beneficial in pul-monary Tuberculosis, debility from senility or old age and rheu-matism, emaciation of children, leprosy, nervous diseases, nervous debility, leucorrhoea. It acts as an alterative tonic and nutriment.

Narayana Tel contains Aswagandha. It is dropped into the nose in deafness. It is rubbed over the body in paralysis, hemiplagia, rheumatism, tetanus and lumbago.

The leaves act as a sedative and hypnotic and relieve pain. The leaves are smeared with castor oil and applied to car-buncles.

(v) Aswagandha Decoction

Re: Aswagandha leaves	1 teaspoonful
Water	4 ounces

Boil and strain: One dose.Useful in fever.

(vi) Aswagandha Paste

Take the fresh root. Make a paste with cow's urine. Then heat the paste. This is a useful application in lumbago, scrof-ula, rheumatic swellings. Make a paste of the root with equal part of dried ginger. Use hot water for making the paste. Apply the paste to swell-ings. The swellings will subside. This will serve the purpose of Antiphilogistine or Thermofuge.

The leaves also can be made into a paste and applied to painful swellings.

(vii) Aswagandhadi Pills 5-Grains

Dose: 1 to 4 pills to be taken twice daily followed by milk. Efficacious in sexual debility. Removes general debility and tones the nerves

(viii) Aswagandha Arishta—I

It is a sovereign remedy for all cases of debility arising from sexual and bodily exhaustion due to overwork, etc. It is an invigorating tonic for brain and nerves. It increases memory, gives sound sleep and removes loss of appetite. Dose: 1X to 2 tolas to be taken twice a day. The chief ingredients are Aswagandha, sugar, Musali, Manjistha, Haritaki, Rasna, etc.

(ix) Aswagandha Arishta II

Tonic and alterative. Useful in epilepsy, impotency, hyste-ria, general and nervous debility. It increases brain power. It is a brain tonic. It promotes digestion, enriches blood. It has a tonic action on the nerve centres. It recuperates lost vigour, builds up the wasted frames, restores health, strength and brings back to the hopeless the joys of life. This has the power of quickly im-proving the brain matter that has been affected by the use of in-toxicants and smoking. It improves the general health. This will also cure piles and nourish the vital fluids of the system. Mental capacities are stimulated and vitalised. Dose: y2 to 1 oz. after food.

(x) Aswagandhi Ghritam

Ghritam means ghee. This is a marvellous preparation for restoring strength to the system. Those who, by over exertion and by excessive sexual intercourse have become very weak, consumptives, and those who have become weak owing to longstanding wasting diseases will be relieved of all troubles and will recoup their original health and vitality. Even the old will be rejuvenated. Women will develop their conceptive capacity by constant use of this medicine. The resultant pregnancy will bear a fully developed child or foetus.

Rheumatism, paralysis agitar (Vatha Soola), urasthambam, jaundice, fevers and premature grey hair will also be cured. Dose: X to 2 ozs.

(xi) Aswagandha Lehyam

Lehyam means confection. This gives good development to the whole body. It strengthens the vital forces. This is highly beneficial for those who have become emaciated by sexual ex-cesses and other causes. It is a brain tonic. It is antisyphilitic and blood purifier. Useful in debility caused by venereal dis-eases, specially syphilis. Dose: 1 to 2 tolas morning before food and evening after food. Take a cup or half a seer of milk af-ter taking the medicine.

14. ATIS OR ATEES

(ACONITUM HETEROPHYLLUM)

English	:Indian atees
Hindi	: Atis
Kanarese	: Athivisha
Tamil	: Atividayam
Telugu	: Ativasa
Marathi	: Ativisha
Gujarati	: Atavasa
Bengali	:Ataicha
Sanskrit	:Ativisha

(i)Description

This is the root of Acontitum Heterphyllum. It is shotmachic, astringent, febrifuge, aphrodisiac, tonic and anti periodic. It has a pure bitter taste. It has no acidity. Atisine is the alkaloid found in Atis.

It is one inch long, wrinkled and grey in colour. It should be white on breaking across. It is a valuable tonic after malarial fe-ver and a good bitter tonic. Atis is chiefly useful in intermittent fever and other periodical fevers.

(ii) Atis Powder

Re: Atis Powder 30 grains

Mix with a little water. One Powder, 3 times a day during fever. It can be given every 4 hours during the intermissions. Start its use during or towards termination of the sweating stage. For children reduce the dose to one-half or three-fourths according to age.

(iii) Atis with Sugar

Re: Atis powder 10 grains

Sugar 2 teaspoonfuls

Dose: 1 powder, thrice daily. This is an excellent tonic for debility after fevers and other diseases.

(iv)Atis with Honey

Re:Atis powder 10 grains

Honey 2 teaspoonfuls

Mix well. Dose: Three times daily. For intermitlent fevers. Debility afler fevers, diarrhoea due to indigestion, dysentery, piles.

(v) Atis Co. Decoction

Re: Atis	4 drachms
Dried ginger	4 drachms
Amrita valli Seendil	4 drachms
Kurchi Kudasappalai bark	4 drachms
Korai or nut grass	4 drachms
Water	20 ounces

Boil down to a quarter. Dose: 1 or 2 ounces thrice daily. For fevers associated with diarrhoea.

(vi) Compound Atis Powder

Re: Atis powder	2 drachms
Korai or nut grass	2 drachms
Pala (Chitramutti)	2 drachms
Galls (Karkadaga Shringi) powder	2 drachms

For fevers associated with diarrhoea. If there is cough with sputum, add long pepper.

Re: Atis powder	20 grains
Dried ginger	20 grains
Kaladana	20 grains
Black pepper	20 grains

Does: 10 grains twice daily. A tonic and a laxative.

CHAPTER V

BABCHI SEEDS, BARLEY, BEL FRUIT

15. BABCHI SEEDS

English	:Babchi Seeds
Hindi	:Bavanchiyani, Baschi
Kanarese	:Vakuchu
Tamil	:Karpokarishi
Telugu	:Bhavanchi-Vittulu
Malayalam	:Karboga-ari
Marathi	:Bavanchi
Bengali	:Bawachi
Sanskrit	:Vakuchi

(i) A Reputed Ayurvedic Medicine for Leucoderma

This is a reputed medicine of Ayurveda for leucoderma or white-skin. The active principles are an essential oil and a resin. When the oil is locally applied, it dilates the subcalliarly blood vessels. The skin becomes red and is stimulated. There-fore, its nutrition is improved; melanoblasts are stimulated to form pigment which diffuses into the decolorised area. The oil has potent action against skin streptococci.

Babchi is a brownish-black seed. It grows throughout In-dia. The seed is used for leprosy internally and as an ointment externally. It is named as Kushtha Nasini because it destroys leprosy.

The seed has alterative', laxative digestive, stimulant, aphrodisiac, anthelmentic, diuretic and diaphoretic properties.

(ii) The Seeds, The Oil, The Tablet

Babchi seeds and Harital red (arsenic sulphide) in equal parts are made into fine powder and then rubbed into a paste with cow's urine. The paste is applied on the patch. In a few days, colour begins to change. Spots with normal colour begin to appear. The entire patch is healed in a short time.

Babchi oil is now available. It may be used instead of seeds for making the pigment for leucoderma.

Tablet Babchi/Harital is available. This may be made into paste with cow's urine or water for application on patches of leucoderma.

1 An alterative is a drug that alters the morbid functioning and brings about health functioning of the organ and blood stream. A laxative is a drug that moves the bowels gently. A digestive invigorates digestion. A stimulant stimulates the bowels. An aphrodisiac stimulates and tones the sexual organs. An anthelmentic destroys or expels worms from the bowels. A diuretic helps the free flow of urine. A diaphoretic increases the free flow of perspiration and reduces temperature.

16.BARLEY

English	:Barley
Hindi	:Jau
Kanarese	:Jave-godi
Tamil	:Valkothumai, Barlhiarisi
Telugu	:Pachcha-yavalu
Marathi	:Sattu
Gujarati	:Cheno
Bengali	:Jab
Sanskrit	:Yava

(i) A Nutritive Food for the Anaemic

Barley is particularly rich in mineral matters. In this respect it is richer than wheat but its protein content is lower than that of wheat. It is a nutritive food. It is highly beneficial for the anae-mic and the nervous on account of its richness in iron and phos-phorus. It is a Sattvic food. Spiritual aspirants take bread made out of barley. Barley has about the same nutritive value as whole wheat but it contains less gluten and so it is not so easily made into bread.

(ii) Manifold Utility of Barley Water

Barley water is useful in dysentery, typhoid, fevers, diar-rhoea, urinary diseases and diseases of kidneys. It has very lit-tle nutritive value. It is soothing and cooling. The value of barley water lies in its demulcent properties. It removes burning sen-sation in the urine and helps the free flow of urine.

(iii) Pearl Barley and the Powder

Pearl barley is the whole barley. One tola of Barley boiled in sixteen ounces of water makes a palatable and soothing drink. It can be mixed with lemon juice, and sugar or salt to taste You can add milk also. Boil for 10 or 15 minutes only. A ta-blespoonful of the powder (Robinson's Barley) also can be used for preparing barley water.

17.Bel Fruit

English :Bael Fruit

Hindi Bel,Bael Sripal

Kanarese :Bilvapatri-Hannu,Bela

Tamil	:Vilva or Bilva pazham
Telugu	:Bilva pandu, Maredu pandu
Malayalam	:Kuvalappazham, Kuvalam
Marathi	:Belachaphala,Bela
Gujarati	:Belaphal, Bilmiphal
Bengali	:Bel, Siphal
Sanskrit	:Sriphal,Bilva

This is the fruit of Aegle Marmelos. It is also called stone-apple. Dose: Half a fruit. Taste: Sweet and astringent.

(i) Uses of the Half-Ripe Fruit

The half-ripe fruit is the best. The unripe or half-ripe fruit is astringent, digestive and stomachic. It binds the bowels. The ripe-fruit is laxative, aromatic and cooling. The fruit is about the size of an orange, with a hard wooden rind. It contains seeds and tenacious transparent pulp. It has a mild turpentine-like smell and taste. It contains tannin (tannic acid) and therefore acts as an astringent to the bowels. It contains also gums, a vegetable acid and a very small quantity of sugar.

(ii) Uses of the Unripe Fruit

The unripe fruit is roasted with a covering of mud and the softened pulp is mixed up with water and sugar or butter milk. This is highly beneficial in sub-acute and chronic dysentery of diarrhoea. It is particularly useful in the irregularity of the bow-els in children, characterised by alternate diarrhoea and consti-pation, because it acts like a mild stimulant to the intestinal mucus membrane and thereby checks diarrhoea and acts as a laxative when there is constipation.

Bel is highly beneficial in cases of obstinate diarrhoea and dysentery when unattended by fever and the patient is weak and dyspeptic. It is a good adjunct or auxiliary to specifics in all stages of diarrhoea or dysentery.

The half-ripe fruit can be sliced, dried, powdered and taken with water or butter-milk. It is particularly useful when there are signs of scurvy. Fluid extract of dried Bel is very ser-viceable. Dose: Half to one drachm or one teaspoonful.

(iii) The Pulp, The Leaf & The Root

The pulp of the dried Bel fruit powdered and mixed with a certain proportion of arrowroot is called "Dietetic Bel". It is a good substitute in a patient's diet on account of its pleasant, agreeable, aromatic flavour. It is available in chemist's shops.

Bel leaf is useful in diabetes mellitus. A diabetic can chew a few leaves daily. Juice can be extracted from the fresh leaves and drunk. Some Sadhus live on Bel leaves alone. Bel leaves have a very good aroma. They are diaphoretic (produces more perspiration and thus reduces temperature), aphrodisiac (sex-ual stimulant) and febrifuge (lowers the temperature). The gum of the inside pulp of Bel fruit is aphrodisiac (Kama-vardhani).

The reputed Vilvadi Lehiam or Bel confection is made out of the root of Bel tree. A bathing oil is also made out of Bel fruit.

(iv) Prescriptions

1. Syrup of Bel

Re: Pulp of Bel	Half a fruit
Sugar	2 tablespoonfuls
Water	8 ounces

Reject the stringy pieces. This may be taken thrice daily.

2. Be! Sherbet

Re: Pulp of Bel	3 fruits
Boiling Water	20 ounces
Sugar	4 tablespoonfuls

Allow to cool and add sugar. Dose: 2 ounces, four times daily. Useful in dysentery, diarrhoea and sprue

3 Bel Decoction


Re: Dried Fruit or Half-ripe Fruit	4 ounces
Water	20 ounces

Reject rind and seeds. Boil till you get 10 ounce of decoc-tion. Strain. Add sugar, sufficient quantity. Dose: two ounces, thrice daily. 2 teaspoonfuls for a child. Useful in dysentery, diar-rhoea and sprue.

4.Dysentery Powder

Re: Bel Fruit (Powder)	10 grains
lsafgul (Powder)	10 grains
Fennel	10 grains

Make one powder. Dose: one powder thrice daily.

5.Diarrhoea Power-I

Re: Bel Fruit (unripe) powder	10 grains
Pulvis catechu	5 grains
Pulvis Kino	5 grains
Pulvish Cinnamon	5 grains
Sugar	5 grains

Make one powder. Dose: Twice or thrice daily.

6. Diarrhoea Powder-11

Re: Bel Fruit (unripe) powder	5 grains
Butea Gum (Palas-ki-Gond)	5 grains
Pulvis Cinnamon	5 grains

Make one powder. Dose: 1 powder twice or thrice daily.

7. Diarrhoea and Dysentery

Re: Soft pulp of unripe fruit	1 fruit
Butter milk	8 ozs.

Remove the rind, seeds and fibres. Mix well. Add a little sugar or a little black pepper-powder and salt. Dose: Twice or thrice daily.

8. Dysentery Powder

Re: Bel Fruit (unripe) powder	5 grains
Kurchi	5 grains
Isafgul	5 grains
Pomegranate (rind of the fruit)	5 grains
Mangosteen (rind of the fruit)	5 grains

Make one powder. Dose: 1 powder twice or thrice daily. This is very useful and potent

CHAPTER VI

BETEL LEAF, BETEL NUT, BILWA TREE

18.BETEL LEAF

The fresh leaves of Chavica betel or Piper betel.

English	Betel Leaf
Hindi	Paan
Kanarese	Viilayadely
Tamil	Vettrilai
Telugu	Tamalapaku
Malayalam	Vethila
Marathi	Vidyachipaan
Gujrathi	Paan
Bengali	Punj
Sanskrit	Nagavalli

(i) Uses of the Leaf

It is a creeper. It is cultivated enormously in India. It is a stimulant, carminative. astringent, aphrodisiac, antiseptic, feb-rifuge, stomachic, tonic, digestive, lactagogue and sialogogue. It contains an aromatic and astringent oil.

It is chewed along with lime, catechu, betel-nut, carda-mom, nutmeg and cloves. Betel chewing removes hoarseness of voice, flatulence or wind in the stomach and bowels, intesti-nal colic and pain in the stomach.

(ii) Betel Poultice

In coughs of children and adults where there is difficulty of breathing, warm the betel leaves and smear them with gingily or castor oil and apply them in layers over the chest. This will give speedy and marked relief.

Betel juice mixed with a little lime can be applied to the throat externally in sore throat. The same application over the liver is beneficial, in congestion and other affections of the liver. The leaf can be used as a dressing for burns.

If a necessity for arresting the secretion of milk in mother arises, warm the betel leaves over the fire and place them in layers over the breasts. This is very effective. It will reduce swelling of breasts. Such application is useful in reducing glan-dular swellings.

Instil 2 or 3 drops of betel leaf juice into the nose. Heavi-ness of head will be immediately relieved. Put 2 or 3 drops into the ears. Ear-ache will be relieved.

(iii) Betel Leaf-Ginger Juice

Re: Betel leaf juice	1/2 teaspoonful
Fresh Ginger juice	1/2 teaspoonful
Honey	1 teaspoonful

Mix one dose. Useful in desease of lungs. Take this mixture twice daily.

(iv) Songsters’Friend

Chew the root of betel. It will sweeten strengthen the voice of songsters.

(v) Betel Juice and Golochan

Re: Betel Juice	1 teaspoonful
Golochan	2 grains

Mix. Useful in difficuly of breathing, cough with much accumulation of sputum.

(vi) Betel Decoction

Re: Betel leaves	3 ounces
Black pepper (powder)	4 ounces
Water	4 ounces

Boil and strain. Dose: 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily. Useful in indigestion of children.

(vii) Betel Suppository

Dip the end portion of the betel (stick) in castor oil and in-troduce it into the anus of children. This will relieve flatulence or wind in the bowels and constipation. This is a cheap, readily available, suppository for children.

Mercury is purified by the juice of betel.

19. BETEL NUT

(ARECA NUT)

English	: Areca
Hindi	: Supari
Kanarese	: Adike
Tamil	: Pakku
Telugu	: Poka
Malayalam	: Kazhanga
Marathi	: Supari
Gujarati	: Supari
Bengali	: Supari
Sanskrit	: Kramuka, Pooga

(i) Uses

The kernel of the fruit of Areca-catechu. It is astringent, carminative, stimulant and vermifuge. It is useful in diarrhoea due to indigestion, diseases that are associated with urine, worms in the bowels such as tape-worm, round-worm, thread-worm; diseases of teeth and gums, leucorrhoea of women.

(ii) Powder for Diarrhoea

Re: Areca Nut powder	10 grains
Sugar	10 grains

Dose: 1 powder thrice daily. Useful in diarrhoea and dis-eases that are associated with urine.

(iii) Areca Nut Decoction

Re: Areca Nut powder	4 teaspoonful
water	20 ounces

Boil for half an hour and strain. Use this as a gargle. All diseases of the gums such as spongy gums, etc., will disap-pear. The gums will be strengthened. This is useful as an injec-tion in leucorrhoea of women. Use a small syringe.

(iv) Areca Nut Tooth Powder

Burn it till it is charred. Powder it and strain through a fine cloth.

(v) Compound Areca Nut Tooth Powder

Re: Burnt Areca nut powder	1 ounce
Catechu	1 ounce
Cinnamon powder	1 ounce
Camphor	30 grains

Mix and strain. Useful and cheap tooth powder. The gums also will be strengthened. Loose teeth will be steadily fixed. It will relieve pain in the teeth. It will kill worms in the teeth (cari-ous tooth).

(vi) Areca Root Decoction

Re: Areca root 4 ounces

Water 20 ounces

Boil and strain. Useful as a gargle for ulcers in the lips and mouth and diseases of the gums.

(vii) For Tape-Worm

Re: Areca-nut powder 1 teaspoonful

Milk 6 ounces

Useful in tape-worm.

(viii) For Round and Thread-Worms

Re: Areca nut powder 1 teaspoonful

Lemon juice (or pomegranate juice) ½ ounces

Mix. Take internally.

The tender areca-nut is useful for pain in the stomach and the bowels.

Fry the tender sprout with a little gingily oil and apply as a poultice in rheumatic pain and swelling.

20. BILWA TREE

The Bilwa tree grows in almost all parts of India irrespec-tive of the nature of the soil.

(i) Its Properties

The Bilwa being bitter, astringent and dry, causes consti-pation but promotes digestion. It cures all diseases caused by Vata (wind) and gives strength to the body.

Though the above-mentioned are some of the general properties of the Bael, certain portions of the tree possess spe-cial properties.

(ii) Its Uses

The unripe fruit cures Vata, Kapha, indigestion, stomach-ache and dyspepsia. This is stomachic to a high degree and causes constipation more than the root. The leaves possess the excellent property of alleviating diseases caused by Vata and Kapha. The flowers of the tree are found to cure diarrhoea, vomiting and thirst.

(iii) Parts Used

The root of the tree is the most important. The fruit, flowers and the leaves are also medicinal. In Kerala the roots are used for medicine after casting away the outer skin on it.

(iv) Medical Preparations

There are various medicinal preparations making use of the root, leaves, fruits and flowers out of which some of the sim-ple preparations may be enumerated.

A decoction made out of the root of Bael with dried ginger and roasted paddy if taken in small doses will cure vomiting. A decoction made out of the root of Bael with the tuberous root of Padha (cissempelos pereird) will be efficacious in persons suf-fering from piles. The very same preparation is found to be use-ful in cases of dysentery and diarrhoea. Take a well-cleaned root of Bael and at one of its tips roll a piece of silk and after dip-ping that portion in oil, set fire to the tip of the root holding it in such a way as to allow drops of the oil from the burning parts to fall down. Such drops of oil, if collected, cooled and poured into the ears will cure ear-ache. Eight ounces of oil mixed with 32 ounces of the express juice of Bilwa leaves, the mixture boiled till the water is completely evaporated and the oil got out of it, will have splendid results if applied on the head of persons suf-fering from nasal catarrh and diseases of the ear. The same oil warmed and poured into the ear will cure ear-ache, suppura-tion that is caused in the ear and deafness. The decoction of the root is useful in intermittent fever. The fresh juice of the leaves is given with the addition of black-pepper in anasarca with costiveness and jaundice and when diluted with water or honey, it is a highly-praised remedy in catarrh and feverish-ness.

There are many preparations that could be made out of the fruits also. Though in almost all cases the fruits of the plans are found to be with the best results while they are ripe, the un-ripe are more medicinal. The unripe fruits, if sun-dried will be far better. The pulp inside the fruit taken and a confection made cut of it in combination with Amrita (Tensopora cordifolia) with a little honey will suddenly stop vomiting. Milk boiled with the pulp of the fruits if taken in, according to digestion, will cure dysen-tery.

CHAPTER VII

BLACK PEPPER, BONDUC NUT, BORAX

21.BLACK PEPPER

(KALI MIRCH)

The dried, unripe fruit of Piper Nigrum is known as black pepper. It is cultivated in Malabar, Cochin, Coorg and Mysore.

(i) Properties and Uses

It has carminative, antiperiodic, counter-irritant, rubefacient, stimulant, resolvant stomachic and anti-vata or anti-rheumatic properties. It is useful in malaria, fever with rigor, ascites,:cough, chronic diarrhoea, gastric catarrh, rheu-matism, nausea, anorexia, piles, epilepsy gonorrhoea, spermatorrhoea, paralysis, pain in the ear, indigestion and jaundice. Pepper is an ingredient in Ayurvedic tooth powders.

A bath with pepper Tailam (oil) and hot water is useful in paralysis, rheumatism, heaviness in head, deafness, ascites, asthma, headache, itching, debility, fever, etc. Dose: 10 to 15 grains or more.

(ii) Cholera Pill

Re: Black pepper	20 grains
Asafoetida	20 grains
Opium	6 grains

Beat them well together and divide into 12 pills. Does.1 pill. Repeat it in a hour if required. Useful cholera, diarrhoea.

(iii) Digestive powder

Re: Pepper powder	60 grains
Rock salt	60 grains
Dried ginger powder	60 grains
Cummin seeds powder	60 grains
Long pepper powder	60 grains

Mix well. Dose: One teaspoonful. Useful in indigestion, di-arrhoea, colic. This invigorates digestion and augments the Jatharagni or digestive fire.

(iv)Pepper Confection

Re: Black pepper powder	4 drachms
Cumin (Jeera) powder	4 drachms
Honey	6 ounces

Rub them well together in a mortar. Dose: 1 to 2 teaspoon-fuls thrice daily. Useful in piles haemorrhoid, prolapse or de-scent of rectum, etc. This a good digestive, too. This confection can be mixed with equal parts of confection senna or confec-tion of sulphur.

(v) Pepper Infusion

Re: Black pepper powder	2 teaspoonfuls
Boiling water	20 ounces

This is a useful stimulant gargle in relaxed sore throat, hoarseness of voice, ulcer throat.

Pepper is useful in malaria. It is mixed with Tulsi leaves, a little dried ginger and sugar or sugar-candy.

(vi) Pepper Tulsi Tea

Re: Black pepper	20 grains
Dried ginger powder	20 grains
Tulsi leaves fresh or dried	60 grains
Water (one tumbler)

Boil and strain. Add sugar and milk. Useful in malaria, cold in the nose and head, rheumatism, pain all over the body.

(vii) For Growing Hair

Re: Pepper powder	60 grains
Onion	60 grains
Salt	60 grains

Rub well. Apply to the parts in the head which are eaten by worms. Hair will grow.

22. BONDUC NUT

(CAESAL PI NA BO NDUCELLA)

English	:Molucca Bean
Hindi	:Kat Kaliza, Kalkaranj
Kanarese	:Gaj jag kay
Tamil	Kazharchikkay
Telugu	Gachchakaya
Malayalam	Kalanchikkuru
Marathi	Gajaga
Gujrathi	Gajga
Bengali	Nata
Sanskrit	Kuberakshi

(i) Description

The seed of caesalpinia bonducella. This is an oval nut y2 inch long. It has a gray colour. It contains a white, starchy ker-nel of a pure bitter taste. It is a antiperiodic, antispasmodic, tonic, anthelmentic; febrifuge. The leaf is deobstruent and emmenagogue.

(ii) Bonduc Seed Powder

Re: Bonduc seed (powder) 1 ounce

Black pepper (powder) 1 ounce

Mix well and keep in a well-stoppered bottle. Dose: 15 to 30 grains 3 times daily for adults. Useful in intermittent fevers. In smaller doses it is a good tonic in debility after fevers and other diseases.

The bark of the root of the bonduc shrub in 10 grain doses is more effective in the above cases than the seeds them-selves.

Make a paste of the seed with the white of egg and apply to swollen testicles. The swelling will subside. You can apply a plain paste of the seed alone.

(iii) Bonduc Seed Tooth-powder

Re: Burnt seed powder	4 ounces
Arecanut burnt powder	4 ounces
Borax	2 drachms

Mix and strain through a cloth. Useful tooth-powder. Teeth will be strengthened. Tooth pain will vanish:

(iv)Bonduc Seed Powder with Asafoetida

Re: Bonduc seed powder	10 grains
Asafoetida	3 grains

Dose: One powder twice or thrice daily along with butter-milk. Useful in gastric catarrh or gastritis (ghunma). It will give strength to the body.

(v) Bonduc Leaf Poultice

Add cocoanut pulp to the leaf and gently fry with castor-oil. Apply this to swellings. The swellings will subside. Swelling of testicles will also subside.

23.Borax

English	Sodium Borati
Hindi	Sodaga
Kanarese	Bilisara
Tamil	Venkaram
Telugu	Vellisaram
Malayalam	Ponkaram
Marathi	Kankankhar
Gujrathi	Tankamkhar
Bengali	Sohaga
Sanskrit	Tankana

(i) Description and Uses

Dose: 5 to 15 grains. It is known as Biborate of sodium. It is slightly alkaline in reaction. It is prepared by the interaction of sodium carbonate on boric acid. It is soluble in cold water, freely in glycerine, but not in alcohol. It is an antiseptic and parasiticide. It kills parasites. It is a local sedative to inflamed mucus membrane. It relieves pain. It is frequently used as a dusting powder or in lotion with water- or glycerine for the mouth, eyes, nose, and ears.

It is used to irrigate the lower bowels, bladder and genital passages of both sexes, various wounded surfaces and si-nuses. For this purpose 2 or 4 per cent solution is usually em-ployed. An ointment of borax with vaseline (1 to 9) makes a simple, non-irritating application.

Borax makes the urine slightly alkaline which is helpful in dissolving mucus out of the bladder. It is an urinary disinfectant. A solution is used in leucorrhoea (whites) of females and gon-orrhoea for internal wash.

(ii) Glycerine-Boracis

This is prepared by rubbing 12 parts of purified borax and 88 parts of glycerine in mortar.

(iii) Mel Boracis

This is prepared by rubbing 10 parts of powdered purified borax, and 65 parts of purified honey and 25 parts of glycerine in a mortar (1 in 10). These two preparations are useful in sores in mouth. They can be freely rubbed in the sores. They can be mixed with water and used as a gargle for the mouth and throat in sere throat and sores in mouth. They will heal the sores quickly and exercise a soothing influence. They can be used for sores on the nipples.

(iv) Plain Borax

Plain borax can be dissolved in water (1: 20 of water) and used as a gargle. Borax can be mixed with equal parts of Potas-sium Chloras in the preparation of gargle. It can be used as an eye drop. Put 5 grains in one ounce of pure water or distilled water. It removes irritation of the genital organs. Soak a piece of cotton, wool or clean cloth in the lotion and keep it over the part.

(v) Borax Dehydrated

Borax can be dehydrated. Put it in a pan and heat the pan over the fire. Borax will swell like alum and become white. Pow-der it and keep it in a clean dry bottle.

CHAPTER VIII

BUTEA SEEDS I & II, BUTTERMILK

24. BUTEA SEEDS-I

(THE SEEDS OF BUTEA FRONDOSA)

English	Bastand Teak Seeds
Hindi	Palas-ke-bij
Kanarese	Muttaga-bija
Tamil	Porasam-virai, Murukkam-virai
Telugu	Moduga-vittulu, Plash-vittulu
Malayalam	Murukka-vita
Marathi	Palasa-cha-bij
Gujrathi	Palas-paparo
Bengali	Palas-papra
Sanskrit	Palash

(i) The Leaf and the Seed

The leaf is astringent, tonic, aphrodisiac. The flower is aphrodisiac, diuretic, depurative and tonic. The seed is laxative and anthelmintic. The gum is astringent.

Butea seed is thin, flat, oval or kidney shaped, of a brown colour, 1y4 to 1% inch in length. It has neither taste nor smell. Soak the seed in water and remove the shell. Powder the ker-nel. Dose: 30 to 60 grains. The powder of fresh seeds is very effective. Old seeds are less effective.

(ii) For Round-worm, Tape-worm, Ulcers

Re: Kernel of Butea seeds (Powder)	20 grams
Sugar	20 grams

Mix: One dose. The powder can also be mixed with honey and taken. Take 3 doses daily for three days. Afterwards take castor oil on the morning of the fourth day. Useful in round-worm and tape-worm.

Sprinkle the powder over the surface of unhealthy ulcers. If there are maggots they will be destroyed.

25. BUTEA SEEDS-II

(PALAS-KI-BIJ )

The seeds of Butea Frondosa. Dose: 30 to 60 grains.

(i) The Powder, The Leaves and The Gum

Useful in round-worms and tape-worms. Soak the seeds in water and remove the testa. Powder the kernel.

Re: Kernel of Butea seeds (Powder)	20 grams
Sugar	10 grams

One dose three times daily for 3 days. Give castor oil on the fourth day. For round and tape-worms.

The powder of the seeds is used for destroying maggots in unhealthy ulcers. Sprinkle the powder over the surface of the ulcer.

The leaves of Butea or Palas are astringent, aphrodisiac and tonic; the flower is aphrodisiac, diuretic and depurative. The seed is laxative and anthelmintic: the gum is astringent.

The gum gives strength to nerves, sperm, joints, intelli-gence and chest. Butea gum is an excellent astringent similar to catechu (katha). The astringency is due to the presence of tannic and gallic acids. As it is mild in operation it is suitable for children and delicate females. Dose: 10 to 30 grains. Useful in chronic diarrhoea, pyrosis, dyspepsia.

(ii) For Cobra Poison

Re: Juice of bark	1 teaspoonful
Juice of fresh ginger	1 teaspoonful

Mix. one dose. To be repeated every hour, for internal use.

(iii) Bark Decoction

Re: Bark of Butea 1 ounce

Water 10 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes and strain. Dose: 1 tablespoonful thrice daily. Useful in heaviness of head, cold in the nose and head, cough.

(iv) Decoction of Butea Leaves

Re: Butea leaves	1 ounce
Water	10 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes and strain. Dose: 1 tablespoonful, thrice daily. Useful in piles, diarrhoea and pain in the stomach and bowels.

The paste of the leaves can be applied to boils and swell-ings. They will subside. The flowers can be boiled and then ap-plied to boils and swellings. Crush the flowers, boil and apply it to swollen testicles. The swelling and inflammation will sub-side.

Re: Butea flowers	1 ounce
Water	10 ounces

Boil and strain. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. This brings out menstrual flow. Useful in amenorrhoea or absence of menstru-ation and dysmenorrhoea or difficulty of menstruation.

(v)Butea Root (Palas-ka-ark)

Re: Roots of Palas	4 ounces
Water	20 ounces

Distil. (For external use). This is useful in eye-diseases, particularly cataract. Put a few drops in the eyes with a dropper.

(vi) Butea Bark (For Snake Bite)

Re: Juice of the bark	1 teaspoonful
Juice of ginger	1 teaspoonful
Water	4 teaspoonfuls

Mix. One dose. To be repeated every hour. Give 4 doses (internal use).

A decoction of the bark will remove the heaviness of head, catarrh of the nose and cough. Cut the bark into small pieces and chew them with sugar-candy. This will relieve excessive thirst.

(vii) Butea Flower

Re: Butea flower	1 ounce
Water 10 ounces

Boil and strain. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. This brings out menstrual flow. Useful in amenorrhoea or absence of menstru-ation and dysmenorrhoea or difficulty of menstruation.

The flowers can be boiled and then applied to boils and swellings. Crush the flowers, boil and apply it to swollen testi-cles. The swelling and inflammation will subside.

The Decoction of the Butea Flower is useful in amenorrhoea or absence of menstruation or dysmenorrhoea or difficult menstruation. Menses will flow freely.

(viii) Butea Gum Powder (Bengal Kino)

Re: Palas-ki-Gond (gum)	10 grains
Cloves Powder	5 grains

Make one powder. Dose: One powder twice or thrice daily. Useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, bloody urine, vomiting of blood.

Dissolve the gum in a little water. Touch the throat with this solution by a swab. Ulcers in the throat will disappear. This is like Mandels pigment or Tannic Acid Glycerine Paint. It is more suitable for children and delicate females.

(xi)Butea Leaf

Re: Butea leaves	1 ounce
Water	10 ounces

Boil for ten minutes and strain. Dose: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily. Useful in piles, diarrhoea and pain in the stomach and bowels.

The paste of the leaves can be applied to boils and swell-ings. They will subside.

26.Buttermilk

English	:Buttermilk
Hindi	:Mattha
Kanarese	:Majjige
Telugu	:Majjiga
Tamil	:Moore
Sanskrit	:Thakram

(i) Description

Curd is mixed with plenty of water and churned. This dilu-ted and churned curd is called buttermilk. The buttermilk re-tains 10 per cent of the vitamin A and the other two vitamins, proteins and sugar. It is, therefore, an important article of diet. It is nearly as valuable as milk.

(ii) Its Medicinal Qualities

Buttermilk has excellent medicinal qualities. It is a very good drink in dysentery. It is more a medicine. In dysentery and all forms of uric acid diseases buttermilk diet for a certain pe-riod will be highly beneficial.

(iii) Properties and Uses

Buttermilk is more easily digestible than whole milk. It is astringent, light, cooling, appetising, nutritive and tonic. It is useful in dyspepsia, digestive trouble, etc.

Boiled rice and buttermilk is useful in diarrhoea, dysen-tery, piles, dropsy, excessive thirst and burning in urine. This will increase the digestive fire.

Cold rice and buttermilk removes burning in the body, bil-iousness. This will give good sleep.

CHAPTER IX

CAMPHOR, CAPSICUM, CARAWAY SEEDS

27. CAMPHOR

English	:Camphor
Hindi	:Kappur
Kanarese	:Karpura
Tamil	:Karpuram
Sanskrit	:Karpur

Dose: 2 to 5 grains. This is an ingredient in Tincture Cam-phor Co. or Paregoric Elixir which is used in cough mixtures. It is also an ingredient in Camphrodyne which is used in cholera. It is a diffusible stimulant. In shock or collapse it stimulates the heart. Two grains can be dissolved in milk and given immedi-ately in such conditions.

(i) An Anophrodisiac

It is an anophrodisiac and checks painful erections in gonorhoea. When it is given in large doses frequently, it pro-duces impotency and destroys erection of the organ. Some Sadhus take recourse to eating camphor to destroy their virile power.

(ii) An antigalactagogue

It is an antigalactagogue. It checks accumulation of milk in the breasts and so it is beneficial in mothers who have lost their children soon after delivery and who suffer from severe pain in the breasts owing to accumulation of milk.

(iii) An Antiseptic

It is an antiseptic. It destroys worms in the caries teeth. The socket or the hole must be filled with powdered camphor. It is an ingredient in tooth-powder. It is useful in spongy gums.

(iv) For Pains

Dissolve a few grains in mustard oil and expose the oil to the sun for sometime. This forms a very useful liniment in rheu-matism, muscular pain, neuralgia, lumbago, sprains, stiffness ot joints, contusion, etc. It is analgesic.

(v) An Anti-Spasmodic

It is anti-spasmodic and so it is useful in spasms of asthma and in chronic bronchitis. It serves as a stimulant in prostrating fever such as pneumonia, etc. It acts as a sedative in delirium. It brings out sputum or phlegm easily and so it is expectorant. It is a carminative as it corrects digestion and expels wind from the bowels. It is useful in flatulence of the bowels.

(vi) The Many Uses

It checks nocturnal discharges and is useful in spermatorrhoea. Two or three grains can be taken in hot milk at bed time. It is useful in dysmenorrhoea or difficult menstrua-tion.

Amritshara and Rubinis Camphor contain camphor. Cam-phor becomes a liquid when mixed and rubbed with thymol, menthol.

In influenza and coryza it is useful a nasal paint, dissolved in oil. In pneumonia it is given as a subcutaneous injection. It is dissolved in olive oil (1 grain in 1 c.c.). it gives strength to the heart and makes irregular rhythms of heart regular. Ampoules of camphor in oil (1 grain in 1 c.c.) is available in the chemists shops.

28.Capsicum

English	Red Chillies
Hindi	Lal Mirch, Gach-mirch
Kanarese	Menasankai Kempu
Tamil	Milakai
Telugu	Mirapakaya
Malayalam	Kappalmilaka, Vattal Milakai
Marathi	Mir-singa
Gujrarati	Lal-Mirch, Marchu
Bengali	Lanka-morich, Lal-morich
Sanskrit	Katuvira

(i) Properties and Contents

The dried ripe fruit of Capsicum Minimum. Capsicum Fastigatum is Guinea pepper (Cheemai-Milakai). Capsicum is an irritant, rubefacient, counter-irritant, a good stomachic, stim-ulant, tonic, carminative, cardiac stimulant. It increases the se-men (Veerya Vriddhi). It contains capsaicin, a crystalline acid, a volatile oil, resin, a fatty substance and a volatile alkaloid. It has a characteristic odour and intensely pungent taste. Dose of the powder. y2 to 2 grains.

In allopathic system there are two preparations, viz., Tr. Capasici (does 5 to 15 minims) and Unguentum Capsici or oint-ment of capsicum.

(ii) Capsicum Gargle

Re: Capsicum bruised	1 teaspoonful
Salt	2 teaspoonful
Boilling water	20 ounces

Re: Capsicum bruised 1 teaspoonful Salt 2 teaspoonfuls Boiling water 20 ounces

Strain. An excellent gargle for sore-throat. Relaxed throat. hoarseness of voice, etc.

(iii) Capsicum Pill

Re: Capsicum	1 grain
Camphor	1 grain
Asafoetida	1 grain

Make into one pill. For diarrhoea and cholera. Dose: one pill thrice daily.

(iv) Capsicum Decoction

Re: Capsicum	30 grains
Chinnamon	10 grains
Water	10 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes and strain. Add sugar 4 tablespoon-fuls. For checking the craving of drinking liquor. Dose: 1 oz. thrice daily.

(v) Capsicum Lozenge

Re: Capsicum powder	60 grains
Sugar	60 grains
Honey	60 grains

Make into 24 pills. For hoarseness of voice.

(vi) Capsicum Liniment

Capsicum	1 drachms
Garlic	1 drachms
Black pepper	1 drachms

Make this into a paste and mix it with gingily or mustard oil. This is useful in chronic rheumatic pain and swelling.

(vii) Capsicum Powder

Re: Capsicum	2 grains
Dried ginger	2 grains

Make one powder. One powder twice daily. Useful in dys-pepsia or indigestion, gastritis, pain in the chest, diarrhoea, vomiting in bilious fevers, anorexia or loss of appetite, nausea or retching sensation.

(viii) Capsicum Ointment

Re: Capsici	2 drachms
Soft yellow vaseline	1 ounce
A stimulating ointment,	1 drachms

29. CARAWAY SEEDS

(CARUM, CARAWAY FRUIT, JIRA, CUMIN SEEDS)

English	Caraway seed
Hindi	Safed Jeera
Kanarese	Jeerigay
Tamil	Shimai-shombu
Telugu	Jilakarra
Malayalam	Cheerakam
Marathi	Jeera
Gujarati	Safed Jiraun
Bengali	Safed Jeera
Sanskrit	Ajaji

The dried fruits of carum carui are known as cumin or car-away. It is obtained from the hills and plains of India. It has an agreeable aroma on account of its volatile oils. Dose: 10 to 30 grains.

It is a stimulant. carminative, stomachic, astringent, anti-spasmodic and aromatic. It is useful in biliousness, anorexia or loss of appetite, pain in the stomach and intestines, asthma, stone. It gives strength to the body and coolness to the eyes.

Oleum Carui (oil of caraway) is distilled from the fruits. Dose: 1 to 30 minims.

(i) Caraway Digestive Powder

Re: Caraway seeds powder	2 drachms
Black pepper powder	2 drachms
Long pepper powder	2 drachms
Rock salt powder	2 drachms
Dried ginger powder	2 drachms

Mix well and strain. Dose: 30 grains or half a teaspoonful. Useful in dyspepsia or indigestion. This is a very effective di-gestive powder.

(ii) Pancha-Deepagni Lehiam (A Confection of Five Drugs)

Re: Caraway seeds powder	4 drachms
Dried ginger powder	4 drachms
Long pepper powder	4 drachms
Black pepper powder	4 drachms
Cardamom powder	4 drachms
Ghee	4 ounces
Honey	4 ounces
Black sugar	8 ounces
Cow's milk	2 seers

Put the sugar in the milk and boil. Then add the five pow-ders. Stir well in low fire. Add ghee. Finally add the honey. Dose: 1 teaspoonful. Useful in diarrhoea, flatulence, biliousness, indigestion etc.

(iii) Caraway Water (Aqua Carui)

Re: Caraway seeds	6 drachms
Boiling water	20 ounces

Strain. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls. A good digestive, useful in indigestion flatulence, etc.

(iv) Digestive Powder

Re: Caraway seeds powder	2 drachms
Cardamom powder	2 drachms
Refined camphor	20 grains
White sugar	4 drachms

Mix well. Dose: 1 teaspoonful daily. Useful in indigestion, flatulence

CHAPTER X

CARDAMOM, CASSIA ALATA, CASTOR OIL

30. CARDAMOM

(CHOTI ELACHI)

English	: Cardamom
Hindi	: Elachi, (Choti Elachi)
Kanarese	: Elakki
Tamil	: Elakkai, Ella-kay
Telugu	: Yalakkai
Marathi	: Elachi
Gujarati	: Elachi
Bengali	: Garate
Sanskrit	: Elaam, Truti

The dried ripe seeds of Eletharia Cardamom obtained from Malabar and the Western Ghats. The odour and taste are strongy aromatic. It contains a volatile oil. Dose: 10 to 30 grains. It is a good carminative, stomachic, flavouring agent, stimulant, diuretic and aromatic.

In Allopathy Cardamom is used in the preparation of aro-matic chalk powder, aromatic chalk powder with opium, com-pound tincture of Gention. A tincture called Tincture Cardamom Co., is prepared out of cardamom. Dose: 30 to 60 minims or drops.

Cardamom is useful in flatulence or wind in the stomach and bowels, intestinal colic, excessive headache, dryness of mouth, cough, dyspepsia.

(i) Digestive Powder—I

Re: Cardamom	2 drachms
Ajwan	2 drachms
Cumin seeds	2 drachms
Anise seeds	2 drachms

Slightly parched. Then powder. Dose: 1 teaspoonful after food. Useful in dyspspsia or indigestion.

(ii) Cardamom Decoction

Re: Cardamom	1 drachm
Black sugar	1 ounce
Water	8 ounces

Boil and strain. One dose. Useful in giddiness due to bil-iousness.

(iii) Digestive Powder—II

Re: Cardamom powder	4 drachms
Cumin powder	4 drachms
Cloves powder	4 drachms
Dried ginger powder	4 drachms

Dose: 30 grains or half a teaspoonful. Useful in stom-ach-ache, intestinal colic, gastric catarrh. This is a good diges-tive powder.

(iv) Compound Cardamom Powder

Re: Cardamom powder	2drachms
Liquorice powder	2drachms
Tail pepper powder	2drachms
Amla powder	2drachms
White sugar	1 ounce

Mix well. Dose: 1 teaspoonful twice daily. Useful in cough, excessive thirst, pain in the stomach and bowels.

(v) Cardamom Ghee

Re: Cardamom powder	4 drachms
Tail pepper powder	4 drachms
Cloves powder	4 drachms
Dried ginger powder	4 drachms
Coriander powder	4 drachms
Sugar-candy	1/2 seer
Cow's milk	1 seer
Cow's ghee	8 ounces
Honey	4 ounces

Put the sugar-candy in the milk. Stir well. Let it boil for some time. Then add the powders and ghee. Stir well. Now add honey. Dose: One teaspoonful twice, daily. Useful in cough. bronchitis, excessive thirst, dry mouth and dry tongue, dis-eases of the stomach and bowels, indigestion, intestinal colic, gastric catarrh, biliousness. The body will become cool. This is a blood tonic as well.

(vi) Cardamom Co. Pill

Re: Cardamom powder	4 drachms
Cinnamon powder	4 drachms
Long pepper powder	4 drachms
Liquorice powder	4 drachms
Black sugar	2 ounces

Beat well. Make into pills. Size of arecanut. Dose: 1 or 2 pills twice daily. Useful in indigestion, pain in the stomach and bowels, flatulence, diarrhoea, biliousness.

31. CASSIA ALATA

(RINGWORM SHRUB)

English	Ringworm Shrub
Hindi	: Dadmurdan
Kanarese	: Shimigida, shime-agase
Tamil	: Vandu-kolli, Vanduhadi-ilai,
Shimaiagatti
Telugu	: Shima-avisi, Shima-chettu
Malayalam	: Shima Akati
Marathi	: Dadamardana
Bengali	: Dadmurdam, Dadmari
Sanskri	: Dadrughna

This is a parasiticide and purgative. This is useful in ring-worm and parasitic skin diseases. It is a beautiful shrub with its large prominent spike of yellow flowers. It is common in gardens and waste places throughout India.

(i) Dadmurdan Ointment

Re: Bruised fresh leaves	2 ounces
Vaseline, or Cocoanut or Sessamum oil	4 ounces

Rub the ointment into the skin thoroughly, twice daily. Use-ful in ringworm or Tinea Tonsurans.

(ii) Dadmurdan Paste

Re: Bruised fresh leaves	2 ounces
Lemon juice	q.s.

Make a paste. Rub the paste thoroughly into the skin twice daily. Useful in ringworm.

(iii) Dadmurdan Oil

Re: Bees' wax	2 parts
Cocoanut oil	5 parts
Juice of the leaf	7 parts

Melt the bees'wax with cocoanut oil over the fire in a ves-sel. Now add the juice. Rub this over the body in parasitic skin diseases.

(iv) Preparation for Many Uses

Re: Leaves of Dadmurda	1 ounce
Flower of Dadmurda	1 ounce
Water	20 ounces

Boil for 20 minutes and strain. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. Useful in cough or bronchitis, dyspnoea or difficulty in breath-ing. This can be used as a gargle in stomatitis or ulcers in the wounds.

32. CASTOR OIL

English	: Castor Oil
Hindi	: Arandikatel
Kanarese	: Haralenne
Tamil	: Amanakkanney
Telugu	: Amudam
Malayalam	: Kottenna
Marathi	: Erandela
Gujarati	: Divel, Yarandinutel
Bengali	: Bheerandatail
Sanskrit	: Yeranda Tailam

The expressed oil of the seeds of Ricinus Conmmunis. It is a darkbrown oil. It is acid in taste. The best kind is clear, of a pale straw colour. It has a slightly nauseous taste. The cold drawn expressed oil should always be used when procurable. The darkbrown, viscid oil obtained by boiling and subsequent expression of the seeds should be avoided on account of its acridity.

It is a good laxative. The ordinary dose for a child is a tea-spoonful. It may be gradually raised according to the age of the patient to two or four tablespoonfuls. It is best given floating on milk, coffee or omum water.

It is valuable as an emulsion in infantile diarrhoea and mouth. This is a good antiseptic lotion for washing ulcers and irritative diarrhoea of adults and in dysentery.

Castor oil is highly beneficial in painful affection of the rec-tum, piles, and when it is desirable to prevent the patient strain-ing at stool. It softens the motions and lubricates the intestines without weakening the patient.

(i) Castor Oil Poultice

The leaf is lactagogue and anti-rheumatic.

Re: Castor oil plant leaves	4 handfuls
Water	8 pints

Boil for half an hour. Bathe the breasts for 15 minutes with this decoction. Then spread the boiled leaves over the breasts. The secretion of milk increases in a few hours.

Apply layers of the fresh leaves simply warmed before a fire, over the breasts. This is also an equally effective mode of application. It is simple also.

Smear the nipples freely with castor oil, each time when the child is removed from the breast. This is highly useful in sore nipples.

Re: Castor oil	1 or 2 ounces
A purgative for adults. One teaspoonful for a child.

(ii) Castor Oil Emulsion

Re: Castor oil	1 teaspoonful
Mucilage	q.s.
Water	1 ounce

Dose: One ounce thrice daily. Useful in dysentery. For a child use 5 or 10 drops of oil.

(iii) Castor Oil with Tr. Opium

Re: Castor oil	1 teaspoonful
Tr. Opium	5 drops

To be taken twice or thrice daily. Useful in dysentery and diarrhoea.

(iv) Castor Oil Eye Drops

Re: Castor oil

2 or 3 drops

Useful in removing foreign bodies such as sand, charcoal particles, dust, etc.

(v) As a Poultice

Cut the leaves into small pieces, warm them slightly with castor oil and foment the swollen rheumatic joints and other painful parts of the body.

In abdominal pain apply a little castor oil over the abdo-men and apply over it the castor oil plant leaves which are slighty warmed before the fire.

(vi) The Three Ghee (Mukkoottu)

Re: Castor oil	1 part
Gingily oil	3 parts
Cow s ghee	2 parts

This is a good application for the head. It will cool the head. This can be applied to the whole body also. Take a cold or hot bath.

CHAPTER XI

CATECHU, CHAULMOOGRA OIL, CHIRETTA

33. CATECHU

(KATTHA)

English	: Catechu
Hindi	: Kattha
Kanarese	: Khadira, Kadur
Tamil	: Katha Kambu
Telugu	: Podalimanu
Malayalam	: Khadiram
Marathi	: Khair
Gujarati	: Kher
Bengali	: Khair
Sanskrit	: Khadira

(i) Description

This is an extract from the heart-wood of Acacia Catechu. It is obtained by boiling and drying the decoction. The leaves and young shoots of Uncaria Gambier are extracted with water and dried. It is obtained from Singapore and Eastern Archipel-ago. Taste is at first bitter and astringent, afterwards, sweetish. It occurs in the form of masses of a blackish brown colour. Its chief constituent is Catechu Tannic acid. Catechu is used with pan or betel leaves. Dose: 5 to 15 grains.

(ii) Tincture Catechu

In Allopathic system Tincture Catechu is made out of Catechu. Cinnamon bark is added. Catechu is an astringent. It is serviceable in diarrhoea, ulcers, sore-throat and stomatitis or ulcers in the mouth. Dose: 30 to 60 minims.

(iii) Catechu Powder

Re: Catechu	10 grains
Cinnamon powder	10 grains
Honey	q.s.

Dose: One powder, 3 or 4 times daily. Useful in diarrhoea.

(iv)Catechu Compound Infusion

Re: Catechu bruised	4 drachms
Cinnamon bruised	1 drachm
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for 2 hours and strain. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls or 1 ounce three times daily. Useful in diarrhoea. 5 or 10 drops of Tr. Opium to each dose will render it more efficacious.

(v)For Diarrhoea in Children

Re: Catechu powder	3 grais
Cinnamon powder	3 grais

Mix. Dose: One powder twice daily in honey with sugar.

(vi)A Good Dentifrice

Re: Catechu	2 drachms
Alum	1 drachm
Myrrh	1 drachm
Cloves	30 grains
Chalk	8 drachms

Powder; then mix and strain. This valuable tooth-powder will stop bleeding from the gums and strengthen loose teeth and the gums.

In relaxed sore-throat, hoarseness, loss of voice, in ulcer-ation and sponginess of gums, in mercurial salivation chew a small piece of catechu and allow it to dissolve in the mouth slowly. You will derive immense benefit.

In toothache and caries tooth, plug the hollow of the tooth with a small piece of catechu. The pain will vanish.

(vii)Catechu Infusion

Re: Katechu	6 drachms
Boiling water	20 ounces

Infuse for 2 hours and strain. This is a good lotion for sore nipples and old, chronic ulcers. Bathe the parts twice or thrice daily. This infusion is a preventative of sore nipples. The breasts should be bathed with this infusion daily for a month before the confinement. This will harden the tissues.

(viii) Catechu Co. Ointment

Re: Catechu powder	1 drachm
Copper sulphate	10 grains
White vaseline	1 ounce

Mix well. This is useful in chronic ulcers attended by much foul-smelling discharge. This is an astringent and stimulating, healing ointment.

The addition of Catechu to Paan or betel leaves is benefi-cial in strengthening the loose teeth and killing the worms in the bowels.

34. CHAULMOOGRA OIL

English	: Jangli almond
Hindi	: ChauImoogra
Tamil	: Neradi-mattu
Telugu	: Niradivittulu
Malayalam	: Niradimuttu
Marathi	: Kadu-Kawata
Sanskrit	: Tuvaraka

(i) Uses and Some Instructions

The fixed oil expressed from the seeds of Gynocardia Odorata. The oil has a peculiar and slightly unpleasant smell and taste. Chaulmoogra seeds are about an inch in length, of oval form.

This is a remedy for leprosy, scrofula, lupus, chronic ec-zema and chronic rheumatism. This is used both externally, and internally.

In South India where Chaulmoogra is rarely obtainable, the oil of the seeds of a tree of the same family, Hydnocarpus Inebrains can be tried. The oil has a great repute among the natives of Malabar as a remedy in leprosy.

The dose of the seeds is 6 grains, three times daily, in the form of a pill. It is gradually increased to 3 or 4 times that quan-tity or until it produces nausea or vomiting, when the dose should be decreased or the use of the remedy stopped for a time. This is the best form of administration.

The dose of the oil is 5 or 6 drops, gradually increased as in the case of the seeds. Give up salted meat, acids, spices and sweetmeats during the use of this medicine. But you can take butter, ghee and oily articles of diet. It may be advantageously combined with a course of Cod-liver oil.

(ii) Chaulmoogra Co. Emulsion

Re: Chaulmoogra oil	5 drops
Cod liver oil	20 drops
Mucilage	q.s.
Water	1 ounce

(iii) Chaulmoogra Ointment—I

Re: Chaulmoogra oil	1 drachm
White vaseline soft	1 ounce

Useful in obstinate skin diseases, chronic eczema and lepric spots. You can beat the seeds into a paste with a little ghee or vaseline. This also will form a good ointment.

(iv) Chaulmoogra Ointment—II

Re: Chaulmoogra oil	1 ounce
Nim oil	1 ounce

Mix well. Rub into leprotic spots.

(v) Chaulmoogra Tonic

Re: Chaulmoogra oil	5 drops
Warm milk	4 ounces

Dose: Twice daily after food. This is a tonic for lepers.

(vi) Chaulmoogra Pill

Re: Chaulmoogra seeds powder	5 grains
Honey	q.s.

One pill. Dose: One pill thrice daily. Useful in leprosy and eczema.

(vii) Plain Chaulmoogra Emulsion

Re: Chaulmoogra oil	5 drops
Mucilage	q.s.
Syrup	1 drachm
Water	1 ounce

One ounce twice daily after food. Gradually in-crease the dose. Useful in leprosy.

35. CHIRETTA

English	:king of Bitters
Hindi	:Kiriyat
Kanarese	:Nelabaevu
Tamil	:Nilavembu
Telugu	:Nelavemu
Malayalam	:Kiriyat
Marathi	:Olen Kirayat
Gujarati	:Kiryato
Bengali	:Kalmesh
Sanskrit	:Bhunimba

(i) Description

Chiretta is the plant of Swertia Chiretta or Ophelia Chiretta. It is collected when in flower and dried. It is obtainable in all bazaars. The whole plant is intensely bitter. Dose: 10 to 30 grains. The allopathic system has two preparations, viz., Infu-sion Chiretta Compositum Concentratum (dose 30 to 60 min-ims) and Tr. Chiretta Co. (dose 30 to 60 minims).

(ii) Uses

The infusion is a popular domestic remedy for general de-bility with poor appetite and digestion, particularly during con-valescence from a serious disease.

Chiretta is a stomachic, bitter tonic, alterative and stimu-lant. It is a tonic after fevers. It clears and brightens the intellect. It is useful in dyspepsia or indigestion, torpidity of liver, giddi-ness due to biliousness.

(iii) Chiretta Infusion—H

Re: Chiretta bruised	1 ounce
Boiling water	20 ounces

Infuse for 4 hours and strain. Dose: 2 ounces three times daily. This a good tonic.

(iv) Chiretta Infusion—II

Re: Chiretta	1 ounce
Cloves powder	1 drachm
Cinnamon powder	1 drachm
Cardamom powder	1 drachm
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for 6 hours and strain. Dose: 2 ounces thrice daily. Useful in all cases of debility, especially after fever, indigestion or dyspepsia, anorexia or loss of appetite, ague, or intermittent fever, gastric catarrh, worms in the bowels, diarrhoea owing to indigestion, vomiting in pregnancy.

Cloves or cinnamon or cardamom increases the efficacy of Chiretta and improves its flavour. You can add Syrup of or-ange or honey to the infusion.

(v) Chiretta Infusionl—Ill

Re: Chiretta	1 ounce
Skin of Mossambi	1 ounce
Coriander	2 drachms
Boiling water	20 ounces

Infuse for 1 hour and strain. Dose 1 ounce thrice daily. Useful in bilious giddiness, debility, ague, indigestion, loss of appetite. The juice of the leaves is useful in flatulence and diar-rhoea of children.

(vi) Chiretta Infusion—IV

Re: Chiretta bruised	4 drachms
Vassambu (sweet flag) powder	1 drachm
Chatha-kuppal (dill)	1 drachm
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for 1 hour. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls thrice daily. Use-ful in debility, fever, dysentery, etc.

CHAPTER XII

CINNAMON, CLOVES, COCCULUS-INDICUS

36. CINNAMON

(CINNAMOMUM ZEYLANICUM)

English	:Chinese Cassia
Hindi	:Dalchini
Kanarese	:Lavangapatta
Tamil	:Lavangapattai
Telugu	:Lavangapatta, Dasinachakka
Malayalam	:Lavangapatta
Marathi	:Dala-chini
Gujarati	:Dalchini
Bengali	:Dalchini
Sanskrit	:Thwak

(i) Properties and Uses

This is the dried bark of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. It is obtained from the Deccan, Burma, Malaya and Ceylon. It oc-curs in closely rolled quills containing several smaller quills in-side. It is yellowish-brown in colour. It has a sweet, hot taste. It contains a volatile oil, tannin, sugar and gum. Dose: 5 to 20 grains.

It is a stimulant, astringent, carminative, aphrodisiac, antispasmodic and tonic. It is also a heart-stimulant. It is used in the preparation of vegetables, soups, etc. It is useful in spermotorrhoea, diarrhoea, bronchitis, dysentery, poisoning, flatulence or wind in the bowels, dyspepsia, cobra poison and fevers. It cools the body and removes bad odour in the mouth. It contracts the uterus. Hence it is useful in menorrhoea or exces-sive menstruation. It is also useful in dull labour pains.

Cinnamon powder is used in Allopathy in the preparation of compound Catechu powder, Creta Aromaticus powder, Greta Aromaticus with Opium powder and compound Tincture of Cardamom. The oil of cinnamon (dose 1 to 3 minims) enters into the composition of concentrated cinnamon water (dose 5 to 10 minims), and Spirit of Cinnamon (dose 5 to 20 minims or drops).

Cinnamon is closely allied in medicinal properties and use to cloves. It may be substituted for cloves when the latter is not procurable. It is an agreeable adjunct to many other medicines.

(ii) Compound Cinnamon Powder

Re: Cinnamon powder 1 drachm

Cardamon powder 1 drachm

Dried ginger powder 1 drachm

Mix well. Dose: grams 10 to 20 thrice daily. Useful in vom-iting, flatulence, intestinal colic, dysentery, diarrhoea, dyspep-sia, etc.

(iii) Cinnamon Decoction

Re: Cinnamon	1 drachms
Cardamom	1 drachms
Dried ginger	1 drachms
Cloves	1 drachms
Anise seeds	1 drachms
Vidanga (Vai Vilangam)	1 drachms
Water	20 ounces

Boil till the water is reduced to 5 ounces. Dose: 2 tea-spoonfuls thrice daily. Useful in stomach ache, gastric catarrh dyspepsia.

(iv) Cinnamon and Catechu Decoction

Re: Cinnamon	2 drachms
Cetechu	6 drachms
Boiling water	20 ounces

Keep for one hour and strain. Dose: 2 teaspoonfuls thrice daily. Useful in diarrhoea.

(v) Cinnamon and Catechu Powder

Re: Cinnamon powder	5 grams
Catechu	6 grams
Dried ginger	2 grams
Black pepper	1 gram

Make one powder. Dose: 1 powder thrice daily. Useful in diarrhoea.

37. CLOVES

(CARYOPHYLLUM; LAVANGA)

Hindi	: Lavang
Kanarese	: Lavanga
Tamil	: Kerambu
Telugu	: Lavangam
Malayalam	: Grambuo
Bengali	: Lavanga
Sanskrit	: Lavanga

(i) Properties, Uses and Preparations

This is the dried flowering bud of Eugenia Aromatica or Caryophyllus Aromaticus. It has a strong spicy smell and very pungent aromatic taste. Dose: Two to five grains. This contains the volatile oil, caryophyllum and gallo tannic acid. It is usually obtained from Jawa, Ceylon, Penang and other places.

Clove is a good stimulant, carminative, stomachic and antispasmodic. It is useful in indigestion, colic, flatulence or wind in the bowels, bilious giddiness, diarrhoea, nausea, dys-entery, sprue, chronic diarrhoea, spermatorrhoea, earache, opacity of cornea. It binds the bowels. It is used as a spice for vegetable curries, soups. etc. It stimulates the appetite and aids digestion.

It removes hoarseness of voice. Therefore, it is useful for songsters and lecturers. It can be chewed as it is or with sugar candy.

The official preparation of British Pharmacopoeia are caryophilli infusion diluted and concentrated, and oil of cloves.

The dose of the diluted infusion is ½ to 1 ounce and the dose of the oil is 1 to 3 minims, or drops. 2 or 3 drops of oil of cloves can be taken in sugar. Useful in indigestion, flatulence, intestinal colic, vomiting, diarrhoea.

Oil of cloves is useful in toothache or dental neuralgia, caries tooth. It strengthens the gums.

Make a very fine paste of clove and apply it to the fore-head and nose. Heaviness of head and catarrh in the nose will be cured.

Fry some cloves over the fire and chew them. Sores in the throat will be cured. The gums will be strengthened.

Cloves enter into the composition of all medicines which are intended for biliousness, spermatorrhoea, diarrhoea.

(ii) Infusion of Cloves

Re: Cloves powdered	4 dramchs
Boiling water	20 ounces

Keep for half an hour and then strain. Dose: One ounce daily. Useful in indigestion, flatulence or wind in the bowels, colic and spasmodic affections of the bowels, vomiting in preg-nancy, dysentery, sprue, chronic diarrhoea.

(iii) A Good Purgative

Re: Cloves	20 grams
Dried ginger	20 grams
Senna leaves	4 drachms
Boiling water	8 ounces

Allow this to stand for y2 hour and strain. One dose. A good, aromatic purgative.

(iv) Cloves Chiretta Tonic

Re: Infusion of cloves	8 ounces
Infusion of Chiretta	8 ounces

Mix well. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. Useful in debility. loss of appetite and in convalescence after fevers.

(v) Compound Cloves Powder

Re: Cloves	1 drachm
Dried ginger powder	1 drachm
Ajwan powder	1 drachm
Rock salt	1 drachm

Mix well. Dose: 20 grains twice daily. Useful in indigestion, or dyspepsia. This is a Pachak Ghoorna that helps digestion and gives good appetite.

(vi) Cloves Triphala Powder

Re: Cloves powder	1 drachm
Chirunagappa powder (Naga-kesara)	1 drachm
Vilamichu-ver or Hreeberan	1 drachm
Dried ginger powder	1 drachm
Black pepper powder	1 drachm
Long pepper powder	1 drachm

Mix Well. Dose: 20 grains twice daily. Can be made into pills also (5 gr). Useful in bilious giddiness, diarrhoea, vomitting, itching in anus.

38. COCCULUS INDICUS

(INDIAN BERRY; FISH BERRY)

English	: Indian Berry
Hindi	: Kakmari
Kanarese	: Ka ka-mari-bija
Tamil	: Kakkai-kolli-vilai, Penkottai
Telugu	: Kakamari, Kaki-ceampa
Malayalam	: Nanjin Kuru, Kakka-kolli
Marathi	: Karwi
Gujarati	: Kakphal
Bengali	: Kaka-mari
Sanskrit	: Kakphala, Kakanshika

(i) Description

The fruits of Anamirta Cocculus. This plant grows in Cey-lon, Malabar and Burma. The dried fruit is larger than a pea. The kernel is yellowish, oily and bitter. An oil is extracted from the kernel. It is called Picrotoxine. This is a virulent poison. If this is mixed with food and given to the crows, they die immedi-ately. Hence the name `Kakkai kolli', 'killer of crows'.

(ii) For Itching Skin

Cocculus Indicus is an emetic, parasiticide and a narcotic. It is used as an agent for destroying pediculi or lice. It is useful in itching of skin.

Re: Cocculus seeds	60 grains
Vaseline	1 ounce

Beat the seeds in a mortar and make into a paste and then mix the paste thoroughly with vaseline, butter or ghee. The ointment should not be applied in ulcerated surfaces on ac-count of the danger of absorption of the poisonous principles of the seeds.

(iii) For Intravenous Injection

Picrotoxin: Synonymn. Cocculin. A glycoside obtained from Anamirta Paniculata, This is bitter, colourless, crystal. Dose: 00 to y20 grain. This is given as an intramuscular or intra-venous injection. Picrotoxin is occasionally given orally in night sweats. It is given in barbiturate, paraldehyde and bromethol poisoning in doses of y6 grain intramuscularly or intravenously. Picrotoxin is useful in epilepsy, hemiplegia, headache, sweat-ing of phthisis, and diseases caused by poisonous drugs.

CHAPTER XIII

CORIANDER SEEDS, COUNTRY FIG,

COUNTRY GOOSEBERRY

39. CORIANDER SEEDS

(CORIANDRUM SATIVUM )

English	: Coriander
Hindi	: Dhaniya
Kanarese	: Kottamari-bija
Tamil	: Kothumalli
Telugu	: Dhaniyalu
Malayalam	: Kottamalli
Marathi	: Kothimbir
Gujarati	: Dhana
Bengali	: Dhane
Sanskrit	: Kustumbari, Dhanyaka

(i) Description

The seeds of Coriandum Sativum. This plant is cultivated throughout India. The seeds are stomachic, carminative, stim-ulant, diuretic, aromatic and antispasmodic. They contain a vol-atile oil.

(ii) Uses of Coriander Leaf

Coriander leaf is useful in anorexia or distaste for food, dyspepsia, biliousness. It increases the semen. It is used as a flavouring agent in the preparation of pepper water (Rasam), Sambar, Pachadie and Chutney by South Indians. It has a very good aroma.

The leaf can be slightly fried with a little gingly oil and ap-plied to swellings as a poultice. The swelling will either subside or ripen.

(iii) Coriander Infusion

Re: Coriander seeds	4 drachms
Boiling water	20 ounces

Infuse for one hour. Dose: 1 ounce three times daily. Use-ful in flatulence, dyspepsia, giddiness and biliousness. You can add a little milk and sugar.

(iv) Coriander Coffee

Re: Coriander seeds	2 tablespoonfuls
Sugar	2 tablespoonfuls
Milk	16 ounces

Fry the seeds with a little ghee and powder. You can make a little decoction of 4 ounces and add this to the milk. This is pure milk-coriander coffee. This is a very good substitute for coffee and tea. This will cure piles.

(v) Coriander Co., Powder

Re: Coriander seeds (parched)	4 drachms
Caraway powder (Jira) parched	4 drachms
Cardamom powder (parched)	4 drachms

Dose: 1 teaspoonful after food. This is a very good diges-tive powder. Useful in diarrhoea, indigestion, biliousness.

(vi) Oil of Coriander

Dose: 1 to 4 drops. This is useful in flatulence, dyspepsia, biliousness, giddiness, diarrhoea.

Make a paste of coriander and apply it to the forehead. Headache will be relieved. A paste of coriander and sandal will relieve bilious headache. Make hot poultice of coriander and apply it to chronic ulcers and carbuncles. They will be cured.

40. COUNTRY FIG

(FICUS GLOMERATA)

English	Country fig
Hindi	Gular
Kanarese	Atti
Tamil	Atti
Telugu	Atti,Medi
Malayalam	Atti
Marathi	Umbar
Gujarati	Umbaro
Bengali	Jajnadumar
Sanskrit	Udumbara

Uses of Fig Fruit

Fig fruit improves and increases the blood. It is a laxative too. The tender and half ripe fruits are used as a vegetable curry and beneficial for persons suffering from piles.

41. COUNTRY GOOSEBERRY

(AVVERHOEA ACIDA)

English	Country Gooseberry
Hindi	Chelmeri, Haraphalvadi
Kanarese	Kirunelli
Tamil	Arunelli
Telugu	Racha-usirikaya
Malayalam	Arinelli, Chirmi
Marathi	Kanta-avala
Bengali	Nubarse

(i) Description

This is a tree that grows in the Mediterranean climate and yields an abundance of fruits.

This is a small tree. This is grown in the gardens of India. This is cultivated in the Malaya States.

(ii) Leaf, Seed and Fruit

The leaf is a diaphoretic. The seed is a laxative. The fruit is antibilious. The leaf, fruit, seed and the root are used.

Make a paste of the leaves and mix it well in a tablespoon-ful of buttermilk. Take this twice daily for 4 days. Jaundice will be cured. When you take this give up salt. Take goat's milk with boiled rice.

The fruit is useful in asthma, excessive thirst, internal heat, biliousness. It cools the body.

(iii) Gooseberry Juice

Re: Juice of Arunelli	1 ounce
Juice of grapes	2 ounces
Burnt alum	2 grains
Sugar	60 grains

One dose. Useful in gonorrhea.

(iv) Gooseberry Sherbet

Re: Gooseberry juice	20 ounces
Sugar	20 ounces

Boil gently to the consistency of a syrup. Dose: 1 ounce in a tablespoonful of water. Useful in biliousness, thirst, internal heat.

(v) For Vomiting

Re: Dried gooseberry powder	10 grains
Cumin seeds jeera powder	10 grains
Long pepper powder	10 grains
Water	4 ounces

Put the powder in water. Let it remain for one hour. Add one tablespoonful sugar. Strain. One dose. Useful in vomiting.

(vi) Gooseberry Chutney

Re: Dried of fresh gooseberry	¼ seer
Black pepper	1 ounce
Fresh ginger	2 ounces
Fresh coriander leaves or
sweet nim leaves	½ ounce
A little salt

Make it into a chutney (rough paste). Useful in bilious-ness, vomiting. This cools the body. The eyes become lus-trous.

(vii) Gooseberry Patchadie

Re: Fresh or dried gooseberry bru.

Handful

Curd

¼ seer

Few green chillies in pieces.

Mix. A very good appetizer. This is anti-bilious. This is taken in South India in Dvadasi days with Akatti Keerai (a kind of leafy vegetable).

(viii) To relieve Constipation

Re: Gooseberry seed powder	1 teaspoonful
Sugar	1 teaspoonful
Useful in constipation.

CHAPTER XIV

IPECACUANTIA, SARSAPARILLA, CROTON SEEDS, CUBEBS

42. COUNTRY IPECACUANTIA TYLOPHORA

Hindi	: Antamul, Jangli-pirwan
Tamil	: Nachchurupan, Naypalai, Peyppalai
Telugu	: Verri-pala, Kukkapala
Malayalam	: Vallipala
Bengali	: Anto-mul

(i) Description

The plant is found in Bengal and other parts of India. Its roots and leaves are endowed with emetic properties. The dried leaf is a substitute for Ipecacuantia.

(ii) Uses of Powdered Dried Leaves

Dose of the powdered dried leaves as an emetic is 40 to 50 grains for an adult. It is an expectorant and diaphoretic in small doses (5 to 10 grains). The powder of the dried leaves is useful in dysentery and diarrhoea, in doses of 10 grains, three or four times daily.

43. COUNTRY SARSAPARILLA

(THE ROOT OF HEMIDESMUS INDICUS)

English	: Indian Sarsaparilla
Hindi Kanarese	: Magrabu Salsa, Jangli-Chanbelii
Tamil	: Sugandha-palada
Telugu	: Nannariver
Malayalam	: Sugandhi
Marathi	: Nannari
Bengali	: Uparsari
Sanskrit	: Anantamul
Sanskrit	: Saribha

This is the dried root of Hemidesmus Indicus. This is a good alterative, tonic, demulcent, diuretic, diaphoretic.

(i) Its Importance Emphasised in Ayurvedic Scriptures

This is a kind of creeper that grows by itself in India in the jungles. The root has a good aroma. It is slightly bitter.

The freshly collected root is preferable to that bought in the bazaars. The virtues of the drug abide chiefly in the bark of the root.

Ayurvedic scriptures unanimously glorify Sarsaparilla thus "It is a sweet, refreshing nervine tonic. It destroys poison, allays all irritation, increases strength and vitality. It removes indiges-tion, loss of appetite, difficulty in breathing, cough, venereal diseases in men and women, rheumatism, fever, all skin and blood impurities and mercurial poisons."

(ii) Its Utility in Many Diseases

Sarsaparilla removes excessive thirst, excessive saliva-tion in the mouth, biliousness, ring-worm, heat of sexual inter-course, syphilis. Iodised sarsaparilla is an allopathic patent medicine. It pu-rifies blood. It is useful in syphilis.

Hemidesmus is useful in constitutional debility that arises from any cause. Constitutional syphilis, skin diseases and ul-cerations, particularly those of syphilitic origin, chronic rheuma-tism, indigestion and loss of appetite. It is best given in the form of infusion.

(iii) Sarsaparilla Coffee—I

Re: Sarsaparilla root bruised	1 ounce
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for 1 hour and strain. Add milk and sugar. Dose: 2 to 3 ounces thrice daily. Take the infusion while it is still warm. This is a very good substitute for tea or coffee, for children and adults. Useful in debility and indigestion, syphilis, skin dis-eases, chronic rheumatism, chronic paralysis, sexual debility.

(iv) Sarsaparilla Coffee—II

Re: Sarsa root dried powder	2 drachms
Cow milk	½ seer
Sugar	2 tablespoonfuls

Take in the early morning. Useful in all urinary diseases, stricture of urethra with dysuria or difficulty in passing urine, burning urine, etc.

(v) Sarsaparilla Drink

Re: Sarsaparilla powder	1 drachm
Cumin seeds	20 grains
Water	20 ounces

This can be used as drinking water. This is useful in all the diseases described above.

(vi) Sarsaparilla Sherbet

Re: Sarsa root bruised	4 ounces
Boiling water	20 ounces
Sugar	8 ounces

Soak the powder in boiling water for 6 hours. Then strain. Add sugar and put this over slow fire, till you get the consis-tency of syrup. Dose: 2 ounces with a tablespoonful of water. This purifies the blood, cools the body and removes diseases of the skin.

The Bengal Chemical Pharmaceutical Works Ltd., Cal-cutta, prepare Sarsac Liquidum and Sarsa Liquid Compound. Saribadi Asava and Saribadyarishta (Sariva quath) are two good Ayurvedic preparations made out of Sarsaparilla. Asava is an infusion in cold water. Arishta is a decoction made by boiling.

Saribadi Asava is useful in scrofulous swelling, chronic gonorrhoea and syphilis. It improves digestion, invigorates the system, enriches the blood and binds up flesh and strength. It also assists nature in carrying off the morbid or unhealthy se-cretion of the skin and cures pimples, boils, etc.

(vii) Saribadyarishta

This is useful in rheumatic pains, skin diseases, scrofula, constitutional debility, etc. It gives tone to the liver, removes bil-iousness and improves the blood qualitatively and quantita-tively. Dose: ½ to 2 ounces.

(viii) Sariva Quath (decoction)

This is a valuable alterative, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic useful as a diuretic in rheumatic pains, boils, scanty and high-coloured urine, gravel, etc. As a diaphoretic and tonic it is given in fevers with loss of appetite and disinclination for food (anorexia). As an alternative it is valuable in chronic rheuma-tism, skin-diseases, scrofula, syphilis, cachexia, constitutional debility, etc. Dose: ½ to 2 tolas twice daily.

44. CROTON SEEDS

English	: Croton-oil seed, Purgative Croton
Hindi	: Jamalgotti
Kanarese	: Japala beeja
Tamil	: Nervalam
Telugu	: Nepalam
Malayalam	: Nervalam
Marathi	: Napalacha-bij
Gujarati	: Jamla-gota
Bengali	: Jamal-gota
Sanskrit	: Danthi

(i) Description and Uses

The seeds of croton Tilgium. They should be fresh. They are about the size of a grain of coffee. They are oval. The taste is acrid and pungent. It is a violent purgative, good local rubefacient and stimulant. It is a powerful gastro-intestinal irri-tant. The extracted oil from the seeds is generally used.

(ii) Croton Pill

Remove the outer shell. Boil the seeds 3 times in milk. Af-ter boiling remove the outer skin and little leaf-like thing which will be found between the two-halves of the kernel. If the latter is not removed, it will cause violent griping and vomiting.

Re: Purified croton seeds powder	30 grains
Catechu	60 grains
Honey or gum	q.s.

Beat them into an even mass. Mix the ingredients thor-oughly. Divide into pills, each weighing 2 grains. Dose: One pill for an adult. This should be given only when a strong purgative is needed as in apoplexy, convulsion, strong fevers, etc. If it causes much griping and vomiting or too violent purging give to the patient a large draught of lime juice. This may be safely re-peated in half an hour if the vomiting and purging continue. Never take any croton pill unless you know well that the croton is purified by a qualified, Ayurvedic doctor.

Re: Croton oil	1 drop
Sugar	a lump or 1 teaspoonful

A powerful purgative in cerebral haemorrhage or apoplexy and convulsion. It can be made into a pill with bread crumb. In apoplexy when the patient is unable to swallow, it is sufficient to place the oil at the base of the tongue. It should not be given to children and boys. It should be given only to adults.

(iii) Croton Oil Liniment

Re: Croton oil	4 teaspoonfuls
Sessamum oil, or Cocoanut oil, or
Mustard oil	6 ounces

This is a useful stimulating liniment for chronic rheuma-tism, paralysis, diseases of the joints, chronic bronchitis, etc.

(iv) How to Purify Croton

Tie a few seeds in a handkerchief and boil this in cowdung water, cow's urine and fruit Juice (lemon) separately. Then re-move the shell, skin and the inner leaf between the two halves of the seed. Then fry the seeds in cow's ghee.

45. CUBEBS

(KABAB CHINI)

English	Tailpepper
Hindi	Sitalchini
Kanarese	Gandha menasu
Tamil	Val-mulaku
Telugu	Toka-miriyalu
Malayalam	Valmilaku
Marathi	Kankora
Gujarati	Tadamiri
Bengali	Sitalchini
Sanskrit	Sungadha-muricha

(i) Description and the Uses

This is the dried, full-grown, unripe fruit of Piper Cubeba (tail pepper). It is of the size of black pepper. It is a small black seed. It has an acrid camphoraceous taste and a peculiar aro-matic odour. It can be obtained in most of the bazaars. It is a stimulant, urinary antiseptic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant. Its main action is on the genito-urinary passages; it stimulates the secretion of the respiratory and genito-urinary tracts. Dose: 30 to 60 grains.

The two chief allopathic preparations are Tincture Cubebac (dose 30 to 60 minims), and Oil of Cubeb (dose 5 to 20 minims: suspended in mucilage).

Cubebs is useful in cough, gastric catarrh, excessive thirst, gastritis, advanced stages of gonorrhoea, gleet, leucorrhoea and other vaginal discharges in women.

(ii)Cubebs Co. Powder-I

Re: Cubebs powder	20 grains
Alum powder	5 grains

(iii)Cubebs Co. Powder-II

Re: Cubebs powder	10 grains
Potassium nitrate	5 grains

Dose: One powder thrice daily. Useful in gonorrhea.

(iv)Cough Mixture

Re: Cubebs	10 grains
Cinnamon water	1 ounce

Dose: 1 ounce thrice daily. Useful in Bronchitis or cough and laryngitis.

(v)Cubebs with Hot Milk

Re: Cubebs	20 grains
Sugarcandy	4 drachms
Hot milk	1/2 seer

Useful in hoarseness of voice.The voice will improve.

(vi)Cubebs Oil Mixture

Re: Oil of Cubeb	5 minims
Oil of copaiba	5 minims
Oil of sandal wood	5 minims
Mucilage	q.s.
Aqua Cinnamon	1 ounce

Mix together. Dose: 1 ounce thrice daily after food. Useful in gonorrhea and gleet. The oil can be taken along with white sugar.

(vii)Cubeb Decoction

Re: Cubeb powder	1 drachm
Liquorice powder	1 drachm
Long pepper powder	1 drachm
Galangal (Chittaratai)	1 drachm
Water	1 ounce

Boil for half an hour. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls thrice daily. Useful in bronchitis or cough.

(viii)Cubebs with Honey

Re: Cubeb powder	30 grains
Honey	q.s.

Dose: Thrice daily. Useful in cough, gastritis, gonorrhea. The appetite will increase. Instead of honey you can take the powder with milk.

Make a paste of cubeb powder and apply it to the temples and forehead. Headache will be relieved.

Section –II

CHAPTER XV

DHATURA, DILL SEEDS AND DRIED GINGER

46.DHATURA

(THORN APPLE, STRAMONIUM)

English	: Thornapple
Hindi	: Dhatura
Kanarese	: Ummatte
Tamil	: Umattai
Telugu	: Ummaeththa
Malayalam	: Ummaththam
Marathi	: Dhatori
Gujarati	: Dhatura
Bengali	: Dhatura
Sanskrit	: Datura

(i)Properties, Varieties and Uses

The dried and flowering tops of Dhatura Alba Fatuosa and DhaturaTalula. Dhatura is an emetic, antispasmodic, anodyne, narcotic. It is chiefly used for relief of asthma. Seeds are used by poisoners in sweetmeat or hooka. The varieties of Dhatura are white, black and purple. The flowers are white, black and purple. In overdoses, Dhatura acts as a powder narcotic poison.

Dhatura is a substitute for Belladonna in the treatment of cataract and other diseases of the eye. It dilates the pupil. The leaves and flowers contain alkaloids, mostly hyoscyamine, a lit-tle of atropine and hyoscine. The total alkaloids are sometimes called daturine.

In the allopathic system there are three preparations, viz., 1. Extractum Stramonii Liquidium (dose ½ to 3 minims); 2. Extractum Stramonii Siccum (dose: ¼ , to 1 grain); and 3. Tr. Stramonii (dose: 5 to 30 minims).

Stramonium has the usual belladonna action but is more commonly used as anti-spasmodic in bronchial asthma by in-halation (powdered leaves) as well as orally (extract or tinc-ture). The tincture generally produces all the sedative and narcotic effects of opium. It is very cheap also. It is better to commence with small doses of 10 drops and increase them to 20 or 30 drops according to circumstances. As a general rule 20 drops will be equal in effect to one grain of opium.

Dhatura produces dilatation of the pupil. The eye should therefore be examined when this remedy is being adminis-tered. If the pupil is found very large and dilated, it should be stopped.

(ii) For Inhalation in Asthma

Re: Potassium nitrate	1 ounce
Dhatura leaves	1 ounce
Anisi	1 ounce

Fumes of 60 grains of the burnt powder are inhaled for bronchial asthma.

(iii) Dhatura Cigarette

Re: Dried Dhatura leaves

15 grains

Smoke in a pipe. The leaves can be made into cigarettes also. Useful in asthma and paroxysmal cough.

(iv) Dhatura Fomentation

Re: Dhatura leaves	1 ounce
Boiling water	20 ounces

Useful in lumbago, pleurodynic or neuralgic pain in the chest and dysmenorrhoea or difficulty in menstruation.

(v) Dhatura Poultice

Bruise the fresh leaves into a pulp with hot water and ap-ply this to painful joints. This is useful in lumbago also. The hot pulp can be mixed with a poultice of rice flour or wheat flour. In Guinea worm Dhatura poultice relieves the pain and hastens the expulsion of the worm.

(vi) Dhatura Liniment

Re: Dhatura seeds (powder)	1 ounce
Gingily oil	20 ounces

Macerate 10 days and strain. Useful in lumbago, pain in the chest, etc.

Warm the leaves and foment the swollen joints in rheuma-tism, swollen bones. The pain and swelling will subside.

47. DILL SEEDS

(ANETHI SOYAH)

English	: Dill Seed
Hindi	: Sowa
Kanarese	: Sabbasige
Tamil	: Chatha Kuppai
Telugu	: Shatakupi-vittulu
Malayalam	: Shepu
Marathi	: Chatakuppa
Gujarati	: Surva-nu-bi
Bengali	: Soolpha
Sanskrit	: Sthatapushpi

(i) Description and the Uses

The dried fruit of Peucedanum Graveolens, Anetheum Sowa. It is cultivated all-throughout India and obtained from Middle and South of Europe. It is brown in colour and the smell is agreeable and aromatic.

The Allopathic preparations are (1) Aqua Anethi Concen-trate (dose: 5 to 15 minims or drops): (2) Aqua Anethi Distillata (dose: y2to 1 fluid ounce) and (3) Oil of Anethi or Oleum Anethi (dose: 1 to 3 minims).

Dill is carminative, deobstruent, diuretic, emmennagogue, stimulant, aromatic, stomachic. The leaf has antispasmodic property. Dill seed is obtainable in all bazaars. Dill is useful in headache, nasal catarrh, paralysis, pain in the anus, coryza. It increases the gastric fire and invigorates the appetite. It stimu-lates and strengthens the liver, lungs and stomach. 1 to 3 drops of Oil of Dill can be given to children with sugar for flatulence, indigestion and colic.

(ii) Dill Water

Re: Dill seeds bruised	4 drachms
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for y2 hour and strain. Dose: 1 to 4 teaspoonfuls. For children give two teaspoonfuls sweetened with a little sugar. Useful in flatulence or wind in the stomach and bowels, gastritis, abdominal pain or colic, and colic in children. The effi-cacy is much increased by the addition of a teaspoonful of lime water Dill water is a good carminative for children and covers well the taste of sodium salts.

(iii) Dill and Lime Water

Re: Dill water	2 ounces
Lime water	2 ounces

Dose: 1 or 2 tablespoonfuls. Useful in abdominal pain or intestinal colic and flatulence.

(iv) D.L.A. Water

Re: Dill water	2 ounces
Lime water	2 ounces
Anisi Water	2 ounces
Syrup of orange	2 ounces

Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls. Useful in flatulence and colic of children. This is a famous recipe or prescription for children.

(v) Dill Flower Decoction

Re: Dill flower	1 ounce
Water	10 ounces

Boil for 20 minutes. Strain. Dose: 1 teaspoonful; twice daily. Useful in flatulence, indigestion and colic.

(vi) For Confinement Women

Re: Dill leaves	1 ounce
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for 1 hour. Useful for confinement women. This will help the free flow of uterine discharge.

(vii) Dill Leaf Poultice

Apply any oil to the leaves. Fry them a little bit over gentle fire and apply them to boils, abscesses, and swellings. This will hasten suppuration and bursting.

(viii) Dill Leaf Powder

Re: Dry Dill leaf powder	1 ounce
Sugar	1 ounce

Mix together. Dose: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily. Useful in cough, headache, cold in the head, ear-ache, indigestion, co-ryza, piles, etc. The leaf should not be given to pregnant women as it will induce abortion.

(ix) Dill Juice

Re: Juice of the leaf	2 ounces
Honey	½ ounce

Dose: 20 drops every 4 hours. Useful in flatulence, fits and colic of children: serviceable in epilepsy also. The juice can also be applied to the body. The juice can be mixed with a little Golochan or Gorochanai. Gorochanai is a panacea or cure-all for all diseases of children. It renders the action of dill juice more efficacious.

48. DRIED GINGER

English	: Dried Ginger
Hindi	; Sonth
Kanarese	: Ona Shunti or Sunti
Tamil	: Chukku
Telugu	: Sonti
Malayalam	: Sunt
Marathi	: Chukku
Gujarati	: Adu
Bengali	: Sonth
Sanskrit	: Nagaram

(i) Aromatic, Stimulant and Carminative

It is the dried root of zingiber officinale. It is a strong aro-matic stimulant, somachic and craminative. It has an agreeable odour and pungent taste.2

(ii) Uses and Preparations

It is useful in lumbago, indigestion, sour belching, nasal catarrh, flatulence, nausea or retching, intestinal colic, etc.

Put one or two pinch of powder of dried ginger in hot milk and take. This will remove all rheumatic pains.

Make a paste of this powder with water, heat it and apply to the head. It will relieve headache. Apply it to rheumatic swell-ing of joints. The swelling and pain will subside.

Sonth enters into the composition of Soubhagya Sonti Lehiam or confection, Kandathri Lehiam, Sonti Choorna or di-gestive powder,

Infusion of ginger is useful in flatulence and colic. Put one ounce of Sonth in one pint or 20 ounces of boiling water. Infuse for one hour and strain. Dose: two tablespoonfuls.

You can make a plaster of Sonth. Take one ounce of gin-ger powder. Add sufficient water just to make it a plaster. Put it on a piece of lint or cloth and apply to the head. This is useful in headache.

Take Sonth 10 grains. Ajawan 30 gr. Cardamom powder 30 gr. Take one powder after food, twice daily. This is very use-ful in dyspepsia or indigestion, flatulence and intestinal colic.

CHAPTER XVI

EDIBLE HIBISCUS, ESSENCE OF GINGER, FENUGREEK

49. EDIBLE HIBISCUS

(LADY'S FINGER)

English	: Edible Hibiscus
Hindi	: Bhindi, Ram Turai
Kanarese	: Bende
Tamil	: Vendaikkai
Telugu	: Bendakaya
Malayalam	: Venda
Marathi	: Bhenda
Gujarati	: Bhindu
Bengali	: Dheras, Dhenras, Ram-torai
Sanskrit	: Golihwaka

(I) Description, Properties and Uses

Edible Hibiscus is also known by the names Abelmoschus or Okra. This is a vegetable cultivated throughout India. It is re-frigerant aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic and emollient. There is an abundant, bland, viscid mucilage in this vegetable which possesses valuable emollient and demulcent properties. The dried fruit may be used where it is not obtainable in a fresh state. It is useful in cough, dysuria or difficulty in passing urine with burning pain, dysentery, gonorrhoea.

(ii) Lady's Finger Decoction

Re: Fresh Vegetable cut transversely	3 ounces
Water	20 ounces

Boil for 20 minutes and strain. Add sugar to taste. This can be taken as an ordinary drink. For fevers, cough, irritable state of the bladder and kidneys, gonorrhoea with difficulty in pass-ing urine and scalding pain, dysentery. The urine increases in quantity. In chronic dysentery the mucilage is highly beneficient.

The inhalation of the vapour of the hot decotion is useful in cough, hoarseness and dry and irritable states of the throat, sores in the throat. The fresh vegetable or leaf of the plant bruised is an efficient emollient poultice for boils, wounds, swelling etc.

50. ESSENCE OF GINGER

Its Colour and Its Uses

This is strong tincture of ginger, Tinctura Zingiberis Fortier. This is of a bright, slightly yellowish colour. It increases the ap-petite and stimulates digestion. It is a stomachic tonic. It is use-ful in diarrhoea, flatulence or wind in the stomach and bowels and intestinal colic. Does: 5 to 20 drops for an adult. 1 to 5 drops for a child, one year old.

51. FENUGREEK

(TRIGONELLA FOENUM)

English	: Fenugreek
Hindi	: Methi
Kanarese	: Menthe Gida
Tamil	: Vendayam
Telugu	: Menthuiu
Malayalam	: Venthayam, Uluva
Marathi	: Methi
Gujarati	: Methi
Bengali	: Methi
Sanskrit	: Methi, Methika

(i) Description and the Uses

This is a of edible leaf. It is grown all over India. The leaf is refrigerant and laxative. The seed is diuretic, carmina-tive, demulcent, aphrodisiac, emmenagogue, emollient and as-tringent.

(ii) Methi Leaf

The leaf is useful in flatulence or wind in the stomach and bowels, dyspepsia or indigestion, bronchitis, anorexia or dis-taste for food. The leaf can be used as a poultice for swellings, burns and scalds. Make a paste of the leaf, heat it and apply to the swollen part and burns and scalds.

Boil the leaves. Fry them slightly with a little ghee. Add a little cumin seeds and black pepper and salt and eat. It will re-move rheumatic pain in the back and waist (lumbago) and other parts of the body.

(iii) Confection of Leaf

Re: Fenugreek leaves	8 ounces
Almonds	2 ounces
Pepper seeds	1 ounce
Fine Ravva (semolina)	4 ounces
Ghee	4 ounces
Milk	4 ounces
Sugar	8 ounces

Boil the leaves. Prepare the confection just as you pre-pare Halwa. Dose: 2 teaspoonfuls in the morning. It will give you strength, Pushti and beauty.

Boil the leaves. Add honey and rub them well. Eat it. You will have good motion. It will clean the bowels, remove chest pain, cough, piles and heal ulcers in the bowels.

(iv) Methi Decoction

Re: Methi leaves	1 ounce
Ripe figs	1 ounce
Resins	1 ounce
Water	10 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes and strain. Add a little honey. Dose: 2 ounces three times daily. Useful in pain in the chest and dyspnoea or difficulty of breathing.

(v) Methi Seeds

Methi seeds are useful in diarrhoea, dysentery with mu-cus and blood, excessive heat in the body, excessive thirst, cough, consumption, gonorrhoea, body-consuming fever in children (Kanai). Soak half a teaspoonful of the seeds in quar-ter of a seer of curd. This is useful in dysentery. The seed pro-tects the mucous membrane of the intestines from irritation on account of its demulcent properties. Methi Iddali (Madrasi prep-aration) is also useful in dysentery.

(vi)Methi Laddu

Methi Laddu Methi Laddus are useful in rheumatism, lumbago, etc. Methi Laddu is prepared out of Methi seeds, sugar, ghee and Ravva (wheat).

(vii) Methi Seeds with Rice

Take equal parts of Methi seeds, mustard, turmeric and asafoetida. Fry them in a pan with a little ghee. Powder them. Put the powder in the rice and eat. This is useful in pain in the stomach and bowels, flatulence or wind in the bowels, enlarge-ment or congestion of the liver.

(viii) Methi Soup or Kuzhambhu

Take a few dried chillies, mustard, Methi seeds, Tur-ki dhall, asafoetida, sweet nim leaves. Fry them in a pan with a lit-tle ghee. Pour over this tamarind water. Add salt. Cover this with a vessel. Boil down to half. This can be taken with rice. This is useful in rheumatic pain all over the body. This is a sto-machic, digestive and appetizer.

CHAPTER XVII

FOUR O'CLOCK FLOWER, FRESH GINGER, GALANGAL

52. FOUR O'CLOCK FLOWER

(MIRABILIS JALAPA)

English	: Four o' Clock Flower
Hindi	: Gule-aabbas
Tamil	: Andimalli
Kanarese	: Madhyana mallige
Telugu	: Chandrakanta
Malayalam	: Antimantaram
Sanskrit	: Sandhya-raga

(i) Derivation of the Name

This is cultivated in India in the gardens. It gives beauty to the gardens. It blossoms in the evening after 3 or 4 o'clock. Hence the significant name Andhimalli, four o'clock flower. The flower is white. There are the red and yellow varieties also.

(ii) The Leaf a Deobstruent, the Root a Laxative

The leaf is a deobstruent, or resolvent. It reduces swelling. The root is laxative and a nutrient.

(iii) Preparations and Uses

The leaves are warmed, smeared with castor oil and then applied to swellings. The swellings subside; or the suppuration or ripening is hastened. The juice of the leaf is useful in itch or scabies. It can be applied to the affected parts. A paste of the leaf heals wounds. A paste of the root is useful in contusion as an external applica-tion.

Make a paste with a little milk, mix it in milk and drink. This will remove constipation.

Fry the root with a little ghee and eat. This will give you strength and vigour.

53. FRESH GINGER

English	: Fresh ginger
Hindi	: Adrakh
Kanarese	: Hose Shunti
Tamil	: Ingi
Telugu	: Allamu
Marati	: Ala
Bengali	: Ada
Sanskrit	: Ardhrakam

This contains a volatile oil which gives the flavour, gingerol which gives the pungent taste and some resins and allied sub-stances.

(i) Ginger with Milk

Make thin slices of ginger after removing the skin and put them in milk when it is heated. This will give good flavour to the milk and remove rheumatic pains, dyspepsia, wind, etc.

(ii) Ginger Juice Preparation

Mix equal parts of fresh ginger juice, fresh lemon juice and honey. Take 2 or 3 tablespoonfuls in the early morning in empty stomach. This will remove dyspepsia or biliousness, purify the blood, stop bleeding from the gums and stimulate digestion.

(iii) Allopaths and Ginger Preparations

Allopaths prepare strong tincture of ginger, weak tincture of ginger and syrup of ginger (Syrupus Zingiberis) from ginger. Put in a vessel some fresh ginger slices, some coriander seeds, some cumin seeds and some resins. Pour half a seer of water. Boil and reduce it to a quarter of a seer. Strain. Add some sugarcandy to taste. Drink this. This is useful in biliousness and dyspepsia.

(iv) Kitchen & Some Common Uses of Ginger

Fresh ginger is always added in Sojee Dosais, Vadais, Patchadie, Adais, etc., as it has stomachic and carminative properties.

54. GALANGAL

(ALPINIA GALANGA)

English	: Java Galangal
Hindi	: Saphed-Panaki-Jhael
Kanarese	: Rasmi
Tamil	: Arattai
Telugu	: Sanna-rashtramu
Malayalam	: Aratha
Marathi	: Kosht-Kulinjan
Bengali	: Sugandhavacha
Sanskrit	: Rasna

(i) Its Two Varieties and Its Uses

There are two varieties, namely, Galangal the lesser (Chittaratai) and Galangal the greater (Perarattai). This is culti-vated in the hottest parts of India. Galangal is an expectorant, febrifuge and a stomachic. Galangal is useful in cough with sputum, asthma, bronchitis, eczema, chest pain, piles, swell-ing, dental neuralgia or tooth-pain, vomiting, biliousness, wind or flatulence, headache and fever. It increases the appetite.

(ii) Galangal Powder

Re: Galangal powder Honey	20 grains
Honey	2 teaspoonfuls

(iii) Galangal Infusion

Re: Galangal powder	2 teaspoonfuls
Boiling water	20 ounces

Pour the water over the powder that is kept in a vessel. Keep it for 2 hours. Strain. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls twice daily. Add 2 tablespoonfuls of honey for a dose. The above powder and the infusion are useful in the above diseases.

Chew a small piece of Galangal. Bronchitis or cough and vomiting will be relieved. The sputum will be expelled easily. You can take a small piece of sugarcandy along with the piece of Galangal.

Burn a piece. Mix 2 or 3 grains of the ash with a little honey and human milk. This is useful in cough, vomiting and cold of children.

(iv) Galangal Decoction

Re: Liquorice powder	1 teaspoonful
Galangal (small) powder	1 teaspoonful
Talisapathra powder	1 teaspoonful
Long pepper powder	1 teaspoonful
Water	20 ounces

Boil for 20 minutes. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls twice daily. Add 2 teaspoonfuls of honey. Useful in bronchitis, cough, accu-mulation of sputum in the chest, fever, headache, cold in the head, etc.

Galangal (the great) is useful in rheumatism, biliousness, fever with cold, cough with sputum, cold in the head, menstrual disorder, Sannipath, and all kinds of poisons.

CHAPTER XVIII

GALLA. GARJAN OIL, GARLIC, GULANCHA

55. GALLS OR GALLA

English	: Galls
Hindi	: Mazhufal, Kakra Singi
Tamil	: Masikkai, Kakata-Shingi
Telugu	: Kakara Shingi
Marathi	: Kakad Singi
Gujarati	: Kakad Singi
Bengali	: Kakra Singi
Sanskrit	: Karkata Shringi

(i) Description

Gall nut is the excrescence on Quercus Infectoria due to the puncture and deposit of eggs of Cynips Gallae Tinctoria. It contains 60 to 75 per cent of tannic acid and 2 to 5 per cent of gallic acid. It is obtainable in all bazaars. Gall is imported from Greece, Asia Minor, Syria and Persia. Dose: 10 to 20 grains.

(ii) Three Varieties and Many Uses

There are three varieties, viz., black, blue and white. Black and Blue varieties are the best. This is a powerful astringent. styptic, tonic and anti-periodic. Gall gives strength to the body and removes persistent, inner heat, "Kanaichoodu" of children (heat with wasting of body). Gall is an antidote to lime water, opium, aconite, copper sulphate.

The two allopathic preparations are: (1) Gall Ointment and (2) Gall and Opium Ointment. The Ointment of galls and opium is a reputed and a favourite application for piles or haemor-rhoids. This ointment relieves pain and stops bleeding.

Krakadaga Singhi (Tamil), Karkata Shringi (Sanskrit), Kakra Singi (Hindi), Pistacia Integerrima (Latin) are different names of the Galls (English). The galls contain 60 per cent of tannin and a little volatile oil. This is used in Ayurvedic and Yunani medicines.

Galls can be taken in the form of powder or infusion. A de-coction is better

(iii) Gall Decoction

Re: Galls (bruised)	2 ounces
Water	20 ounces or 1 pint

Boil for 15 minutes and strain. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls thrice daily. Useful in diarrhoea, internal haemorrage, dysen-tery, dyspepsia, cough and much sputum or bleeding, exces-sive perspiration. It is a beneficial astringent, gargle and application for piles, prolapsed or descent of rectum, and a useful injection for prolapse or descent of uterus or womb, gon-orrhoea. In children keep a pad saturated with the decoction over the external parts after the protruded bowel has been re-turned. Gall decoction can be used as a lotion for washing wounds in all parts of the body and ulcers in the nose, as an en-ema in diarrhoea, dysentery; for stopping bleeding in the nose. Plug the nose with a little cotton dipped in the lotion.

(iv) Compound Gall Powder

Re: Galls (powder)	10 grains
Cinnamon powder	5 grains

One powder. Dose: One powder thrice daily. Useful in di-arrhoea.

(v) Compound Gall Pill

Re: Gall powder	5 grains
Cinnamon powder	5 grains
Opium powder	¼ grains
Honey	q.s.

Make one pill. Dose: One pill twice daily. Useful in diar-rhoea. As soon as the motions stop, discontinue the pill. The pill should not be given to a child.

(vi) Gall and Ghee Ointment

Re: Gall powder	2 drachms
Ghee	1 ounce

Mix well. Useful in piles. If there is intense pain, 30 grains of opium may be added. Instead of Ghee you can use Vaseline white or yellow.

(vii) Gall Gargle

Re: Alum	30 grains
Honey or glycerine	1 ounce
Decoction of galls	10 ounces

Useful in tonsillitis and sore throat; ulcer in the tongue and mouth.

(viii) Plain Gall Powder

Re: Gall powder	20 grains
Sugar	10 grains

Mix one powder. Dose: One powder thrice daily. Useful in gleet, vomiting of blood. bloody urine, menorrhagea or exces- sive menstruation, bleeding in piles, bleeding from nose, chronic or long-standing gonorrhoea. This will check the dis-charge. This is also beneficial in leucorrhoea or whites and other vaginal discharges of women. The decoction may also be injected. Then the treatment is more effective.

(ix) Gall Snuff

Re: Gall powder (fine)

1 ounce

Use this as snuff for coryza or old standing nasal catarrh with bleeding from the nose.

(x) Gall and Benzoin Ointment

Re: Gall powder	1 drachms
Benzoin powder (Sambrani)	1 drachms
Opium	20 grains
White Vaseline	1 ounce
Useful in piles or haemorrhoids.

In poisoning by nux vomica, Datura, opium and aconite, give an emetic and then give a decoction of galls 4 ounces ev-ery 15 minutes for 5 times. This will serve the purpose of an ef-fective antidote.

(xi) For Intermittent Fever

Re: Gall powder	20 grains
Sugar	20 grains

One powder. Dose: One powder 3 times daily.

(xii) Gall and Chiretta

Re: Gall powder	10 grains
Infusion of Chiretta	1 ounce

One dose. Repeat this every hour four times before the period at which the fever usually returns. Useful in intermittent fever.

(xiii) Tannic Acid

This is a kind of salt obtained from galls. It is a styptic and astringent. This is a pale, brownish powder. It is also known by the name Tannin. Tannic acid glycerine, tannic acid suppository for introducing into the rectum in diarrhoea, etc., tannic acid lozenges, are all prepared from tannic acid.

Tannic acid glycerine is applied to the throat and tonsils in inflammatory conditions. A solution of tannic acid (3%) is useful in burns. It should not be used on the face. Whenever you are exposed to the risk of injury by fire, keep a tin of tannic acid oint-ment

(xiv) Tannic Acid Ointment

Re: Tannic acid	1 drachm
Vaseline	1 ounce

56 GARJAN OIL

(WOOD OIL)

Hindi	: Garjan-ka-tel
Bengali	: Garjion-tel

(i) Characteristics & Effective Uses

The balsamic exudation from disperocarpus turbinatus of laevis. It is an oleo-resin or balsam. It is a transparent liquid of the consistence of olive oil of a dark-brown sherry colour. It has an odour and taste like that of copaiba but less powerful. It is a good demulcent. It acts on the mucous membrane of the bron-chial tubes like copaiba.

It has been used as a substitute for copaiba in the treat-ment of gonorrhoea. It is a remedy of great value in this dis-ease. It is most useful in the advanced stages of gonorrhoea or gleet. It is useful also in leucorrhoea and other vaginal dis-charges. Dose: A teaspoonful two or three times a day. It is given floating on omum or other aromatic water or made into an emulsion with lime water or mucilage.

(ii) Garjan Oil Emulsion—I

Re: Garjan oil	1 drachm
Mucilage	q.s.
Aqua	1 ounce

Dose: 1 ounce twice d ally after food. Useful in gonorrhoea and gleet. This acts like paiba.

(iii) Garjan Oil Emulsion—II

Re: Garjan oil	1 drachm
Mucilage	q.s.
Lime water	4 drachm
Water	1 ounce

One dose. To be taken twice daily after food. Useful in lep-rosy. Garjan oil is used externally in the form of ointment.

(iv) Garjan Oil Ointment

Re: Garjan oil	1 part
Lime water	3 parts

Useful in leprosy. Rub the body thoroughly and perseveringly for 2 hours.

57.GARLIC

(LATIN: ALLIUM SATIVUM)

English	: Garlic
Hindi	: Lasan
Kanarese	: Bellulli
Tamil	: Vellulli, Vellaipoondu, Poondu
Telugu	: Vellulli, Thella-gadda
Malayalam	: Vellulli
Marathi	: Lasun
Gujarati	: Lasan
Bengali	: Rasun
Sanskrit	: Lasuna

(i) Properties of Garlic

Garlic is more pungent than chillies. It is a root. Properties: Carminative, stomachic, tonic, alterative. stimulant, expecto-rant, diuretic and anthelmetic. It expels wind from the bowels, invigorates the stomach, tones the system, expels sputum readily by liquifying it, increases the secretion and flow of urine and kills thread and round worms in the bowels.

(ii) Uses of Garlic

It is useful in deafness, ear-ache, chronic bronchitis, asthma, consumption, shock or collapse, dysentery, piles, fe-ver, debility, etc. Garlic is used externally as a counter-irritant, and rubefacient. Make a paste of garlic with a little water and apply to small boils, chronic inflammation, and swelling. The boils and swellings will be resolved.

Garlic contains an essential oil, Oleum Allii, which is a po-tent antiseptic. Allyl Sulphide (1 to 2 drops) is given in foeted bronchitis and consumption cavity. It is used as a lotion for washing infected wounds and foul ulcers. Garlic juice one part with water 8 parts makes a good antiseptic lotion.

Garlic juice is useful in Pneumonia. Give 30 drops of juice thrice daily. It is serviceable in whooping cough. It reduces blood pressure in an effective manner. It is beneficial in atonic dyspepsia, wind in the bowels and intestinal colic. Give a tea-spoonful of the juice every four hours in early cases of typhoid. The attack will be checked.

Garlic rasam, a preparation like pepper water relieves all sorts of rheumatic pain, lumbago, etc. Garlic confection is taken by women after a delivery. It is a tonic for them.

The juice is useful in sprain and contusion. It should be applied to the affected parts.

A little juice of garlic poured in the ear removes temporary deafness and earache.

(iii) Ear Drops

Re: Garlic	1 drachm
Nim-leaves	1 drachm
Mustard oil (or sessamum oil)	2 ounces

Heat the mixture till the garlic and nim leaves become black. Strain. This is useful in earache, discharge from the ears, etc.

(iv) Dysentery Confection

Re: Boiled garlic	1 ounce
Ghee	1 ounce
Black sugar	1 ounce

Mix well. Dose: One teaspoonful twice or thrice daily. Use-ful in dysentery.

(v) Liniment

Re: Garlic	1 ounce
Mustard oil (or Cocoanut oil)	8 ounces

Boil well. This is useful as an external application in rheu-matism, itching, etc. The juice is useful in elongation of the uvula. Apply it with a cotton swab. It is useful in diphtheria too. Give 20 or 30 drops of the juice, twice or thrice daily. This is useful in bronchitis and worms in the bowels. Instead of juice you can give a decoction of garlic.

(vi) Garlic Decoction

Re: Garlic	1 drachm
Water	8 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes. Dose: One teaspoonful thrice daily. Garlic may be boiled in milk also.

58. GULANCHA

(TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA)

English	: Heart-leared moonseed
Hindi	: Gulancha, Gulbel
Kanarese	: Amritavalli
Tamil	: Shindikodi, Amritavalli
Telugu	: Tippa-tiga, Gaduchi
Malayalam	: Amruta, Chitramruta
Marathi	: Gula-veli
Gujarati	: Gul-vel
Bengali	: Gulancha
Sanskrit	: Guduchi

(i) Description

This twining shrub is common in most parts of India. The root and stems are the parts used in medicine. They should be collected in the hot season when the bitter principle is most abundant and concentrated. It is obtainable in most bazaars. It is found in abundance in Western India, Burma, Ceylon. The bitter principle is known by the name berberine.

Tincture Tinosporoe. Dose: 30 to 60 minims or drops.

(ii) Beneficial Effects of Tinosporoe

Tinosporoe is a bitter tonic without tannin. It is a good sub-stitute for calumba. It is an anti-periodic. It may be used with iron and quinine during convalescence from malaria. It is a di-uretic, alterative, antiperiodic, aphrodisiac, demulcent, hepatic, stimulant, stomachic. Gulancha is a very useful tonic. It is best given in infusion.

(iii) Gulancha Compound Infusion

Re: Gulancha bruised	1 drachm
Coriander	1 drachm
Liquorice	1 drachm
Anisi	1 drachm
Boiling water	10 ounces

Infuse for 1 hour and strain. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. Useful in intermittent fever, dyspepsia, flatulence, debility after fevers, heat in the stomach, chronic rheumatism and paralysis.

Gulancha oil. Gulancha ghee are made out of this drug: The leaf is a good medicine for ulcers. Show the leaf over a gentle fire then apply it over the ulcer and then bandage. The ulcer will heal up quickly.

(iv) Sat-Gilo or Giloka-sat

This is an extract of Gulancha. It is a white powder ob-tained by powdering the stem and extracting the starch with water. It is held in high repute in intermittent fever. Dose: 1 to 3 drachms with milk and sugar. It is a tonic in debility after fever, in spleen affections, enlargement of spleen etc. It is an efficient remedy in diseases of the bladder, particularly in chronic in-flammation of the bladder. It is useful in Jaundice, cough, faint-ing, vomiting, accumulation of phlegm or sputum in the respiratory tubes.

(v) Gulancha Infusion

Re: Gulancha bruised	2 ounces
Cold water	20 ounces

Infuse for 4 hours and strain. Dose: 1 ounce thrice daily. This is a tonic. This is useful in dyspepsia after fevers, in mild forms of intermittent fevers,.in constitutional debility and loss of appetite after these and other fevers. It is useful in chronic rheumatism also. Gulancha is rendered more agreeable by the addition of cinnamon, cloves or other aromatics.

(vi) Gulancha Decoction

Re: Gulancha	1 drachm
Cloves	1 drachm
Cinnamon	1 drachm
Water	20 ounces

Boil till decoction is reduced to 10 ounces. Dose: 1 ounce thrice daily. A tonic after fever; useful in dyspepsia. Gulancha can be combined with Chiretta.

(vii) Gulancha-Chiretta Decoction

Re: Gulancha	1 drachm
Chiretta	1 drachm
Dried Ginger	1 drachm
Cloves	1 drachm
Cardamom	1 drachm
Water	1 drachm

Boil down to half. Dose: 1 ounce thrice daily. A tonic after fever.

CHAPTER XIX

HOLY BASIL, HONEY, INDIAN ACALYPHA

59. HOLY BASIL

English	: Holy Basil
Hindi, Kanarese, Tamil, Telugu
Malayalam,Gujarati, Sanskrit	: Tulasi
Marathi	: Chojharr
Bengali	: Krishna Tulasi

(i) Religion and Holy Basil

Every Hindu keeps this plant in his house. A special altar is consecrated for the purpose. Daily worship is offered. It is adored as a Goddess. The leaf is offered to Lord Hari, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna during worship. Food that is prepared in the house is first offered to Tulasi.

Binda, wife of Sankhachuda was favoured by Lord Krishna and transferred into this herb. Tulasi Jayanti is cele-brated on Sukla Dwadasi in the month of Kartik (Tamil: Appasi) October-November. Every Sukla Dwadasi is very famous for Tulasi worship.

Holy Basil is a well-known small herb in India, about 1-3 feet long. It is found in most of the gardens. It is cultivated for its medicinal value and worship in Hindu temples, especially by the Vaishnavites.

(ii) The Black and the White

There are two important varieties. One is black and the other white. The black variety is most efficacious medicinally. There are the red and blue varieties also. The other varieties are Mul-Tulasi, Kal-Tulasi, Tiruneetu Pacchai. The white vari-ety is called Siva Tulasi also. The blck one is called Krishna Tulasi. Tiruneetu Pacchai is also called Vibhuti Pachalai or Ramatulasi. In Hindi it is called Sabja.

(iii) Properties of Leaves

The leaves posses stimulant, expectorant, aromatic, car-minative, antifebric, anti-periodic and diaphoretic properties. The seed is a demulcent. The whole Tulasi plant is used for medicinal purposes but the leaves are generally used.

(iv) The Uses of Leaves

The leaf checks the formation of sputum in the respiratory passages. It is beneficial in bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, influenza, consumption and Asthma. It is beneficial in every disease where there is excess of sputum. The powder of dry leaves is used as snuff in ozaena for destroying maggots. Like eucalyptus, Tulasi drives away all mosquitoes. It is advisable to keep Tulasi plant in front of the houses and back-yards. If body is covered with leaves, mosquitoes will not bite.

(v) Insect-bite and Tulasi

Tulasi is useful in all kinds of insect bites. In snake bite it is very efficacious. Rub the bitten part well with the juice of Tulasi. It may be repeated. Internally give two teaspoonfuls of the juice. Apply the leaves as poultice to the part.

Tulasi tea is very useful in fever and cold. You can add milk also to this tea.

(vi) The Tea, the Oil, the Seeds

This tea can be given to children when they suffer from fe-ver and cough with sputum; or the juice of fresh leaves can be given. The juice can be mixed with a little honey or breast milk. If it is given with an equal quantity of fresh ginger juice the effect is more marked. The powder of a little pepper and long pepper may also be added.

The leaves are rubbed with the lime juice over ringworm.

The medicated oil (Tulasi leaves boiled with gingerly oil) is used as drops in ear-ache and in the discharge of pus in the ears. It is put into the nose in ozaena.

The seeds are mucilaginous. They are used as a diuretic in scanty urine and cough.

Tulasi is useful in scorpion bite, constipation, remittent and intermittent fevers.

In Malaya people strew the leaves over the graves of their dead persons for the peace and benefit of departed souls.

60. HONEY

(MEL DEPURATUM)

English	: Honey
Hindi	: Shahad
Kanarese	: Jenu, Jenutuppa
Tamil	: Taen
Telugu	: Taene
Malayalam	: Taen
Marathi	: Madh
Gujarati	: Madha
Bengali	: Modha
Sanskrit	: Madhu

(i) Value of Honey for Medicine Chest

Always keep some honey in your domestic medicine chest. It is an agreeable sweetening ingredient for mixtures. It is a good vehicle in which to administer powders for children, and Bhasma or metallic oxides like Makaradwaja, Vasanta Kusumakara, etc. Pills can be made with the aid of honey.

Mel Depuratum is purified honey. Commercial honey is heated in water bath and while still hot, is strained through warm flannel. This is the way to purify honey.

(ii) Glucose and Laevulose in Honey

It contains mainly glucose and Iaevulose. It has a charac-teristic odour with a sweet and faintly acid taste.

Honey has got the nutritive value of sugars and is an arti-cle of diet with certain people. It is prescribed for its soothing and flavouring properties. It makes good cough linctus. It is a laxative and is given to children for this purpose. It relieves dry-ness of the mouth and facilitates swallowing.

Honey contains 70 per cent of dextrose and laevulose also wax, dextrin, volatile oil and pollen.

(iii) Mel Borax

Re: Powder borax	10 parts
Purified honey	90 parts

Useful in ulcers in mouth, tongue, and nipples of nursing mother. This is a soothing, emollient and demulcent applica-tion.

(iv) Oxymel

Re: Purified honey	70%
Acetic acid	15%
Water	15%

Dose: 30-120 minims or drops. This is a common ingredi-ent of cough mixtures. It is a very good expectorant. It brings out the sputum easily.

(v) The Morning Drink

2 tablespoonfuls of honey with 2 tablespoonfuls of lemon juice and 1 ounce of water is a beautiful drink in the early morn-ing. This is anti-bilious, and anti-scorbutic. It is useful in spongy gums, impure blood and skin diseases.

(vi) A Substitute for Sugar and Useful in Burns

Honey is a substitute for sugar in diabetes. Honey and milk is a very good combination. This supplies much energy and vigour. Honey is useful in burns and scalds. It is a soothing application. It will prevent the formation of blebs if applied in time.

Re: Yellow wax	1 ounce
Clarified honey	4 ounce

Melt these together with the help of gentle heat and strain. This is a beneficial stimulant application for indolent and other ulcers. This is admirably adapted for use in hot climates, where animal fats, the basis of so many ointments soon become ran-cid and unfit for medicinal use.

61. INDIAN ACALYPHA

(CAT'S CHARM) (See article No. 70 Kuppameni)

English	: Indian Acalypha
Hindi	: Cuppi, Khokali
Kanarese	: Kuppi gida, chilmari, Kuppi
Tamil	: Kuppai Meni
Telugu	: Kuppi-chettu, Harita Manjiri
Malayalam	: Kuppa Mani
Marathi	: Khokli
Gujarati	: Venehi Kanto
Bengali	: Muktajhuri, Muktabarsi
Sanskrit	: Aritta Manjarie

(i) Description

The cat is supposed to be very fond of this plant. Hence the name cat's charm. This is known also by the name "Marjara Mohini". This shrub is commonly found in India. It mostly grows in the waste or deserted places throughout the plains of India. It is one foot in height.

(ii) Its Properties and Medicinal Purposes

It is an anodyne (pain reliever), anthelmintic (killer of worms in the bowels), cathartic, diuretic (increases the flow of urine), emetic (causes vomiting), expectorant (liquifies and brings out sputum easily) and emmenagouge (brings out menstrual fluid). The root, leaves, young shoots and whole plant are used for medicinal purposes. Especially the leaves are used for medici-nal purpose. Its flowers are small and of a yellowish colour. The fruit also is small.

(iii) Beneficial in Chronic Bronchitis

Acalypha Indica contains an alkaloid or active principle, acalyphine. It is highly beneficial in consumption and chronic bronchitis. The fresh juice of the leaves, the decoction of the leaves and the powder of the leaves may be given internally. Dose of the juice /2 to 1 teaspoonful. Acalypha acts like senega in its expectorant property. It is particularly useful in the Bronchitis or cough of children.

(iv) Juice of the Leaves: An Emetic

The juice of the leaves is a good emetic for children. It is quite safe. It is certain in its action. Its action is speedy too. It acts like Ipecac. It has no depressing action. It brings out the sputum easily by liquifying it. The dose of the juice for an infant is a teaspoonful.

(v) Powder Useful in Cough

The powder of the dried leaves (weight of 15 jeguirdy seeds, Kundrumani) is useful in cough, excessive sputum. The powder of the dried leaves expels worms in the bowels in chil-dren. You can give a decoction or infusion of the leaves and a little garlic.

(vi) Uses of the Juice and the Decoction

The juice of the leaves or decoction 1 to 4 teaspoonfuls will produce good evacuation of the bowels in children. There will be no exhaustion. All the worms in the bowels and sputum will be expelled. Cough also will be relieved. The decoction of the leaves is a safe, speedy and sure laxative and emetic like senega or Ipeacac. It is useful in consumption, croup, asthma and bronchitis of children. The suppository of bruised leaves relieves constipation of children.

The decoction of the root acts as a purgative. Prepare a decoction of the leaves, add a little salt. This is useful in constipation.

Make a paste of the leaves. Add a little turmeric also. This is useful as an application in syphilitic ulcers, stings of poisonous insects, poisonous bites etc.

The juice can be applied to the head for relieving headache. The powder of the dry leaves is useful in bed sores. The maggots will die.

The juice from fresh leaves is useful in scabies and other skin diseases. The juice is mixed with lime and onion and ap-plied to rheumatic swollen joints and boils. It is a good, stimulat-ing application. This can be applied externally around the ears in earache. Take the juice. Add equal parts of gingelly oil. Boil well. This is a useful liniment for rheumatism.

(vii) Paste of the Leaves

Make a paste of the leaves. Add salt. This is useful in sca-bies or itch.

CHAPTER XX

INDIAN PARSELANE, INDIAN PENNYWORT I & II, ISAFGUL

62. INDIAN PARSELANE

(ARTULACEA OLERACEA)

English	: Common Indian Parselane
Hindi	: Khursa
Kanarese	: Duda Gorai
Tamil	: Paruppu Keerai
Telugu	: Pappu-Kura
Malayalam	: Korichira
Marathi	: Bhuigholi
Gujarati	: Loni
Bengali	: Baraloniya
Sanskrit	: Loni

(i) Description

This is a small herbal plant. The leaf, seed and the whole plant are used. This is a mild astringent, refrigerant, diuretic, demulcent and emollient. This is useful in biliousness, urinary diseases of the skin, syphilis and mucous dysentery.

(ii) Uses of the Juice and the Paste

The juice of the leaf, one or two tablespoonfuls twice daily, is useful in dysuria or difficulty in passing urine, burning in the urinary passage, and dysentery.

Apply a paste of this leaf to the forehead. Headache will be relieved.

Boil this leaf and eat. This is useful in diseases of the liver. Boil the leaf with turki dhall or green dhall and eat. This is a lax-ative. It will remove heat in the body and biliousness.

The paste of the leaf and seed is useful in burns, scalds and skin diseases.

Make a paste of a teaspoonful of the seed and dissolve it in cocoanut water. This is useful in dysentery, burning in the urine and gonorrhoea.

The stem of this plant is useful in sudamina or summer eruptions in the body, burning in the hands and feet. Make a paste of the stem and apply.

63. INDIAN PENNYWORT—I

(HYAROCOTYLE ASIATICA)

English	: Pennywort
Hindi	: Brahma Manduki, Khula-Kudi
Kanarese	: Vondelagi
Tamil	: Vallarai
Telugu	: Bokudu Chettu, Manduka,
	Manduka-Brahma, Kuradu
Malayalam	: Kudakam
Marathi	: Karivana
Gujarati	: Karbrahmi
Bengali	: Tholkuri or Thankuni
Sanskrit	: Brahmi, Mandukaparni

(i) A Very Precious Herb

This is a weed found near the banks of rivers and lakes all over India and in South Africa. This is a very precious herb. The • whole plant (particularly the leaves) is used for medicinal pur-pose. The entire plant consists of root, twigs, leaves and seeds. It is an alterative tonic, aperient, diuretic, stimulant, emmenagogue and local stimulant. That herb which increases the flow of urine is diuretic. That herb which increases the men-strual flow is an emmenagogue.

(ii) Uses of the Powder

Brahmi in the form of powder is useful in diarrhoea, dysen-tery, fever, hoarseness of voice due to consumption, elephanti-asis, orchitis, scrofula, leprosy, jaundice, chronic skin diseases, skin eruptions such as eczema, lupus psoriasis, ski eruptions, syphilis, gonorrhoea, dropsy, leucorrhoea, nervou debility and seminal weaknesses. Brahmi is a nervine and brain tonic. It increases memory and bestows long life.

(iii) The Brahmi Drink

A small quantity soaked in water over night and made into a paste with a few almonds, sugar-candy and milk—this could be taken as a first rate tonic and a cooling beverage, excellent for health and strength. It tones up the liver and eliminates all kinds of worms in the bowels. It is specially useful for nervous debility and invigorates and improves the brain.

(iv) The Juice and Powder

The juice and the powdered root are used. The dose of the juice is 2 tolas, powder of the leaves 5 to 10 grains, 3 times daily. Under its medication in the treatment of leprosy the appe-tite improves. The skin becomes soft. The thick skin is cast off.

It contains resin, gum, sugar, albuminous matter, sulphates, tannin and an oleoginous substance, vellarin, an ac-tive volatile principle. The leaves are dried in the shade. By drying in the shade no active principle is lost. The leaves are powdered and kept in well-stoppered bottle.

The powder can be made into an ointment with vaseline or butter. This is useful in eczema, leprosy, secondary syphillitic ulcers. It can be used as a dusting powder also.

(v) Decoction of the Entire Plant

A decoction of the entire plant is a very useful preparation. Put one ounce in 20 ounces of water. Boil for 20 minutes. Strain. Dose: 1 to 2 ounces. It is used in ozaena as a snuff.

(vi) The Paste and the Juice

Make a paste of the leaves and apply it to the navel in chil-dren. Dysentery and diarrhoea will be cured.

Mix one or two teaspoonfuls of the juice with cow's milk. It is useful in the skin diseases and impure blood of children and syphilis, fever, stomach troubles of adults.

The application of a paste of the leaves is highly useful in elephantiasis, swelling of testicles, rheumatic swellings, boils, contusion. You can apply the juice of the leaf also in these dis-eases.

Brahmi Ghrita is prepared from fresh Brahmi and pure cow's ghee. It is used as a nervine and brain tonic.

64. INDIAN PENNYWORT—II

(HYDRO-COTYLE AS IAT ICA)

(i) Pennywort Pills

Re: Indian pennywort leaves	2 drachms
Tulasi leaves (basil)	2 drachms
Pepper	2 drachms

Grind the three well and make into pills of the size of big pea. Dose: One pill to be taken twice daily, morning and eve-ning. Useful in all sorts of fevers.

(ii) Pennywort Poultice

Grind the leaves and make them into a paste. Useful in el-ephantiasis leg, swelling of testicles, rheumatic swellings, boils, contusion, etc. The juice of the leaves may be applied in the above diseases. Four or five drops of the juice may be given thrice daily in the fevers that accompany the above dis-eases.

(iii) For Diarrhoea of Children

Re: Pennywort leaves	4
Cumin seeds (jeera)	20 grains
Sugar	30 grains

Grind these well. One Dose: Twice daily. Useful in diar-rhoea and dysentery of children. Grind the leaves and apply the paste to the navel. This is also beneficial in the above diseases of children.

Vallarai oil and Vallarai Ghee are useful in Kanai (fever with wasting of body) in children.

(iv) Pennywort Co. Pills

Re: Pennywort whole plant powder	5 parts
Koshtam (costus root) powder	4 parts
Honey	6 parts

Make into pills the size of big pea. Dose: One pill twice daily. Useful in nervous debility caused by diseases of the lower belly.

(v) Pennywort Decoction

Re: Pennywort whole plant	1 drachm
Myroballan	1 drachm
Adhadota (Vasaka)	1 drachm
Long pepper	1 drachm
Sweet flag	1 drachm
Water	20 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes; strain. Add honey 2 ounces. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. Useful in laryngitis or hoarseness of throat that accompanies consumption.

(vi) Pennywort Leaves Powder

Re: Pennywortleaves (powder)	5 grains
Cow's milk	½ seer

Twice daily. This increases memory power and tones and strengthens the brain. This powder is useful in leprosy.

Separate the good fresh leaves. Spread them on a mat in the shade. Freely expose them to the air, but not to the sun. Do not use any heat, as this destroys all its virtues. When the leaves are thoroughly dried, powder them finely and keep the powder in a well corked or stoppered bottle. Dose: 3 to 5 grains three times daily.

The powder may also be sprinkled on the ulcers. Poultice made of the fresh leaves bruised into a paste may be applied. The patient improves very much in all respects in the course of a few weeks. Discontinue the medicine for a week if there is great itching of the skin over the whole body. Give a purgative and then continue the medicine. This is also useful in scrofula and syphillis.

This is highly beneficial in chronic ulcerations of syphilitic and scrofulous origin. It can be used internally and externally also. But it needs to be steadily persevered in.

(vii) For Leprosy

Re: Pennywort leaves	5
Pepper	5
Garlic	1 small piece

Grind this well. Once daily. Useful in leprosy, leprotic ul-cers. Give the medicine from 20 to 40 days. The diet should be butter milk and rice.

(viii) Pennywort Co. Decoction

Re: Pennywort leaves	5
Methi seeds (Fenugreek)	20 grains
Water	10 ounces

Boil for 10 minutes and strain. Dose: 1 ounce twice daily. Useful in fever and abdominal diseases of children such as di-arrhoea, dysentery, etc.

(ix) Juice and Milk

Re: Juice of the !eaves	1/2 teaspoonful
Liquorice powder	10 grains
Cow milk	8 ounces

Useful in the skin diseases of children, nervous diseases of children, impurities of blood in children, syphilis, abdominal diseases and fever of grown up persons.

(x) Pennywort Ointment

Re: Juice of the !eaves	1 drachm
Black cumin seeds	1 drachm
Ghee	2 ounces

Mix well. Apply to the boils. Useful in boils caused by im-pure blood or hot blood.

65_ ISAFGUL

The Latin name is Plantago ovate. It is a small seed. Dose: ½ to 2 drachms

(i) The Preparation

This is soaked in water. It becomes a mucilaginous sub-stance. This is mixed with sugar and drunk_ This is highly useful in irritative conditions in the stomach and intestines. It is very frequently prescribed in dysentery associated with painful grip-ing. The result is excellent. It is useful in bacillary and amoebic dysenteries.

(ii) For Dysentery and Diarrhoea

It is soaked in curd and taken in dysentery. It is a demul-cent. It protects the surface of the stomach and intestine from irritation. It is soothing and sedative (allays irritation and pain).

It is useful in diarrhoea and also in other inflammatory and functional derangements of digestive organs. The mucilage does not help the growth of bacteria. It forms a coating between the faces and the gut. It lines the membrane of the bowels.

Tablet Isafgul, 20 grains, is also available.

(iii) A Special Preparation

Isafgul seed powdered (1 drachm) is mixed with Indra Jat (Kurchi seed) 5 grains and taken in dysentery. This is a very good combination.

It also relieves painful stranguary of acute gonorrhoea. Two teaspoonfuls are given in 8 ounces of water. It is diuretic, i.e., increases the flow of urine and soothing. It is useful in cysti-tis or inflammation of the bladder.

Isafgul seed one drachm is mixed with 10 grains of Potas-sium Nitrate or in 10 grains of Cubebs and is taken in gonor-rhoea. Two or three powders can be taken daily.

CHAPTER XXI

JATAMANJI, KALADANA, KAMELA, KANDANG KATHRI

English Hindi Kanareso Tamil Telugu Malayalam Marathi Gujarati

66. JATAMANJI

(INDIAN SPIKENARD)

English	: Valerian root
Hindi	: Jatamashi
Kanarese	: Jatamavashi
Tamil	: Jatamanji
Telugu	: Jatamamshi
Malayalam	: Jatamanchi
Marathi	: Jatamayshi
Gujarati	: Jatamasi
Bengali	: Jatamansi
Sanskrit	: Jatamansi

This is the root of Nardostechys Jatarnanji. This is obtain-able in all bazaars.

(i) The Uses

It is a good stimulant, digestive, carminative, diuretic, ex-pectorant and a good antispasmodic and nervine tonic for hys-teria, chorea, convulsion and epilepsy. Jatamanji is useful in leprosy, old fever, internal heat, diarrhoea, diseases of the eye, asthma, dyspnoea or difficulty of breathing, rheumatism.

(ii) The Two Varieties

There are two varieties, viz., English and country. The English variety is found in Northern Asia, Northern Kashmir, Burma, Ceylon. The country variety is found in Himalayas, Kashmir, Bhutan. It has deep root. The root is covered towards its tapering extremity or almost entirely with coarse, dark hair-like fibres. The odour is peculiar and fragrant, The fresh root is sweet. The two varieties possess almost the same prop-erties. It is a good substitute for the official valerian. It is useful in hysterical affections, palpitation of the heart, chorea, flatu-lence, etc.

(iii) Infusion Jatarnanji

Re: Jatamanji bruised	4 drachms
Boiling water	20 ounces

Infuse for 1 hour and strain. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls or 1 ounce three times daily. Useful in hysteria, nervousness, palpi-tation of heart and convulsion. Tincture of Jatamanji is available in the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, Calcutta. Dose is 1 to 2 drachms. It may be combined with Camphor, ammonia and potassium bro-mide.

(iv) Epilepsy-Hysteria Mixture

Re: Tr. of Jatamanji	1 drachm
Tr. Valeria	15 minims
Potassium Bromide	10 grains
Spt. Ammonia Aromatics	10 minims
Spt. Camphor	10 minims
Aqua	1 ounces

Mix. 1 ounce twice or thrice daily. Useful in hysteria, epi-lepsy, palpitation, convulsion, etc.

(v) Jatamanji Co. Powder

Re: Jatamanji powder	5 grains
Camphor	2 grains
Cardamom	5 grains

One powder. Dose: One powder twice daily. Useful in hys-teria, epilepsy, palpitation of heart. The oil is given internally for the above diseases.

(vi) For Grey Hair

Re: Oil of Jatamanji

Apply it to the hair daily. The grey hairs will become black.

67. KALA-DANA

(PHARBITIS SEEDS)

English	: Pharbitis seeds
Hindi	: Kala-danah
Kanarese	: Gouribija
Tamil	: Kodi-kankatan-virai, Jiriki virai
Telugu	: Kolli-vittulu, Jiriki-vittulu
Marathi	: Nil-pushpi, Kala-dana
Gujarati	: Kala-dana
Bengali	: Nilkalmi

(i) Description and Uses

The dried seeds of Ipomoea hedercea, Pharbitis Nil. It is obtainable in all bazaars. This is a good laxative, purgative and anthelmintic. Dose: 30 to 45 grains in powder. It has the same action as Jalap. It is useful in chronic constipation and pain in the stomach or bowels. Kala-dana seeds are black, angular, a quarter of an inch or more in length. It has a sweetish and sub-sequently acrid taste. It contains powerful resins with action similar to Jalap. It is prescribed in generalised swelling of the body.

(ii) Purgative Power

Re: Kala-dana seeds powdered	1ounce
Rock salt or cream of tartar	1ounce
Dried ginger powder	1drachms

Rub these well in a mortar and pass the powder through a fine sieve. Dose: For adults, 1 or 1/2 teaspoonful (60 to 90 grains). A good purgative. Small thread-worms will come out.

(iii) Fever Powder

Re: Kala-dana seeds powdered	10 grains
Black pepper	5 grains
Dried ginger	10 grains
Atis	10 grains

One powder. Dose: One powder twice daily. Useful in fever.

68. KAMELA

(MONKEY FACE TREE)

English	: Indian Kamala
Hindi	: Kamala
Kanarese	: Vasare
Tamil	: Kamala
Telugu	: Kamela
Malayalam	: Kampillam
Marathi	: Shendri
Gujarati	: Kapilo
Bengali	: Kamela
Sanskrit	: Kampilla, Kambha

(i) Uses

The powder from the capsules of Mollotus Phillippiensis. It is cathartic, anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, lithontriptic. It is used as a dye. It is a beautiful red powder. It is useful in tapeworm, chronic skin disease and ringworm.

(ii) For Tapeworm etc.

Re: Kamela powder 2 drachms

Honey q.s.

Mix. One dose to be taken at bed time. Take one ounce of castor oil in the morning. Repeat after an interval of a week if the first dose is not successful. The worm is generally expelled in a lifeless state in the third or fourth stool.

(iii) For Ringworm, etc.

Re: Kamela powder	1 ounces
Gingily oil	8 ounces

Boil. Apply morning and evening. Useful in itch, ringworm,

69. KANDANG KATHRI

(KALYANT) (Solanum Jacquini; Solanum Xanthocarpum)

English	: Wild eggs plant
Hindi	: Kateli, Bhatkatai
Kanarese	: Nella-gula
Tamil	: Kandang kathri
Telugu	: Nela Mulaka-vakudu
Malayalam	: Kantankaththiri
Marathi	: Bhuiringani
Gujarati	: Patharingami
Bengali	: Kantakari
Sanskrit	: Kanta-karika, Nideghhika

(i) Uses

This is a small thorny plant, bitterish in taste. We can make a delicious dish out of this vegetable. It is a beneficial sto-machic. It aids digestion. Its nutritional value is very little. It is given even to feverish patients. The leaf, flower, unripe fruit, ripe fruit, seed, root and the whole plant is useful. It is useful in asthma, bronchitis, consumption, fever, dullness of digestive fire, rheumatism, paralysis, etc. It is an expectorant, diuretic and carminative. The seed is a drastic purgative.

(ii) Juice Boiled with Mustard Oil

Boil the juice of the leaf with mustard or sessamum oil. This is useful as a local application in headache, rheumatism and bad smell in arm-pit.

(iii) Juice Boiled with Linseed Oil

Boil the juice of the leaf with linseed oil. This is useful as an application in fissure foot.

(iv) Juice Boiled with Almond Oil

Boil the flower in almond oil. This is beneficial as a local application in piles.

(v) Seeds and the Fruit

Burn the seeds and allow the fume to come in contact with the teeth. Pain in the teeth will disappear.

Boil the fruit perfectly, churn it and strain the juice. Add one part of oil of Lauki seed (bottle-gourd) to four parts of juice. Boil. Strain. This is useful in pain in the ear (otitis). Put a few drops of the oil into the ear and plug it with cotton.

CHAPTER XXII

KUPPAMENI, KURCHI, LAWSONIA ALBA, LEMON-GRASS OIL

70. KUPPAMENI

(i) Description

There are many indigenous drugs which will work won-ders and of which we are quite ignorant. They possess very many medicinal properties which are astonishing. One of the very commonest and very useful drug which grows in abun-dance everywhere is Acalypha Indica. It is a valuable laxative, Lagu Soanam. Its root is catharic (that which causes violent purge).

(ii) Therapeutic Uses

The juice of the fresh leaves is a reliable emetic and this is used in Croop (cough with guru guru). It can be used as varthi for a free motion to children. The varthi is to be made out of the leaves, i.e., the leaves are to be turned into a cigarette and to be inserted into the anus of the child. When the juice is used as Nasyam it relieves insanity_ Mix rock salt (Sendha Namak) with one teaspoonful of this juice and put it into the nose or ear of the patient. This possesses hypnotic effect. It cures snake-bite or insect poison. This was for a long time a Yogic secret.

The important thing to note is its effect on scorpion poi-sons. Apply the Juice of the leaves with Ananthavairava and Seetham surasa (both Ayurvedic preparations) and take three or four fresh leaves internally. You will have a radical cure.

71. KURCHI

(TELLICHEFRY BARK)

English	Tellichefry Bark
Hindi	Karva-indarjour
Kanarese	Korasingina-gida
Tamil	Kudasappalai, bitter Vetpalai
Telugu	Chedu-Kodisha
Malayalam	Kaipa-kotakappala
Marathi	Kuda
Gujarati	Indrajavanu
Bengali	lndrajab
Sanskrit	Kutaja

(I) Description

The bark and seed of Wrightea Anti-dysenterica. This is obtainable in most bazaars This is a specific for dysentery. The bark is as soft as cotton. It is a stomachic, febrifuge, anthelmintic. The seed is carminative, tonic, aphrodisiac and littonriptic.

In allopathic system also there is a preparation of Kurchi, viz., Extractum Kurchi Liguidom. Dose: 180 to 240 minims or drops. Kurchi et Bismuth is another preparation. Dose: 5 to 10 grains.

Kurchi does not produce any nausea or vomiting and so may be given by the mouth. It is non-toxic and non-cumulative and so may be taken for a long time without interval. It is easily excreted by the kidneys. When compared with emetine its ac-tion is slow and less powerful. It is not effective intra-venously and intra-musculary, because it is readily excreted in the urine and so fails to concentrate sufficiently at the site of infection. If the bowels are acting frequently, Kurchi may be thrown out and may fail to act. Tablets are often passed out entire with the stools in the acute stage.

(ii)Kurchi Infusion

Re: Kurchi bark (bruised)	10 ounces
Boiling water	20 ounces

Infuse for 8 hours and strain. Dose: 2 tablespoonfuls thrice daily. Useful in chronic dysentery. Can be used as a gar-gle for relieving toothache.

(iii) Kurchi Powder

Re: Kurchi bark dried powder	2 ounces
Pomegranate bark dried powder	2 ounces
Bael fruit pulp dried powder	2 ounces

Dose: 1 teaspoonful with honey or sugar. Useful in diar-rhoea, dysentery.

Mix the juice of the bark with gingily oil and boil the oil. This is useful in eczema, itch and other skin diseases as an external application. Apply the bark that is sliced, to painful parts of the body and bandage. Pain will be relieved.

72. LAWSONIA ALBA

(HENNA SHRUB )

English	: Henna-Samphire
Hindi	: Mehindi
Kanarese	: Gorante
Tamil	: Marutonri, Marutani, Aivanam
Telugu	: Goranta
Malayalam	: Marutoni
Marathi	: Mendhi
Gujarati	: Mendi
Bengali	: Mehedi
Sanskrit	: Raktogarba, Kurantaka

(I) The Properties

This is a common Indian shrub that is grown throughout India. The leaves are astringent, detergent and deodorant. The flower is refrigerant and soporific. The seed is deodorant. The bark is astringent.

(ii) The Uses

The leaves are used by the ladies for staining the nails and palms. It gives beauty and also prevents all diseases of the nails. The leaves are useful in burning of the feet, sprain, contu-sion and rheumatism of the joints.

(iii) The Flowers, Leaves and the Bark

The fresh leaves should be beaten into a paste with vine-gar or lime juice and applied as a poultice to the soles of the feet. The plain paste without vinegar or lime juice can also be applied. You can also rub the parts with the bruised leaves. Use strong friction.

Keep the flowers underneath the pillow when you go to sleep. You will get sound sleep. The heat of the body will disap-pear.

The leaves purify sulphur. The bark is used in turning cop-per into an oxide.

73. LEMON-GRASS OIL

English	: True Lemon-grass
Hindi	: Gandha-bena-tel
Kanarese	: Purvali-hullu-yanne
Tamil	: Karpura-pullu-yenney
Telugu	: Nimma-gaddi-nunay
Malayalam	: Vasanap-pulla-enna
Marathi	: Sugandhichaha
Gujarati	: Lilli-chaya-tel
Bengali	: Gandha-Bena
Sanskrit	: Bhustrina

(i) Description

This is the oil obtained by distillation from several species of Andropogon (citratis, etc.). This is also known as Indian oil of Verbena, although it only resembles Verbena. This is a power-ful stimulant whether taken internally or applied externally. It is a carminative. It is a good rubefacient liniment. It is of a pale-sherry colour, transparent. It has a pungent taste. It has a peculiar fragrant lemon-like odour.

(ii) Uses

It gives speedy relief in obstinate vomiting, vomiting of cholera, flatulent colic and other spasmodic affections of the bowels. Three to six drops may be given in sugar or in the form of emulsion.

(iii) Emulsion

Re: Lemon-grass oil 5 drops

Mucilage q.s.

Peppermint water 1 ounce

Useful in flatulent colic and vomiting.

Re: Lemon grass oil 5 drops

Sugar 1 teaspoonful

For vomiting and colic. In cholera it acts as a stimulant and stops vomiting. The dose of 5 or 6 drops may be repeated ev-ery hour or oftener in severe cases.

(iv) A Good Liniment

Re: Lemon-grass oil 6 ounces

Sweet oil 6 ounces

Useful in lumbago, neuralgic pains, sprains, chronic rheu-matism and other painful muscular affections. Apply this lini-ment with great friction twice daily. In old chronic cases apply the undiluted oil.

CHAPTER XXIII

LIME FRUIT, LINSEED, LIQUORICE, LONG PEPPER

74. LIME FRUIT

(CITRUS BERGAMIA)

English	: Lime Fruit
Hindi	: Nimbu
Kanarese	: Nimbo-hannu
Tamil	: Elurnichchampazham
Telugu	: Nimrna, Nimmapandu
Malayalam	: Cheru-Naranga
Marathi	: Lirnbu
Gujarati	: Limbtu
Bengali	: Nebu
Sanskrit	: Jambira

(i) Uses of the Fruit—I

The fruit is refrigerant i.e. quenches thirst and reduces temperature, and antiscorbutic, i.e., acts against scurvy by pu-rifying the blood. The leaf is also refrigerant. The skin is rubefacient and carminative.

(ii) Uses of the Juice—I

The fresh juice of the lime is the best remedy in the treat-ment of scurvy. Three ounces should be taken twice daily. It is useful in spongy gums. It prevents scurvy. Dilute it with an equal quantity of water. This is an excellent gargle for scorbutic and other ulcerations of the mouth and spongy gums.

(iii) Uses of the Fruit—II

The fruit is useful in biliousness, bilious giddiness, nau-sea, vomiting, anorexia or loss of appetite. excessive thirst, el-ephantiasis, earache, eye-diseases, whitlow. It binds the bowels.

(iv) Uses of the Juice—II

Before going to bed apply the juice to the body. This will af-ford protection from the bites of mosquitoes. It also relieves the irritation caused by the bites of mosquitoes.

The juice is an antidote for poisoning by croton oilseeds, castor oil seeds, physic nut, the fresh root of bitter cassava, mandioc or tapioca plant. Give four ounces of the juice diluted with plain water or conjee. There will be immediate relief to the purging and vomiting. Give a full dose of castor oil subse-quently.

(v) Lemonade

Re: Lemon fruits peeled and cut into slices 5 fruits

Boiling water 20 ounces

Cool it and strain. Add sugar to taste. This is a very useful refrigerant drink in all sorts of fevers and diabetes.

75. LINSEED

English	: Linseed, Flax Plant
Hindi	: Halim, Chansar, Ulsi
Kanarese	: Allibija
Tamil	: Aliverai
Telugu	: Adeli, Adiyalu, Avisa
Malayalam	: Alivitta
Marathi	: Javas
Gujarati	: Alshi
Bengali	: Masina
Sanskrit	: Chandrasura

The seeds of Linum Usitatissimum.

(i) Uses of the Leaf, the Seed and the Flower

The leaf has stimulant and diuretic properties. The flower has tonic properties. The seed is alterative, aperient, aphrodi-siac, carminative, demulcent, diuretic, emmenagogue and galactagogue. The leaf gives strength to the body. It breaks re-tention of urine and helps free flow of urine. The leaf can be taken along with curd in the form of pachadie.

The flower also gives strength to a weak body. It also can be taken along with curd in the form of pachadie.

The seed is useful in dyspepsia, mucous dysentery, swell-ing or congestion of liver, flatulence, hiccough, cough, piles. It increases the semen, removes the internal heat of body, in-creases the flow of milk in nursing mothers, moves the bowels, helps the free flow of retained urine, and produces abortion.

(ii) Linseed Oil

Linseed oil (oleum lini) is extracted from linseed. It is a vis-cid yellow fixed oil, commonly called "drying oil", because it unites with oxygen and becomes resinoid on exposure.

Dose: ½ to 1 fluid ounce. If you soak in water the seeds, they become a viscid mucilaginous, jelly like mass. This is a good demulcent.

(iii) i) Linseed Tea

Re: Linseed 1 ounce

Water 20 ounces

Boil the seeds in the water for 10 minutes and strain. Add sugar. Dose: 10 ounces twice daily. Useful in dysentery, cold, cough, cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), hiccough. For hic-cough give a little infusion frequently.

(iv) Linseed Poultice

Pour 10 ounces of boiling water in a basin. Put Linseed powder into the basin and stir till the mixture is like thick por-ridge or hulva. Pour the mixture on a piece of lint or cloth. Spread it nicely with a spatula. Make it y inch thick. Smear the surface with oil. Apply to the chest when it is hot. This is useful in pneumonia or inflammation of the lungs. Abscesses will burst easily, if you apply this poultice.

(v) Carron Oil

Re: Lime water 4 ounces

Linseed oil 4 ounces

Rub well. It will form a white emulsion. Useful in burns. Soak a piece of lint or cloth in the emulsion and apply it to the affected parts.

(vi) Linseed and Sugar

Re: Linseed powder 2 ounces

Sugar 2 ounces

Dose: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily. Useful in dyspepsia, diar-rhoea due to indigestion, mucous dysentery.

(vii) Linseed Confection

Re: Linseed powder 4 ounces

Sugar 4 ounces

Ghee 2 ounces

Mix. Dose: 1 teaspoonful thrice daily. This is a tonic to strengthen a weak body and increases semen.

(viii) Linseed Lehiam

Re: Linseed powder 4 ounces

Milk 8 ounces

Sugar 4 ounces

Boil the linseed in the milk and add the sugar. Dose: 1 tea-spoonful twice daily. Useful in flatulence, lumbago. This will in-crease the flow of milk in nursing mothers and the flow of semen in males. Make a paste of linseed powder and apply it to any skin disease caused by impurities of blood. It will be cured.

76. LIQUORICE

English	: Liquorice, Sweetwood
Hindi	: Mulatthi
Kanarese	: Ati-madhura
Tamil	: Ati-Maduram
Telugu	: Ati-madhuramu, Yasti-madhukam
Malayalam	: Ati-madhuram, Iratti-madhuram
Marathi	: Jashtimadh
Gujarati	: Jashtimadh
Bengali	: Yeshto-madhu
Sanskrit	: Yashti-madhukam

(i) Constituents and Preparations

It is the root of glycyrrhizae glabra. It is obtainable in all ba-zaars. The root of Abrus precatorious (jequirity, Indian of Ja-maica liquorice) is often sold in its place. Liquorice is emollient, demulcent, expectorant and laxative. It has sweet taste. It is dark-brown. It occurs in cylindrical pieces and is longitudinally wrinkled. It has a faint odour. It is obtained in India, Afghani-stan, Persia, South Europe and England. Its chief constituents are glycyrrhizin, an amorphous glucoside, asparagin, sugar, resin, starch, gum, etc. Dose: 15 to 60 grains.

In allopathic system there are three preparations, viz., Glycirrhiza Extract (Dose 10 to 30 grains); Liquid Extract of Glycirrhiza (Dose 30 to 60 minims or drops); and Compound Glycirrhiza Powder (Dose 60 to 120 grains). This is useful in piles and constipation. This contains Senna leaf, liquorice, fen-nel, sublimed sulphur and sugar. Take one or two teaspoonfuls at bed time.

(ii) Syrup of Liquorice

Re: Liquorice root 3 ounces

Water 20 ounces

Boil for 30 minutes and strain. Add 8 ounces of sugar. Boil till the solution assumes the consistency of a syrup. Dose: 1 to 4 teaspoonfuls. Useful in cough, bronchitis, etc.

(iii) Liquorice Lozenge

Re: Extract of liquorice 3 grains

Menthol 1/4 grain

Oil of anisi 1 m

Gum Arabic q.s

Make one lozenge. Useful in cough, bronchitis, etc.

(iv) Liquorice Pill

Re: Liquorice powder 1 teaspoonful

Black pepper powder 1 teaspoonful

Sugarcandy 1 teaspoonful

Gum Arabic q.s.

Dose: 5 grains for a pill. Useful in cough, bronchitis, etc. Chew a piece of liquorice. Cough will be relieved.

Liquorice is useful in thirst, hiccough, leucoderma, bilious-ness, jaundice, spermatorrhoea.

(v) Liquorice Extract (Essence)

Soak 8 ounces in 20 ounces of water for 10 hours. Then strain. Again soak the same liquorice in 5 ounces of hot water. Strain. Now add this infusion with the previous one. Then boil down the infusion to the consistence of an extract.

English Hindi Kanarese Tamil Telugu Malayalam Marathi Gujarati Bengali Sanskrit

77. LONG PEPPER (PIPUL)

English	: Dried Catkins
Hindi	: Pimpli
Kanarese	: Hippili
Tamil	: Thippili
Telugu	: Pippallu
Malayalam	: Tippli
Marathi	: Pimpli
Gujarati	: Pipara
Bengali	: Pipli
Sanskrit	: Pippali

The fruit, root and stems of piper longum.

(i) Uses

Long pepper is a stimulant, carminative, alterative and ex-pectorant. This is useful in cough, gastritis, dyspnoea, dropsy, anorexia, flatulence, headache. fainting, cold in the head and nose, diarrhoea, fever with shivering, worms in the bowels, pharyngitis, pain in the anus.

(ii) Long Pepper with Myrobalan

Re: Long pepper powder 10 grains

Myrobalan powder (Harad) 10 grains

Honey 1 teaspoonful

One dose. To be taken twice daily. Useful in consumption.

(iii) Cough Powder

Re: Long pepper powder 1 ounce

Black pepper 1 ounce

Liquorice powder 1 ounce

Mix well. Dose: 20 to 60 grains. Useful in cough, bronchi-tis, etc. A good expectorant powder.

(iv) Pipul Infusion

Re: Pipul 1 ounce

Boiling water 10 ounces

Infuse for 2 hours. Dose: 1 tablespoonful with two tea-spoonfuls of honey; thrice daily. Useful in cough.

(v) A Good Digestive Powder

Re: Pipul 1 drachm

Dried ginger 1 drachm

Rock salt 1 drachm

Asafoetida 30 grains

Caraway (jira) 1 drachm

Black pepper 1 drachm

Ajowan 1 drachm

Dose: Grains 30 or 1-2 teaspoonful after food twice daily.

(vi) Pipul with Honey

Re: Pipul powder 1-2 teaspoonful

Betel leaf juice 1 teaspoonful

Honey 1 teaspoonful

Useful in cough, phlegm, bronchitis, fever.

(vii) Pipul with Milk

Re: Pipul powder 1-2 teaspoonful

Milk 16 ounces

Boil the milk with this powder. Add sugarcandy or sugar. Useful in asthma, cough, rheumatism, fainting, Sannipath.

(viii) Pipul Confection

Re: Long pepper	2 drachms
Black pepper	2 drachms
Dried ginger	2 drachms
Cumin seeds	2 drachms
Cinnamon	2 drachms
Ajwan	2 drachms
Cloves	2 drachms
Cardamom	2 drachms

Gently fry these drugs. Powder them well. Mix. Add equal of sugar. Add 4 ounces of honey. Mix well. Dose: 1 teaspoonful. thrice daily. Useful in asthma, cough, difficulty of breathing, bronchitis, fainting, biliousness, anaemia, etc.

CHAPTER XXIV

MALABAR NIGHT SHADE, MANATHAKKALI, MINT MORINGA

78. MALABAR NIGHT SHADE

(PORTULACES QUADRIFIDA)

English	: Indian Spinach
Hindi	: Poi
Kanarese	: Hali Baccheli
Tamil	: Pasalai
Telugu	: Sannu pappu, Bacchali
Malayalam	: Cheru Basali
Marathi	: Velbondi
Gujarati	: Mava-ki-baji
Bengali	: Rukhtopuri
Sanskrit	: Laghu Lonika

(i) Description

It is small spreading herb. The leaf and the seed are used. It is a diuretic and stomachic.

(ii) Uses

This is useful in dysuria or difficulty in passing urine, gon-orrhoea, anorexia or loss of appetite, vomiting and retention of urine. This can be cooked as vegetable and eaten.

79. MANATHAKKALI

(SOLANUM NIGRUM, SOLANUM RUBRUM)

Hindi	: Mako
Kanarese	: Kakmunchi
Tamil	: Manathakkali
Telugu	: Kamanchi Chettu
Malayalam	: Manithakkali
Gujarati	: Piludu
Bengali	: Kakmachi
Sanskrit	: Kakamachai

This is a small herb that is cultivated easily in all parts of India. There are two varieties; red and black. (There is no differ-ence in their qualities.) The leaf and the very tiny fruits are useful.

(i) The Uses of the Fruit and Leaf

It is an alterative, diuretic, diaphoretic and expectorant. The fruit is useful in bronchitis and liver troubles. The leaf is useful in ulcers of the tongue. The dried, salted, 'Vatral' of the fruit is an excellent article of diet for the invalids and the conva-lescents. The fruit is soaked in sour curd, salted and dried in the sun. This is 'Vatral' in -Tamil. This is later, whenever re-quired, fried in ghee and used. The fruit removes constipation and throws out the phlegm. The Vatral or the decoction of the Vatral is useful in vomiting due to biliousness. It removes an-orexia or disgust for food and moves the bowels also.

(ii) Juice and Decoction of the Leaf

A tablespoonful of the juice of the leaf three times daily will increase the flow of urine and removes ascites and dropsy. The decoction is useful in dysuria or difficulty in passing urine.

80. MINT

(MENTHA SATIVA, MENTHA ARVENTIS)

English	: Mint, March mint
Hindi	: Pudinah
Kanarese	: Chetni Maragu
Tamil	: Puthina
Telugu	: Pudina
Malayalam	: Putiyina
Bengali	: Pudinah
Sanskrit	: Pudina

(i) Varieties of Mint

This is a small plant; its varieties are known as spearmint, pepper mint and mentha viridis.

(ii) Its Uses

It is an astringent, refrigerant, stomachic, diuretic, stimu-lant, carminative and antispasmodic. It is usually used as 'chut-ney' in loss of appetite, nausea or tendency to vomit. It is useful in anorexia or loss of appetite and diarrhoea. It improves appe-tite. The whole plant can be dried and powdered and made use of as tooth-powder.

Bind Mint across your forehead. This will relieve you of headache. A cup of Mint-tea, morning and evening, improves digestion. It is useful in fever, jaundice, hiccough, stomach ache, pain in the bowels, headache, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite. Also useful in dysmenorrhoea or difficulty in men-struation and the pain in the abdomen caused by this. It gives good sleep and increases the flow of urine. Mint can also be added to hot milk or tea and drunk.

(iii) Pudina Tel and Its Utilities

Pudina Tel or oil is the oil distilled from the fresh flowering spear mint, mentha viridis or mentha crispa. Its main active principles are carvone and menthone. It resembles the oil of pepper mint. This is useful in headache as an external applica-tion. It is taken internally in dyspepsia, flatulence or wind in the bowels and abdominal pain. The dose is 1 to 3 minims or drops. Pepper mint water is made out of oil of spear mint 1, water 1500 and distilled to 1000. Dose is 1 to 2 fluid ounces. This is also useful in loss of appetite, colic or pain in the belly, vomiting, wind in the bowels, etc.

81. MORINGA

(DRUM-STICK TREE)

English	: Drum stick, Horse-radish
Hindi	: Segva, Sahijna
Kanarese	: Nugge-gida
Tamil	: Murungai
Telugu	: Munaga, Mulaga
Malayalam	: Muringa
Marathi	: Shegat
Gujarati	: Suragavo
Bengali	: Sojna
Sanskrit	: Sigru

(i) The Root, Flower and the Bark

The fresh root of this tree closely resembles in taste, smell and general appearance the common Horse-radish tree of Eu-rope. It is an antispasmodic, stimulant, expectorant and di-uretic. The flower is a tonic. The bark is an emmenagogue and abortifacient. The fresh root has acrid, vesicant and antilithic properties.

(ii) Murungai Infusion

Re: Fresh Moringa root bruised 1 ounce

Mustard seed bruised 1 ounce

Boiling water 20 ounces

Infuse for 2 hours in a covered vessel and strain. Dose: 1 ounce every three .iours.