Indian Medicinal Plants/Natural Order Scitamineæ

N. 0. SCITAMINEÆ.

1231. Curcuma angustifolia, Roxb., h.f.b.i., iv. 210, Roxb. 10, 11.

Vern. : — Tikhur (H. and B.) ; Ararut-chá-gaddá, Tavakhira (Mar.) ; Kuve-gadde (Kan.) ; Ararut-kishangu ; Kua (Tam.) ; Ararut-gaddalu (Tel.).

Habitat : — Tropical Himalaya, from Kumaon to Nepal.

A dwarf herb. Rootstock small, globose; tubers many, oblong, at the end of long fibres. Leaves with short petioles 1-l½ft. blade lanceolate, plain green ½-lft. by 2-3in. Spike with peduncle, æstival, ½-lft., 3-6 by 2in. diam. ; flower bracts lin. green, ovate ; pink ; bracts of coma few or many. Corolla tube ½in., lobes of corolla pale-yellow, upper segment ovate, lateral oblong, shorter. Staminode and lip bright yellow, the latter orbicular cuneate, emarginate. Uses :-— The arrowroot from this plant is used medicinally in some parts of the country.

A fairly large trade exists in tikhur or tankir arrowroot all over India. It is used as a substitute for ordinary arrowroot, but regarded as less desirable medically. It is, however, a favourite article of food among the Natives especially for children. The Travancore arrowroot is reported to be not infrequently mixed with the starch of cassava or of tapioca (Manihot utilissima, p. 766). In Upper India it is said starch of the sweet-potato is some- times employed as an adulterant, and in Bombay the colourless young tubers of the ordinary turmeric are mixed with those of this plant.

The late Dr. Lisboa (Notes on Mahableshwar and other Indian Arrowroot- yielding PI. in Journ. Bomb. Nat. Hist. Soc, 1887, ii., 140-7) gives much useful information regarding this arrowroot. He would appear to think that much of the East Indian Arrowroot of Western India (especially that of Mahableshwar) is derived from the tubers of Hitchena caulina, Baker. [Cf. Cooke, Fl. Pres, Bomb., ii., 728.]— Watt's Commercial Products of India, p. 444.

1232. C. aromatica, Salisb., h.f.b.i., vi. 210.

Syn. : — C. Zedoari, Roxb. 8.

Sans. : — Vana haridra.

Vern. : — Jangli-haldi, ban haldi(H) ; Banhalud (B.) ; Kapur káchali (Guz.) ; Ránhalad, Kasturimanjal (Tam.) ; Kasturi pasupa, kattu-mannal (Tel.) ; Anakúva, kattu-mannar (Mal.) ; Kasturi- arishnia (Kan.).

Habitat : — Throughout India.

An annual herb, biennial, says J. G. Baker ; growing from the previous year's tubers. Rootstock lin. diam.; tubers sessile, yellow, aromatic inside. Petiole as long as the blade which is 1-2ft. by 4-8in. Leaves 3 to 4ft. caudate, large oblong persistently pubescent beneath, base deltoid, plain green above or variegated with lighter and darker green. Flowers in dense compound ; spikes crowned by a coma of coloured enlarged bracts ; lower bracts ovate, membranous, enclosing several bracteolate fugitive flowers which open in succession. Spike with peduncles 1ft. produced from April to June with or before the leaves, the later half as long, 3-4in. diam ; flower-bracts ovate pale-green, l½-2in., those of the coma larger and more or less tinged with pink. Flowers shorter than the bracts. Corolla- tube lin., upper half funnel-shaped. Lobes pinkish-white, lateral oblong, upper longer ovate concave. Staminode obtuse, as long as the corolla segments. Lip deflexed, orbircular, yellow, obscurely 3-lobed. Stigma obscurely 2-lobed.

Uses : — The rhizomes are used medicinally, being regarded as tonic and carminative. Thwaites says this drug is used by the Singhalese. Dymock states that " the properties of this drug are very similar to those of turmeric, but its flavour being strongly camphoraceous is not so agreeable. It is used medicinally in combination with other drugs as an external application to bruises, sprains, &c. In the Concan, it is applied to promote the eruption in exanthemateous fevers ; it is seldom used alone, but is combined with astringents when applied to bruises, and with bitters and aromatics to promote eruptions." Ainslie says the Muhammadans suppose it to be a valuable medicine in certain cases of snake-bites, administered in small doses, and in conjunction with golden-coloured orpiment, kust (Costus arabicus) and ajuan.

" Used externally in scabies and the eruption of small-pox." (Surg.-Maj. H.D.Cook.) " Rubbed into a paste with benzoin it is a common domestic application to the forehead for headache." (Surg.-Maj. John North.)

1233. C. Zedoaria, Rose, h.f.b.i., vi. 210. Roxb. 7

Sans. : — Karchura, Sati.

Vern. : — Kachura (H.) ; Shori ; Kachura (B.) ; Kichchilik-kizhanghu, pulán-kizhanga (Tam.) ; Kich-chili-gaddala, kacho-ram (Tel.) ; Kach-cholam, kach-churi-kizhauna, púlá-kizhauna (Mal.); Kachorá (Kan.).

Habitat: — Eastern Himalaya, wild; cultivated throughout India.

Rootstock large, ovoid, tubers many, some lin. diam., sessile, cylindric, and many, oblong, terminating into fibres. Leaves l-2ft., oblong acuminate, narrowed to the base. Petiole longer than the blade. Spikes vernal, ½ft. by 3in. broad. Flowering bracts l½in., ovate green, often tinged slightly with red ; bracts of the coma many, spreading, bright red. Flowers pale-yellow, rather shorter than the bracts. Calyx whitish, obtusely-toothed, scarcely half as long as the Corolla-tube- Corolla-tube funnel-shaped ; lateral segments oblong, upper rather longer, ovate convex. Lip ½in. broad, orbicular, deflexed obscurely 3-lobed, emarginate. Capsule ovoid-trigonous, smooth, dehiscing irregularly. Seeds oblong, aril lanceolate, white.

Uses : — The fresh root is considered to be cooling and diuretic, it checks leucorrhœal and gonorrhœal discharges and purifies the blood. The juice of the leaves is given in dropsy. (Rheede.) The rhizomes possess aromatic, stimulant and carminative properties. Employed as a stomachic, and also applied to bruises and sprains. The root is chewed to correct a sticky taste in the mouth ; it is also an ingredient in some of the strengthening conserves which are taken by women to remove weakness after childbirth. In colds it is given in decoction with long pepper, cinnamon and honey, and the pounded root applied as a paste to the body. (Dymock.)

Zedoary contains, according to Bucholz (Repert. Pharm. xx„ 376), volatile oil, a bitter soft resin, a bitter extractive matter, gum, starch, &c. The oil is turbid, yellowish-white and viscid, has a camphoraceous taste and smell, and consists of two oils, one lighter, the other heavier than water. Trotumsdorff obtained from the root a substance which he called Zedoarin, but did not further describe it. A proximate analysis afforded : —



Essential oil, resin, curcumin, &c	3.79
Resins, sugar	0.90
Gum and organic acids	15.22
Starch	17.20
Crude fibre	10.92
Ash	6.06
Moisture	10.31
Albuminoids, Arabins, &c	35.60
Total	100.00

(Pharmacog. Ind. III. 402-403.)

1234. C. cœsia, Roxb., h.f.b.i., vi. 212. Roxb. 9.

Vern. : — Kálo-holud, nil-kautha (B.) ; Káli-halada(Mar.); Narkachúra (Bom.) ; Nar-kachúr, kalí-haldi (H.) ; Mánupasupú (Tel.).

Habitat : — Bengal. Resembles C. Zedoaria, Rosc., but differs widely in the colour of the root. Rootstock ovoid, sessile, large, tubers pale-grey inside. Petiole long, green. Leafy tuft about 3ft. Leaves large, oblong, with a broad purple-brown cloud down the middle, blade l-l½ft. by 5-6in., glabrous beneath. Spike produced dense 5-6 by 2½-3in. diam. ; flower bracts green, ovate, very obtuse, l½in.; bracts of the coma rather longer, many, bright red. Flowers pale-yellow, rather shorter than the bracts. Corolla limb red. Lip ½in. broad obscurely 3-lobed mid-lobe emarginate. (J. G. Baker.)

Uses : — It is considered to have nearly the same medicinal properties as C. Zedoaria. The Turkomans employ these roots as a rubefacient, to rub their bodies down with after taking a Turkish bath. (Aitchison.) In Bengal, it is used in the fresh state like turmeric.

1235. C. amada, Roxb., h.f.b.i., vi. 213. Roxb., 12.

Vern. : — Âmâ-haldi (H.) ; Am-ádá (B.) ; Ambá-halada (Mar,) ; Amki-adrak (Dec.) ; Mamidi-allam (Tel.); Kájura gauri (Bomb.).

Habitat : — Bengal and the Concans native, and widely cultivated under the name of Mango ginger.

An annual. Rootstock large ovoid ; sessile tubers thick, cylindric deep or pale-orange when mature, not pale-yellow. Leafy tuft 2-3ft. Petiole as long as the blade which is l-l½ft. by 6in. or more in breadth, plain green tapering gradually to the base and apex. The form of the leaf is at times oblong- lanceolate as described by some Botanists. Peduncle ½ft. or more hidden by the sheathing base of the leaves. Spike autumnal, 3-6in. by l½in. diam. ; flower bracts about lin. pale-green ; those of the coma-tinged pink. Flowers pale-yellow, about as long as the bracts. Corolla whitish. Lip pale-yellow.

Uses:- -The rhizomes are regarded as cooling and useful in prurigo. They are also employed as carminative and stomachic. Locally applied over contusions and sprains. Roots are expectorant and astringent, useful in diarrhœa and gleet. Chem, Comp.—A proximate analysis of this curcuma afforded—



Essential oil, resin, curcumin, &c	4.47
Resins, sugar &c.	1.21
Gum and organic acids, &c.	10.10
Starch	18.75
Crude fibre	25.20
Ash	7.57
Moisture	9.76
Albuminoids, &c	22.94
Total	100.00

(Pharmacogr. Ind. IV. 405).

1236. C. longa, Linn, h.f.b.i., vi. 214 ; Roxb. 11.

Sans. : — Haridra, nisá.

Vern. :— Haldi (H.) ; Halud (B.) ; Haldar, halja (Pb.) ; Manjal (Tam.); Pasupu (Tel.); Mannal, marinalu (Mal.); Arishina (Kan.) ; Halede (Mar.); Halada (Guz.).

Habitat :— Widely cultivated throughout India.

An annual. Rootstock large, ovoid ; sessile tubers bright-yellow inside, thick, cylindric. Leafy tuft 4-5ft., petiole as long as the plain green blade, which is 1-1½ft. by 4-8in. broad, oblong, narrowed to the base. Peduncle ½ft. or more, hidden by the sheathing petioles. Spikes autumnal 4-6in. by 2in. diam. Flower-bracts pale-green, ovate l½in. Coma-bracts tinged with pink. Flowers pale-yellow, as long as the bracts ; like those of C. aromatica, Salis, in structure.

Uses :— Used as a stimulant in native medicine ; externally applied in pains and bruises, and internally administered in disorders of the blood. Its use as an external applicant in bruises, leech bites, &c., is perhaps its most frequent medicinal application. The fresh juice is said to be an anthelmintic. A decoction of the rhizomes is applied to relieve catarrh and purulent ophthalmia.

A paste made of the flowers is used in ringworm and other parasitic skin diseases. Dymock says the Muhammadans use turmeric medicinally in the same manner as the Hindus ; they also prescribe it in affections of the liver and jaundice on account of its yellow colour. The editor of the Pharmacopœia of India speaks favourably of the use of a decoction of turmeric in purulent conjunctivitis ; he says it is very effectual in relieving the pain. In coryza he states that the fumes of burning turmeric directed into the nostrils cause a copious mucous discharge, and relieve the congestion. Murray remarks that it is given by the native doctors in the diarrhœas which are so troublesome and difficult to subdue in atonic subjects. Baden-Powell remarks that it is employed in " intermittent fevers and dropsy. It contains much essential oil and starch and acts as a stimulant and aromatic tonic.

The root, parched, and powdered, is given in bronchitis in closes of grs. xxx to xl. (Civil Surgeon J. Anderson, M. B., Bijnor.) The smoke produced by sprinkling powdered haldi over burnt charcoal will relieve scorpion sting when the part affected is exposed to the smoke for a few minutes. A paste made of fresh rhizome is applied on the head in cases of vertigo. Fresh juice is cooling. Fumes of burning root is employed during hysteric fits. (T. N. Ghose.) Turmeric and alum in the proportion of 1 to 20, is blown into the ear in chronic otorrhœa. (Dr. Darasha H. Baria.)

Turmeric contains about 1 per cent, of an essential oil. Curcumin, the yellow-colouring matter of turmeric, has been examined by several chemists, whose experiments have led to the conclusion that its formula is either C₁₀H₁₀O₃ or C₁₆H₁₆O₄ , that it melts at 172°, forms red-brown salts with alkalies, is converted by boric or sulphuric acid into rosocyanine, by reduction with zinc-dust into an oily body, by oxidation into oxalic or terephthalic acid, and by fusion with potash into protocatechuic acid. (Pharmacogr. Ind. III. 412.)

1237. Kœmpferia galanga, Linn, h.f.b.i., vi. 219 Roxb. 5.

Sans. : — Chandra malika.

Vern. : — Chandra múla (H. and M.) ; Chandú múlá, humalá (B.) ; Katsjulam (Mal.) ; Katsjolan (Tam.) ; Kachoram (Tel.).

Habitat : —In the plains throughout India ; much cultivated for its highly fragrant root of great commercial value sold in the bazaars as Kachari in Bombay. (K. R. K.)

An artomaic annual herb. Rootstock tuberous. Root-fibres cylindric. Leaves sub-orbicular, sub -sessile 3-6in. long, aromatic, spreading flat on the ground, tip deltoid, thin, deep green, 10-12-ribbed, margin not thickened nor coloured. Petiole short, channelled. Flower 6-12in. fugitive, sweet-scented, opening successively ; bracts lanceolate, green, small. Calyx as long as the bract. Corolla-tube lin. ; segments lanceolate, ½in. Staminodes half an inch long and broad, obovate — cuneate white ; lip white with a lilac throat deeply bifid below in middle, lin. broad, lobes obtuse. Anther-crests, small, quadrate, with 2 shallow obtuse lobes. Fruit not seen by me among the Bombay grown species. (K. R. K.)

Uses : — It is probable that the tubers of this species as well as of K. rotunda are used indiscriminately in Hindu medicine. They are fragrant and of a warm, bitterish, aromatic taste. (Ph. Ind.) Used by the Hindu ladies as a perfume for the hair. The tubers reduced to powder and mixed with honey are given in coughs and pectoral affections. Boiled in oil it is externally applied to stoppages of the nasal organs. (Rheede.)

Chem. comp. — The fatty matty matters dissolved out of this tuber by either consisted of a fragrant liquid oil, and a solid white crystalline substance separated by petroleum ether. The alcoholic extract, amounting to 2.76 per cent., contained some white transparent prisms of an alkaline nitrate, and a few nodules of a circular-shaped crystals of a yellowish colour. This extract contained a small quantity of alkaloid, and some sweet body reducing Fehling's solution. A large quantity of starch is present, and 4.14 per cent, of gum. The tubers dried at 100°C lost 4.11 per cent, of moisture, and yielded 13.73 per cent, of mineral matter. (Pharmacogr. Ind., III. 416.)

1238. K. angustifolia, Rose, h.f.b.i., vi. 219. Roxb. 6.

Vern. :— Kanjan-búra, madú-nirbisha (H. & B.).

Habitat : — Foot of the Eastern Himalayas ; also in Bengal.

Rootstock tuberous ; root fibres slender or cylindric. Leaves ascending, lanceolate, many, 6-8in. by lin. or less sessile. Flowers few, in a central sessile spike ; bracts small. Calyx lin. Corolla-tube white, twice as long as the calyx ; segments lin., linear, very narrow, white, reflexing. Staminodes erect, oblong, white, ½-¾in. Lip reflexed, ½ by ¾in., lilac, deeply cut into 2 sub-orbiant, obovate lobes, about half way down ; anther-crest quadrate, shallowly bifid.

Use : — The people of Bengal use the roots as a medicine for their cattle. (Roxburgh.)

1239. K. rotunda, Linn., h.f.b.l, vi. 222. Roxb. 6.

Sans. : — Bhûmichampaka.

Vern. : — Bhuichampa (H. & B.) ; Bhuichampo (Guz.) ; Konda kalava (Tel.) ; Malan-kua (Mal.).

Habitat : — Throughout India.

An annual, rootstock tuberous, outside yellowish-brown, inside yellowish-white ; rootlets white, numerous, 2 or 3in. long, bearing fascicles of numerous, oblong bulbs, l-2in. long. Bulbs glabrous, mucilaginous inside. Leaves radical, oblong, erect, petioled, 1ft. by 4-6in., rich, purple beneath, green above Petiole sheathing. Spikes 4-6-fid, produced in March and April before the leaves. Flowers erect, scapose, 4-6 to the scape, fragrant, large, of various colours, white, pink, yellow and purple, harmoniously blended in one and the same flower. Bracts oblong, acute, outer short, inner 2-3in. long. Calyx nearly as long as the corolla-tube, white, membranous, somewhat gibbous ; apex generally two-toothed and of a dotted purplish colour. Corolla tube 2-3in. ; segments spreading, long, linear, nearly as long as tube. Staminodes l½-2in., oblong, erect, white. Lip rather shorter, reflexed, 2-fid, to below the middle lobes ¾-1 in. broad, deeply tinged with lilac or red-purple, cut into two sub-orbicular lobes. Anther-crest deeply bifid, cut half way down into two lanceolate lobes, with often a small tooth between. (J. G. Baker.)

Uses'- — According to Sanskrit writers the root, used in the form of a poultice, promotes suppuration. (U. C. Dutt.) Rheede informs us (Hort. Mal., II., 18) that the whole plant, when reduced to powder and used in the form of an ointment, has wonderful efficacy in healing fresh wounds, and that, taken internally, it removes any coagulated blood or purulent matter that may be within the body ; he adds that " the root is a useful medicine in anasarcous swellings." Dr. Dymock writes that in Bombay a powder of the tubers " is used as a popular local application in mumps (Galgand), but as they are generally combined with more active remedies, such as Croton seed, Aconite, and Nux-vomica, it is probable that they do not contribute much to the cure." " The sub- stance of the rhizomes and tubers is of a pale straw-colour, has a bitter, pungent, camphoraceous taste, much like that of true Zedoary ; the whole plant is aromatic." In the Gazetteer of the Rewa-Kanta District, it is stated that the roots are stomachic and are also applied to swellings. Thwaites remarks that in Ceylon the root is employed medicinally, but he does not state for what purpose. The almost universal belief (from one side of India to the other) that the rhizomes are useful in reducing swellings, would suggest the desirability of this subject being more carefully investigated in the future. (Watt.)

1240. Hedychium spicatum, Hamilt., h.f.b.l, vi. 227.

Sans. : — Karpurakáchali.

Vern. : — Sit-rutí, kapúr kachri (Hind.) ; Kachur-kachu, ban kela, sákí, banhaldí, khor, shalwi, shedúri, (Bazár root) = kapúr kachri, kachúr (Pb.); Kapur kachari* (Mar. and Guz.) ; Shimai-kich-chilik kishangu (Tam.).

Habitat : — Sub-tropical Himalaya ; Nepal ; Kumaon.

A perennial herb. Rootstock horizontal, tubrous ; root fibres not much thickened. Stem elongate, leafy. Leaves reaching 1ft. or more, very variable in breadth, glabrous, oblong or oblong-lanceolate. Spike sometimes 1ft., dense-fid. Bracts oblong, obtuse, green, large, 1-fid, 1-1½ by ¾in. broad. Flowers ascending and closely imbricate, white. Calyx shorter than the bract. Corolla-tube 2-2½in.; segments lin., linear. Staminode lin., lanceolate ; lip cuneate, deeply bifid, ½-¾in., broad, not at all clawed. Stamen 1, rather shorter than the lip ; anther linear, ¼-⅓in., 2-celled, connective very narrow, neither

It is a mistake to call this plant Kapur Kachri. The real Kachri is Kæmpferdie galanga. The Maráthi name of Hedychium spicatum is Sonatakka, (K. R. K.)
N. 0. SCITAMINEÆ.
1255

sparred nor crested. Filament pale-red, long, slender. Lateral staminodes broad. Style slender, long, filiform. Stigma sub-globose. Ovary 3-celled ; placentas axillary. Capsule glabrous, globose.

Use : — The aromatic root-stocks are used as a stomachic, carminative, tonic and stimulant.

Chem. comp.— The dried tubers have been examined by J. C. Thresh (Pharm. Journ. [3] XV. 361). The proximate analysis gave the following results : —

Caption text

Soluble in petroleum ether—
Ethyl-methyl-paracoumarate	3.0
Fixed oil and odorous body	2.9
Soluble in alcohol—	2.7
Indif. substance ppt. by tannin
Acid resin, &c
Soluble in water—
Glucoside or saccharine matter	1.0
Mucilage	2.8
Albuminoids, organic acid, &c.	1.9
Starch	52.3
Moisture	13.6
Ash	4.6
Cellulose, &c.	15.2
Total	100.0

(Pharmacogr. Ind. III. 418-419.)

1241. Amomum xanthioides, Wall., h,f.b.i., vi. 239.

Vern. :— Iláyechi (H.) ; Elâch (B.) ; Elam (Tam.) ; Elakulu (Tel.) ; Eláchi (Mar.).

Habitat : — Tenasserim ; Tavoy.

Herbs, perennial, widely creeping. Root-stock leafy ; stems 5-6ft. Leaves 1-1½ft. by l½-3in., firm, bright-green, lanceolate, glabrous. Spike globose, shortly peduncled, lin., few-fid. Peduncle arcuate, glabrous, slender, 2-3in.; outer bracts ½-¾in., acute, glabrous, small, oblong. Corolla tube under lin.; segments oblong, ⅓-½in. Lip cochleariform, bifid, longer than the corolla-segments with an orbicular blade, ½-¾in. broad, narrowed suddenly to a broad claw. Anther-crest auricled on each side, short, broad, entire. Capsule rigid, echinate, oblong-trigonous, pale-brown, under lin. long. Uses : — The seeds are stimulant and carminative, and are useful in all the affections in which the common cardamoms are indicated. They are also of great service in relieving tormina and tenesmus, and even frequency of motions, in some cases of dysentery, and, for this purpose, they must always be used in powder with butter. They are administered in simple powder and compound tincture, the latter being prepared in the same way as the Tincture Cardamom Co. of the Pharmacopœia of India. Dose of the powder, from 20 to 40 grains, and of the tincture, from 3i to 3ii. (Moodeen Sheriff, Khan Bahadur, Madras.)

1242. A. subulatum, Roxb., h.f.b.i., vi. 240. Roxb. 15.

Sans. : — Brihat upa kunchikâ ; Ela.

Vern. :— Barí-iláchí (H.) ; Bara-elách (B.) ; Elachi, elcho, moto-iláchi (Guj.); Mote-veldode (Mar.) ; Periyaelakkáy, káttu- elak-káy (Tam.) ; Peddaelakáyalu, adaviyela-káya (Tel.) ; Doddá- elakkí (Kan.) ; Perelam, periya-elattari (Mal.).

Habitat : — Eastern Himalayas.

Root-stock perennial, widely creeping. Leafy stem 3-lft. Leaves l-2ft. by 3-4in., green, glabrous on both surfaces, oblong, lanceolate. Spike globose, very dense, shortly peduncled, 2-3in. ; bracts red-brown, outer ones lin., ovate, obtuse, with a horny cusp, inner shorter and obtuse. Calyx and corolla-tube lin. ; segments subulate, shorter than the tube. Lip obovate, cuneate, emarginate, yellowish-white, rather longer than the corolla-segments. Filaments very short, anther-crest entire, small, truncate. Capsule densely echinate, lin., globose, red- brown.

Uses : — The seeds yield a medicinal oil. It is an agreeable, aromatic stimulant.

" It acts as a stomachic, and is said to allay irritability of the stomach produced either by cholera or some other affections. The decoction of cardamom is used as a gargle in affections of the teeth and gums. In combination with the seeds of melons it is used as a diuretic in cases of gravel of the kidneys." (Assistant-Surgeon Gholam Nabi.) " Invaluable in certain disorders of the digestive system, marked by scanty and viscid secretion from the intestines, promotes elimination of bile, and is useful in congestion of the liver." (Surg. J. Maitland, M, B., Madras.) " Very useful in liver affections, especially where abscess threatens ; dose x grains." ( Surg. -Ma j. C. R. G. Parker, Pallaveram, Madras.) "I have found it most useful in neuralgia in large doses, 30 grains, in conjunction with quinine." (Surg. - Ma j. H. D. Cook, Calicut.) " Used in gonorrhœa as an aphrodisiac." (Surg.-Maj. J. J. L. Ratton, M. D., Salem.). — Watt's Dictionary.

1243. A, aromaticum, Roxb., h.f.b.l, vi. 241. Roxb. 15.

Vern. :— Morang-iláchi (H. & B.) ; Veldode (Mar.).

Habitat: — Eastern Himalayas; Nepal; Sikkim ; Khasia Hills ; Silhet and Northern Bengal.

Root-stock perennial, widely creeping. Leafy stem 3-4ft. Leaves ½-lft. by 2-4in., glabrous on both sides, oblong-lanceolate. Spike small, globose. Peduncle short, rarely longer and decumbent. Outer bracts lin., small ovate, pale-brown. Corolla- tube lin.; segments obtuse, nearly as long as the tube, white, tinged with brown. Lip pale-yellow, twice as long as the corolla-segments, outer half deflexed. Anther-crest large, trifid, petaloid, lobes rounded. Capsule lin., oblong, trigonous, neither costate nor echinate.

Use : — The seeds and oil used like the preceding species.

1244. Zingiber' officinale, Zosc, h.f.b.l, vi. 246. Roxb. 16.

Sans. : — Plant = ârdraka, sringavera ; dried root=vishva- bhishagam, nâgara, sunti, mahaushadha ; fresh root — ârdrakam.

Vern. ;— Pl. = adrak, dr. rt. = sonth, sindhí, fr. rt. = adrak, (H.) ; Pl. = ada, dr. rt.=sunt, fr. rt. — ada (B.) ; Pl.=ada, adrak, dr. rt, = zangzabil, sûnth, fr. rt. = zunjbel, adrak (Pb.) ; PL — ale (Mar.); dr. rt.=sûnt, fr. rt. = âdû (Guz.); dr. rt. = shukku, fr. rt. = inji (Tam.); Pl. = allam, dr. rt.=sonti, allam, fr. rt = allam (Tel.) ; dr. rt.— vana-sunthi, fr. rt.=hasísunthi (Kan.) ; dr. rt.= chukka, fr. rt. — inchi (Mal.); Pl. = khyen-seing, dr. rt.=ginsi-khiáv, fr. rt. =gin sin (Bur.) ; dr. rt. = velicha-inguru, fr. rt.= amu-inguru (Sing.) ; dr. rt.= zanjabîl, zanjabîle-yâbis, fr. rt.= zanjabile-ratab (Ar.) dr. rt. = zanjabîl-e-khushk, fr. rt.= zanjabîl-e-tar (Per.).

Habitat :— Cultivated throughout India.

Root-stock bi-ennial, bearing many, sessile, aromatic tubers, Leafy stems 3-4ft. Leaves 6-3 by lin., tapering gradually to the point, lanceolate dark-green, glabrous beneath. Spike 2-3 by lin., oblong, cylindric. Peduncle ½-lft. Bracts about lin., greenish, sub-orbicular, cuspidate. Corolla segments lanceolate, greenish, subequal, under one inch long. Lip small, purplish-black, shorter than the corolla-segments. Midlobe orbicular, lateral ovate. Stamens dark-purple, as long as the lip. " Very rarely flowers, and has never seen seed." (Roxburgh.)

Uses :— Ginger is officinal in the British as well as Indian Pharmacopœia. Its uses are too well known to be detailed here.

1245. Z. .Zerumbet, Smith, h.f.b.l. vi., 247. Roxb. 17.

Sans. : — Sthula-granthi.

Vern. :-.— Mahâbari bach; Nar-kachur (H. & B.); Kachur, narkachur (Pb.) ; Kathu-inshi-kua (Mal.).

Habitat : — Widely cultivated throughout India.

Herbs. Root-stock very large, tuberous, pale-yellow within, hard, bi-annual, root- fibres vermiform. Leafy stem 5-6ft., about ½in. diam., cylindric, glabrous, annual. Leaves 10-12 by 2-3in , sessile, oblong-lanceolate or oblanceolate, acuminate, glabrous; base narrowed, ligule, ½-¾in. long, truncate membranous. Flowering stem 12-18in., stout, usually flexuous, clothed with long appressed obtuse sheaths, with sometimes rudimentary blades. Spikes 3-4in. by 2in. diam., conico oblong, bracts l-l½in., closely imbricate, ovate-oblong, tip rounded, glabrous, green, bright-red in fruit. Margins membranous. Calyx-tube lin., appressed to the corolla-tube, 3-toothed, glabrous. Corolla-tube 1-1¼in., segments ovate-lanceolate, acuminate ; lateral smaller, adnate to the base of the lip. Lip shorter than the corolla-segments, 3-fid ; lobes obtuse, median, longest ; anthers glabrous. Style glabrous; stigma minute, funnel-shaped; mouth ciliate. Fruit lin., long, oblong. Seeds 1/6in., long, oblong, black. Flowers very pale, the lip rather darker.

Uses : — This wild ginger has the aromatic flavour of Z. Officinale, mixed with some bitterness. The rhizome is used like the officinal ginger. It is employed as a hot remedy for coughs, asthma, " special diseases," worms, leprosy and other skin diseases. (Baden-Powell.)

1246. Z. Casumunar, Roxb., h.f.b.l, vi., 248. Roxb. 17.

Sans. : — Van-ardraka.

Vern. :— Ban-âdâ (H. & B.) ; Nisa, Malabari halad (Mar.) ; Kâru allamu, Kûra pasupu, Karpushpaî (Tel.).

Habitat : — From the Himalaya to Ceylon and Malay Peninsula, Konkan. Southern Maratha Country, Western Ghats, Kanara, widely cultivated.

Root-stock perennial, bright-yellow inside. Leafy stem 4-6ft. Leaves 12-18 by 2-3in., oblong-lanceolate, pubescent beneath. Spike oblong, 4-6in. l½-2in. diam. ; peduncle 3-12in. ; bracts ovate, l-l½in. and nearly as broad, bright-red or greenish-red, or reddish. Corolla-segment whitish ; lip un- spotted, yellowish-white, with a deeply bifid, ¾in., broad and long, mid-lobe basal; auricles large, oblong, obtuse. Corolla-tube as long as the bract ; segments lin., upper broader and more concave. Stamen yellowish-white, shorter than the lip. Capsule small, globose.

Uses : — It has a similar reputation to the officinal ginger, and in the Konkans is considerably used as carminative stimulant in diarrhœa and colic, (Dymock.)


Chem.comp.— The drug yielded to analysis	Percent
Ether extract (essential oil, fat, and soft resins)	6.96
Alcoholic extract (sugar, resins)	7.29
Water extract (gum, acids, &c.)	13.42
Starch	15.08
Crude fibre	12.61
Ash	6.80
Moisture	7.66
Albuminoids, modifications of arabin, &c	30.18
Total	100.00

The root had a pungent odour, similar to a mixture of camphor and nutmeg, the soft resin had a bitter and burning taste. The colouring matter had many of the reactions of curcumin, but was more readily bleached than true curcumin, and the colour of the powder was very fugitive. The water extract gave a crystalline precipitate with lead acetate, which was found to be due to the presence of malic acid. The root contained more mucilage and sugar than that of Curcuma aromatica. (Pharmacogr. Ind. III, 427.)

1247. Costus Speciosus, Smith, h.f.b.l, vi., 249 ; Roxb. 20.

Sans. : — Kemuka ; Pushkara mulaka.

Vern. : — Kûst, kén (B. &. H.) ; Osop (Santal) ; Gudárichákânda (Bomb.); Pinnga, penva (Mar.); Bommakachika (Tel.); Tsjanakua (Mal.) ; Keyu, Keoli, kûtshiriu (U. P.).

Habitat :— Throughout India.

An annual herb. Root-stock tuberous, horizontal. Leafy stem 6-9ft., stout. Leaves ½-lft., or more, oblong ; acute, thinly silky beneath. Spike very dense-fid, 2-4in., bracts ovate bright-red, 1-1½in. Calyx lin. ; segments 3, ovate, cuspidate. Corolla-segments white, oblong, l-l½in. Lip white, suborbicular, 2-3in., the margins incurved and meeting. Filaments 1½-2in., including the oblong petaloid connective. Capsule lin., globose, red, crowned with the persistent calyx.

Uses : — The root is said to be bitter, astringent and digestive, and to be useful in catarrhal fevers, coughs, skin diseases, &c. (U. C. Dutt.) In the U. Provinces, from the root a strengthening tonic is made, and it is also used as an anthelmintic. (Atkinson.) Roxburgh notices a preserve made of the fresh roots which is considered wholesome and nutritious. Ainslie, quoting Brown's History of Jamaica, says that the root is there used as a substitute for ginger, but is very inferior to it, (Mat. Ind. ii, 107.) In the Calcutta Exhibition Catalogue, the root is described as depurative and aphrodisiac ; similar properties are attributed to it in the Concan, where it is very abundant in most situations. The rhizome resembles the great Galangal in growth and structure, but has no aromatic properties, the taste being mucilaginous and feebly astringent ; it could only be used as a substitute for ginger by being preserved with a quantity of that root sufficient to flavour it. (Pharmacogr. Ind. III, 427). The root is prescribed by the Santals for pain in the marrow. (Revd. A. Campbell.)

1248. Elettaria Cardamomum, Maton., h.f.b.l, VI, 251.

Syn. : — Alpinia cardamomum, Roxb. 24.

Sans. : — Upakunchika ; Ela.

Vern. :— Chhotî-eláchî (H.) ; Chhoto Elâch (B.) ; Veldoda (Mar.) ; Ellakay, aila-cheddi, Ellay (Tam. & Tel.) ; Yálakki (Kan.) ; Ellettari, ailum cheddy (Mal.).

Habitat : — Malabar ; on the Western Ghats, from Kurg southwards.

Perennial herb, with a horizontal thick root-stock. Stem leafy, 6-9ft. Leaves 1-2ft. by 3in., pubescent beneath. Panicles several to one leafy stem, 1-2ft. ; bracts linear-oblong, persistent, 1½-2in. Calyx ½in. Corolla-tube shortly exserted ; segments ½in. long. Lip longer than the corolla-segments, white sheathed with violet, Capsule sub-globose or oblong, marked with many fine vertical ribs. Seeds small, black, highly aromatic.

Uses: — The seeds are aromatic, and used as an ingredient in compound preparations.

The seed yields 2.14 per cent, of oil soluble in 4 parts of 70 per cent, alcohol, has a sp. gr.=0.943 at 15°, a rotatory power at 19° =+34°52' (100 mm. tube) and a saponification number=132. The oil contains cineol, a solid terpineol of rotatory power = +83°31' at 21°, and considerable quantities of alkylic acetates —J. Ch. S. 1899 A. I. 63.

1249. Alpinia Galanga, Sw, h.f.b.i., vi., 253.

Sans. : — Dumparástma, kúlinjâna.

Vern. : — Kúlanján, bará-kúlanján, Bare vâ malabari-pán-ki-jar (H.) ; kúlinján (B.) ; Kolinjan (Guj.) ; Kosht-kulinján (Mar.) ; Kunjar, kathi (Sind.) ; Khúlánjáne-qasbi, khúlanján-e-kabir (Arab.) ; Khusrave-dârúe-kalán (Pers.) ; Pera-rattai (Tam.) ; Pedda-dumpa-rásh-trakam (Tel.) ; Peraratta (Mal.) ; Dumpa- rásmi (Kan).) ; Padagoji (Burm.).

Habitat: — Throughout India.

Root-stock perennial, tuberous, slightly aromatic. Leafy stem 6-7ft. Leaves l-2ft. by 4-6in., green and glossy on both sides, oblong-lanceolate, glabrous beneath. Panicle copiously compound, (dense-fid) ½-lft. ; rachis densely pubescent, branches numerous, short ; pedicels ⅜-1/6in. ; bracts small, ovate. Flowers small. Calyx greenish- white, ¼in. oblique at the throat. Corolla-segments ⅓-½in., linear, oblong, greenish-white. Lip obovate-clawed, emarginate, white-veined, with lilac, ½in., with a pair of linear, subulate, ascending, reddish glands at the base of the claw. Stamen arcuate, shorter than the lip. Ovules 1-2 in a cell. Fruit orange-red, roundish, about ⅓in. diam.

Uses : — The rhizomes of this species are aromatic, pungent, and bitter, and are used in the form of an infusion in fever, rheumatism, and catarrhal affections. As a drug, they are supposed to improve the voice. The aromatic tubers are sometimes used as carminative or fragrant adjunct in complex prescriptions, but they have nothing peculiar in their properties or action. (U. C. Dutt.) How far these properties may have been intended to be attributed to this root-stock or should have rather been given to A. officinarum, cannot be accurately determined. The statements of Indian authors have to be accepted for the present, but it seems probable that future enquiry may show that, while both the greater and the lesser galangals are regularly imported into India, as far as their medicinal properties are concerned, the former is only used as substitute for the latter, being commercially less valuable and less active in its therapeutic properties. It is, however, difficult to determine in many cases to which species authors refer. Dr. Irvine, in his Medical Topography of Ajmere, says : " Rhizome of this plant is hot and stimulating ; used inmesalihs, has a sweet scent ; is put into bazar spirits to make it more intoxicating." This habit of flavouring spirits with galangal also prevails in Russia. The seeds also possess similar medicinal properties.

" Hakims use it in impotence, bronchitis, and dyspepsia. It is disinfectant, used to destroy bad smells in the mouth or any other part of the body. It is also advocated in diabetes mellitus." (Asst. Surg. J. N. Dey, Jaipur.) " In Mysore a domestic medicine, much used by old people with bronchial catarrh." (Surg.-Maj. John North.)

The crystalline constituents of Galanga root have been investigated by Jahus, who isolated three compounds, which were termed campheride, galangin, and alpinin. The first-named substance, which has the Emporical formula C₁₆H₁₂O₆, crystallises from methylic alcohol in lustrous, golden needles a contimetre in length; it contains 1 mol. of the solvent, which is removed at 100°, and melts at 227-229°. The triacetyl derivative crystallises from alcohol in pale-yellow needles, and melts at 193-195°. When the substance is heated with methylic alcohol, potassium hydroxide, and methylic iodide, the dimethoxymethyl derivative is produced, along with two compounds meltiug at 154-155° and 138-140° respectively ; the dimeth-oxy-methyl derivative crystallises from methylic alcohol in rectangular plates and melts at 178°.— J. Ch. S. 1899 A. I. 537.

The oil, boiled at 170-275°, had a sp. gr. 0.91 at 20°, a rotatory power— 2°27' in a 100 mm. tube, and n_D 1.4663 at 20°, Pinene, cineol, and possibly cadinene are present in the oil ; in the fraction 230-24°, a new hydro-carbon is found, the hydro-chloride of which C₁₅H₂₄, 2 H.Cl, crystallises in leaflets, is optically inactive, and melts at 51°.— J. Ch. S. 1902 A I. 551.

1250. A. allughas, Rose, h.f.b.l, vi, 253. Roxb. 161.

Vern. : — Taro, taruko (B.).

Habitat : — Throughout India.

Root tuberous, aromatic ; stem. 3-6 ft. ; leaves very shortly petioled, 1-1½ ft. by 3-6in., linear-oblong or oblong-lanceolate, acuminate, with usually a twisted cusp, glabrous, base acute, sheath compressed, ligule rounded ; panicle erect, decompound, 6-12in. long, pubescent or tomentose, lax- or dense-fid., branches short, ascending, with linear deciduous bracts, 4-6in, long at the lower forks ; flower suberect, shortly pedicelled, 1-1½in. long ; bracts small, cup alar ; calyx-tube ⅓-½in., sub-campanulate, pubescent, mouth oblique, obtusely 2-3-toothed ; corolla-tube as long as the calyx segments, longer than the tube, linear-oblong, cymbiform, dorsally pubescent, shortly spurred below the hooded tip ; lip lin. long, including the slender claw, cuneiform or nearly orbicular, bifid, margins waved and erose, claw as long as the limb, base with 2 fleshy teeth ; fila- ments nearly as long as the anthers, cells distant, glabrous, connective produced into a small, lobed crest ; style glabrous, stigma small ; fruit globose, ⅔in. diam., pericarp black, fragile ; seeds small, black. (Trimen.)

Uses : — According to Trimen, the aromatic rhizomes are used as a medicine, probably for the same purposes as other species of this genus.

1251. A. calcarata, Rose, h.f.b.l, vi, 254. Roxb. 169.

Habitat : — Southern Malay Peninsula and the Concan.

Root-stock perennial, not tuberous. Leafy stem slender, 2-4ft. Leaves 6-12 by l-2in., lanceolate, acuminate, green and glossy on both surfaces. Panicle short, dense-fid, 3-4in. ; rachis pubescent ; lower branches short, bearing 3-4 crowded flowers ; bracts small, ovate. Calyx-tube funnel-shaped, ¼-⅓in. ; ovary densely pubescent. Corolla segments ½in., oblong, greenish-white. Lip 1-1½in., oblong, beautifully variegated with red and yellow on a pale ground with edges slightly incurved ; base spurred. Anther-cells minutely margined. Ovules many in a cell. Capsule globose, red. (Baker).

Uses : — Sold and used as a substitute for galangal in Hyderabad and other parts of India. (Moodeen Sheriff.)

1252. Canna indica, Linn., h.f.b.l, vi., 260. Roxb. 1.

Sans, : — Sarvajayá.

Vern. : — Sarba jaya, Kiáwra, Ukilbar-ki-munker (H.); Sarbajayá, Kámákshi (B.) ; Hakok (Pb.) ; Devakeli, kardali (Mar.) ; Soogûndaraju gida, kelahú, húdingana (Kan.) ; Kullvalei-mani, kunda-mani cheddi (Tam.) ; Krishna-tamarah, guri genza chettu (Tel.) ; Katúvâra (Mal.).

Eng. : — Indian shot.

Habitat : — Cultivated in gardens all over India as ornamental and flowering plants.

Root-stock stout, perennial, tuberous, with many fibres. Stem 3-4ft. Leaves 6-18 by 4-8in., lanceolate to ovate, oval or almost orbicular, caudate-acuminate ; veins arching, sheath open above, margins membranous. Lower leaf 1ft. or more. Raceme with a pedicle 1ft. or more, erect ; peduncles with a long narrow sheath about the middle ; bracts ½in. oblong, ovate, obtuse, membranous, green. Flowers rather distant 2-2½in. long. Calyx segments ¼-⅓in.,lanceolate or oblong, membranous, obtuse. Corolla-segments 1in., erect, narrow, oblanceolate, acuminate, greenish or coloured. Staminal segments longer than the corolla, 3 sub-erect, spathulate, 1 linear, revolute. Fruit erect, ½-1in. long, sub-globose or oblong, obscurely 3-lobed, crowned with calyx segments, pericarp echinulate, black, thin ; seeds very many, pea-sized, globose ; testa crustaceous, black, shining. (Trimen and J. G. Baker.)

Uses : -The root is used as a diaphoretic and diuretic in fevers and dropsy (Atkinson), and also given as a demulcent. (Irvine.) It is considered acrid and stimulant. (Fleming.) When cattle have eaten any poisonous grass, which is generally discovered by the swelling of the abdomen, the natives administer to them the stock of this plant, which they break up into small pieces, boil in rice-water with pepper, and give the cattle to drink. (Drury.) The seed is cordial and vulnerary. (Baden-Powell.)

1253. Musa sapientum, Linn., h.f.b.l, vi., 262. Roxb. 222.

Sans. :— Kadali ; Rambhá. Dirghapatra, Vrisapuspa.

Vern. :— Kelá (H.) ; Kolâ (B.) ; Kolpakâ (As.); Kewiro (Sind.) ; Mouz, kel (Mar.) ; Vazhaip pazham, valai (Tam.) ; Arati, kadalamu (Tel.) ; Bále ; bále-náru (Kan); Vâla, vazhap-pagham, vellacoi, pizaug (Mal.).

Habitat :— Cultivated throughout India.

Root-stock stoloniferous. Stem subarborescent of convolute leaf-sheaths, cylindric, erect, 8-12ft. Leaves very stoutly petioled, 4-5ft., oblong, bright-green above, paler beneath; midrib channelled ; veins horizontal. Spike decurved, usually about 2ft.-3ft., very rarely as long as the leaf, glabrous; peduncle about l½in. diam., below the inflorescence green, glabrous. Bracts large, many-fid, spathi form, bright to dark crimson. Male bracts 6 by 2½in., ovate, oblong-obtuse ; deciduous ; male flowers very many in each bract, l½in. long, nearly white. Calyx tubular, slit to the base in front, 5-toothed teeth, recurved ; 3 outer larger, yellowish-white. Calyx lobes ovate, acute. Corolla a single, convex, membranous petal, opposite the slit of the calyx, embracing the base of the stamens and style. Petal about half as long as the calyx, i.e., ½-¾in. ; tip rounded ; stamens 5, (rudimentary or 0) ; Anther £in., obtuse, 2-celled. Stigma clavate, tip constricted, truncate. Fruit 4in. long, obovate-oblong, slightly curved, suddenly constricted at the apex and at the base into a stout pedicel, ¼-½in., long, obtusely 3-5 angled, golden yellow, sweet, pulpy when ripe. Seedless in cultivated form ; full of many seeds in the wild form. Seeds about 1/6in. diam., subglobose, angled by pressure tubereted ; testa brownish-black, crustaceous, rugose, 1/6in. diam.

Uses: — The unripe fruit, called mockaka in Sanskrit, is considered cooling and astringent; it is much used in diabetes in the form of a ghrita, composed of plantain flowers, rootstock," and unripe fruits, ghi, cloves, cardamoms, and several other drugs. This medicine is generally prescribed in doses of two tolas along with some preparation of tin or other metallic drug. (U. C. Dutt.) Young plantain leaves are used as a cool dressing for blisters, burns, &c, and to retain the moisture of water dressings. They may also be used as a green shade in ophthalmia and other eye diseases. The root and stem are considered tonic, anti-scorbutic, and useful in "disorders of the blood " and venereal disease, Emerson states that the sap forms a valuable drink and mouth-wash to allay thirst in cholera. According to Dymock, Mir Muhammad Husain states in the Makhzan, that the kind of plantain, called málbhok, is used as a poultice to burns, while that called bolkad is boiled and employed as an ointment for the syphilitic eruptions of children. He also notices the use of the ashes on account of their alkaline properties, and of the root as an anthelmintic. Ainslie writes, " The plantain is one of the most delicious of all the Indian fruits, and one of the safest for such as have delicate stomachs, being entirely free from acidity ; it is, moreover, very nourishing, and is always prescribed as food by the Hindu practitioners for such as suffer from bile and heat of habit."

The fruit has long been known and commented on by European writers. Perhaps the first authentic description is by Pliny, who quotes the name pala, a term which still exists in Malabar. He states that the Greeks of Alexander's expedition saw it in India, and that sages reposed beneath its shade and ate its fruit (hence the name " sapientum "). In the middle ages, it had some reputation as a medicine. Avicenna wrote that it engendered phlegm, and that it spoiled the stomach, but that it was good for heat in the stomach, lungs and kidneys, and provoked urine. Rhasis stated that the fruit was hurtful to the " maw ;" Serapio that it was in the end of the first degree warming, diuretic and aphrodisiac. Paludanus, the commentator and friend of Linschoten, confirms these statements, and, from personal observation, supports the remark that the fruit breeds " a heaviness in the maw." In modern times, it is employed medicinally by Europeans as an anti-scorbutic only, and as a mild, demulcent astringent diet in cases of dysentery, but several other less well-known properties are attributed to different parts of the plant in the following opinions : —

" The ripe fruit of the finer varieties of the plantain is useful in chronic dysentery and diarrhoea. The dried fruit of the larger varieties is a valuable antiscorbutic. In North Bengal, the dried leaves, and in fact the entire plant, is burnt, and the ashes, dissolved in water and strained, yield an alkaline solution, containing chiefly potash salt, which is used in curries, especially as a cure for acidity, and anti-scorbutic, and where common salt is scarce, this is used by the people for seasoning their curries." (C. T. Peters, M. B., Zandra, South Afghanistan.) " I have known a diet of green plantain well boiled, and curds (dahi), sweetened with sugar or seasoned with salt according to taste, to be of singular benefit, in cases of dysentery and diarrhœa. (2) Ripe plantain, well beaten up with pulp of old tamarind and sweetened with old treacle or sugar-candy, is a household remedy among the natives of Bengal for dysentery, at the commencement of the attack. (3) Flour, made out of green plantain, dried in the sun, is used in the form of chappatis in certain parts of Tirhoot in cases of dyspepsia with trouble-some flatulence and acidity. I have known one case in which it agreed remarkably well when even a diet of plain sago and water brought on a severe attack of colic. The chappatis are taken dry with a little salt." (Assistant-Surgeon N. C. Dutt, Durbhanga.) " A combination of ripe plantain, tamarind, and common salt is most efficacious in dysentery. I have used it in many cases both of the acute and chronic forms of the disease, and seldom failed to effect a cure. It may, in fact, be said to be a specific. It is simple, easily procurable, and may safely be administered to a child. In simple cases, a single dose is sufficient, as a rule, three or four doses are required to effect a cure. The patient should be kept quiet and placed on low diet The dose for an adult is, — ripe plantain one ounce, the pulp of ripe tamarind half an ounce, common salt quarter of an ounce ; well mixed and administered immediately. It may be given two or three times a day." (R. A. Parker, M. D.) " The juice of the tender roots contains a large quantity of tannin and is used with mucilage for checking hemorrhages from the genital and air passages. The ashes, produced by burning the plant, contain a large amount of potash salts, and are used as an antacid in acidity, heart-burn, and colic. The tender fruit is used as a diet for patients suffering from hemoptysis and diabetes." (J. H. Thornton, B.A., M.B., Monghyr. ) " The juice of the bark and leaf is frequently given to children suffering from an overdose of opium. The juice of an ounce of bark, mixed with an ounce of ghi, acts as a brisk purgative." (Surgeon J. McCloghey, Poona.) " The root juice, in which burnt borax and nitre are dissolved, is given with success in ordinary cases of retention of urine. The juice of the flowers, mixed with curds, is used in dysentery and menorrhagia." (Native Surgeon T. R. Moodelliar, Chingleput, Madras.) " The juice of the root is used as an antidote to arsenical poisoning in the lower animals. Mixed with ghi and sugar and administered internally, it is said to be useful in gonorrhœa. " (J. Parker, M.D., Poona.)

Dr. Reginald Ashe, the Superintendent of the Jail at Mymensingh, has lately used with much success in the treatment of diarrhœa and dysentery flour made from the plantain. * * The plantains are cut just before ripening, they are skinned with a sharp wooden knife, so as to avoid blackening, then cut into thin slices, sun-dried, pounded in a mortar and sifted through muslin. The line powder or flour should be stored in air-tight glass bottles. The issue is 2oz. for each meal cooked in a brass vessel with a little water. Dahi or butter-milk can afterwards be added. The taste of the plantain powder is slightly astringent, but fruity and palatable. There is no doubt of the high nutritive value of the plantain. The flour is said to be easily digested, it is well worth trying for patients with chronic bowel complaint who cannot digest milk, I. M. G., July 1900.

N. B.—K. R. Kirtikar once obtained some of this powder from Kanara, but he used it only for congies and not for medicinal purposes. The congy with sugar is very agreeable and easily digestible.

Regarding the use of plantain in Diabetes, see my brochure on Diabetes and its Dietetic Treatment, 8th Edition, 1917, Panini Office, Allahabad. (B. D. B.)

" Plantain leaf is the cleanest and nicest dressing for a blistered surface that I know, and is also useful in covering other dressings. A piece of plantain leaf introduced into the helmet on a hot clay forms an effectual protection from the sun's rays, without appreciably adding to the weight of the head-dress." (H, DeTatham, Watt's dictionary.) The gum obtained from the unripe plantain mixed with rice water is used in diarrhœa. In the Punjab, the sap of the fresh stem is largely used in nervous affections, viz., hysteria, epilepsy, etc. (B. D. Basu.) The ashes of the stem are useful in intestinal worms.

N. 0. HAEMODORACEÆ.

1254. Sansevicria Roxburghiana, SchulL, h.f.b.i., vi., 271.

Syn.—S. Zeylanica Willd. Roxb. 294.

Habitat: — Coromandel coast. "I suspect that it is the only species indigenous to India and is confined to the Western Peninsula and Ceylon, wild or cultivated." (J. D. Hooker, in Fl. Br. I. vi. 271.)

Sans. : — Mûrva.

Vern. : — Murahri, Marul (H. ); Murba, Gorachakra (B.) ; Ghanasphan, Marvel (M.) ; Murvel (Guz.) ; Marût Kalang (Tam.) ; Ishaura-koda-udr (Tel.) ; Katu-kapel (Mal.) ; Heggurutike (Kan.).

Root-stock very stout, branching stoloniferous ; stem very short ; leaves about 8 or 9in. a tuft, 2⅓-3ft. by lin. towards the middle, sub-erect, dagger-shaped, rigid, pale-green, with transverse bands of dark green, concave above, and striate, dorsally rounded, ¼in. thick from back to front, margins thin, reddish, terminated by a terete, acute, rigid, spiniform, green tip, l-2in. long. Scape a foot long, cylindric, green or pale-purple, with a few linear, acuminate bracts, l-2in., long. Raceme l-2ft. long by l½-2in. diam., striate, erect, cylindric. Flowers in fascicles of 3-6, sub-erect, very shortly pedicelled, sweet-scented ; bracts very minute, ovate, acute, pale-green ; perianth pale, greenish-white tinged with violet, tube ½in., long, cylindric, lobes about as long as the tube, linear-oblong, obtuse, revolute ; tips purplish ; stamens erect ; filaments as long as the perianth lobes ; anthers oblong, versatile, ovary trigonous, 3-lobed, lobes pitted at the top ; style fliform, exserted ; stigma minute. Fruit sparingly produced, globose, ⅓in. diam., of one

PLATE No. 934.

A-OURCUMA ANGUSTIFOLIA, ROXB.

B— CURCUMA ZBDOARIA, ROSC.