Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/497

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.)

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,