Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/576

admirably fitted by peculiar texture." (Ainslie, Mat. Ind.) Compare with tomentum of Caryota urens (and of Borassus).

The flowers — Are sometimes used medicinally, being said to be astringent.

Immature nuts. — These, like the flowers, are often employed medicinally, especially as an astringent in the sore-throats of children. :

The root. — "The root is used as a diuretic, as also in uterine diseases." (U. C. Dutt, 248.) It is also employed as an astringent gargle in sore-throat.

The ashes. — " The ashes of the leaves contain an amount of potash ; they are used medicinally."

The bud. — The tender buds of this palm, as also of Borassus and Phoenix, are esteemed as a nourishing, strengthening, and agreeable vegetable.

" The cocoanut milk of the green fruit is a cooling, refrigerant drink, containing albumen and salines. It is a good drink in cholera cases. It succeeds in checking vomiting when other means fail. Cocoanut oil, prepared from fresh pulp, is a good substitute for cod-liver oil. The dose I give is from 20 to 30 minims in the beginning, rising to a drachm thrice daily. An ash is prepared from cocoanut pulp by the Kabirajes which is a valuable antacid and digestive. It is called ' Narkel khond.' A sweet extract is also prepared, which is used for similar purposes " (R. L. Dutt, M. D., Pubna). " The sweet toddy obtained from this palm is very refreshing and possesses laxative properties. Its continued use (twice or thrice weekly) during pregnancy has a marked effect on the colour of the infant, which is born of a fair complexion, — i.e., if of dark parents, comparatively fair ; if of lighter-coloured parents, the offspring generally assumes a European complexion " (Hon. Surg. P. Kinsley, Chicacole, Ganjam). " If the flowers are mixed with sugar, the root of khus-khus, and white chandan, with a little water, the combination will be found good in bilious fever, will check vomiting, and produce a cooling sensation." (Civil Surgeon William Wilson, Bqgra.)