Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/642

in the Pharmaceutical Journal for September 3rd and 10th, 1870 mentions the uses of the following ferns which are indigenous to British India.

1358. Adiantum æthiopicum, Linn.* This is a cape species. An infusion is sometimes used as an emollient in coughs and diseases of the chest. A syrup is also prepared from it. The Basuto Kafirs, who call it "Ma-o-ru-metsoo," employ its caudex in the shape of decoction for promoting parturition.

1359. Adiantum pedatum, Linn.† " Canadian Maiden-hair." This is said to be the most esteemed sort of Maiden-hair, being more aromatic than the European Maiden-hair It was formerly more employed than at present as a pectoral in chronic catarrhs. Many imaginary virtues have been ascribed to this as well as other ferns.

1360. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Linn.‡ "Black Spleenwort." The medicinal properties of this fern have been extolled by various old authors, but its use is unknown in modern practice. Ray sums up a catalogue of diseases in which it is supposed to be beneficial.

1361. Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Linn.§ "Wall Rue." Lightfood says that this fern was at one time sold as an expectorant and deobstruent. It was one of the species employed as a substitute for Maiden-hair.

1362. Asplenium Trichomanes, Linn.ǁ According to Lightfood, this fern was formerly used as an expectorant by the peasantry of Scotland. This is another of the many substitutes for the true Maiden-hair, now fallen into disrepute. Is the " Myle conday" of the Tamils.

1363. Athyrium Filix-femina, Bernh.¶ The rhizome of this fern has been used as a substitute for that of the Male-fern, and the same virtues as an anthelmintic have been ascribed to it. It is now generally admitted, however, that these virtues were more supposititious than real, and it has ceased to be employed.

1364. Botrychium Lunaria, Sw.** " Moonwort." Magical properties have been assigned to this fern. Gerarde says, "It is singular to heale green and fresh wounds. " It hath been used among the alchymists and witches to doe wonders withall, who say that it will loose lockes, and make them to fall from the feet of horses that grase where it doth grow, and hath been called of them 'Martagon,' whereas in truth they are all but drowsie dreams and illusions ; but it is singular for wounds as aforesaid." Ray commends its virtues in dysentery.

1365. Cibotium Barometz, Sw.†† Yields the " Penawar Jambie" of Sumatra. It is a similar substance to " Pulu " and employed for like purposes. This is

• Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p. 84.

‡ Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p. 86.

† Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p.156.

§ Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p.156.

ǁ Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p.143.

¶ Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p.168.

• • Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p.469.

†† Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p. 24.