410 The Tinguian 



asper Lour.), or kasabong (Argemone mexicana L.), or the root of 

 the talabatab (Capparis micracantha D.C.), all of which cause vomi- 

 ting. 



The fruit of the soloyot {Cor chorus olitorius L.), when baked and 

 ground to a powder, likewise produces vomiting, and is used for any 

 kind of poisoning. 



To relieve the itch, the juice of the kabatiti (Luff a acutangula 

 Roxb.), Bayabas (Psidium guajava L.) or lew-lew (Ficus haulili 

 Blanco) is mixed with vinegar and soot, and is applied to the skin. The 

 milky exudation of the kalinbwaya (Euphorbia neriifolia L.) is also 

 placed on the affected parts. 



During the rainy season the people are greatly troubled with small 

 blisters which form between the toes and quickly break down, leaving 

 open sores. To "harden" the feet, they hold them over burning straw. 



Certain other aids against disease are also employed. Cracked feet 

 are treated with carabao dung; the nest of a small cave bird (riido) 

 is crushed in water, and is drunk as a cure for coughs ; while the flesh 

 of the shell fish (kool) is applied to boils. A further cure for the 

 itch is made by pounding a coconut shell into a fine powder. This is 

 placed in a jar, over a hot fire, and a piece of iron is laid over the top. 

 The "sweat" which collects on the iron is said to give instant relief. 



An infected ("bad") finger or limb is tightly bound "to keep the 

 sickness from going up." 



Use of Betel-Nut, Tobacco, and Stimulants. — A study of the 

 tales and ceremonies makes it evident that the betel-nut (bwa) was at 

 one time extensively used. To-day it occupies an exceedingly impor- 

 tant place in the religious rites, but is seldom chewed. When it is 

 offered to the spirits, it is still prepared in the way that is universal 

 throughout Malaysia. The nut of the areca palm (Areca catechu L.) 

 is split into four pieces, fresh lime is spread on a piper leaf (Piper 

 betel L.), this is wrapped about the piece of nut, and is ready for 

 chewing. The areca palm grows well in this territory, and quite an 

 extensive grove is to be found near the village of Bakaok, yet this is 

 the only place where any number of the people are addicted to its use. 

 Tobacco (tabdo), on the other hand, is in universal use, although it 

 certainly was introduced after the arrival of the Spaniards. The leaf 

 is dried, and is rolled into thin cigars which are placed in tiny pipes 

 (Fig. 21 ). The cigar itself is never held in the lips, nor is the leaf 

 chewed. Young and old of both sexes smoke frequently, but not a 

 great deal at a time. After taking a few puffs, the pipe is stuck into 

 the hair, or under the inner band of the hat, until again needed. 



