152 SANSKRIT MATERIA MBDICA 



illustration. Take of the pulse of Phaseolus Rovburghii, root of 



oastor oil plant, of Mucuna pruriens (dtmagnpfu') and Sida cordzfolia 

 (bald), half a tola each, and prepare a decoction in the usual way. 

 This decoction is given with the addition of rook salt and assa- 

 foetida. 1 Several oils for external application in the above men- 

 tioned diseases have the pulse of Phaseolus Boxburghii for their 

 basis or principal ingredient, as for example the following. 



Svalpa masha faila 2 Take of the pulse of Phaseolus Rnxbnrghu 

 eight seers, water sixty- four Beers, boil down to sixteen seers, 

 and strain. Boil the strained decoction with four seers of 

 sesamum oil, and one of rock salt till the water is evaporated. 

 This oil is said to be useful in rheumatism, contracted knee joint, 

 stiff shoulder joint, etc. 



ABRUS PRECATORIUS, Linn. 



f 



Sans, jjst, Crunja. 



Vern. Kuch, Beng. Chirm it,', Blind. 



"This plant is remarkable for its small egg shaped seeds, 

 which are of a brilliant scarlet colour with a black sear indicating 

 the place where they were attached to the pods." Sanskrit writers 

 mention two varieties, namely, white and red seeded. The pro- 

 perties of both are said to be identical. The seeds are described 

 as poisonous, and are used internally in affections of the nervous 

 system and externally in skiu diseases, ulcers, affections of the 

 hair, etc. The root of the plant is described as emetic and useful 

 in poisoning. The seeds constitute the ratti weight used by Hindu 



jewellers and druggists. Ninety-six ratth make one tola or 

 rupee. 



1. mTOTWiw wg* *( ^ , f~$s„ ^ wot f^^ | 



vu?*t: i 





I 



