ZULU MEDICINK AND Ml'lDlf'INE-MEX. 29 



tlie umHlatholana, in a word, any of tlie cathartics above 

 described, might be inflicted on a dysenteric patient. 



But wliat is of more interest to us just here are tlie 

 restraining remedies they use. Although all the following 

 plants are said to possess the property of effectually allaying 

 the dysenteric symptoms, it does not thereby follow that they 

 are all astringents. One of the native remedies of highest 

 repute for the complaint is the iihnHlitvgwarta (Wedelia 

 n atari en sis). As we shall see later on, this herb is an excel- 

 lent wotmd and sore healer, and it is possible that its value in 

 dysentery consists pi-ecisely in its powers for healing- the 

 dysenteric ulcers within the bowels. It is administered as an 

 enema, a hot infusion being made, of a handful of the 

 pounded roots with two cupfuls of water, and injected. The 

 action, again, of the nZiplio or iKhavihlii le7.idiili (Cardio- 

 spermum helicacabum) can scarcely be of a binding 

 nature. We shall find that the pixngent leaves of this climber 

 are described as highly successful in the curing' of syphilitic 

 sores, and their usefulness in dysentery may also be due to 

 their healing properties. A double-handful of the leaves and 

 stalks are pounded, and a hot infusion made with a couple 

 of pints of water, to be injected, Avhen cool, as an enema. 



The following are further held in high repute among 

 native doctors : The nmVnfhicamini bush (Plectronia 

 ventosa), a plant probably worth studying. A handful of 

 its leaves are bruised, and kneaded into a cupful of milk, 

 which is gradually drunk in mouthfuls. A lump of the 

 crimson inner-bark of the uNgazi tree, about a couple of 

 inches squai'e, and the same quantity of the bark of the 

 xJIajyhipha tree, is ground into powder, and eaten in a little 

 porridge. The bulbous root of the iiiTsnlica herb has also 

 decided binding qualities. An infusion is prepared of the 

 pounded root in a cupful of hot Avater, and the liquid drunk. 



The iiiTohrane (Elephantorhiza burchellii) is another 

 much-esteemed remedy. The outer-bark is removed from a 

 couple of its large and very red roots, and the interior portion 

 pounded and made into a hot infusion with a quart of water, 



