52 ERV. ALFRED T. BRYANT. 



taken, presuuiably in order to induce a wasliing-out by urina- 

 tion. Or the leaves and stalks of the vCathncdthn (Hibiscus 

 surattensis) are crushed very finely in cold water and the 

 strained milky liquid is injected into either of the channels. 

 The urethral affections are also relieved by the isiThumana 

 (Solanum capense), of which six of the small roots are 

 pounded, boiled in a pint of milk, and a tablespoonful of the 

 decoction drunk three times a day. The preparation of the 

 iBlincu already mentioned is also taken internally to render 

 the urine bland. 



Uterine Disorders. 



I need scarcely say that the distinguishing nature of the 

 various uterine disorders is not recognised. As a general 

 specific we often find the following method employed : the 

 pulverised bark of the iiNiikani tree (?Ocotea bullata) 

 is mixed with that of the iiMahlahekufeni tree (Croton 

 gratissimum and C. sylvaticum) and a little ginger and 

 blown, through a small hollow reed, into the womb. 



What the properties of the uNtihani tree may be I am 

 unaware, but I have an opinion that they are of a caustic 

 nature. Those of the crotons, as a cutaneous eruptive irritant 

 and stimulant, are well known. If the crotonic principle, 

 then, is so powerful when applied to the external skin, we 

 may conclude that its action will be considerably stronger 

 when applied to the much tenderer tissue of the internal 

 organs. In this wa}^ perhaps, it may be of some real value 

 when introduced into the womb in cases of inflammation, or 

 where that organ is overcoated with morbid matter requiring 

 cauterising. 



In cases of injuries to the womb from obstetrical operations, 

 of uterine inflammation and the like, a hot infusion is made of 

 the leaves of the nmJuluka running herb, a portion being 

 drunk and the rest injected either into the woml) or into the 

 rectum. 



