536 LEGUMINOSZ. 
raw state they are used by the poor as an astringent mas- 
ticatory like betelnut. A size made from the seeds is used as 
a dressing to country-made blankets. 
3 BAUHINIA VARIEGATA, Linn. 
Fig.— Rheede, Hort. Mal i., t. 32. 
Hab.—India. The bark. 
Vernacular —Kachnér (Hind.), Kanchana (Mar.), Kanchan 
(Beng.), Kanchivala (Can.) 
History, Uses, &c.—There are two varieties of this 
Bauhinia. The flowers of the one are purple, or deep rose~ 
coloured, and of the other white, yellow and green; both are 
noticed in the Bhavaprakésa under the names of Kovidara and 
Kanchanira, and are said to have similar properties, the bark 
being described as alterative, tonic, astringent and useful in 
scrofula, skin diseases, and ulcers. Chakradatta recommends 
the bark of the first variety in scrofulous enlargements of the 
cervical glands, and directs it to be given in emulsion with 
rice-water and ginger. Sérangadhara also recommends it for 
a similar purpose, and prescribes it in combination with gug- 
gulu (gum-resin of - Boswellia serrata), myrobalans, and @ 
number of aromatics. In the Concan the juice of the fresh 
bark with the juice of the flowers of Strobilanthes citrata, 10 
 tolds of each, is given as an expectorant, and the bark is used 
with ginger as an internal remedy for scrofula. Under the 
name Kachnar, the author of the Makhzan describes the bark 
as astringent, attenuant and tonic. He says it is used to check 
diarrhoea, to remove intestinal worms, and prevent the de- 
composition of the blood and humours; on this account it is 
useful in leprosy and scrofula. A gargle made from the bark - 
with the addition of Akékié (extract of Acacia pods) and 
- Pomegranate flowers is mentioned as a remedy in salivation — 
and sore throat, and a decoction of the buds in cough, bleed- — 
‘ pile J hematuria and menorrhagia. | Lo 
