42 LYTHRACEZ. 
ridhin”? (the best of herbs). In Arabic it is called Hinna 
‘Arabic and Persian works give Arkén and Fékiliytin as t 
Greek names ;* they describe the leaves as a valuable exterr 
application in headache, combined with oil so as to form 
-paste, to which resin is sometimes added. They are appli 
to the soles.of the feet in small-pox, and are supposed 
prevent the eyes being affected by the disease. They 4 
have the reputation of promoting the healthy growth of the 
hair and nails. An ointment made from the leaves is sp 
of as having valuable healing properties, and a decoc 
is used as an astringent gargle. The bark is given 
jaundice and enlargement of the spleen, also in calc 
affections, and as an alterative in leprosy and obstinate 
diseases, in decoction it is applied to burns, scalds, &c. 
seeds, with honey and tragacanth, are described as cephal 
An infusion of the flowers is said to cure headache, and to 
a good application to bruises; a pillow stuffed with them 
the reputation of acting as a soporific. (Dr. Emerson.) 
ointment is also applied to bruises, and a perfu 
prepared from them, which is called in Arabic Duhn 
and is used as a cosmetic. | 
Ainslie notices the use of an extract prepared from the 
flowers and leaves by the Tamil physicians of Southern India 
as a remedy in lepra, half a teaspoonful twice a day being t 
dose. He also says that the leaves are applied externally 
cutaneous affections. In the Concan the leaf-juice mixed wi 
water and sugar is given as a remedy for spermatorrhcea, a 
with milk in the condition popularly known as “ hot an d 
fits.’’ . 
In the Pharmacopeia of India attention is drawn to th 
use in an obscure affection called « burning of the f 
often met with in India; and the editor mentions his 
himself witnessed, when in Burmah, a great amount of | 
* The evmpos of Dioscorides (i., 109, a 
46) appear to be Henna, as nai his Wve tie at tac 
Arkan «\3 5! is an Arabic word meaning a blight or diuéiig: 
CO 
plants or men yellow (jaundice). 
