136 AMARA NTA GE2E. 



neitlier solid nor liquid, and killed NamucTii in the morning 

 between niglit and daybreak. From tlie bead of the demon 

 sprung the herb Apamarga, with the assistance of which Indra 

 was able to kill all demons. Hence this plant has the reputation 

 of being a powerful talisman, and Is now popularly supposed 

 to act as a safeguard against scorpions and snakes by paralysing 

 them.^ It is waved round the body whilst taking the ceremonial 

 bath early in the morning on the Karaka Chaturdasi or first 

 day of the DIvall (new year) festival. 



The Sanskrit synonyms for the plant are Shikhari, KinI or 

 Kinlhi, Khara-manjari '^ having a rough flow^er- stalk/' Adhva- 

 shalya " roadside rice/* Shaikharika, Pratyak-pushpi ''having 

 reverted flowers/' and Mayuraka "crested/' It is described in 

 the Kighantas as purgative, pungent, digestive ; a remedy for 

 phlegm, wdnd, inflammation of the internal organs, piles, itca, 

 abdominal enlargements, and enlarged cervical glands. Ihe 



ashes are used by the Hindus in preparing caustic alkaline pre- 

 parations. The diuretic properties of the plant are well known 

 to the natives of India, and European physicians agree as to its 

 value In dropsical affections; one ounce of the plant may be boil- 

 ed in ten ounces of water for 15 minutes, and from 1 to 2 ounces 

 of the decoction be given 3 times a day. [Pharm. of Induh 



p. 184.) 



Different parts of the plant arc ingredients in many native 

 prescriptions In combination with more active remedies. 



In Western India the juice is applied to relieve toothache. 

 The ashes with honey ai*e given to relieve cough ; the root m 

 doses of one tola is given at bedtime for night blindness, and 

 rubbed Into a paste with water it is used as an an^an (eye salve) 

 in opacities of the cornea. The seeds are often used as a famine 

 food in India, especially in Edjputana, where the plant is called 

 Bharotha, ^r^fry (grass). 



Description. — A common weed, with an erect, striated 

 pubescent stem, generally about two feet high, but sometimes 

 much more. Side bra nches in pairs, spreading ; leaves pubescent 



♦Conipnre with Scribonius Comp. 1G3, 16-1, where similar saperstitions 

 are uncorded. 



