280 VENEZUELAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
Eapatoriumy bears the same vernacular name [derived from the Qui- 
chua hanguage.— Ed.]. The juice of the fresh leaves is astringent. 
Chirel {Capsicum baccafum, L.). The hemes are used as caustics, 
and the leaves, bruised and mixed with tallow, are applied to tumours, 
to promote suppuration. 
Cidm (Citrus, sp.) A decoction of the rind of the fruit is taken for 
colds and indigestion. (All the species of Citncs have been introduced 
by the Spaniards, and thrive well.) 
Cipres {Capressus sempermrens, L.). Cultivated in gardens. A de- 
coction of the leaves is used to procure abortion, as those of Juniperus 
Sahina^ L. The leaves of Persea gratisshna have the same effect. 
Cinielo {Ciruelo is the name of the tree, Ciruela that of the fruit). 
There are different species of Spondias in the countrj'-, viz. Ciruelo de 
Espaiia =: Spondias purpurea, L. ; Jobo = S/J0}7dias Ititea, L. 3 and 
Jobo de la India = Spondias mani/ifera^ L. All have a resinous 
bark, and on that account they are used as aromatics, principally for 
bathhig in inflammation, pain, and swelling of the legs. 
Cobalonga {Ocotea Ptichury major et minor, '^l^vi,). The tree grows 
in the southern parts of Bavqu.isimeto,butthe seeds, Fah(^ Pichitrim, are 
found at the drug shops throughout the country. They are aromatic, 
and used in diarrhoea, dysentery, colics, and nervous disorders. 
Coco {Cocas nncifera^ L.). Cultivated in " cocales," or Coco-estates, 
on the seashore, and very abundantly about the Lake of Valencia ; near 
Caracas few trees are met with, the Chaguarama {Oreodoxa regia, Kunth) 
being more frequently cultivated. The oil extracted from the fruit is 
used principally for burning, but it has the disagreeable property to 
become congealed very easily, even in the torrid zone. The hard shell 
is calcined, and a famous remedy in many diseases. The milk or 
water of the nut is cooling and pleasant, and generally taken with gin. 
Drunk in excess, it is said to act as an aphrodisiac. 
Coco de Mono {Leci/this miyior^ Jacq.). Also called " Ollita de 
mono" (Monkey's-pot). The fruit is put for twenty-four hours in 
water, which, taken afterwards, is said to give relief in asthma, Jac- 
quin has the following in Amer. Pict. "(ed. 1763), p. 169 : — " Unicum 
semen integrum assumpsit quod sapore gratissimo deprehendi ; sed post 
mediam horam nausea, anxietate magna, capitisque titubatione pr^eter 
consuetudincm fui vexatus ; an ab hoc nucleo ?" This effect does not 
agree with the supposed medicinal property of the fruit. 
