120 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



sel a little larger than a pea, globose, 4 chambers, many seeds. 

 Habitat. — Common all over the Archipelago. Blooms in 

 July. 



Punica Granatum, L. 



Nom. Vulg. — Granada, Sp. and Fil. dialects ; Pomegranate, 

 Eng. 



Uses. — The decoction of the tender leaves is used as a gargle 

 and wash in angina, aphthae, and wounds within the buccal 

 cavity. 



The peel of the fruit is highly astringent and in decoction is 

 a useful agent in treating chronic diarrhoea, and locally in injec- 

 tions of lotions for leucorrhoea and inflamed haemorrhoids. It 

 should not be given when rectal tenesmus exists. The Phar- 

 macopoeia of India contains the following formula for preparing 

 the decoction of the peel : 



Pulp of the fruit, mashed 60 grams. 



Water 600 " 



Boil for 15 minutes in a covered vessel, cool, filter and 

 add water enough to make a liter. Dose, 30-50 grams 

 per diem. 



This preparation is also used in astringent gargles and injec- 

 tions. For internal use the decoction is rendered more active 

 by adding a small quantity of cloves or cinnamon. This mix- 

 ture with the addition of opium gives excellent results in the 

 treatment of diarrhoea among the natives of India and is highly 

 recommended by Dr. Kirkpatrick. 



The most important part of the pomegranate, however, is its 

 root, the bark of which is a very efficient taenifuge and the most 

 astringent portion of the plant. It should be used fresh, as 

 drying destroys its activity and gives negative results. Many 

 failures to expel the taenia are probably due to this fact. Ac- 

 cording to Beranger-Fe>and the root gives 25% to 40% of 

 cures, whereas pumpkin seeds give but 5% to 10%. 



