178 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



useful article of food in hot countries where the digestive func- 

 tions become sluggish. Used in moderation it prevents dyspep- 

 sia and consequent diarrhoea. It is used as a gargle for hoarse- 

 ness, decreasing the congestion of the larynx and vocal cords. 



Gargle. — 



Tincture of capsicum 8 grams. 



Water 160 " 



Mix. 



Recently capsicum in powder, extract, or tincture, has been 

 recommended internally in the treatment of incipient hemor- 

 rhoids. The dose is .50 to 3 grams of the powder in pills or 

 capsules j watery extract, 0.30-0.60 ; tincture, 10-30 drops. 



The C. annuum, L., and other varieties of red pepper serve 

 the same uses as the above. 



Botanical Description. — Stem 4-angled. Leaves oppo- 

 site, ovate-lanceolate, entire. Petioles short. Flowers green- 

 ish-white in little clusters, drooping. Corolla wheel-shaped. 

 Fruit straight, conical, slender, scarcely 1' long. 



Habitat. — Universally common in the islands. Blooms at 

 all times. 



Datura alba, Nees. (D. Metd, Roxb. and Blanco.) 



Nom. Vulg. — Talamponay, Tag., Pam.; Takbibug, Vis.; 

 Dhatura, Indo-Eng. 



Uses. — The applications of this species are identical with 

 those of D. Stramonium and it is official in the Pharmacopoeia 

 of India. It is antispasmodic, narcotic and toxic, and is used 

 quite commonly with criminal intent in India and Indo-China. 

 The cooked and bruised leaves make an efficient poultice in 

 articular rheumatism. 



The symptoms of poisoning by " dhatura" are : dilatation of 

 the pupil, general malaise, dryness of the fauces and skin, hal- 

 lucinations, rapid pulse, coma and death or permanent mania. 



