CUKCUMA LONG A 229 



The tincture is given in doses of 2-4 grams. The official 

 infusion 30-60 grams. 



The rhizome contains a volatile oil 1 (25 per cent.), a pale yel- 

 low liquid, specific gravity 0.878, the odor like that of the rhi- 

 zome but lacking its strong and piquant taste. Its reaction is 

 not acid ; it dissolves slowly in alcohol. The burning taste is 

 due to a resin that produces protocatechuic acid when melted 

 with potassa. 



Botanical Description. — The only part employed is the 

 rhizome, well known all over the islands and found in all their 

 pharmacies and shops. 



Several stems rise 2-3° directly from the peculiar, branched 

 rhizome ; long-lanceolate, acuminate, entire, glabrous, alternate 

 leaves diverge stiffly from the sides of the stem ; petiole proper 

 very short, its broader extension ensheathing the stem j gen- 

 eral appearance of a single stem is much like that of the Sol- 

 omon's seal so familiar in the U. S. 



Curcuma longa, L. 



Nom. Vulg. — Dilaw, Tag.; Dulaw, Kalawaga, Kinamboy, 

 Vis.; Agay, Pam.; Turmeric Plant, Eng. 



Uses. — The yellow rhizome called by some azafrdn (saffron), 

 is used as a condiment ; its odor is remotely suggestive of va- 

 nilla. The Philippine herb-doctors give it internally for 

 haemoptysis, externally as a plaster or in infusion for acute 

 dermatitis. The juice is prescribed in doses of 30—60 grams in 

 bronchial catarrh. In India they inhale the fumes of burning 

 turmeric paper for coryza, and with good effect according to the 

 testimony of Dr. Waring. 



The drug is official in the Pharmacopoeia of India. It is 

 carminative, stimulant and probably antiseptic. Its decoction 

 is used as an eye-wash in catarrhal and purulent conjunctivitis. 

 The Mohammedans of Decan use it for jaundice upon the 



1 European analyses make the amount 1-2. 2 per cent. 



