SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM 241 



Uses. — The Filipino women use the leaves to perfume their 

 gogo hair-wash. The decoction of the leaves is used internally 

 as a diuretic (10 grams to a liter of water) and also to bathe 

 pregnant women. The roots also are diuretic. 



A Manila pharmacist, D. Rosendo Garcia, has obtained a 

 good quality of the fixed oil of this plant. In India they call 

 this essence rusa, geranium and gin-gembre (nimar oil, Eng.) j 

 the annual export from Bombay is over 40,000 English 

 pounds. It is dextrogyrous and its formula is C 5 H 4 . 



Another species, the A. nardus, L., commonly called " raiz 

 de mora " (mulberry root), " citronella," Eng., possesses the 

 same therapeutic properties as the former. It also possesses 

 an agreeable perfume and yields an essential oil, which, like 

 rusa, is used to adulterate Attar of Roses. 



The dried root is widely used in the Philippines and in 

 Europe as well, to preserve clothing from moths and other de- 

 structive insects, at the same time giving them a sweet odor. 

 In India the decoction is used internally, 10 grams to a liter of 

 water, in the treatment of rheumatism and as a diuretic. 



Botanical Description. — An indigenous grass with sword- 

 shaped leaves about 4° high, tapering at the base, possessing a 

 sweet odor. Root thick, irregular, rough, formed by the union 

 of several small rootlets. 



Saccharum officinarum, L. 



Nom. Vulg. — Gailamiel, Carta de azucar, Carta dulc, Sp. ; 

 Tubo, Tag. ; Sugar Cane, Eng. 



Uses. — The Filipinos are very fond of the fresh cane. 

 The juice, which is extracted by means of primitive wooden 

 presses, is used as a drink mixed with lemon juice or vino and 

 is sold in markets and public places as a popular beverage on 

 hot days. A tepid juice, extracted from heated cane is given 

 for catarrhal troubles. This use of the juice is the only one 

 peculiar to the Philippines. Its general use and properties 



