MEDICINAL LEGUMINOS^ 383 



A decoction of the wood is employed in Brazil for syphilis. The 

 root is used for diseases of the skin, rheumatism, &c. 



The gum which flows from the tree is prescribed as an emollient 

 in cases of diarrhcca. The juice of the bark is used in the fresh state 

 for stomach troubles. 



Tamarindus indica (Tree). — The fruit contains an acid pulp with 

 a slightly laxative action. The pulp contains tartaric, citric, and 

 acetic acids, sugar and pectines. 



Vataerea guaeanensis (Tree). — This plant, commonly known as 

 herpetic wood, yields seeds which, when grated and mixed with 

 vinegar, are employed in Guiana for curing herpes. 



MIMOSE>E. 



Acacia Catechu (Tree). — This inhabitant of India and Africa is 



the source of the " cutch " so largely used as an astringent in medicine. 



Acacia Farnesiana (Tree). — The leaves are used for diseases of 

 the bladder. 



Acacia odoratissima (Tree). — The bark is considered a good remedy 

 for ulcers (Daruty). 



Acacia arabica (Tree). — Indian doctors regard this plant as a 

 powerful tonic and prescribe a decoction for washing nasty wounds. 

 The ash of the leaves, mixed with coco-nut oil, is a remedy for 

 scabies (Achart). 



Acacia ruguta (Liane). — The pods of this liane contain sa-ponin 

 and give, when mixed with water, a soapy emulsion which the 

 Hindus and Mussulmans employ for washing their heads and for 

 clearing their hair of the oil they use (Achart). 



Acacia leucophloea (Tree). — The bark is astringent and enters into 

 the preparation of arrak patte , a spirituous drink (Achart). 



Adenanthera pavonina (Tree). — Astringent, detergent. The bark is 

 used in the form of a gargle for herpetic and tonsillar quinsy (Daruty). 



Albizzia Lebbek (Tree). — The leaves are used in poultice form for 

 cpiinsy and also for bruises (Daruty). 



Albizzia amara (Tree). — The leaflets are sold in the bazaars under 

 the name of Arapoit (Indies) and are used by the Indians instead 

 of soap, especially for washing the head (Achart). 



Albizzia Lophanta (Tree). — The root of this small tree is rich in 

 saponin. 



Albizzia anthelmintica (Plant). — The bark of the Moussena, the 

 common name for this plant, is considered in xAbyssinia to be a more 

 active remedy for tapeworm than Koiisso. Thiel has abstracted a 

 glucoside which he calls moiissenin [Bocquillon). 



