MEDICINAL PLANTS OF JAMAICA. -*~ 197 



In ophthalmias, from relaxation of the membranes and 

 coats of the eyes, the diluted juice of capsicum is a sovereign 

 remedy ; and I have often witnessed its virtue in many obsti- 

 nate cases of this sort. 



In some parts of South America, the Indians prick the 

 loins and bellies of hectic patients with thorns dipped in the 

 juice of capsicum. 



It has been alleged, that capsicum, applied to the loins, 

 would occasion gonorrhoea. This is contrary to experience, 

 and too ridiculous an opinion to combat seriously. 



23. Cassia occidentalis. — Piss-a-bed- 



This common weed has a disagreeable smell, like the leaves 

 of all green cassias. The flowers are yellow ; the roots fleshy, 

 and used in aperient and diuretic decoctions. 



24. Cassia fistula. — Cassia Tree. 



This tree is cultivated in gardens and about settlements. 

 It rises to about thirty feet, and has long flower spikes, with 

 yellow papilionaceous blossoms. The pods are about two 

 feet long, and as thick as a man's finger : they are black, 

 smooth, and shining. This is the cassia fistularis of the shops, 

 and the same as that brought from the East Indies. The 

 pods of the Cassia Javanica, or horse cassia, are very large, 

 and the pulp inferior to the former, which enters into some 

 officinal compositions. 



25. Cassia Senna Italica. — The round-leaved Senna. 



This grows on sand banks near the sea, particularly on the 

 palisadoes, near Port Royal in Jamaica. 



It rises by herbaceous stems to two feet in height. From 

 the axilla? at the top are sent forth slender spikes, with yeL 



