VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 67 



and showy leaves and flowers ; the latter being equally used 

 with the former in the preparation of pomades. But inas- 

 much as the root has properties similar to those of rhubarb^ 

 it has been suggested that it may be used as a substitute 

 for this drug. 



BENINCASA CERIFERA.—^ S (Tung-kua). Other 

 names, ^ jEL (Pai-kua), 7j< ;^" (Shui-chih), and \% ^ Ti-chih). 

 This is the large White Gourd of India, which is much 

 cultivated throughout China. Its surface is usually covered 

 with a waxy exudation, by which it is distinguished in name 

 in nearly every language. The flesh, the pulp, the seeds, and 

 the rind (1392) are all used in medicine. The flesh is con- 

 sidered to be sweet and slightly cooling. It is recommended 

 tor the relief of thirst and as a diuretic. It is considered cool- 

 ing in fevers, and if "prickly heat" is rubbed with a freshly 

 cut slice of this substance, it is a sure relief. The pulp is 

 regarded as demulcent both for internal and external use. It 

 is added to baths for the treatment of pimples and prickly heat. 

 It is also regarded as diuretic, and is used in the treatment of 

 gravel. The seeds, 1391, of which the kernels only seem to 

 be used, are regarded as demulcent, and under prolonged use 

 are thought to be tonic, preventing hunger and prolonging 

 life. They are also used in cosmetic applications to the skin 

 in simple eruptions. A famous prescription is the use of these 

 seeds incinerated and taken internally for the treatment of 

 gonorrhoea ! The incinerated rind is administered in case of 

 painful wounds. 



BERBERIS THUNBERGII. — >J. ^ (Hsiao-po). It is 

 also called -^ ^ (Tza-po) and ^ ;^ |JiJ (Shan-shih-liu), 

 "mountain pomegranate." It has a bitter yellow bark and 

 red berries. The branches are used for dyeing yellow. The 

 root does not seem to be used for this purpose, although 

 doubtless it is as well adapted as the European Berberis 

 vulgaris. The bark is the part used. It is regarded as very 

 cooling, and is therefore prescribed in fevers. Its anthelmintic 

 and antiseptic properties are also highly esteemed, and it is 

 prescribed in menorrhagia. 



(^ 



