VEGETABLE KINGDOM. 467 



are thought to be antagonistic to Acofiite^ and are recom- 

 mended in nausea and vomiting, ague, abdominal pain in 

 pregnancy, and as a poultice in cancrum oris. The three- 

 year old kernels of the stones are considered especially effica- 

 cious in abdominal pain and as an application to wounds. 

 The leaves of the tree are regarded as diaphoretic, and are 

 prescribed in the typhoid fever of children. The heartwood 

 of the tree is recommended in marasmus, or the disease 

 known as ^ (Ku), and a decoction of it is said to have 

 a beneficial action on the blood. The root is used in the 

 eruptive fevers of children, and to promote the growth of hair. 

 The bark is used in decoction, together with mulberry bark, 

 as a wash to old inflamations of the eyes. 



ZIZYPHUS Sp. or RJiammis Sp.—\^ ,g[ ^ (Chung-ssu- 

 tsao), also called filj ^ (Hsien-tsao). A fairy (f|]]) named (f(Ji ,gl) 

 discovered this tree, hence the name. The fruit resembles 

 the jujube, is two inches long, purple in color, striated, has 

 a small stone, and is sweet in taste. It is regarded as tonic, 

 moistening to the tissues, expectorant, and gives a good color 

 to those who eat it for a long time. 



^ ^ (K'u-tsao). This also has a Buddhist name, |i f|ft 

 (Chiieh-i). It is said to grow almost everywhere, has a fruit 

 green and small, intensely bitter, and therefore it cannot be 

 eaten. Its virtues are said to be antifebrile, diuretic, and 

 purgative. 



