MEDICINAL USES OF PLANTS 185 



Family PORTULACACEAE 



Genus PORTULACA 

 PORTULACA OLERACEA L. GULASIMAN. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on food plants. 



The leaves and tops, in poultices, are used as an antihemorrha- 

 gic. In the form of an infusion they are taken as a diuretic 

 beverage. Also they are employed to heal bums and cure 

 certain skin diseases. 



Distribution: Very common in waste places throughout the 

 Philippines. 



Family BASELLACEAE 



Genus BASEL LA 

 BASELLA RUBRA L. LibAto. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on food plants. 



The roots are employed as a rubefacient, and in poultices 

 to reduce local swellings. The sap is used to anoint any part 

 of the body affected by acne in order to diminish the irritation 

 produced by that malady. 



Family NYMPHAEACEAE 



Genus NELUMBIUM 

 NELUMBIUM NELUMBO (L.) Druce. Baino or LOTUS. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on food plants. 



The roots, rhizomes, and 'flowers are employed as an astrin- 

 gent. The leaves and seeds are used in poultices. 



Family MENISPERMACEAE 



Genus ANAMIRTA 

 ANAMIRTA COCCULUS (L.) W. et A. LiGTANG. 



A description of this species and its local names are given 

 in the section on fiber plants. 



The seeds, which are very poisonous, are used to kill lice in 

 the hair. They are also employed in fishing. 



Genus ARCHANGELISIA 

 ARCHANGELISIA FLAVA (L.) Merr. AbuTRA. 



A description of this species and its local names, are given 

 in the section on dyes. 



