186 THE MEDICINAL PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



as useful the application of the bruised sprouts to snake bites. 

 Bontius attributes expectorant properties to the plant. The 

 natives of Siam and Cochin China use it as a cordial and as a 

 medicine for paralysis and asthma. 



In Concan the sweetened decoction of the plant with a little 

 cumin seed is given for dyspepsia with pyrosis. 



Botanical Description. — A plant about 3° high, stem 

 straight, beset with sharp eminences. Leaves opposite, mem- 

 branaceous, lanceolate, pinnatifid, large teeth ending in prick- 

 les. Petioles very short, 2 thorns at the base. Flowers pur- 

 plish white in spikes. Calyx double ; the outer one of 2 parts, 

 the inner 4. Corolla bell-shaped, lower lip broad, keeled, 

 fleshy, notched above. Upper lip wanting, a notch in its 

 place. Stamens 4, didynamous. Ovary superior, conical. 

 Style of equal length with stamens. Stigma bifid. Seed ves- 

 sels 2-celled, each cell with 2 heart-shaped, flattened, rough seeds. 



Habitat. — Very common in regions inundated by salt 

 water. 



Barleria Prionitis, L. (Ban-eUera Prionitis, Blanco.) 



NoM. VuLG. — Kokogmanoh, Kidania, Tag. 



Uses. — This plant is not used medicinally in the Philip- 

 pines. The natives of Bombay are accustomed to use its juice 

 to anoint the soles of their feet during the rainy season in 

 order to toughen the skin and prevent fissures due to prolonged 

 maceration. 



The leaf juice is bitter and acid ; it is a favorite with the na- 

 tives of India in the treatment of the catarrhal fevers common 

 among their children, administered in doses of 2 tablespoonfuls 

 a day mixed with sweetened water. 



In Concan the dry bark is given for whooping-cough and the 

 juice of the fresh bark in doses of 2 " tolas " (7.60 grams) for 

 anasarca. Dr. Bidie states that the action is diaphoretic and 

 expectorant. 



