N. 0. CRUCIFERiE. 93 



The seeds act as a digestive condiment, if taken moderately. 



If swallowed whole they operate as a laxative, and for this 

 purpose are sometimes prescribed in dyspepsia and other com- 

 plaints attended with torpid bowels * Watt). 



The pure fresh oil is a stimulant and mild counter-irritant 

 when applied externally. As such, it is very useful in mild 

 attacks of sore-throat, internal congestion, and chronic muscular 

 rheumatism (Surg. D. Basu, Faridpur). 



The oil rubbed on the feet and the bridge of the nose cut 

 short a head cold in one night. I have never seen it fail. In 

 slight bronchitic affections of children, it makes a very useful 

 mild counter-irritant application to the chest. It is also a very 

 useful application in ordinary sore-throat (Surg. K, D. Ghose). 



80. B. camprestris, Linn, h.f.b.i., i. 156. 



Syn. :•— -Sinapis dichotoma and S. Glauca. Roxb. 497, 498, 



Vern. : — Sarson, Sarson-zard, bara-lai, Sheta-Shirsa, banga- 

 sarson, pila-sarson, rara-sarson, pili rai (H.) ; shwet-rai (B.) ; 

 Sarashire, raira (Guj.); Hile-rayan (Deck.). 



Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India. 



(Variety Sarson, Prain F. B. Ind. I 156 under B. 



campestris, sub-species Napus). Stem 4-5 ft., unbranched 

 or branching only near the top. Leaves glaucous, all (except 

 the lowest 2 or 3), with stem clasping basal lobes ; lower leaves 

 pinhati-partite, 6-8 by 2-3 in., terminal lobe much the largest ; 

 upper leaves oblong or lanceolate, 2J-3 in., more or less pinnati- 

 fid. Flowers nearly \ in. diam. Pods various, erect or pendent, 

 sometimes 3 or 4-valved ; erect pods 2 in., pendent pods 3-3J in. 

 long, including the beak ; beak conical, up to 1 in. Seeds 30-80 

 in a pod. A cold weather crop in the plains and hills, up to 

 6,000 ft. Indian Colza. Native name Sarson. 



Parts used : — The seeds. 



Uses: — The oil, combined with camphor, forms an effica- 

 cious embrocation in muscular rheumatism, stiff neck, &c. The 

 seeds mixed with hot water form an efficient counter-irritant 



