tf. O. LEGUMINOS^. 431 



short, curved, swollen peduncles, usually shorter than the 

 leaves. Calyx glabrous or very likely silky. Pod 1 J-lJ by Jin. 

 wide, flat, oblong, truncate, with a sharp deflected beak, finely 

 silky. Seeds 3-5, rather over Jin. ovoid, usually bright scarlet, 

 with a black patch on top, highly polished as if covered with 

 red lac. 



The flowers are sometimes white, when the seeds are of that 

 colour, with the black on top; sometimes the seeds are mixed 

 black and white (J. G. Baker). 



Parts used : — The roots, seeds, and leaves. 



Uses : — The watery extract of the root is useful in relieving 

 obstinate coughs (K. L. Dey). 



Formerly, the root was considered to be a perfect substitute 

 for liquorice, but experience has shewn this to be erroneous. 



By Sanskrit writers the root is described as emetic and 

 useful in poisoning. Internally, the seeds are described as 

 poisonous and useful in affections of the nervous system, and, 

 externally, in skin diseases, ulcers, affections of the hair, &c. 

 The seeds reduced to a paste are recommended to be applied 

 locally in sciatica, stiffness of the shoulder joint, paralysis, and 

 other nervous diseases. In white leprosy, a paste composed of 

 the seed and plumbago root is applied as a stimulant dressing. 

 In alopecia a paste of the seed is recommended to be rubbed 

 on the bare scalp (U. C. Dutt). 



The seeds are used as a purgative, but in large doses are 

 an acrid poison, giving rise to symptoms resembling those of 

 cholera. The poisonous property is generally believed to be 

 in the red covering of the seed (Surg.-Major Jayakar). 



When boiled with milk the seed is said to have a very 

 powerful tonic action on the nervous system (Barren) . 



Taken internally by women, the seed disturbs the uterine 

 functions and prevents conception. For the latter purpose, 

 4 to 6 seeds are swallowed every day, in 2 doses, for several days, 

 after each menstruation. 



I am aware of one successful case under this treatment 

 (Moodeen Sheriff). 



