§74 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



somewhat like ivy, but more agreeable ; taste bitter and aro- 

 matic, peculiar (Dymock), 



Uses. —At the Mauritius, it is in great repute, and the leaves 

 are considered as alterative and antiscorbutic. An infusion of 

 the leaves has an agreeable and somewhat spicy taste, and is 

 a good drink, when fresh and bruised. They are one of 

 the best applications I know of for cleaning the face of a foul 

 ulcer (Ainslie). 



For long it held a high position as a medicinal plant, but the 

 exaggerated ideas of its virtues have now exploded. It is a 

 good simple stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic. In cholera, it 

 has been used to restore warmth to the body, and it is said 

 also to be used internally and externally in the treatment of 

 snake-bite (Ph. Ind.). 



Ayapana may be compared with chamomile in its effects ; 

 it is stimulant and tonic in small doses, and laxative when 

 taken in quantity ; the hot infusion is emetic and diaphoretic, 

 and may be given with advantage in the cold stage of ague and 

 in the state of depression which precedes acute inflammatory 

 affections. The infusion may be made with loz. of the herb 

 to a pint of water, and be given in 2oz. doses, every three 

 hours (Dymock). 



632. SolidagoVirga-aurea, Linn, h.f.b.l, hi. 245. 



Habitat : — Temperate Himalaya, from Kashmir eastwards, 

 alt. 5— 9,000ft. Khasia Mts, alt. 4— 6,000ft. 



A perennial, glabrous, or pubescent herb ; stem erect, stout, 

 subsimple 6-24in. Lower leaves petioled, ovate or oblong 

 subserrate, upper smaller, narrower entire, heads 1-4 on short 

 axillary peduncles collected in a long leafy panicle. Involucre- 

 bracts narrow, acute. Ray-flowers about 8, Achense glabrous 

 or puberulous. 



Uses :— In English the plant is called Woundwort, from its 

 reputation as a vulnerary. The flowering herb contains a 

 volatile oil, is of an aromatic odour and a bitterish and astrin- 

 gent taste. 



