N. 0. COMPOSITE. 681 



The powder of the root is considered stomachic, and that 

 the bark ground and mixed with whey, is a valuable remedy 

 for piles (Rheede). 



Dr. Horsfield reports that in Java it is considered as a useful 

 diuretic. 



The author of the Makhzan speaks of it as a powerful tonic, 

 deobstruent and alterative, and observes that the odour of the 

 plant may be perceived in the urine and perspiration of those 

 who are taking it. The administration of the drug is recom- 

 mended in bilious affections, and for the dispersion of various 

 kinds of tumors. He also informs us that the Hindus use the 

 bark, and make a kind of confection of the young plant by 

 rubbing it up with clarified butter, flour and sugar ; a portion 

 of this taken daily is said to be a good tonic, and to prevent 

 the hair turning white or falling off. An oil, prepared from the 

 root, by steeping it in water and then boiling in oil of Sesamum 

 until all the water is expelled, taken fasting every morning, for 

 41 days, in doses of 2 dirhems, is said to be a powerful aphro- 

 disiac (Dymock). 



In the Punjab the flowers are highly esteemed as alterative, 

 depurative, cooling and tonic. (Stewart.) 



642. Anaphalis neelgerriana, DC, h.f.b.l, 

 hi. 287. 



Vern. : — Kaat-plaster (Nilgiris). 



Habitat :— Nilgherry Mts. ; alt. 7-8,0u0ft. 



A perennial, wholly clothed with cottony wool, branches 

 very many, crowded on a stout woody stock, some very 

 short, densely leafy, flowerless, others 4-10in. long and flower- 

 bearing. Leaves J-Jin., narrowly linear, those on the 

 flowerless branches and base of the flowering parts most 

 dense, spreading and reflexed, on the upper part of the flowering 

 branches erect, all acute with recurved margins, heads i-£in. 

 diam. sessile, most densely crowded or solitary or in corymbose 



clusters ; margins of leaves revolute. Involucre-bracts. % in., 

 86 



