1326 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



admirably fitted by peculiar texture." (Ainslie, Mat. Ind.) 

 Compare with tomentum of Caryota urens (and of Borassus). 



The flowers — Are sometimes used medicinally, being said 

 to be astringent. 



Immature nuts. — These, like the flowers, are often employed 

 medicinally, especially as an astringent in the sore-tbroats of 

 children. : 



The root. — "The root is used as a diuretic, as also in 

 uterine diseases." (U. C. Dutt, 248.) It is also employed as 

 an astringent gargle in sore-throat. 



The ashes. — " The ashes of the leaves contain an amount 

 of potash ; they are used medicinally." 



Thebud. — The tender buds of this palm, as also of Borassus 

 and Phoenix, are esteemed as a nourishing, strengthening, and 

 agreeable vegetable. 



" The cocoanut milk of the green fruit is a cooling, re- 

 frigerant drink, containing albumen and salines. It is a good 

 drink in cholera cases. It succeeds in checking vomiting 

 when other means fail. Cocoanut oil, prepared from fresh 

 pulp, is a good substitute for cod-liver oil. The dose I give 

 is from 20 to 30 minims in the beginning, rising to a drachm 

 thrice daily. An ash is prepared from cocoanut pulp by the 

 Kabirajes which is a valuable antacid and digestive. It is 

 called ' Narkel khond.' A sweet extract is also prepared, 

 which is used for similar purposes " (R. L. Dutt, M. D., 

 Pubna). " The sweet toddy obtained from this palm is very 

 refreshing and possesses laxative properties. Its continued 

 use (twice or thrice weekly) during pregnancy has a marked 

 effect on the colour of the infant, which is born of a fair 

 complexion, — i.e., if of dark parents, comparatively fair ; if of 

 lighter-coloured parents, the offspring generally assumes a 

 European complexion " (Hon. Surg. P. Kinsley, Chicacole, 

 Ganjam). " If the flowers are mixed with sugar, the root of 

 khus-khus, and white chandan, with a little water, the combina- 

 tion will be found good in bilious fever, will check vomiting, 

 and produce a cooling sensation." (Civil Surgeon William 

 Wilson, Bqgra.) 



