1392 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



in the Pharmaceutical Journal for September 3rd and 10th, 1870 

 mentions the uses of the following ferns which are indigenous 

 to British India. 



1358. Adiantum sethiopicum, Linn.* This is a cape species. An infusion is 

 sometimes used as an emollient in coughs and diseases of the chest. A syrup 

 is also prepared from it. The Basuto Kafirs, who call it "Ma-o-ru-metsoo," 

 employ its caudex in the shape of decoction for promoting parturition. 



1359. Adiantum pedatum, Liww.f " Canadian Maiden-hair." This is said 

 to be the most esteemed sort of Maiden-hair, being more aromatic than the 

 European Maiden-hair It was formerly more employed than at present as a 

 pectoral in chronic catarrhs. Many imaginary virtues have been ascribed 

 to this as well as other ferns. 



1360. Asplenium adiantum-nigrum, Linn.% "Black Spleenwort." The 

 medicinal properties of this fern have been extolled by various old authors, 

 but its use is unknown in modern practice. Ray sums up a catalogue of 

 diseases in which it is supposed to be beneficial. 



1361. Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Linn.§ "Wall Rue." Lightfood says that 

 this fern was at one time sold as an expectorant and deobstruent. It was 

 one of the species employed as a substitute for Maiden-hair. 



162. Asplenium Trichomanes, Linn.\\ According to Lightfood, this fern 

 was formerly used as an expectorant by the peasantry of Scotland. This is 

 another of the many substitutes for the true Maiden-hair, now fallen into 

 disrepute. Is the " Myle conday" of the Tamils. 



1363. Athyrium Filix-femina, Bernh.^ The rhizome of this fern has been 

 used as a substitute for that of the Male-fern, and the same virtues as an 

 anthelmintic have been ascribed to it. It is now generally admitted, however, 

 that these virtues were more supposititious than real, and it has ceased to 

 be employed. 



1364. Botrychium Lunaria, Sw.** " Moonwort." Magical properties have 

 been assigned to this fern. Gerarde says, "It is singular to heale green and 

 fresh wounds. " It bath been used among the alchy mists and witches to 

 doe wonders withall, who say that it will loose lockes, and make them to 

 fall from the feet of horses that grase where it doth grow, and hath been 

 called of them ' Martagon,' whereas in truth they are all but drowsie dreams 

 and illusions ; but it is singular for wounds as aforesaid." Ray commends 

 its virtues in dysentery. 



1365. Cibotium Barometz, Siafj Yields the " Penawar Jambie" of Sumatra. 

 It is a similar substance to " Pulu " and employed for like purposes. This is 



* Ref. Bedd. Hand-book to ferns of Br. Ind., p. 84. 



% „ » ,» » P- 86. 



t ,. „ „ „ P. 156. 



§ „ „ » » P. 156. 



|| „ ,, », » p. 143. 



II „ „ n » P- 168. 



** „ „ „ ,i P. 469. 



tt » >f » » P- 24 - 



