1398 INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 



Hab. — In all seas. 



Root of clasping fibres ; stem 1 inch to a foot in length. 

 Frond 1-10 feet in length ; 1-16 inches in breadth, occasionally 

 bullated or rugose, cartilaginous or leathery. — Harvey. 



As an article of commerce this weed is said to find its way 

 from the Caspian into India. In Thibet it is said by Honig- 

 berger to grow in a salt lake. When dried in the sun it 

 exudes a whitish substance resembling Manna, hence called 

 " Mannite," — which Dr. Stenhouse, in his analysis of various 

 weeds, found in the greatest abundance in this species. 

 Medicinally this weed is employed in Sind for the cure of 

 scrofulous affections. In syphilitic eruptions it is a favorite 

 remedy, exhibited in the form of a syrup in conjunction with 

 a decoction of Quince seeds {Semina cydonia vulgaris). In the 

 manufacture of kelp and iodine the Laminarias are much 

 valued. (Murray.) 



LIOHENES. 



1380. Parmelia Kamtschadalis, Esch. 

 Hab. — Himalaya, Persia. 



1381. Parmelia Perlata, Esch. 

 Sansk. — Sila Valka (rock-bark). 



Vern. — Charela, Charcharela, Pathar-ke-phul, Sila-bak 

 (Hind.), Motha-dagada-phul, Barik-dagada-plnil (Mar.), Ghabilo, 

 Chadila (Guz.), Kalpasi, Kalapu (Tarn.), Ratipanche (Tel.) 



Hab. — India, Europe, Africa. 



Uses : — In Persia these lichens are known as Ushnab and 

 Dowalah. The author of the Makhzan-el Adwiya states that Ushnah 

 grows upon the oak, cypress, and other trees ; that which is whitest 

 should be preferred ; it should have an agreeable odour. He 

 describes it as astringent, resolvent, and aperient, and says that 

 the decoction is used as a tonic and alterative ; when burnt, the 

 smoke relieves headache, the powder is a good cephalic snuff. 

 Externally the drug has emollient and nstringent properties, 

 and may be used in a bath or as a poultice, &c. The dry 

 powder is applied to wounds and sores to promote granulation. 

 Honigberger mentions the use of the drug at Lahore in disorders 



