MEDICINAL PLANTS AND DRUGS. 171 



machic virtues of simple bitters are required. They are also employed, 

 externally, as a discutient and emoUiei-^t, either in fomentations, or in the 

 form of cataplasm ; for which last purpose they are simply heated in an 

 earthen pot, and then bruised and applied to the part affeaed. 



Menispermvm Corbifolium. (W.) GurchaS^') H. Guduchi, S. 



Cit-amerclu. Van Rhede, H. M. VII. 39, 

 Menispermvm Verrucosum. (Roxb. Ms.) Putra WaUj, Java. 



Funis felleus. Rumph. Amh. V, 82. 



Sp. Ch. Perennial. Scandent. Verrucose. Leaves cordate, acuminate, 



entire, smooth. Male racemes from the naked branches, simple. Nectareal 

 scales inserted in the filaments. 



The Menispermum Cordifolhim is indigenous in most parts of Hindostan, 

 The deco6lion of the leaves is prescribed, by the Hindu physicians, as a 

 febrifuge, and as a tonic in gout. It is also one of the many remedies 

 'which they give for the cure of jaundice. The very young leaves are 

 employed externally, as an emollient, made into the form of liniment^ 

 with milk. 



The Menispermum Verrucosum was introduced into Bengal, from Ma^ 

 laccUy by Captain Wright, about ten years ago; and is now cultivated in 

 the gardens about Calcutta. It is readily propagated from cuttings, 

 which are remarkable for the great length of time during which they 

 preserve the power of vegetation. Every part of the plant is exceedingly 

 bitter, particularly the stalk; which, from this quahty, has obtained its 

 Javanese name, Putrd JVali; hterally translated by Rumphius, funis 

 Jelleus. It is the remedy generally employed, in the Malay countries, for 

 the cure of intermittent fevers; and, from Captain Wright's account, is 



to Goorcha. 



