279 



As emmenagogues. Polygonum flaccidum (Polygonaceae) a 

 common knot-grass growing in wet places is used. The leaves 

 are mixed with Aniseed (Adas-manis) and bark of Pulasari, 

 {Alyxia stellata) ground up and given to drink. The Polygonum 

 hydropipev is used in the United States for the same purpose. 

 P. flaccidum is aJso used as an abortient. 



Phyllanthus Urinaria L. "Dukong anak" mentioned above as 

 a diuretic is also used. 



Sesamum indicum L. Bijan. The oil of Sesamum is said to 

 act as an emmenagogue (Holmes). 



Piper longum L, [Piperacecc] " Bakek. Five to ten grains of 

 the powder or \ to I fluid drachm of the tincture given to expel the 

 placeata." (Holmes) " Bakek is properly however the name of 

 Piper m'iniatum. 



Psidium pyriferum L. Guava. The bark and leaves are used 

 for the same purpose according to Holmes. 



Mangifera indica L. Mango. The seed is useful in Menorr- 

 hagia and for hcermorrhoids. It is said to contain gallic acid 

 (Holmes). 



Evodia triphylla Dec. (probably E. Roxburghiana) Tenga 

 Burong (Rutaceae) an infusion of the leaves and fragrant white 

 flowers are used as a tonic and emmenagogue (Holmes). 



Curcuma Zedoaria L. (Tumbuk Law r a) a decoction of the 

 rhizome is used as an emmenagogue in amenorrhea. 



Mangosteen root (Garcinia Mangostana). A decoction is drunk 

 for irregular menstruation. 



Labisia pothoina (Myrsinece). "Akar Katchit betimah." Boil 

 the leaves and stem in water and drink two or three times a day 

 (4 or 5 ounces at a time) only females, may use it. Use for 

 menorrhagia. (Kelantan, Dr. Gimlette.) This herb is also used 

 in venereal disease. The native Kelantan name is interesting as 

 the plant is supposed to be a sign of tin "timah" where it is found 

 growing. The name in other parts of the Peninsula is Akar 

 Fatimah, which is perhaps a perversion of Bertimah. 



Wedelia biflora {Composite). "Serenah," or "Serunai Laut." 

 A common sea-shore plant with yellow flowers. The leaves 

 rubbed up with cow's milk are used for forty days to strengthen 

 a woman after confinement. 



After confinement a decoction of the following roots is 

 given : — 



Dissochceta punciulata (Melastomacea) ''Akar Meroyan busuk," 

 a climber. 



Clerodendron nutans L. (Verbenacece). Meroyan Kabut. A 

 shrub with white flowers. 



Gomphostemna crinitum Wall. {Labiate.) " Mumjulong 

 bukit." A herb occurring in mountain jungles. 



