N. 0. ORUOIFER.® 
93 
The seeds act as a digestive condiment, if taken moderately. 
If swallowed whole they operate as a laxative, and for this 
purpose are sometimes prescribed in dyspepsia and other com- 
plaints attended with torpid bowels i Watt). 
The pure fresh oil is a stimulant and mild counter-irritant 
when applied externally. As such, it is very useful in mild 
attacks of sore-throat, internal congestion, and chronic muscular 
rheumatism (Surg. D. Basu, Faridpur). 
Tho oil rubbed on the feet and the bridge of the nose cut 
short a head cold in one night. I have never seen it fail. In 
slight bronchitic affections of children, it makes a very useful 
mild counter-irritant application to the chest. It is also a very 
useful application in ordinary sore-throat (Surg. K, D. Ghose). 
80. B. eamprestris, Linn, h.f.b.i., i. 156. 
Syn. : — Sinapis dichotoma and S. Glauca. Roxb. 497, 498. 
Vern. : — Sarson, Sarson-zard, bara-lai, Sheta-Shirsa, banga- 
sarson, pila-sarson, rara-sarson, pili rai (H.) ; shwet-rai (B.) ; 
Sarashire, raira (Guj.); Hile-rayan (Deck.). 
Habitat : — Cultivated throughout India. 
(Variety Sarson, Plain F. B. Ind. I 156 under B. 
campestris, sub-species Napus). Stem 4-5 ft., unbranched 
or branching only near the top. Leaves glaucous, all (except 
the lowest 2 or 3), with stem clasping basal lobes ; lower leaves 
pinnati-partite, 6-8 by 2-3 in., terminal lobe much the largest ; 
upper leaves oblong or lanceolate, 2£-3 in., more or less pinnati- 
fid. Flowers nearly % in. diam. Pods various, erect or pendent, 
sometimes 3 or 4-valved ; erect pods 2 in., pendent pods 3-34 in. 
long, including the beak ; beak conical, up to 1 in. Seeds 30-80 
in a pod. A cold weather crop in the plains and hills, up to 
6,000 ft. Indian Colza. Native name Sarson. 
Parts used : — The seeds. 
Uses: — The oil, combined with camphor, forms an effica- 
cious embrocation in muscular rheumatism, stiff neck, &c. The 
seeds mixed with hot water form an efficient counter-irritant 
