152 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
The gum which flows fronrthe wounded branches, mixed 
with strips of the bark and leaves, is steeped in water, and the 
oil which rises to the surface is used as an application to sore- 
eyes. Horsfield says that ill Java the tree is supposed to 
possess diuretic properties (Drury). 
Rheede says that the tears which distil from the tree and 
its fruit are emetic and purgative. 
The oil exercises a great beneficial influence over the 
mucous membrane of the genito-urinary organs, and is therefore 
highly useful in the treatment of gonorrhoea and gleet. Ex- 
ternally, it is a good and useful embrocation in rheumatism 
and gout. The watery paste of the kernel of the seeds, applied 
to the painful joints and dried by the heat of fire, often affords 
a great relief in the same diseases, and may be resorted to in 
the absence of the oil. 
Although there is nothing in the sensible properties of 
this oil to indicate a poisonous character, yet, as far my know- 
ledge extends, it has never been administered internally in 
this or any other country. Having satisfied myself by personal 
use that it is neither detrimental to life nor deleterious to health 
up to a certain quantity, 1 employed it in my practice and found 
it to be a very valuable drug. It acts as a specific on the 
raucous membrane of the genito-urinary organs, and its control, 
therefore, over gonorrhoea and gleet is very considerable. It is 
so certain and speedy in its action that its good effect in the 
above diseases is often noticed a few hours after the exhibition 
of its first dose (Moodeen Sheriff.) 
The leaves soaked in water are employed as an application 
to inflamed eyes, in the Archipelago (Dr. Rice, New York). 
The fixed oil, expressed from the kernels of the seeds, is said 
to cure scabies (B. Gupta, Pooree.) 
According to the Hindoo writers, the bark is astringent 
and useful in internal haemorrhages (U. C. Dutt.) 
The juice of the bark is used as a purgative, and is said 
to be very powerful in its action. (Surgeon Peacock, Nasik.) 
In rheumatism, the natives use the oil as an external appli- 
cation (E. A. Morris, Madras). Watt’s Dictionary. 
