N. 0. COMPOSITE. 
671 
ovate-lanceolate, coarsely serrate. Heads J-fin. diam., about 
40-fid, subcorymbose. Involucre-bracts linear, with broad pur- 
plish tips. Achenes £in , 10-ribbed, pubescent ; oute.r pappus 
rather longer, shining, reddish, flattened, deciduous ; inner 
very short, rigid, paleaceous. 
Uses : — In Hindoo medicine, the seeds are of great repute as 
a medicine for leucoderma and other skin diseases, and also 
used as an anthelmintic in combination with other remedies 
(Dutt). 
The author of the Makhzan informs us tnat it is given in- 
ternally to remove phlegm and worms from the intestines, and 
that a poultice or plaster of it is used to disperse cold tumors. 
It is much used as a cattle medicine (Dymock). 
The seeds are considered as powerfully anthelmintic, and 
are also an ingredient of a compound powder prescribed in 
snake bites. (Ainslie.) On the Malabar Coast an infusion of the 
seeds is given for coughs and against flatulency. (Rheede.) 
In the Concan, the following formula is in vogue as an 
anteperiodic ; vernonia seeds, chiretta, picrorrhiza root, dika- 
m^li, rocksalt and ginger, p. seq. powder, and give 6 massas 
in cold water, in which a red hot tile has been quenched, every 
morning (Dymock). 
The juice of Hie leaf is given to cure phlegmatic discharges 
from the nostrils (Agra Exhibition). 
Dr. HC. Ross speaks favorably of an infusion of the powdered 
seeds (in doses of from 10 to 30 grains) as a good and certain 
anthelmintic for ascarides. In Travancore, the bruised seeds, 
ground up in a paste with limejuice, are largely employed as 
a means of destroying pediculi. Dr. Gibson regards them as 
a valuable tonic and stomachic, in doses of 20 to 25 grains ; 
diuretic properties are also assigned to them (Ph. Ind.). 
They are also given in anasarca and used for plasters for 
abscesses (Watt). 
The seeds are in the Punjab considered febrifuge (Baden- 
Powell). 
The seeds on extraction with ether yielded 18-26 per cent, of a dark brown 
coloured and strong smelling oil with some resinous matter. The expressed 
