674 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
somewhat like ivy, but more agreeable ; taste bitter and aro- 
matic, peculiar (Dymock). 
Uses. — At the Mauritius, it is in great repute, and the leaves 
are considered as alterative and antiscorbutic. An infusion of 
the leaves has an agreeable and somewhat spicy taste, and is 
a good drink, when fresh and bruised. They are one of 
the best applications I know of for cleaning the face of a foul 
ulcer (Ainslie). 
For long it held a high position as a medicinal plant, but the 
exaggerated ideas of its virtues have now exploded. It is a 
good simple stimulant, tonic and diaphoretic. In cholera, it 
has been used to restore warmth to the body, and it is said 
also to be used internally and externally in the treatment of 
snake-bite (Ph. Ind.). 
Ayapana may be compared with chamomile in its effects; 
it is stimulant and tonic in small doses, and laxative when 
taken in quantity ; the hot infusion is emetic and diaphoretic, 
and may be given with advantage in the cold stage of ague and 
in the state of depression which precedes acute inflammatory 
affections. The infusion may be made with loz. of the herb 
to a pint of water, and be given in 2oz. doses, every three 
hours (Dymock). 
632. Solidago Virga-aurea, Linn, h.f.b.i., in. 245. 
Habitat : — Temperate Himalaya, from Kashmir eastwards, 
alt. 5 — 9,000ft. Khasia Mts., alt. 4 — 6,000ft. 
A perennial, glabrous, or pubescent herb ; stem erect, stout, 
subsimple 6-24in. Lower leaves petioled, ovate or oblong 
subserrate, upper smaller, narrower entire, heads 1-4 on short 
axillary peduncles collected in a long leafy panicle. Involucie- 
bracts narrow, acute. Ray-flowers about 8, Achense glabrous 
or puberulous. 
Uses : — In English the plant is called Woundwort, from its 
reputation as a vulnerary. The flowering herb contains a 
volatile oil, is of an aromatic odour and a bitterish and astrin- 
gent taste. 
