N. 0. PLOMBAOINEjE. 
737 
Uses : — “The root of P. zeylanica is said to increase the 
digestive power, to promote the appetite, and to be useful in 
dyspepsia, piles, anasarca, diarrhoea, skin diseases, &c.” (Hindu 
Mat. Med.). “ A tincture of the root-bark has been employed as 
an antiperiodic. Dr. Oswald says that he has employed it in 
the treatment of intermittents with good effect. It acts as a 
powerful sudorific.” (Pharm. Ind., p. 1701.) 
Mahomedan writers describe it as caustic and vesicant, an 
expellant of phlegmatic humors ; useful in rheumatism and 
spleen, digestive ; it also causes abortion For external ad- 
ministration, it is made into a paste with milk, vinegar or salt 
and water. Such a paste may be applied externally in leprosy 
and other skin diseases of an obstinate character, and be al- 
lowed to remain until a blister has formed 
In the Concan, the following formula is used : — Chitrak root, 
F.mblic myrobalans, small black myrobalans (Bal-hartaki), 
long pepper, pepper root, rhubarb and rock salt. Powdei* and 
give 6 massas with hot water every night at bed time, in flatu- 
lence with rheumatic pains (Dymock). 
Taylor comments on its sialogogue properties The milky 
juice is used as an application to unhealthy ulcers and in cases 
of scabies. (Dr Thornton in Watt’s Dictionary.) 
713. P. rosea, Linn., h.f.b.i., hi. 481 ; Roxb 
155. 
Sans : — Rakta chitraka, 
Vern. Lal-chitra (H. ; Rakto-chita (B.) ; Ldl-chitrakmfil 
(Dec.); Sheucodie vayalie, Shivappu-chittira (Tam.); Yerra- 
cithra-moolum (Tel.) ; Schettie-codivalie ; Ghoovonda-coduavalie 
(Mai.'/ 
Habitat Valleys in Sikkim and Khasia, often cultivated 
in gardens. 
An evergreen, perennial shrub, 2-4ft. high, “ very rarely an- 
nual ” (Boissier). The plant when grown in gardens and con- 
servatories is much more handsome than when it grows under 
a blazing sun, whereby its leaves invariably suffer in form and 
substance. Root fibrous, outwardly dusky-yellow or greenish, 
acccording to Rumpbius. On section yellowish, when fresh, 
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