1162 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
Bombay t lie plant had a reputation as an expectorant, hence 
the native nu ac khokli (cough).” (Dymook, Mat. Med. W. Ind., 
588.) “ Dr. George Bidio furnishes the following remarks : 
‘The expressed juice of the leaves is in great repute, wherever 
the plant grows, as an emetic for children, and is safe, certain 
and speedy in its action. Like Ipecacuanha, it seems to have 
little tendency to act on the bowels or to depress the vital 
powers, and it decidedly increases the secretion of the pulmonary 
organs. Probably an infusion of the dried leaves or an extract 
prepared from the green plant, would retain all its active pro- 
perties. The dose of the. expressed juice, for an 'infant, is a 
teaspoonful.’ ” (Pharm. Ind.) A decoction of the leaves is given 
in ear-ache ; a cataplasm of the leaves is applied as a local 
application to syphilitic ulcers, and as a means of relieving the 
pain of snake-bite. (Drury.) According to Nitnmo the roots 
“ attract cats quite as much as those of valerian.” (Voigt, 160 ; 
Treasury of Botany.) 
“ Much used by Mahoinedan practitioners in treating cases 
of acute mania in early stage. The fresh juice (3i) with (6 gr.) 
chloride of sodium dissolved in it and dropped in both nostrils 
every morning, followed by cold shower-baths for three morn- 
ings regularly, proves highly successful. Thus it is supposed 
by them to act as a ‘ brain purge,’ so called probably owing to 
a quantity of mucus and other matter escaping from the nostrils 
immediately after the application of the above recipe. I 
have given it internally; it acts as an anthelmintic and 
laxative.” (Surgeon E. W. Savinge, Rajamundry, ‘‘Juice of 
the fresh plant emetic, laxative ; dose one to four drachms, 
according to age. Fresh leaves ground into a paste, made into 
a ball, to the size of a large marble and introduced into the 
rectum, very useful in relieving obstinate constipation of 
children.” (Apoth. Thomas Ward, Madanapalle, Cuddapah.) 
“ The juice or the bruised leaf is applied to the skin to allay 
the irritation caused by the bite of the centipede.” (Surgeon 
Ruthnam T. Moodelliar, Chingleput.) 
“ The juice of the fresh leaves mixed with lime is applied 
in painful rheumatic affections.” (Surg.-Maj. John Lancaster, 
