1326 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
admirably fitted by peculiar texture.” (Ainslie, Mat. Ind.) 
Compare with tomentum of Caryofa ureas (and of Borassus). 
The * 'flowers — Are sometimes used medicinally, being said 
to be astringent. 
Immature nuts. — These, like the flowers, are often employed 
medicinally, especially as an astringent in the sore-throats of 
children. 
The root. — “The root is used as a diuretic, as also in 
uterine diseases.” (U. C. Dutt, 248.1 It is also employed as 
an astrin gent gargle in sore-throat. 
The ashes. — “The ashes of the leaves contain an amount 
of potash ; they are used medicinally.” 
The bud.— The tender buds of this palm, as also of Borassus 
and Phoenix, are esteemed as a nourishing, strengthening, and 
agreeable vegetable 
“ The cocoanut milk of the green fruit is a cooling, re- 
frigerant drink, containing albumen and salines. It is a good 
•drink in cholera cases. It succeeds in checking vomiting 
when other means fail. Cocoanut oil, prepared from fresh 
pulp, is a good substitute for cod-liver oil. The dose I give 
is from 20 to 30 minims in the beginning, rising to a drachm 
thrice daily. An ash is prepared from cocoanut pulp by the 
Kabirajes which is a valuable antacid and digestive. It is 
called ‘ NarkeJ hhond.' A sweet extract is also prepared, 
which is used for similar purposes ” (R. L. Dutt, M. I)., 
Pubna). “ The sweet toddv obtained from this palm is very 
refreshing and possesses laxative properties. Its continued 
use (twice or thrice weekly) during pregnancy has a marked 
effect on the colour of the infant, which is born of a fair 
complexion, — i.e., if of dark parents, comparatively fair ; if of 
lighter-coloured parents, the offspring generally assumes a 
European complexion ” (Hon. Surg. P. Kinsley, Chicacole. 
Ganjam). “ If the flowers are mixed with sugar, the root of 
hhus-khus, and white cliandan, with a little vater, the combina- 
tion will be found good in bilious fever, will check vomiting, 
and produce a cooling sensation.” (Civil Surgeon William 
Wilson, Bogra.) * 
