1398 
INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS. 
Hal. — In all seas. 
Root of clasping fibres ; stem 1 inch to a foot in length. 
Frond 1-10 feet in length ; 1-16 inches in breadth, occasionally 
bullated or rugose, cartilaginous or leathery. — Harvey. 
As an article of commerce this weed is said to find its way 
from the Caspian into India. In Thibet it is said by Honig- 
berger to grow in a salt lake. When dried in the sun it 
exudes a whitish substance resembling Manna, hence called 
“ Mannite,” — which Dr. Stenhouse, in his analysis of various 
weeds, found in the greatest abundance in this species. 
Medicinally this weed is employed in Sind for the cure of 
scrofulous affections. In syphilitic eruptions it is a favorite 
remedy, exhibited in the form of a syrup in conjunction with 
a decoction of Quince seeds ( Semina cydonia vulgaris). In the 
manufacture of kelp and iodine the Laminarias are much 
valued. (Murray.) 
LICHENES. 
1380. Parmelia Kamtschadalis, Esch. 
Hab. — Himalaya, Persia. 
1381. Parmelia Perlata, Esch.. 
Sanpk. — fnla Valka (rock-bark). 
Fern.— Charela, Charcharela, Pathar-ke-phul, Sila-b^k 
(Hind.), Motha-dagada-phul, B&rik-dagada-phul (Mar.), Ghabilo, 
Chadila (Guz.), Kalpasi, Kalapu (Tam.), Ratipanche (Tel.) 
Hab. — India, Europe, Africa. 
Uses : —In Persia these lichens are known as Ushnab and 
Dowalah. The author of the Makhzan-el Adwiya states that Ushnah 
grows upon the oak, cypress, and other trees ; that which is whitest 
should be preferred ; it should have an agreeable odour. He 
describes it as astringent, resolvent, and aperient, and says that 
the decoction is used as a tonic and alterative ; when burnt, the 
smoke relieves headache, the powder is a good cephalic snufF. 
Externally the drug has emollient and nstringent properties, 
and may be used in a bath or as a poultice, &c. The dry 
powder is applied to wounds and sores to promote granulation. 
Honigberger mentions the use of the drug at Lahore in disorders 
