196 
The  Medicinal  Uses  of  Leaves. 
Am.  Jour.  Pharm. 
April,  1890.JSijg 
The  bruised  leaves  of  Saponaria  officinalis  form  a  lather,  which  much 
resembles  that  of  soap  when  agitated  in  the  water,  and  is  similarly  efficacious 
in  removing  grease  spots. 
The  leaves  of  Erythroxylon  Coca,  having  been  scorched  and  well  dried,  are 
used  for  chewing,  mixed  with  a  little  lime.  Taken  in  moderation,  they  have  a 
most  extraordinary  effect  as  a  nervous  stimulant.  There  are  many  medicinal 
preparations  made  from  coca  leaves. 
The  leaves  of  the  Baobab  tree,  Adansonia  digitata,  are  eaten  by  the  Afri- 
cans with  their  food,  and  are  said  to  restrain  excessive  perspiration.  A  strong 
decoction  of  the  leaves  of  Dodoncea  salicifolia  is  employed  as  a  gargle,  or 
injected  in  the  throat. 
The  leaves  of  the  plantain,  Musa  paradisiaca,  are  antiseptic,  and  heal  old 
ulcers  and  putrifying  sores. 
A  lotion  of  the  leaves  of  Sesamum  indicum  is  used  as  a  hair  wash  by  the 
Asiatics,  and  is  supposed  to  promote  the  growth  of  the  hair  and  to  make  it 
black.  As  the  leaves  contain  a  quantity  of  mucilage,  they  are  employed  in 
North  America  to  make  a  demulcent  drink  for  catarrh. 
The  leaves  of  Cinnamonum  Tamala  and  C.  albiflorum  possess  carminative 
and  stomachic  properties,  and  are  much  used  as  a  condiment  in  India. 
The  leaves  of  Caryodaphne  densiflora  are  gratefully  aromatic,  and  are  used 
in  infusion  like  tea,  against  spasms  of  the  bowels.  There  are  many  other  aro- 
matic leaves,  which  are  used  by  cooks  and  confectioners  for  flavoring  food. 
The  leaves  of  Premna  integrifolia  are  bitter  and  carminative,  and  rubbed 
along  with  pepper,  are  administered  in  India  in  colds  and  fevers. 
The  fresh  juice  of  the  leaves  of  Ricinus >  communis  is  used  as  an  emetic  in 
poisoning  by  opium  and  other  narcotics,  and  in  decoction  or  poultice  may  be 
used  as  a  lactogogue. 
The  leaves  of  Tamarindus  i?idica,  crushed  with  water  and  expressed,  yield 
an  acid  fluid,  useful  in  bilious  fever  and  some  urinary  complaints ;  made  into 
a  poultice,  they  are  applied  to  reduce  inflammatory  swellings  and  to  relieve 
pain. 
The  leaves  of  Trichosanthes  dioica  constitute  a  bitter  tonic.  In  bilious  fever, 
r  decoction  of  the  leaves,  with  coriander  in  equal  parts,  is  given  as  a  febrifuge 
and  laxative. 
The  dried  leaves  of  Tylophora  asthmatica  are  emetic,  diaphoretic  and  expec- 
torant, useful  in  overloaded  states  of  the  stomach  and  other  cases  requiring 
emetics.  It  has  also  been  found  useful  in  dysentery,  catarrh  and  other  affec- 
tions in  which  ipecacuanha  has  to  be  employed. 
The  leaves  of  Vitex  Negundo  are  aromatic,  tonic  and  vermifuge,  and  given 
in  decoction,  with  the  addition  of  long  pepper,  in  catarrhal  fever,  with  heavi- 
ness of  head  and  dulness  of  hearing.  A  pillow  stuffed  with  the  leaves  is  placed 
under  the  head  to  relieve  headache.  The  juice  of  the  leaves  is  applied  to  ulcers. 
The  bruised  leaves  and  ground  root  of  Withania  somnifera  are  employed  as 
a  local  application  to  carbuncles,  ulcers  and  painful  swellings. 
The  leaves  of  Aristolochia  indica  are  famed  as  an  alexipharmic. 
The  leaves  of  Clematis  mauritiana  applied  to  the  skin  serve  as  a  blister, 
and  are  recommended  in  rheumatism,  lumbago,  and  other  affections  of  the  skin. 
The  foliage  of  Althcea  officinalis  is  much  used  for  medicinal  purposes  in 
