472  Medicinal  Uses  of  Leaves.  {AmhllZ'S^rm- 
The  leaves  of  Allamanda  cathartica  are  considered  a  valuable  cathartic  in 
moderate  doses. 
The  acrid  leaves  of  some  aromatic  species  of  Ammania  are  universally  used 
in  India  to  raise  blisters  in  rheumatic  pains,  fevers,  etc.,  which  they  do  in  half 
an  hour. 
The  leaves  of  Asarum  europium  have  been  strongly  recommended  in  head- 
ache, chronic  ophthalmia,  rheumatic  and  paralytic  affections  of  the  face, 
mouth  and  throat,  and  are  in  great  repute  in  Russia  as  a  remedy  for  deranged 
state  of  health,  consequent  on  habits  of  intoxication. 
The  juice  of  the  leaves  of  Ballota  lanata  is  applied  to  children's  gums,  and 
in  ophthalmia  in  man  and  beast. 
Buchu  leaves  {Barosma  spec,  see  p.  194),  when  used  in  the  form  of  infusion, 
promote  perspiration.  Hence  their  utility  in  chronic  rheumatism,  gout  and 
other  diseases,  caused  by  the  sudden  suppression  of  cutaneous  action.  They* 
have  been  prescribed  a]  so  in  cholera  morbus,  and  are  very  beneficial  in  dis- 
eases of  the  bladder.  They  have  also  been  given  in  dropsy.  As  a  stimulant  to 
the  stomach  some  practitioners  have  used  the  buchu  leaves  in  indigestion.  A 
bath  of  the  buchu  leaves  is  of  service  in  rheumatism,  and  the  buchu  vinegar 
and  buchu  brandy  are  excellent  embrocations  in  rheumatic  pains,  sprains  and 
contusions. 
The  natives  of  India  apply  the  juice  of  the  leaves  of  Barleria  prionitis  to 
their  feet  in  the  rainy  season  to  harden  them,  and  thus  prevent  the  laceration 
and  cracking  of  the  soles  which  would  otherwise  occur. 
In  India  an  extract  or  juice  obtained  from  the  leaves  of  Barringtonia 
acutatigula,  mixed  with  oil,  is  used  in  native  practice  for  eruptions  of  the  skin. 
The  astringent  leaves  of  Brasenia  peltata  have  been  employed  in  phthisis 
and  dysentery  in  North  America. 
The  leaves  of  Cardiospermum  Halicacabum  are  used  in  ainenorrhcea  and 
administered  in  pulmonic  complaints.  A  paste  made  with  the  leaves,  rubbed 
up  with  castor,  is  applied  in  rheumatism,  and  to  reduce  swellings  and  tumors 
of  various  kinds. 
The  young  tender  leaves  of  Cczsalpinia  Bonducella  are  considered  very 
efficacious  in  disorders  of  the  liver,  and  are  used  in  intermittent  fevers  and  for 
expelling  intestinal  worms. 
The  fresh  juice  of  the  leaves  of  Clerodendron  infortunatum  is  employed 
by  the  natives  of  India  as  a  vermifuge  and  also  as  a  bitter  tonic  and  febrifuge 
in  malarious  fevers,  especially  in  those  of  children. 
The  leaves  of  Cassytha  filiformis  are  used  as  an  aperient,  and  a  decoction 
constitutes  a  valuable  wash  in  skin  diseases. 
The  leaves  of  Cerbera  Odollam  are  used  in  Java  as  a  substitute  for  senna,  but 
their  use  is  dangerous. 
Chenopodium  ambrosioides  has  a  strong  aromatic  smell  from  the  ethereal 
oil  it  contains.  Its  properties  are  antispasmodic,  diaphoretic  and  anthelmintic, 
and  the  best  form  for  its  administration  is  that  of  tea  or  infusion. 
The  leaves  of  Cymbonotus  Lawsonianus  are  made  into  a  salve  with  melted 
lard  in  New  South  Wales,  which  is  much  appreciated  for  its  healing  qualities 
for  wounds,  etc. 
The  leaves  of  Duboisia  Hopwoodii  (Mueller),  known  as  Pituri,  form  the 
masticatory  of  the  aboriginals  of  Central  Australia,  corresponding  in  this 
