[This plant is a native of the East Indies, from whence it was
introduced into Europe and North America. The part used in medicine is
the bark of the root. It is a powerful anthelmintic, and affects the
system in a way very similar to the Spigelia Marylandica, producing not
unfrequently confusion of the head, stupor, trembling of the hands, &c.
This is particularly the case if it be used in the months of March and
April, when the sap rises in the tree. It is chiefly against the round
worm that the Melia has been found successful, though in some cases it
has proved effectual also against the Tænia. It is generally given in
the form of decoction: to prepare this, ℥iij or ℥iv of the bark of the
fresh root are put into a quart of water and boiled down to a pint, of
which ℥ss to ℥j may be given every two or three hours till it operates.
Administered in this way, it frequently causes both purging and
vomiting.]