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REMARKS ON THE USES
OF SOME OF THE
BAZAAR MEDICINES
AND
COMMON MEDICAL PLANTS OF INDIA
WITH A FULL INDEX OF DISEASES, INDICATING THEIR
TREATMENT BY THESE AND OTHER AGENTS
PROCURABLE THROUGHOUT INDIA
TO WHICH ARE ADDED
DIRECTIONS FOR TREATMENT IN CASES OF
DROWNING, SNAKE-BITES, &c.
BY
EDWARD JOHN WARING, C.I.E., M.D.
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS OF LONDON
SURGEON-MAJOR (RETIRED) HER MAJESTY'S INDIAN ARMY
EDITOR OF THE PHARMACOPŒIA OF INDIA, ETC.
_FIFTH EDITION_
LONDON
J. & A. CHURCHILL
7 GREAT MARLBOROUGH STREET
1897
PREFACE TO THE FIFTH EDITION.
Owing to the favour in which this work is still being held by the public
in India, as proved by the entire sale of the Fourth Edition, I have
taken upon myself to issue this, the FIFTH EDITION, with the generous
assistance of my late father's friend, J. E. T. Aitchison, M.D., C.I.E.,
to whom I owe a great debt of gratitude for the time and trouble and
valuable special knowledge he has so liberally bestowed on the work.
The only important changes that occur in this Edition are the
introduction of a couple of diagrams of a clinical thermometer, with a
few notes to guide the non-professional in its use; some alterations in
the text, where subjects that had been issued in the Fourth Edition as
notes to the text are now incorporated in the text itself; and lastly,
Dr. Aitchison has more fully entered upon his treatment of small-pox
with carbolised oil.
C. WARING.
PREFACE TO THE FOURTH EDITION.
That this little work should have reached a FOURTH EDITION may be taken
as pretty clear indication that it has met a recognised want amongst our
Indian fellow-subjects, for whose instruction and guidance it was
originally issued. To render it worthy of continued favour, and to make
it additionally useful, has been my anxious endeavour.
Of any merit which this edition may be found to possess over the
preceding one, a very large portion is due to Dr. J. E. T. Aitchison,
C.I.E., Surgeon-Major in H.M. Indian (Bengal) Medical Service, who, with
a liberality that demands my warmest thanks, placed at my disposal an
elaborate MS. commentary on the Third Edition, embodying his own
professional experience in India (extending over many years), and
supplying the vernacular names of the various drugs in the Punjábí,
Kashmírí, and Leh languages. Of this document it need hardly be said I
have availed myself largely, my only regret being that I could not
insert it _in extenso_, but to have done this would greatly have
exceeded the prescribed limits of the work. As it is, Dr. Aitchison has
laid me under a vast obligation, which I am only too happy to have this
opportunity of acknowledging.
Five new articles have been added to the List of Drugs: two at the
suggestion of Dr. Aitchison; namely, (1) Sugar, and (2) Kerosene Oil,
which latter, owing to its extensive use for lighting purposes during
the past few years, is now obtainable in nearly every bazaar in the
country; the other three being the (3) Cinchona Febrifuge (Quinetum),
(4) Petroleum, and (5) Rock Salt. The various ways in which these
articles may be utilised in the treatment of disease will be found under
their respective headings in the "Addenda," p. 171, _et seq._
In addition to these there have been introduced notices of Indian Hemp
(Gunjah) smoking in the treatment of Tetanus, of the antiscorbutic
properties of Ámchur (dried Mangoes), the lactifuge powers of Sambac
flowers (_Jasminum Sambac_), the emmenagogue virtues of Til or Jinjili
Seeds (_Sesamum Indicum_), and other points unnoticed in previous
editions. The therapeutic applications of Water are enlarged upon; as
also are those of Carbolic Acid, especially in the treatment of Leprosy.
The Sick Dietary has likewise been extended. Amongst the new matter has
been introduced a section (pp. 268-272) detailing the "Precautions to be
taken by persons residing in snake-infested localities."
By these and other additions (occupying upwards of thirty pages of new
matter), and by the revision and modification of other passages, it is
confidently hoped that the practical value of the work will be found to
be materially increased. Indeed, it has been my earnest endeavour
throughout to render this little volume as useful as possible, and if
through its instrumentality suffering humanity be in any degree
benefited my highest aspiration will be attained.
E. J. WARING.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
Fourteen years have elapsed since this work, in an elementary form, was
first issued for the use of the District Vaccinators of Travancore,
whose sphere of action was far removed from regular medical aid. It was
originally published in English and Tamil on opposite pages;
subsequently it was reprinted in Tamil alone by the London Missionary
Society's Press at Nagercoil, for the use of the catechists and others
connected with that Mission. In 1868, a Malyalim translation, by Dresser
Ramswammy Rajoo, was issued by the Travancore Government. From reports
received from various quarters, there is reason to believe that the work
has enjoyed a wide circulation amongst the people of Travancore and
Tinnevelly, and that it has exercised a considerable influence on the
practice of the native doctors of those districts.
Were I wise, I ought, perhaps, to rest satisfied with these results,
which far exceed what were originally contemplated; but recent
observation has convinced me that there are other classes scattered
through our great Indian possessions to whom a work of the kind would
prove most acceptable, by pointing out to them the agents—either
purchasable in the bazaars at an almost nominal price, or procurable at
the cost of collection, from the road-sides, waste places, or gardens in
the immediate neighbourhood of almost every out-station—by means of
which, with the exercise of ordinary intelligence, they may often be
enabled to relieve the sufferings of those amongst whom their lot has
been cast.
And at the head of these classes stand the Missionaries, whose stations,
for the most part, are too far removed from the busy haunts of men to
allow of their calling in regular medical aid in cases of sickness, and
who are consequently thrown, at such times, very much on their own
resources. Many of the missionaries have under their charge large
establishments of catechists, pupils, &c.; and it cannot be otherwise
than highly desirable that they should be put in possession of any
information regarding the available means of relieving the sufferings,
and treating the diseases, of those placed under their care. This is not
the place to enter into a disquisition on missionary work, but I cannot
refrain from expressing my firm conviction that the more the principle
of Medical Missions—making Religion and Medicine go hand in hand—is
carried out, the greater, humanly speaking, will be the success of
missionary efforts. How many a door for the admission of Gospel truth,
which would otherwise be shut, would be opened, and that readily, to one
who, with "the glad tidings of great joy" in the one hand, would bring
in the other the means of relieving physical suffering and curing bodily
disease! The highest distinction that I would claim for this little work
is, that it may constitute, as far as India is concerned, a
Missionaries' Medical Vade Mecum.
Next on the _rôle_ comes a large army of European and Anglo-Indian
officials, whether within the magic circle of "the Service" or beyond
its pale, who are attached to the Public Works, Forests, Railway,
Telegraph, or other Departments, or employed in Tea, Coffee, or Cotton
plantations, in commercial pursuits, &c., many of them married men, with
families and a large number of dependants, the majority at distant
"up-country stations," miles away from medical aid; how important for
persons under such circumstances to possess a knowledge of the means
lying (literally so in many instances) at their very feet, by which pain
and suffering may be alleviated, and, perhaps, a valuable life saved.
Lastly, but by no means least, either in point of numbers or importance,
comes the daily increasing array of educated Natives, who, as a class,
readily avail themselves of every scrap of knowledge drawn from
trustworthy European sources, which tends to throw light on the products
and resources of their native land. Whilst, on the one hand, I am
perfectly prepared to admit that much of the knowledge I possess of the
properties and uses of Indian drugs has been derived from Native
sources, I think I may, on the other hand, without presumption, claim
the credit of repaying the debt with interest, furnishing in return a
considerable amount of information on the uses of even the same drugs,
of which the Natives themselves had previously no idea. It is to this
class that I venture to think this little work will prove most useful
and acceptable.
In addition to the above, I venture to hope that to even duly qualified
Medical Officers, especially at up-country stations, a work like the
present may prove serviceable on emergencies, _e.g._, a failure of the
supply of European drugs, &c., by showing them what resources they have
at command in the bazaars or in their immediate neighbourhood, by means
of which many a gap may be stopped till more efficient remedies are
available.
In undertaking a Second Edition of this work, I have been further
influenced by a desire to render its scope and contents more complete.
With more extended knowledge on my part, drawn partly from subsequent
personal experience in the use of Indian drugs, and partly from the
Reports received from Medical Officers during the preparation of the
Pharmacopœia of India, I realised how imperfect the original work was;
and feeling myself in a position to add much information which would
tend to increase its usefulness, I determined upon issuing another
edition. The whole work has accordingly been rewritten and greatly
enlarged.
It was evidently quite out of the question, in a small work like the
present, to include the host of medicines included under the general
headings of "Bazaar Medicines" and "Common Medical Plants of India," but
from them I have made a selection of about 80, comprising—1 Antacid, 8
Astringents, 3 Antispasmodics, 2 Antiscorbutics, 6 Antiperiodics, 5
Demulcents and Emollients, 4 Diaphoretics or Sudorifics, 4 Diuretics, 3
Expectorants, 2 Emmenagogues, 4 Emetics, 6 Purgatives, 3 Narcotics or
Sedatives, 5 Refrigerants, 9 Stomachics or Carminatives, 7 Bitter
Tonics, 5 Alterative Tonics or Alteratives, 2 Metallic Tonics, 7 Local
and 4 General Stimulants, 2 Vesicants, or Blistering Agents, 6
Vermifuges, and 17 Miscellaneous Articles, not included in the above
classes.
In making this selection I have been guided by the following
principles:—1. By the safety of the drug; hence Arsenic, Aconite Root
(Bish), Nux Vomica, Indian Hemp, and some other powerful medicines have
been omitted, as it was felt to be inadvisable, in a work like the
present, to introduce agents which, in the hands of unprofessional
persons, might do more harm than good if employed in unsuitable cases.
Where, however, a powerful drug, _e.g._, Opium, has been admitted,
minute directions as to its employment have been given. 2. By the
acknowledged utility or efficacy of the drug as proved by European
experience. 3. By the drug possessing a generally well-known, recognised
native name. 4. By its wide distribution and easy procurability in all
parts, and in all the bazaars of India generally. It is hoped that by
the addition of the native names and descriptions of the drugs (which
were omitted in the First Edition), even a new-comer will have little
difficulty in obtaining and recognising any particular article he may
require.
With this native "Apparatus Medicaminum" very much may be accomplished
under ordinary circumstances, in the way of relieving suffering and
curing disease; but it must be admitted that there are certain articles
included under the class "European Medicines" for which the Indian
bazaars supply no adequate substitutes. I have therefore (in Appendix E)
added a list of nine drugs which it appears desirable should be kept in
store. They are—1. Sulphate of Quinine; 2. Ipecacuanha; 3. Smyrna or
Turkey Opium; 4. Calomel; 5. Acetate of Lead; 6. Santonin; 7. Liquor
Ammoniæ; 8. Blistering Fluid; and 9. Carbolic Acid.[1] No attempt has
been made in the body of the work to enter into a description of the
properties and uses of these drugs generally (with the exception of
Opium), but in the Synopsis or Index of Diseases (Part II.) it has been
pointed out how these valuable agents may be utilised in the most
efficient manner. It is believed that, by adopting this course, the
practical utility of the work will be greatly enhanced.
Attention is particularly directed to the Synopsis or Index of Diseases
in Part II.; it is not pretended that the modes of treatment therein
detailed are the best which could be adopted; the object has rather been
to show how much good may be effected by the simple means at command at
almost every "upcountry station" throughout India; and those who follow
the directions may feel assured, that with the exercise of ordinary
prudence, if they fail to do good they will at any rate do no harm.
LONDON, 1874.
[Footnote 1] To these Bromide of Potassium and Biniodide of Mercury
have since been added.
INTRODUCTION.
This work, it is presumed, will fall into the hands of many who are
wholly ignorant of, or very partially acquainted with, matters
pharmaceutical; hence some few introductory remarks are indispensable to
enable such persons to understand fully, and follow out correctly, the
directions given.
1. _Weights and Measures._—In Appendix C, a small set of Apothecaries'
scales and weights is included, but in the absence of the former it is
well to remember that a small set of scales, such as is used by native
jewellers, can be procured for a few annas in every bazaar; care,
however, is necessary to see that the balance is strictly correct and
even.
_Weights._—The Apothecary weights supplied from England have the
following marks or signs impressed upon them:
℈fs = half a scruple = 10 grains.
℈j = one scruple = 20 "
Ʒfs = half a drachm = 30 "
Ʒj = one drachm = 60 "
Ʒjfs = one drachm and a half = 90 "
Ʒij = two drachms = 120 "
The small circular indentations on the grain weights indicate the number
of grains each weight represents.
In the absence of these, the following hints may be useful:
A new rupee of the present currency weighs 180 grains or three drachms.
A half rupee of the present currency weighs 90 grains or a drachm and a
half.
A quarter rupee of the present currency weighs 45 grains or three
quarters of a drachm.
To obtain smaller weights beat a new quarter rupee into a long, thin,
narrow plate, and divide it carefully into three equal parts. You have
thus three 15 grain weights. One of these divided again into three equal
parts, furnishes three 5 grain weights. One of these subdivided into
five equal parts furnishes five 1 grain weights. Care should be taken to
see that the parts are of equal weight, and each part should be marked
with a figure to denote its weight. A native jeweller, at a very small
cost, will readily carry out the above subdivision.
With these, you may obtain any small weights you require; thus, if you
require nine grains, you use a 5 grain weight and four single grain
weights. If you want a drachm weight (60 grains), you use a quarter
rupee (45 grains) and a 15 grain weight, which makes exactly the 60
grains or one drachm. To get a scruple (20 grains) weight, you use one
of the 15 grain and one of the 5 grain weights = 20 grains or one
scruple.
Two rupees and a half rupee together weigh 450 grains or slightly over
one ounce, which weight they may be taken to represent, in the absence
of regular weights in making up any of the prescriptions given in the
following pages.
_Measures of Capacity._—For these, the English Graduated Measures,
glasses included, in Appendix C, should be employed. The marks on them
signify as follows:
♏ = 1 minim.
fƷj one fluid-drachm = 60 minims.
f℥j one fluid-ounce = 8 fluid-drachms.
O one pint = 20 fluid-ounces.
In default of a graduated measure glass, it may be useful to know that a
small cup of silver or other metal, exactly the circumference of a
quarter rupee and 3¾ inches deep, will hold exactly one ounce, and
twenty of these full of liquid make one pint. Each ounce contains eight
fluid-drachms, so with the aid of this ounce measure you can calculate
the quantity required pretty accurately. The measure should be made of
silver, as some medicines, especially the acids, act on the other metals.
Any native jeweller would manufacture one of these measures in a short
time, and at a very small cost.
In the following pages other domestic measures, as they may be termed,
are mentioned; they represent approximately the following quantities:
A wine-glassful (ordinary size) = one fluid-oz. and a half.
Two table-spoonfuls = one oz.
One table-spoonful = half oz.
One dessert-spoonful = two drachms.
One tea-spoonful = one drachm.
"A drop" may be taken generally to represent a minim, though in many
instances they differ considerably in capacity.
It must be borne in mind that these measurements apply solely to
fluids—never to solids. A tablespoonful of some solids, as powders,
would _weigh_ two or three ounces, whilst of others it might only be as
many drachms.
_Preparations._—A few hints on these may be useful to the uninitiated.
_Infusions._—In preparing these, the following points require attention:
_a_, the solid ingredients should be cut into small pieces or slices, or
bruised in a mortar, so that the water shall readily penetrate into the
substance; _b_, the water should be _boiling_; _c_, the vessel or
_chattie_ containing the ingredients on which the boiling water has been
poured, should be covered over to prevent evaporation, and set aside
till the liquid is cold, when it should be strained through a muslin or
thin rag. In hot climates infusions soon spoil, hence they should be
freshly prepared every other day at the furthest. _Decoctions._—These
differ from Infusions so far that the ingredients are subject to the
process of boiling. The requisite quantity of water having been heated
to boiling-point, the solid ingredients, prepared as for infusions, are
to be introduced, and the whole boiled in a covered vessel for the
specified period. The liquid whilst hot should be strained and set aside
in a covered vessel till cold. Like infusions, they rapidly become
spoiled in hot climates. _Tinctures._—These are formed by macerating the
solid ingredients, prepared as directed for Infusions, in a bottle with
the specified quantity of spirit, for seven days or more, occasionally
shaking the same to ensure the spirit acting thoroughly on the
ingredients. At the end of the specified period it should be strained,
and the clear liquid set aside in a cool place in well-stoppered
bottles, for use. Great care is necessary to prevent evaporation; hence
if a glass-stoppered bottle is used, softened wax should be carefully
placed round the stopper, which should be further secured by a cap of
thin leather or wax-cloth tied tightly over it. It is thought by many
that evaporation of spirit takes place less rapidly in a closely fitting
_corked_ bottle than in one provided with a glass stopper. Very
serviceable corks, especially for temporary use, may be made out of
Sola, the material used for hats, &c. In either case layers of wax and
the leather are advisable. Under the most favourable circumstances
evaporation to a greater or lesser extent will take place in hot
climates; hence by long keeping, the tincture acquires increased
strength, and in regulating the dose of the more active tinctures, as of
Opium or Datura, the fact ought to be borne in mind, or serious
consequences may ensue. _Powders._—When an article is ordered to be
taken in the form of powder, it should be pulverised as finely as
possible. There is little difficulty in this when a large quantity of
the article is required to be kept in store, as is generally advisable,
as the natives, by the aid of the simple machinery which they employ in
making "Curry powder," will reduce the hardest woody ingredients to the
requisite state of fineness. When only a few grains or a small quantity
is required, it may be obtained by means of a nutmeg-grater (included in
List in Appendix C), and subsequently triturating the rough powder thus
obtained in a mortar till it is reduced to the state of a fine powder.
In the preparation of a _Compound Powder_, _i.e._, a powder containing
two or more ingredients, it is of the greatest importance that they
should be uniformly and thoroughly incorporated, else it is evident that
a small portion of it, such as is usually prescribed as a dose, may
contain an excess of one ingredient—it may be an active or dangerous
one, and operate powerfully—whilst the next dose may be comparatively
inert. Powders, when prepared in large quantities, should be kept in
well-stoppered or corked bottles; if left in open vessels exposed to the
action of the air, they soon become deteriorated. _Pills._—For the
reasons just stated, it is necessary, when two or more ingredients enter
into the composition of a pill mass, to be careful that they are
thoroughly incorporated. When powders, &c., enter into their
composition, a little honey or _jaggery_ is the best thing to give them
cohesion and consistence. They should be moderately hard; if too soft,
they are apt to lose the globular form which they ought to possess, and
become a shapeless mass. When several pills are made, a little Arrowroot
or Rice Flour should be added to the box which contains them, to keep
them from adhering to one another. No pill should ordinarily exceed 5
grains in weight, otherwise there will be a difficulty in swallowing it;
two 3 grain pills are more easily taken than one of 6 grains. Pills,
when prepared in any quantity, should, like powders, be kept in
well-stoppered or corked bottles.
_Ointments._—Animal fats, _e.g._, Lard, which is so generally used in
English pharmacy, are apt to become rancid and irritating in hot
climates; hence they should be discarded in tropical practice. In India
there is another _cogent_ reason for _abandoning them_, viz., _the
religious prejudices of the natives_, especially of the Mussulman, to
whom hog's fat is _an abomination_. The only allowable animal fat in
India is freshly prepared Ghee, or clarified butter; but this in the
hotter part of India is of too thin consistence for ordinary ointments.
Fortunately India supplies at least two vegetable substitutes, Kokum
Butter and Piney Tallow (the expressed Oil of Vateria Indica). In
addition to these, I have introduced a third article, Ceromel (a mixture
of wax and honey). With these three agents it is believed that animal
fats may be altogether dispensed with in Indian pharmacy.
_Native Names._—These have been mainly derived from Mr. Moodeen
Sheriff's valuable Catalogue, which forms the Supplement to the
Pharmacopœia of India. Some have been drawn from Ainslie's _Materia
Indica_, a work of sterling merit. For the Malay names I am indebted to
the Hon. Major F. M‘Nair, C.M.G., Surveyor-General, Straits Settlements,
and for the Punjábí and Kashmirí names to Dr. J. E. T. Aitchison,
formerly British Commissioner, Ladakh.
It is only necessary, in this place, to indicate the pronunciation of
the vowels met with in this work.
a (short) as in _a_bout, or the final _a_ in Calcutt_a_.
á (long) as in _a_ll, c_a_ll.
e (short) as in _e_lbow, or the first _e_ in n_e_ver.
é (long) as _a_ in _a_ble or _ai_ in f_ai_r.
i (short) as _i_ in _i_nk, b_i_d.
í (long) as _ee_ in f_ee_d and fr_ee_.
o (short) as in fr_o_m.
ó (long) as in _o_pium, h_o_me.
u (short) as in f_u_ll, or as in w_o_lf.
ú (long) as in f_oo_l, t_oo_.
Explanation of the Abbreviations employed in the lists of the native
names of the drugs:
_Hind._ Hindústaní.
_Duk._ Dukhní.
_Beng._ Bengálí.
_Punj._ Punjábí.
_Kash._ Kashmirí.
_Tam._ Tamil.
_Tel._ Telugu.
_Mal._ Malyalim.
_Can._ Canarese.
_Mah._ Máhrattí.
_Guz._ Guzrattí.
_Cing._ Cingalese.
_Burm._ Burmese.
_Malay_ Malay.
REMARKS ON THE USES
OF SOME OF THE
BAZAAR MEDICINES OF INDIA.
PART I.
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE BAZAAR MEDICINES AND
INDIAN MEDICAL PLANTS INCLUDED IN THIS WORK.
1. +Abelmoschus, or Edible Hibiscus. Okra.+ The fresh unripe capsules or
fruit of Abelmoschus (Hibiscus) esculentus, _Linn._
Bhindí, Rám-turáí (_Hind._), Bhéndí (_Duk._, _Punj._), Dhéras or
Dhénras, Rám-Toráí (_Beng._), Vendaik-káy (_Tam._), Benda-káya
(_Tel._), Ventak-káya (_Mal._), Bendé-káyi (_Can._), Bhéndá (_Mah._),
Bhíndu (_Guz._), Banda-ká (_Cing._). Youn-padi-sí (_Burm._),
Kachang-lindir (_Malay_).
2. This well-known vegetable, cultivated throughout India, abounds in a
copious, bland, viscid mucilage, which possesses valuable emollient and
demulcent properties, rendering the practitioner in India independent of
mallow and other European articles of that class. The dried fruit may be
employed where it is not procurable in a fresh state. It is best given
in decoction, prepared by boiling three ounces of the fresh capsules,
cut transversely, in a pint and a half of water for twenty minutes,
straining and sweetening to taste. This, taken as an ordinary drink,
proves alike agreeable and serviceable in _Fevers_, _Catarrhal attacks_,
_Irritable states of the Bladder and Kidneys_, in _Gonorrhœa_, and in
_all cases attended with scalding pain_, _and difficulty in passing
Urine_. Under its use the urine is said to become much increased in
quantity. _In Dysentery_, especially in the chronic form of the disease,
the bland, viscid mucilage is often most beneficial. It is a good plan
to give it in soup.
3. _In Hoarseness, and in dry and irritable states of the Throat, giving
rise, as is often the case, to a troublesome Cough, as in Consumption,
&c._, the free inhalation of the vapour of the hot decoction (_ante_)
has in many instances been found serviceable.
4. The fresh capsules bruised are stated to form an efficient emollient
poultice.
5. +Abrus, or Country Liquorice Root.+ The root of Abrus precatorius,
_Linn._
Mulatthí-hindi, Gunj-ka-jar (_Hind._, _Duk._), Jaishtomodhu-bengala,
Kunch-ka-jar (_Beng._), Múlathí (_Punj._), Shangir (_Kash._),
Gundumani-vér (_Tam._), Guru-venda-véru (_Tel._), Kunnikuru-véra
(_Mal._), Gul-ganji-béru (_Can._), Olindamúl (_Cing._), Yu-e-si-anú
(_Burm._), Akar-sagamerah (_Malay_).
6. This root, obtained from a twining shrub common throughout India,
whose bright scarlet seeds with a black spot at one end are universally
known, possesses many of the sensible properties and medical qualities
of the true liquorice-root (which is also to be met with in some of the
large bazaars), hence its common name. Country Liquorice. Properly
prepared, and according to directions in Indian Pharmacopœia, it yields
an extract similar to officinal liquorice, but less sweet and more
bitter. According to Moodeen Sheriff (_Suppl. to Ind. Ph._ p. 18), an
extract prepared from the dried leaves of Abrus precatorius is much
superior both in taste and as a medicine to that prepared from the root.
He gives the following directions for its preparation: Pour boiling
distilled water on the dried leaves till they are sufficiently covered;
keep the vessel on a slow fire for six hours; then strain the liquor
while hot through flannel and evaporate on a water bath to a proper
consistence. The extract prepared from the juice of the fresh leaves, he
adds, is also sweet, but very inferior to the latter for medicinal
purposes. The following syrup has been found useful in the _Coughs of
Childhood_. Take of fresh Abrus roots, the larger sized the better, well
bruised, two ounces; and Abelmoschus capsules sliced, one ounce; boil in
a pint of water for half an hour, and strain; to the liquor add eight
ounces of sugar-candy or honey, and boil down to the consistence of a
syrup. From a tea to a table-spoonful may be freely given several times
a day when the cough is troublesome, whether fever is present or not. It
forms also a good adjunct to other more active cough mixtures. The great
objection to this, in common with all syrups in India, is the readiness
with which it undergoes fermentation; hence only small quantities should
be prepared when cases occur requiring its use.
7. +Acacia, or Babúl Bark.+ The bark of Acacia Arabica, _Willd._
Babúl-ka-chál, Kíkar-ka-chál (_Hind._), Kali-kíkar-kí chilká (_Duk._),
Babúl-sál (_Beng._), Sák (_Punj._, _Kash._), Karu-vélam-pattai
(_Tam._), Kulit-pokoh-bunga (_Malay_).
8. Babúl bark occurs in large thick pieces, coarsely fibrous, of a deep
mahogany colour, and astringent, bitterish taste. It is an excellent
astringent, and though less powerful than some others of the same class,
it possesses the advantage of being obtainable, either in the fresh or
dried state, throughout India, the tree yielding it being common
everywhere in dry, sandy localities.
9. The best form for medical purposes is a decoction prepared by boiling
one ounce and a half of the bruised bark in a pint of water for ten
minutes, and straining. Of this the dose is from one and a half to two
ounces twice daily, or oftener in _Chronic Diarrhœa_, &c.; it is,
however, chiefly employed as an external or local application—as an
injection in _Leucorrhœa and other Vaginal Discharges_; as an enema in
_Piles_ and _Prolapsus (descent) of the Anus_, and as a gargle in _Sore
Throat, and in Sponginess and Ulceration of the Gums_. In all these
cases, however, it is generally used conjoined with alum and other
agents.
10. +Acorus, or Sweet Flag Root.+ The root stock or Acorus Calamus,
_Linn._
Bach or Vach (_Hind._, _Duk._), Bach, Saféd Bach (_Beng._), Warch
(_Punj._), Vá'í (_Kash._), Vashambú (_Tam._), Vasa, Vadaja (_Tel._),
Vash-anpa (_Mal._), Bajé (_Can._), Vékhanda (_Mah._), Vaj, Vach
(_Guz._), Lene or Linhe (_Burm._), Jaringowe (_Malay_).
11. This is one of the commonest of bazaar medicines, and generally
procurable everywhere, of good quality, at a very small cost. It occurs
in pieces of various lengths, about the thickness of the thumb, rather
flattened, spongy, provided with numerous sheath-like, ringed
appendages; odour peculiar and aromatic; taste, bitterish, warm and
somewhat acrid. Till very recently it was included in the British
Pharmacopœia. It well deserves a place in every Indian domestic medicine
chest.
12. It is a tonic and stomachic of no small value, and is best given in
the form of infusion: one ounce of the bruised root to half a pint of
boiling water, in doses of a wine-glassful twice or thrice daily.
Combined with Chiretta, it has been reported to cure _Intermittent
Fevers in natives_, but though its power in this respect is doubtful,
except, perhaps, in cases of the mildest description, yet in
_Convalescence after this and other forms of Fever_, a mixture of equal
parts of the infusion of Acorus and Chiretta (98) is as good a formula
as can be employed. The same combination proves also most serviceable in
_Dyspepsia, especially when attended with much flatulence, in Loss of
Appetite and Constitutional Debility_.
13. _In the Dysentery of Natives, and in that especially of Native
Children_, Dr. Evers (_Indian Medical Gazette_, Feb. 1, 1875) speaks
very highly of Acorus given in decoction as follows: Take of the bruised
root-stock two ounces, Coriander seed one drachm, Black Pepper half a
drachm, Water one pint; boil down to about twelve ounces (or for about a
quarter of an hour), and set aside to cool. The dose for an adult is a
wine-glassful three times daily; for a child from one to three
tea-spoonfuls, sweetened with sugar, two or three times a day.
Astringents or Quinine (the latter when the disease is apparently of
malarious origin) may be added if necessary. Dr. Evers found this
decoction not only useful in _Dysentery and Diarrhœa_, but also in the
_Bronchitic Affections of Children_. He considers it worthy of a more
extended trial.
14. This root, especially when freshly collected, and retaining its full
aroma, is reported, on good authority, to _drive away fleas and other
insects_, a fact well to bear in mind in a sick room, as well as
elsewhere.
15. +Aloes.+ The inspissated juice of Aloe Socotrina, _Linn._, and other
species of Aloes.
Musabbar, Ilvá, Yalvá (_Hind._), Musanbar (_Duk._), Móshabbar
(_Beng._), Elwá (_Punj._), Mússbar, Sibar (_Kash._), Kariya-pólam,
Irakta-pólam (_Tam._), Múshámbaram (_Tel._), Chenna-náyakam (_Mal._),
Musam-bara-bóla (_Mah._), Yéliyo (_Guz._), Kalu-bólam, Kari-bolam
(_Cing._), Mo (_Burm._), Jadam (_Malay_).
16. Aloes, as met with in the bazaars, are generally imported, and of a
very inferior description, but they may be rendered fit for medical use
by the following process: Take of bazaar Aloes, in small fragments, one
pound; boiling water, one gallon; stir them well together until they are
thoroughly mixed, and set aside for twelve hours; then pour off the
clear liquor, strain the remainder, mix the liquors, and place in open
vessels in the sun, or over a gentle fire, till it is evaporated to
dryness. Aloes of very good quality may also be prepared from two
indigenous species of Aloe, A. Indica, _Royle_, and A. litoralis,
_König_; the former inhabiting dry sandy plains in the Northwestern
Provinces, and the latter similar localities on the sea-coasts of the
Madras peninsula. The viscid juice with which the thick leaves abound
should be collected and evaporated to dryness by exposure in open pans
in the sun or over a gentle fire.
17. The principal use of Aloes is as a purgative, in doses of from three
to six grains. If administered alone, it is apt to cause griping,
nausea, &c.; hence, it is generally given in combination with aromatics,
&c. _It is ill adapted for children, for persons subject to Piles, or
for Pregnant Females._
18. Few medicines are more generally useful for women when suffering
from _an Irregular or Suspended_ _state of the Menstrual Discharge_; but
it _should not_ be given during pregnancy, _nor whilst_ the menstrual
discharge is present. In these cases, especially when the patient is
pale, thin, and weak, it is best given as follows: Take purified Aloes
and Sulphate of Iron, of each, finely powdered, 24 grains; Cinnamon in
powder, 60 grains; Honey, sufficient to make a mass; be careful that all
the ingredients are well mixed; and divide into 24 pills, of which two
are to be taken twice daily.
19. The following is another very good combination: Take Aloes and
Asafœtida, of each 20 grains; beat into a mass with honey, and divide
into 12 pills, of which one may be taken twice daily. These pills often
prove of great service to women subject to _Hysterical fits_, and
_Flatulent distension of the Abdomen_, especially when at the same time
there is _Constipation of the Bowels_. _In Headaches arising from the
sudden stoppage either of menstrual discharge or of long-standing
bleeding from piles_, these pills often prove useful. Aloes should not
ordinarily be given to persons subject to piles, as they are apt to
aggravate the disease.
20. _In cases of Habitual Constipation of the Bowels_ great benefit has
been found from the persevering use of the following pills: Take of
purified Aloes, 18 grains; Sulphate of Iron, 30 grains; beat into a mass
with a little honey, and divide into 24 pills. Of these, one may be
taken three times a day, immediately after the principal meals, till
they begin to act upon the bowels gently and then the number may be
reduced to two daily. At the end of a week or two another pill may be
omitted, and within a month a single pill once or twice a week will
suffice. If at any time they should act powerfully on the bowels as a
purgative, they should be discontinued for a time.
21. +Alum.+
Phitkarí (_Hind._), Phitkarí (_Beng._), Fatkarí (_Punj._), Fatkar,
Phatkar (_Kash._), Pati-káram (_Tam._, _Tel._), Chinik-káram (_Mal._),
Pati-kárá (_Can._), Patikár, Turatí (_Mah._), Sina-karam (_Cing._),
Keo-khin (_Burm._), Twas (_Malay_).
22. Alum of good quality is generally procurable in all bazaars. It
should be in colourless, transparent, crystalline masses, or pieces of
various sizes, with an acid, sweetish, astringent taste. When mixed with
impurities, as it often is, it may be rendered fit for medicinal
purposes by dissolving it in boiling water, straining the solution, and
evaporating it so as to obtain crystals, which should be preserved for
use. Alum, whether applied externally or given internally, is a valuable
astringent. Dose, from 10 to 20 grains for adults.
23. In that form of _Ophthalmia_ commonly known in India by the name of
_Country Sore Eyes_, especially when it attacks children, a solution of
Alum is often of great service. For children the strength of three
grains to an ounce of water is sufficient; but for adults, a solution of
double this strength may be used: the eyes should be freely washed with
it four or five times a day, or a cloth wet with it may be kept
constantly applied. If the eyelids are much swollen, especially in the
morning, they should be well bathed with warm milk, the eyelids should
then be carefully separated, and the Alum lotion dropped in. There is a
native plan of treatment of these cases which proves in many instances
effectual, but it has the disadvantage of being very painful for a short
time. It is as follows: Place some finely powdered alum on a heated
plate of iron, and whilst it is in a state of fusion add a small portion
of lemon or lime-juice, until it forms a black, soft mass. This, whilst
hot, is applied entirely round the orbit, care being taken that none of
it gets beneath the eyelids, as it causes under such circumstances
intense agony. One or two applications, each being allowed to remain on
for twelve hours, suffice ordinarily to effect a cure.
24. _After severe Blows on the Eye_, when the pain and heat have
subsided, and much discoloration and swelling remain, an ALUM POULTICE
is an effectual application. It is made by rubbing up 30 grains of
powdered alum with the white of an egg till it forms a coagulum. This
placed between two pieces of thin rag or muslin, should be kept applied
to the eye for some hours.
25. _In Hæmorrhage from the Lungs, Stomach, Kidneys, Uterus, and other
Internal Organs_, Alum, in doses of 10 to 12 grains, thrice daily, with
or without opium, may often be given with advantage. It is, however,
inadmissible if much fever is present, and should at once be
discontinued if after the first few doses the symptoms are at all
aggravated. The following, called ALUM WHEY, is a good form of
administration: Boil for ten minutes two drachms of powdered Alum in a
pint of milk, and strain; of this, the dose is one and a half to two
ounces thrice daily. This may also be given with the view of checking
_Excessive Menstrual Discharges_ (_Menorrhagia_) and _Bleeding from
Piles_. In this last case, clothes saturated with a solution of Alum in
decoction of Galls (145) or Babúl bark (9), in the proportion of two
drachms to eight ounces, should be kept constantly applied externally.
This application also proves useful in _Prolapsus (descent) of the
Anus_, especially in children. _In Profuse Bleeding from the Nose_
injections of a solution of Alum (20 grains to one ounce of water) into
the nostril is sometimes effectual; care, however, is required in its
use. Powdered Alum, or a very strong saturated solution, applied locally
on a compress, occasionally suffices to arrest _Bleeding from
Leech-bites, Cuts, &c._
26. _In the Chronic Diarrhœa of Natives_, the following mixture has been
found useful: Take of Alum ten grains, infusion of Acorus root (12), one
and a half ounce, Laudanum, five drops; repeat three or four times
daily. _In the Diarrhœa which precedes Cholera, and in the early stages
of Cholera_, the following powders are worthy of a trial. Take Alum,
Catechu, and Cinnamon, of each, powdered, ten grains, mix with honey,
and give at a dose. It may be repeated every one or two hours, according
to circumstances. It proves useful also in controlling the _Diarrhœa of
Phthisis_.
27. As a palliative in _Diabetes_, "Alum Whey," prepared as directed in
paragraph 25, may be tried; under its use the quantity of urine voided
is, in some instances, diminished. _In Albuminuria_, also, it has been
useful in some instances in reducing the proportion of albumen in the
urine.
28. _In Hooping Cough_, when the first or acute stage has passed, no
remedy is more generally efficacious than Alum, in doses of three or
four grains, every four or six hours for a child from two to three years
old. It may be given in the form of powder or in solution (Alum 25
grains, Omum Water three ounces) in doses of a dessert-spoonful every
four or six hours for a child from two to four years old.
29. _For Relaxed or Ulcerated Sore Throat, for Ulceration and Sponginess
of the Gums, in Salivation, and in Fissures of the Tongue in
Consumption_, a very useful gargle or mouth wash is made by dissolving
two drachms of Alum in a pint of the decoction of Galls (145) or Babúl
Bark (9), and sweetening with honey. _For the small white Ulcers_
(_Aphthæ, or Thrush_) _in the mouths of infants and young children_, a
better application is 20 grains of finely powdered Alum, incorporated
with one ounce of honey. This may be applied twice daily, with the tip
of the finger. _In the severer Ulcerative forms of the disease_
(_Ulcerative Stomatitis_) Alum in fine powder, or in strong solution,
proves a more effectual application.
30. There is a disease often confounded with _Gonorrhœa_, where the
discharge does not come, as it does in true gonorrhœa, from the urethra,
but from a sore or excoriated surface between the prepuce and the head
of the penis. For this there is no better application than a solution of
Alum, 20 grains in one ounce of water. It may be used twice or thrice
daily. The strictest cleanliness should be enforced at the same time.
_In Gleet_, a solution of Alum (three grains), in water (one ounce),
used as an injection twice daily, is often productive of benefit. _In
Leucorrhœa and other Vaginal Discharges_, injections of Alum in
decoction of Galls or Babúl bark, as advised in the last paragraph,
often prove very useful.
31. _In old Chronic spreading and gangrenous Ulcers_ so common amongst
natives, the following forms an excellent application: Finely powdered
Alum, four drachms; finely powdered Catechu, one drachm; Opium, half a
drachm; Ceromel (167), or Kokum butter, or Ghee, one ounce. First, rub
down the opium with the ceromel till thoroughly mixed, and then
incorporate the other ingredients. A portion of this, spread on soft
rag, should be applied to the ulcer night and morning. If it occasion
much pain, the proportion of ceromel should be increased. _For Bed-Sores
or where these are likely to occur_, Dr. Aitchison describes as an
excellent remedy—a mixture of 30 grains of burnt alum and the white of
an egg. It should be well painted over the part.
32. _For Enlargement of the Joints, especially that of the Knee, and for
other Swellings resulting from Blows, Bruises, or Sprains_, the
following lotion has been found useful; Alum, four drachms, Vinegar and
_Arrack_, of each a pint; dissolve, and keep cloths wet with this lotion
constantly to the affected part. _In Scorpion Bites_, Alum moistened
with water and locally applied often affords instantaneous relief (Dr.
Saunders).
33. +Asafœtida.+
Hing (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Pung._, _Mah._, _Guz._), Yang
(_Kash._), Káyam, Perun-gáyam (_Tam._), Inguva (_Tel._), Perun-gáyam,
Káyam (_Mal._), Perun-káyam (_Cing._), Shinkhu or Shingu (_Burm._),
Hingu (_Malay_).
34. Asafœtida of good quality may be obtained in most bazaars. The
moister and most strongly smelling kinds should be chosen for medical
purposes. It may be given in the form of pill, in doses of from five to
ten grains; or in that of mixture, prepared by rubbing down in a mortar
five drachms of Asafœtida in a pint of hot water, and straining and
setting aside to cool. Of this solution, which is thick and milky, the
dose is from one to two table-spoonfuls. Its nauseous taste is a great
objection to its use.
35. _In Hysterical Fits_ and in _Fainting, Nervous Palpitations, and
other affections connected with Hysteria_, Asafœtida proves most useful.
When the symptoms are urgent, as in fits, &c., it is best given in the
liquid form (_ante_), but where the object is rather to combat the
tendency to this state, and to make an impression on the system, the
solid form should be preferred. For this purpose it may be
advantageously combined with Aloes, as advised in Sect. 19.
36. _In Flatulence, Flatulent Colic, and Spasmodic_ _Affections of the
Bowels_, especially when connected with hysteria, it is best given in
the form of enema (30 grains in four ounces of water); but if this is
not practicable, it may be given by mouth in the liquid form advised
above. A teaspoonful of the mixture, with a little Omum water, is often
very effectual in relieving the _Flatulent Colic of Children_. It may
also be tried in the _Convulsions of pale, weakly children_. An
Asafœtida enema is an effectual means of removing _Thread worms_ from
the rectum and lower bowel.
37. _In the obstinate Coughs of Childhood_, remaining after attacks of
inflammation, and also _the advanced stages of Hooping Cough_, the
mixture has also occasionally been found of great service in doses of a
teaspoonful four or five times daily. It has also been recommended in
the _Chronic Bronchitis and Asthma of Adults_; its disagreeable smell
and taste is a great bar to its use, but this may, in a great measure,
be obviated by giving it in the form of pill.
38. +Asteracantha (Barleria) longifolia+, _Nees_.
Talmakháné, Gokshura (_Hind._), Kolsí (_Duk._), Kánta-koliká (_Beng._),
Tálmakhánáh (_Punj._, _Kash._), Nir-mulli (_Tam._), Niru-gobbi
(_Tel._), Vayal-chulli (_Mal._), Kolava-like (_Can._), Tál-makháná
(_Mah._), Ikkiri (_Cing._), Súpadán (_Burm._).
39. The whole of this plant, common in moist sites throughout India, but
especially the root, which in the dried state is sold in the bazaars,
enjoys a high repute amongst the natives as a diuretic in _Dropsical_
_cases_, which European experience has, in a great measure, tended to
confirm. It may be given in the form of decoction, prepared by boiling
one ounce of the root in a pint of water for ten minutes, straining, and
taking the whole in divided doses during the day. The following is
advised by Baboo Kanny Lall Dey: Take of freshly dried Asteracantha
leaves, two ounces; Distilled Vinegar, 16 ounces; macerate for three
days; press and strain. Of this, the dose is from one to three
tablespoonfuls in water thrice daily.
40. +Atis, or Atees.+ The root of Aconitum heterophyllum, _Wallich_.
Atís (_Hind._), Atviká (_Duk._), Atis, Batis, Patis (_Punj._),
Mohand-i-guj-saféd, Hong-i-saféd (_Kash._), Ati-vadayam (_Tam._),
Ati-vasa (_Tel._).