tuberous roots, tapering towards a point, from one to one and a half
inches or more in length, and from three-eighths to a quarter of an inch
in thickness; grey externally, slightly wrinkled longitudinally, and
marked here and there with rootlet scars, easily friable; internally
white, farinaceous, inodorous, and of a pure bitter taste, devoid of
acidity or astringency. This last character serves to distinguish it
from all other roots sold under the same name. _Every root should be
broken across, and all which are not pure white, with a short, starchy
fracture and pure bitter taste, should be discarded._ Further, if on
placing a small piece on the tongue it cause _a_ _feeling of tingling or
peculiar sensibility_, followed by even the smallest degree of numbness
or altered sensibility, it should _on no account_ be used. Mr. Boughton
discovered in it an alkaloid to which he gave the name of _Atisine_.
42. The chief use of Atís is in the treatment of _Intermittent Fever and
other periodical fevers_, and in these it often proves most valuable. It
should be given in doses of half a drachm (30 grains), mixed with a
little water, every four or six hours during the intermissions,
commencing its use during or towards the close of the sweating stage.
For children the dose may be reduced one-half, or three-fourths,
according to age. For combating the _Debility after Fevers and other
diseases_, Atís is an excellent tonic, in doses of five to ten grains
thrice daily.
43. +Bael Fruit.+ The fruit of Ægle Marmelos, _Corr._
Bél, Si-phal (_Hind._, _Beng._, _Punj._), Bél-phal (_Duk._), Vilva or
Bilva-pazham (_Tam._), Bilva-pandu, Márédu-pandu (_Tel._),
Kúvalap-pazham (_Mal._) Bilapatri-hannu (_Can._) Bél-phal (_Guz._),
Bélá-chaphala, Bela (_Mah._) Bélli, Bélli-ka (_Cing._), Ushi-si,
Ushi-ti (_Burm._), Buah Bail (_Malay_), Bil-kath (the entire fruit),
Shífal-gúj, the pulp and seeds with the rind removed (_Kash._).
44. The half-ripe fruit is best suited for medical use, and that freshly
gathered is preferable to that which has been kept a long time, as is
generally the case with the bazaar article. In bazaar specimens, the
Wood-apple (fruit of Feronia Elephantum) is often substituted for Bael.
Though they bear a close resemblance externally, they can easily be
distinguished by opening them. In the true Bael there are, in the centre
of the pulp, a number of cells, from five to eighteen, each containing
one or more seeds and glutinous mucus, whilst in the Wood-apple there
are no cells, and the seeds are embedded in the pulp. European
experience has confirmed the native opinion that it is a remedy of much
value in cases of _obstinate Diarrhœa and Dysentery_ when unattended by
fever, and the patient is weak and dyspeptic. It proves especially
serviceable when any signs of _Scurvy_ are present. It is best given as
follows: Take of the soft gummy fluid from the interior of the fruit two
ounces, mix this with three or four ounces of water, sweeten to taste,
and, if procurable, add a lump of ice. This draught should be repeated
twice or thrice daily. _In the obstinate Diarrhœa and Dysentery of
Children_ it may safely be given in doses of from one quarter to one
half the above quantity, according to age. The Fluid Extract of the
_dried_ Bael is regarded by many as superior to any other preparations
of this fruit. The dose is from half a drachm to a drachm, twice or
thrice daily for an adult. Dietetic Bael is also a valuable preparation.
Dr. Aitchison suggests that a supply of Dietetic Bael (prepared by
Messrs. Bathgate & Co., of Calcutta) should be kept in store. "It
consists," he remarks, "of the pulp of dried Bael fruit carefully
pulverised and mixed with a certain proportion of arrowroot. It is an
excellent preparation to be used in those cases when Bael is prescribed,
and where the fresh fruit cannot be got of good quality, _e.g._, the
Bael fruit grown in the Punjaub is not to be compared with that of the
more moist and tropical regions. Besides using this in actual disease it
makes a good substitute in a patient's diet owing to its pleasant
aromatic flavour."
45. _In Irregularity of the Bowels, presenting alternations of Diarrhœa
and Constipation_, one draught, as described in the last section, taken
in the early morning, often exercises a most beneficial effect in
regulating the bowels. Where much debility exists, and the stomach is
weak and irritable, it is apt to disagree, occasioning eructations, &c.,
in which case it may be tried in smaller doses, or be given at bedtime
in place of early morning.
46. +Betel or Betle Leaves.+ The fresh leaves of Chavica (Piper) Betle,
_Retz._
Pán (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Punj._, and _Guz._), Vettilai (_Tam._),
Tamala-páku, Nága-valli (_Tel._), Vetrila (_Mal._), Viledele (_Can._),
Videchapána (_Mah._), Balát (_Cing._), Kún-yoe (_Burm._), Seereh
(_Malay_).
47. These leaves are in almost universal use amongst the natives of
India as a masticatory, in conjunction with lime and areca-nut; and can
now be purchased, almost fresh, in any of the larger bazaars of the
Punjaub, as they are forwarded by rail and post. There are two ways in
which they may be usefully employed medicinally:
48. _In Coughs, especially those of Infancy and Childhood, where there
is difficulty of breathing_, the application of betel leaves, warmed,
smeared with oil, and applied in layers over the chest, often affords
speedy and marked relief. It is a native practice, the utility of which
has been confirmed by European experience. It can do no harm, may do
much good, and is therefore worthy of a trial in all cases. The same
application has been recommended in _Congestion and other affections of
the Liver_.
49. For the purpose of _Arresting the Secretion of Milk_, when from any
cause this may be desirable, betel leaves, warmed by the fire, and
placed in layers over the breast, are stated to be very effectual. Thus
employed they are also said to be useful in reducing _Glandular
Swellings_.
50. +Bonduc Nut.+ The fruit of Cæsalpinia (Guilandina) Bonducella,
_Linn._
Kat-kalijá, Kat-karanj (_Hind._), Gajgá (_Duk._), Nátá, Nátú-koranjá
(_Beng._), Kanjúá (_Punj._), Kazhar-shik-káy (_Tam._), Gech-chak-káyá
(_Tel._), Kalan-chik-kuru (_Mal._), Gajaga-káyi (_Can._), Gajaga
(_Mah._), Gájgá (_Guz._) Kumbura-atta (_Cing._), Kalén-zi (_Burm._),
Buah gorah (_Malay_).
51. These nuts, common in all the bazaars of India, are roundish or
ovoid in shape, about half an inch, or more, in diameter, smooth, hard,
of a grey or leaden colour externally, and contain a white starchy
kernel of a pure, bitter taste. Their efficacy appears to reside in a
bitter oil. Mr. Broughton failed to detect in them any special
crystalline principle.
52. _In Intermittent Fevers_, especially in those of the natives, this
remedy has been found very useful. It is adapted only for mild,
uncomplicated cases, and is best given in the following form: Take of
Bonduc seeds, deprived of their shells and powdered, one ounce; Black
Pepper, powdered, one ounce; mix thoroughly, and keep in a
well-stoppered bottle. Of this the dose is from 15 to 30 grains three
times a day for adults. In smaller doses it is a good tonic in _Debility
after Fevers and other diseases_. The bark of the root of the Bonduc
shrub in 10 grain doses is reported to be even more effectual in the
above cases than the seeds themselves.
53. +Borax.+ Biborate of Soda.
Sohágá, Tinkál (_Hind._), Sohágá (_Beng._, _Duk._, _Punj._), Vávut,
Váwuth (_Kash._), Venkáram (_Tam._), Elegáram (_Tel._), Ponkáram,
Vellakaram (_Mal._), Biligára (_Can._), Vengáram, Puskara (_Cing._),
Lakhiya, Let-khya (_Burm._), Pijar (_Malay_).
54. Borax of good quality is met with in most bazaars; if good it should
be in transparent, colourless, crystalline masses or pieces of various
sizes, inodorous, with a cool, saltish taste. After having been exposed
to the air for some time, as that found in the bazaars has generally
been, it becomes covered with a whitish powder or efflorescence, which
being removed shows the transparent crystal beneath. If brown or dirty,
or otherwise impure, it may be rendered fit for medical use by
dissolving one pound of it with one drachm of quicklime in three pints
of water, straining through cloth and evaporating by exposure to the sun
in an open vessel or over a gentle fire. Dose from 20 to 40 grains for
an adult.
55. _In Aphthæ or Thrush_ (small white spots and ulcerations in the
mouths of infants and young children) a mixture of powdered Borax (1
drachm) and Honey (1 ounce) is one of the best applications which can be
used; it should be applied by means of the finger to the spot twice or
thrice daily. _In Fissures or Cracks in the Tongue in adults, which
occur in the advanced stages of Consumption, Fever, &c._, an
application, twice the strength of the above, proves highly serviceable.
_In Mercurial Salivation_, a solution of Borax (half an ounce), in water
(eight ounces) forms an excellent gargle.
56. _To Sore Nipples_ a solution of Borax, one drachm to one ounce of
water, should be applied before and after suckling the infant, or it may
be employed in the form of ointment (a drachm of Borax to an ounce of
Ghee). These applications are also serviceable when applied to _inflamed
and painful Piles_.
57. _As a means of allaying the distressing Irritation of the Genital
Organs, both of males and females_, the latter especially, a solution of
Borax (half an ounce) in eight ounces of water or Camphor julep (67)
sometimes affords more relief than anything else. Cloths saturated with
it should be kept to the parts, and in the case of women it should also
be used in the form of vaginal injection. It also proves very useful in
allaying the _Irritation of Nettlerash, Prickly Heat, and other Skin
Diseases_.
58. _In prolonged and tedious Labours_ dependent apparently on want of
action or power in the uterus to expel the fœtus, and in _Abortion_
under the same circumstances, 30 grains of Borax with 10 grains of
powdered Cinnamon in a little warm _conjee_, may be given every one or
two hours to the extent of three or four doses. This may also be given
in _Convulsions attendant on Labours_. In doses of 10 grains, with 10
grains of Cinnamon, thrice daily, it also occasionally proves useful in
_Suspension or Irregularity of the Menstrual Discharge_ and in some
_Chronic Uterine Affections_.
59. _To Ulcerated Buboes, and Sloughing Ulcers_, a solution of Borax
(two drachms in a pint of water or Camphor julep) often proves very
useful by cleansing the surface and hastening the healing process. It
should be applied on rags well over the whole sore, and renewed
frequently by night and day. For dressing _Delhi Sores_, and stimulating
them to healthy action, a favourite application is composed of Borax,
Sulphur, and Catechu, of each, finely powdered, one drachm, and Ghee one
ounce. This may be advantageously used in other forms of _Ulceration_.
60. _For Ringworm_, a solution of Borax (one drachm) in distilled
vinegar (two ounces) is stated to be an effectual application.
61. +Butea Gum. Bengal Kino.+ The inspissated juice obtained from the
stems of Butea frondosa, _Roxb._ Pterocarpus Marsupium, _D.C._, which
yields the officinal Kino, inhabits the forests of Ceylon and the Indian
Peninsula as far north as Behar; but almost all, if not the whole, of
the Kino met with in bazaars is the produce of Butea frondosa or B.
superba; but this is a matter of little moment, as it appears to be
equally effectual as an astringent.
Palás-kí-gond (_Hind._, _Duk._), Pálásh-gun (_Beng._), Dhák-kí-gond
(_Punj._,), Kamar-kash (_Kash._), Muruk-kan-pishin, Palásha-pishin
(_Tam._), Palásha-banka, Móduga-banka (_Tel._) Plách-cha-pasha
(_Mal._), Muttaga-góndu (_Can._), Phalása-cha-gónda (_Mah._),
Khákar-nu-gún (_Guz._), Káliya-melliyam (_Cing._), Páv-si (_Burm._).
62. Butea Gum occurs in the form of irregular shining fragments, seldom
as large as a pea, more or less mixed with adherent pieces of greyish
bark, of an intense ruby colour and astringent taste. Its astringency is
due to the presence of tannic and gallic acids. It is an excellent
astringent, similar to Catechu, but, being milder in operation, it is
better adapted for children and delicate females. The dose of the
powdered gum is 10 to 30 grains, with a few grains of powdered Cinnamon.
It may be used with advantage in _Chronic Diarrhœa_, _Pyrosis_
(_Water-brash_), _and in those forms of Dyspepsia attended with
increased secretion_. In these cases the addition of a small portion of
opium increases its efficacy.
63. +Butea Seeds.+ The seeds of Butea frondosa, _Roxb._
Palás-ké-bínj (_Hind._), Palás-Páprá (_Duk._, _Beng._), Dhák-papri,
Palás-páprí (_Punj._), Khálás-pápúr (_Kash._), Porasum-virai,
Murukkam-virai (_Tam._), Palásha-vittulu, Moduga-vittulu (_Tel._),
Pláshu, Murukka-vitta (_Mal._), Muttaga-bíjá (_Can._), Phalásá-cha-bí
(_Mah._), Palás-páparo (_Guz._), Kaliya-atta (_Cing._), Páv-si
(_Burm._).
64. Butea seeds are thin, flat, oval or kidney-shaped, of a mahogany
brown colour, 1¼ to 1¾ inches in length, almost devoid of taste and
smell. European experience has confirmed the high opinion held by the
Mohammedan doctors as to their power in _expelling Lumbrici, or Round
Worm_, so common amongst the natives of India. The seeds should be first
soaked in water, and the testa, or shell, carefully removed; the kernel
should then be dried and reduced to powder. Of this the dose is 20
grains thrice daily for three successive days, followed on the fourth
day by a dose of Castor Oil. Under the use of this remedy, thus
administered in the practice of Dr. Oswald, 125 lumbrici in one
instance, and between 70 and 80 in another, were expelled. It has the
disadvantage of occasionally purging when its vermifuge properties are
not apparent; in some instances also it has been found to excite
vomiting and to irritate the kidneys; and though these ill effects do
not ordinarily follow, yet they indicate caution in its employment.
65. _For destroying Maggots in Unhealthy Ulcers_, so commonly met with
amongst the natives, Raghupatie Mohun Rao (_Indian Medical Gazette_,
Dec. 2, 1879, p. 346) directs the powder of these seeds to be sprinkled
over the surface to kill them.
66. +Camphor.+
Káfúr (_Hind._, _Punj._), Káphúr (_Beng._), Karruppúram _or_ Karppúram
(_Tam._), Karpúram (_Tel._, _Mal._), Karpúra (_Can._), Kapúra (_Mah._),
Kapúr, Karpúr (_Guz._), Kapuru (_Cing._), Payo, Piyo (_Burm._), Kapor
baroos (_Malay_).
Several varieties of Camphor are met with in the bazaars. That best
suited for medicinal use should be in masses or lumps, white,
translucent, of a crystalline structure, of a powerful penetrating
odour, and pungent taste. Much of the camphor sold in the bazaars is
worthless. Dose, from two to five grains or more for an adult.
67. CAMPHOR WATER, OR JULEP, as it is commonly called, may always be
advantageously kept ready prepared for domestic use; it is made by
adding two drachms of Camphor to a quart bottle of water, and setting
aside for a few days. Of this the dose for an adult is about a
wine-glassful. It is a good vehicle for other medicines.
68. CAMPHOR LINIMENT is formed by dissolving one ounce of Camphor in
four ounces of Cocoa-nut, Sesamum, or other bland oil. It is an
excellent application in _Chronic Rheumatism_, _Lumbago_, _Enlargement_
_of the Joints_, _Glandular Swellings_, _Bruises_, _Sprains_, _Muscular
Pain, especially that of the loins, to which women are subject during
Pregnancy and the Menstrual periods_, and other cases attended with
local pain. It should be well rubbed in night and morning for 10 or 15
minutes; friction in these cases playing an important part.
69. _In Chronic Rheumatism_, in addition to its use externally, as
advised in the last paragraph, it may be given internally in a dose of
five grains with one grain of Opium at bedtime; it affords relief by
causing copious perspiration, which should be promoted by a draught of
infusion of Ginger (154) and by additional bedclothes. An excellent
vapour bath for these cases may be made by substituting half an ounce of
Camphor placed on a heated plate for the _chattie_ of hot water
described in Section 397. Thus employed, it causes speedy and copious
perspiration. Care, however, is necessary to prevent the patient
inhaling the vapour, which is of comparatively little consequence when
simple water is being employed.
70. _In Asthma_, Camphor in four-grain doses, with an equal quantity of
Asafœtida, in the form of pill, repeated every second or third hour
during a paroxysm, affords in some instances great relief. Turpentine
stupes (362) to the chest should be used at the same time. Many cases of
_Difficulty of Breathing_ are relieved by the same means. These pills
also sometimes relieve violent _Palpitation of the Heart_. _In the
Coughs of Childhood_, Camphor Liniment (68), previously warmed, well
rubbed in over the chest at nights, often exercises a beneficial effect.
For young children, the strength of the liniment should be reduced one
half or more by the addition of some bland oil.
71. _In Rheumatic and Nervous Headaches_, a very useful application is
one ounce of Camphor dissolved in a pint of Vinegar, and then diluted
with one or two parts of water. Cloths saturated with it should be kept
constantly to the part.
72. _In Spermatorrhœa, and in all involuntary Seminal discharges_, few
medicines are more generally useful than Camphor in doses of four grains
with half a grain of Opium, taken each night at bedtime. _In Gonorrhœa_,
to relieve that painful symptom, _Chordee_, the same prescription is
generally very effectual; but it may be necessary to increase the
quantity of Opium to one grain, and it is advisable to apply the Camphor
Liniment (68) along the under surface of the penis as far back as the
anus. _To relieve that distressing Irritation of the Generative Organs
which some women suffer from so severely_, it will be found that five or
six grains of Camphor taken in the form of pill twice or three times
daily, according to the severity of the symptoms, will sometimes afford
great relief. In each of these cases it is important to keep the bowels
freely open.
73. _In Painful Affections of the Uterus_ Camphor in six or eight grain
doses often affords much relief. The Liniment (68) should at the same
time be well rubbed into the loins. _In the Convulsions attendant on
Childbirth_, the following pills may be tried: Camphor and Calomel, of
each five grains. Beat into a mass with a little honey, and divide into
two pills; to be followed an hour subsequently by a full dose of castor
oil or other purgative.
74. _In the advanced stages of Fever_, _Small Pox_, and _Measles_, when
the patient is low, weak, and exhausted, and when there are at the same
time delirium, muttering, and sleeplessness, three grains of Camphor
with an equal quantity of Asafœtida, may be given even every third hour;
Turpentine stupes (362) or Mustard poultices (247) being applied at the
same time to the feet or over the region of the heart. It should be
discontinued if it causes headache or increased heat of the scalp. Its
use requires much discrimination and caution.
75. _To Prevent Bed Sores_, it is advisable to make a strong solution of
Camphor in _arrack_ or brandy, and with this night and morning to bathe,
for a few minutes, the parts which from continued pressure are likely to
become affected. _Gangrenous or Sloughing Ulcerations_ often sensibly
improve, and heal under the local application of powdered Camphor.
76. +Capsicum.+ The ripe dried fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum, _Blume_.
Lál-mirch, Gách-mirch (_Hind._), Mirchí, Lál-mirchí (_Duk._),
Lal-morich, Lanká-morich (_Beng._), Lal-mirch (_Punj._), Mirch-wángun
(_Kash._), Mulagáy, Milagáy (_Tam._), Mirapa-káya (_Tel._),
Kappal-melaka (_Mal._), Ménashiná-káyi (_Can._), Mir-singá (_Mah._),
Lál-mirich, Marchu (_Guz._), Miris (_Cing._), Náyu-si (_Burm._),
Chalie, Loda-cheena (_Malay_).
77. A powerful stimulant; the bruised fruit applied locally in the form
of poultice acts energetically as a rubefacient, and, added to Mustard
poultices, greatly increases their activity. In the absence of mustard,
Capsicum poultices may be substituted, but, being more energetic in
operation, require more care; if left on too long they will cause
blisters.
78. _In Scarlatina_, the following mixture has attained much repute in
the West Indies. Take two table-spoonfuls of bruised Capsicum and two
teaspoonfuls of Salt; beat them into a paste, and add half a pint of
boiling Water; when cold, strain, and add half a pint of Vinegar. Dose
for an adult, one table-spoonful every four hours; to be diminished for
children according to age, or the severity of the attack. The same
formula forms an excellent gargle in the _Sore Throat which accompanies
this disease_, as well as in ordinary _Relaxed Sore Throat_,
_Hoarseness_, &c.
79. Capsicum is a very useful adjunct to Aloes and other remedies for
_Dyspepsia, Loss of Appetite, &c._ _In Diarrhœa, arising from the use of
putrid food, especially fish_, Capsicum in five-grain doses in the form
of pill has been found most useful.
80. +Cassia alata+, _Linn._ Ringworm Shrub.
Dádmurdan, Dád-ká-pát (_Hind._), Dádmurdan, Dádmari (_Beng._),
Dát-ká-pattá, Viláyatí-agtí (_Duk._), Shimai-agatti, Vandu-kolli
(_Tam._), Shíma-avishi-chettu (_Tel._), Shima-akatti (_Mal._),
Shíme-agase (_Can._), Attóra (_Cing._), Timbó-mezali, Mezali-gi
(_Burm._).
81. This handsome shrub, with its large conspicuous spike of yellow
flowers, is common in gardens and waste places throughout India. Its
leaves have attained a well-earned repute as a local remedy in _Skin
Diseases_, especially in _Ringworm_; hence one of its common English
names of _Ringworm Bush or Shrub_. The ordinary form of application is a
sort of ointment made by bruising the fresh leaves with Sesamum,
Cocoa-nut, or other bland oil; but a far better preparation is made by
bruising the fresh leaves, with lemon or lime juice, into a thick paste.
Whichever preparation is employed, it should be thoroughly well rubbed
in over the affected part twice daily till a cure is effected. The more
recent the case the greater will be the prospect of a speedy cure.
Long-standing chronic cases often resist its influence.
82. +Castor Oil.+—The expressed oil of the seeds of Ricinus communis,
_Linn._
Arandí-ká-tél (_Hind._, _Punj._), Yarandí-ká-tél (_Duk._),
Bhérandá-tail (_Beng._), A'manak-kenney (_Tam._), A'mudam (_Tel._),
Kottenná (_Mal._), Haralenne (_Can._), Eran-déla (_Mah._), Dívás,
Yerandi-nu-tél (_Guz._), Endaru-tel (_Cing._), Kesú-si (_Burm._),
Miniak jarak (_Malay_).
83. Castor Oil, of various degrees of purity, is met with in most
bazaars. The dark brown viscid oil (obtained by boiling, and subsequent
expression of the seeds) should be avoided, on account of its acridity.
The best kind is clear, of a pale straw colour, and with a slightly
nauseous taste. The "cold-drawn expressed oil" should always be used
when procurable, as it generally is in most large bazaars. It is an
excellent purgative when the object is simply to clear out the bowels.
It is especially adapted for children and for women after confinements.
The ordinary dose for a child is about a teaspoonful but it may be
gradually raised according to the age of the patient, to two
table-spoonfuls (one ounce), which is the full dose for an adult. It is
best given floating on milk, strong coffee, or Omum water. _In Painful
Affections of the Rectum_ Castor Oil in small doses is often of great
service, softening the fæces and lubricating the passages without
weakening the patient. (_Mr. Curling_.) The same remark applies to
_Piles_, or when it is desirable to prevent the patient straining at
stool, but, as a general rule, it is inferior to Sulphur, _q. v._
84. _For Sore Nipples_ nothing, according to Dr. Conant Foster
(_Practitioner_, April 1872), is so beneficial as Castor Oil. The nipple
should be smeared freely with it each time the child is removed from the
breast. Rags or lint are unnecessary and injurious.