Hemidesmus Indicus, _R. Brown_.
Híndí-sál-sá, Jangli-chanbéllí (_Hind._), Nanníré-jar (_Duk._),
Ananto-múl (_Beng._), Nannárí-ver (_Tam._), Sugandhi-pála,
Pála-chukkam-déru (_Tel._), Nannári-kizhanna, Naru-níntí (_Mal._),
Sugandha-pála-da-béru (_Can._), Irimusu (_Cing._), Anant-mūl (_Punj._).
162. The specimens of Hemidesmus Root, procurable in most parts of
India, which are best adapted for medical use are medium sized, about
the size of a quill, having a full, peculiar aromatic odour, and a
feebly bitter and agreeable taste. The freshly collected root is
preferable to that bought in the bazaars, as that is often inodorous,
tasteless, and almost worthless. The virtues of the drug reside mainly
in the root-bark, hence if the larger roots are employed you get an
undue proportion of the inner woody portion, which is comparatively
inert.
163. Hemidesmus proves most useful in _Constitutional Debility_, from
whatever cause arising; also in _Chronic Rheumatism_, _Constitutional
Syphilis_, _Skin Diseases and Ulcerations, especially those of
Syphilitic origin_, _Indigestion_, and _Loss of Appetite_. It is best
given in the form of Infusion, prepared by infusing one ounce of the
bruised roots in half a pint of boiling water in a covered vessel for an
hour, and straining. Of this the dose is from 2 to 3 ounces thrice
daily. Its efficacy is much increased by being taken while the Infusion
is still warm; the addition of milk and sugar renders it so like
ordinary tea that children will take it readily; and this is fortunate,
as it is a peculiarly useful tonic for the pale, weakly offspring of
Europeans in India; for such it may be substituted for tea at breakfast
and supper. Some children prefer it to ordinary tea.
164. +Honey.+
Shahad, Madh (_Hind._), Shahad (_Duk._), Modhu (_Beng._), Tén (_Tam._)
Téne (_Tel._), Tén (_Mal._), Jenu (_Can._), Mada (_Mah._), Madh
(_Guz._), Páni (_Cing._), Piyá-ye (_Burm._), Ayer madu (_Malay_), Saht,
Shahd (_Punj._), Mhách (_Kash._).
165. Honey of fair quality is obtainable in most parts of India. Though
not possessed of any marked medicinal properties, it is always advisable
to keep some in store, as it forms an agreeable sweetening ingredient
for mixtures, is a good vehicle in which to administer powders for
children, and is one of the best substances in making pills, &c. Should
it be dirty and impure, it should be "clarified" by melting in a water
bath and straining through cloth.
166. A mixture of Honey and Distilled Vinegar or Lime Juice, in equal
parts, melted together by gentle heat, is an excellent adjunct to cough
mixtures; and in the _Coughs of Childhood_ this combination, diluted
with an equal quantity of water, and with or without a few drops of
Paregoric, forms a useful and pleasant mixture, which children will
readily take when they will not swallow other more nauseous medicines.
167. An excellent stimulant application, termed CEROMEL, for _Indolent
and other Ulcerations_, is formed by melting together, with the aid of
gentle heat, 1 ounce of Yellow Wax and 4 ounces of Clarified Honey, and
straining. It is admirably adapted for use in hot climates, where animal
fats, the basis of so many ointments, soon become rancid and unfit for
medicinal use.
168. +Hydrocotyle Asiatica+, _Linn._
Vallári (_Hind._, _Duk._), Thal-kuru (_Beng._), Valláraí (_Tam._),
Mandúka-bramha-kúraku, Pinna-éaki-chettu, Bokkudu-chettu (_Tel._),
Kutakan, Kodogam (_Mal._), Von-delagá (_Can._), Hingotu-kola (_Cing._),
Mink-hua-bin (_Burm._), Dawoon-punga-gah (_Malay_).
169. This small, low-growing plant, common in moist localities in many
parts of India, has obtained considerable repute in European practice as
a remedy for _Leprosy_. It is prepared as follows: The leaves having
been carefully separated, as soon as possible after the plant is
gathered, should be spread on a mat in the shade, and then freely
exposed to the air, but not to the sun. In preparing the powder for use,
avoid using any heat, as this dissipates all its virtues. They lose
about nine-tenths of weight by drying. When thoroughly dried they should
be finely powdered and kept in well corked or stoppered bottles. Of this
powder the dose is from 3 to 5 grains thrice daily. At the same time
some of the powder may be sprinkled on the ulcers, or, which is better,
poultices made of the fresh leaves bruised into a paste, may be applied.
Under its use the patient, in the course of a few weeks, improves in all
respects. After continuing its use for some time, this remedy causes
great itching of the skin over the whole body; under these circumstances
it should be discontinued for a week, aperients administered, and then
recommence giving the medicine. Though it may not effect a cure, it
often does a great deal of good. It may also be tried in _Scrofula_ and
_Syphilis_.
170. _Chronic Ulcerations of Syphilitic and Scrofulous origin_ often
show a marked improvement under the internal and local use of this
remedy, but it requires to be steadily persevered in.
171. +Sulphate of Iron.+
Hirá-kasis, Kashish (_Hind._), Hírá-kashísh (_Duk._), Hirákos,
Hírá-kosis (_Beng._), Sang-i-sabz (_Punj._, _Kash._), Híra-kasis
(_Guz._), Anná-bédi, Anná-bhédi (_Tam._, _Tel._, _Mal._, _Can._),
Madu-kolpa (_Malay_).
172. Sulphate of Iron, in a more or less pure state, is met with in most
Indian bazaars; that only should be selected for medicinal use which
occurs in the form of crystals or small crystalline masses of a pale
green colour, wholly soluble in water. The dirty yellowish powder
usually associated with it in bazaar specimens, as well as the flat
whitish-yellow cakes sold under the same native names as the Sulphate,
should be rejected. It is a valuable tonic and astringent in doses of
from ¼ grain to 2 grains. In solution it forms a useful external
application.
173. _Remarks on the Use of this and other Preparations of Iron._
_a._ Under its use the stools become black and offensive, but they
resume their natural characters when the medicine is discontinued. The
tongue also, if iron has been taken in solution, becomes black.
_b._ In order to judge fairly of its effects, it requires to be
persevered in for weeks or longer.
_c._ No advantage is gained by giving it in large doses. The fact of the
stools becoming deeply black is an indication that the dose may be
diminished.
_d._ Purgatives increase its efficacy; a dose of castor oil, or other
aperient, every week or ten days, is advisable during a course of Iron.
_e._ Acids and acidulous fruits should be avoided during its use.
_f._ Children may take it not only with safety, but with advantage.
174. _In that form of Constitutional Debility termed Anæmia_, when the
body is apparently bloodless, when, especially in natives, the inner
surface of the eyelids, the tongue, and the palms of the hands, become
very pale or white, the Sulphate proves very valuable. It is best given
in solution as follows: Take of Sulphate of Iron, 4 grains, Omum water
and Infusion of Chiretta, of each 6 ounces; of this the dose is a
wineglassful thrice daily for adults, and from a teaspoonful to a
table-spoonful for children, according to age. Anæmic females, suffering
from _Leucorrhœa_ (_Whites_) and _Amenorrhœa_ (_Suspension of menstrual
discharge_), may advantageously take it combined with Aloes as advised
in paragraph 18.
175. _In Intermittent Fever_ the Sulphate often proves of great service,
especially in obstinate or long-standing cases, where the patient has
become weak and anæmic. It may be given as follows: Take of Sulphate of
Iron, finely powdered, 24 grains; powdered Black Pepper, 30 grains; Beat
them into a mass with a little honey, and divide into twelve pills. Of
these two should be taken twice or thrice daily, with a wineglassful of
Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Gulancha (352). Whilst taking these pills,
all acids and acidulous fruits should be avoided, and the bowels kept
open. They are inadmissible when the stomach is very irritable, or when
diarrhœa exists.
176. Long-continued or repeated attacks of _Intermittent Fever_ are
often accompanied by a swelling or hardness under the ribs of the left
side; this constitutes the affection termed _Enlargement of the Spleen
or Ague Cake_. In these cases the treatment advised in the last
paragraph may be resorted to with benefit, with the addition of a good
active purgative once or twice a week. Local pain may be relieved by
Turpentine stupes or mustard poultices over the affected part.
177. _In Neuralgic or Rheumatic Faceache_, recurring periodically,
especially when occurring in the weak and anæmic (174), Sulphate of
Iron, in 2 or 3 grain doses thrice daily, produces excellent effects; it
may be given in the form of pill, with a little Cinnamon powder and
Honey, or in solution with Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Gulancha (352).
_Chorea and other Nervous Affections_ occurring in anæmic females are
often greatly benefited by the Sulphate, conjoined with Aloes (18).
_Paralysis and Rickets_, associated with anæmia, are likewise benefited
by it.
178. _In Dropsy attended with Anæmia_ (174) _and Debility_, two grains
of the Sulphate of Iron in a quart of water sweetened to taste, and
taken in divided doses as an ordinary drink during the day, is a useful
adjunct to other treatment.
179. _In Bleeding Piles, especially when the patient is much debilitated
by the discharge_, daily enemas of the Sulphate, of the strength of 3
grains to 1 ounce of water, often prove of great service. The same
treatment is well adapted for _Prolapsus_ (_Descent_) _of the Rectum_.
180. _Obstinate Hooping Cough_, which resists Alum (28) and other
remedies, sometimes yields to Sulphate of Iron in small and continued
doses.
181. _In Chronic Diarrhœa_ and _Dysentery of Childhood_ in weak anæmic
children the following mixture has been used with great advantage;
Sulphate of Iron, 4 grains; Laudanum, 6 drops; Omum water, 10 drachms.
Of this the dose is two teaspoonfuls every six hours for a child of one
year of age, and so on in proportion.
182. +Jatamansi+ or +Indian Spikenard+. The root of Nardostachys
Jatamansi, _D.C._
Jatámásí, Bal-chír (_Hind._, _Punj._), Jhatá-mansí (_Duk._), Játámámsí
(_Beng._), Bhút-jatt, Kúkil-i-pót (_Kash._), Jatámáshi (_Tam._,
_Tel._), Jetá-mánchi (_Mal._), Jetá-mávashí (_Can._, _Mah._),
Jatamánsi, Jaramánsi (_Cing._).
183. These roots, met with in most bazaars, occur in the form of short
pieces of an underground stem, about the thickness of a goose quill,
covered towards its tapering extremity, or almost entirely, with coarse,
dark, hairlike fibres; odour, peculiar and fragrant; taste, aromatic and
bitterish. In selecting specimens for medical use, care should be taken
that they are fresh and of good quality; much of the drug sold in the
bazaars being old, worm-eaten, and worthless.
184. Jatamansi is held in high repute by the natives as an
antispasmodic, and trials made with it by Europeans tend to show that in
this character it is a good substitute for the officinal Valerian; hence
it is worthy of trial in _Hysterical Affections_, especially in
_Palpitation of the Heart_, _Chorea_, _Flatulence_, _&c._ It may be
given in infusion (2 drachms of the bruised root to half a pint of
boiling water, macerated for an hour and strained), in doses of a
wineglassful twice or thrice daily. A Tincture was ordered in the Bengal
Pharmacopœia (5 ounces of bruised Jatamansi, Proof Spirit, 2 pints), of
which the dose is from 1 to 2 drachms. In all cases it may be
advantageously combined with camphor, ammonia, and other remedies of the
same class.
185. +Kala-dana.+ The seeds of Pharbitis Nil, _Choisy_.
Kálá-dánah (_Hind._, _Punj._), Kali-zirki-ká-bínj (_Duk._), Kálá-dáná,
Nil-kolomi (_Beng._), Hub-úl-níl (_Punj._, _Kash._),
Kodi-kakkatán-virai, Jiriki-virai (_Tam._), Jiriki-vittulu,
Kolli-vittulu (_Tel._).
186. Kala-dana seeds are black, angular, a quarter of an inch or more in
length, weighing on an average about half a grain each, having the form
of the segment of an orange; of a sweet and subsequently rather acrid
taste, and heavy smell.
187. The powdered seeds, in doses of from 30 to 50 grains, act as a safe
and effectual purgative, forming an excellent substitute for Jalap,
though not quite so active in its operation. When the ingredients are
available, the following powder is preferable to the powdered seeds by
themselves: Powdered Kala-dana seeds, 7 drachms; Rock Salt, or Cream of
Tartar, 7 drachms; powdered Ginger, 1 drachm. Rub them well together in
a mortar, and pass the powder through a fine sieve. Of this, the dose,
as a purgative for an adult native, is from 60 to 90 grains. Somewhat
smaller doses suffice for Europeans.
188. +Kamala+ or +Kamela+. The powder from the capsules of Mallotus
Phillippiensis, _Müller_.
Kaméla, Kamúd (_Hind._), Kaméla (_Beng._), Kamélá-mávu, Kápila-podi
(_Tam._), Kápila-podi (_Tel._), Kaméla (_Guz._),
Hampirilla-gedivella-buvá (_Cing._), Rúlyá, Kamíla (_Punj._), Káim-bil
(_Kash._).
189. Kamala, much employed by the natives as a dye, is met with in most
bazaars in the form of a beautiful purplish-red powder; it should be
free from sand or earthy impurities. In medicine, it has attained
considerable repute as a remedy for _Tænia or Tape worm_. It has little
or no effect on other forms of intestinal worms. The dose for an adult
is from 2 to 3 drachms in honey, or a little aromatic water; no other
medicine being necessary before or after. In the above doses it acts
freely on the bowels, causing, in many instances, considerable nausea
and griping, though not generally more than is caused by other remedies
of the same class; the worm is generally expelled in a lifeless state in
the third or fourth stool. Should the first trial not prove successful,
it may be repeated after the interval of a week; but should this be a
failure also, it will be useless to continue its use farther; then other
remedies may be tried.
190. +Kariyat+ or +Creyat+. The dried stalks and root of Andrographis
paniculata, _Nees_.
Charàyetah, Mahá-títá, Kiryat (_Hind._), Charàyeta, Kalaf-náth
(_Duk._), Cherota, Mahá-tita (_Beng._), Shirat-kúch-chi, Nila-vémbu
(_Tam._), Néla-vému (_Tel._), Nila véppa, Kiriyáttu (_Mal._),
Nela-bevinágidá (_Can._), Chiráyita (_Mah._), Kiryáta, Kiryáto
(_Guz._), Binko-hamba, Hín-binko-hamba (_Cing._), Charita (_Malay_).
191. The stem, which is usually sold in the bazaars with the root
attached, occurs in pieces of about a foot or more in length,
quadrangular, of a lightish-brown colour, and persistent bitter taste.
From the similarity between their native names and sensible qualities,
this article is often confounded with Chiretta (96). Kariyát is a
valuable bitter tonic, and may advantageously be employed in cases of
_General Debility_, in _Convalescence after Fevers_, and in _the
advanced_ _stages of Dysentery_. It is best given as follows: Take of
Kariyát, bruised, ½ ounce, Acorus, or Sweet Flag Root, and Dill Seeds
bruised, of each 60 grains; Boiling Water, ½ pint; infuse in a covered
vessel for an hour, and strain. Dose, from 1½ to 2 ounces twice or
thrice daily.
192. The following preparation has been highly spoken of: Take of
Kariyát, cut small, 6 ounces; Myrrh and Aloes, in coarse powder, of each
1 ounce; Brandy, 2 pints. Macerate for seven days in a closed vessel,
occasionally shaking it, strain, press, filter, and add sufficient
Brandy to make 2 pints. Of this the dose is from one to four
teaspoonfuls in a little water taken on an empty stomach. It acts as a
gentle aperient, and is said to prove very useful in many forms of
_Dyspepsia, especially when attended with torpidity of the bowels_.
193. _In the Bowel Complaints of Children_ a decoction of the fresh
leaves of the Kariyát plant has been well spoken of. It is prepared by
boiling 2½ ounces of the fresh leaves in 1½ pints of water down to 6
ounces; of this the dose is one ounce every two or three hours. It may
be used in conjunction with other remedies as required.
194. +Kokum Butter.+ The concrete oil of the seeds of Garcinia purpurea,
_Roxb._
Kokam-ká-tél (_Hind._).
195. This oil is obtained by first exposing the seeds to the action of
the sun, when sufficiently dry bruising them, and then subjecting them
to boiling; the oil collects on the surface, and on cooling, concretes
into a solid cake. When purified it is rather brittle, of a pale
yellowish colour, bland and mild to the taste, melting in the mouth, and
leaving an impression of cold on the tongue. It melts at 98° F. From its
bland, unirritating properties, as well as from its consistence, it
seems admirably adapted for replacing animal fats in the preparation of
ointments, &c. Were it largely produced, which it unfortunately is not,
it might be extensively utilised in tropical pharmacy.
196. +Lawsonia alba+, _Linn._, or +Henna Shrub+.
Mhíndí (_Hind._), Mhéndí or Méndí (_Duk._, _Punj._), Méhedi (_Beng._),
Móhnz (_Kash._), Marutónri, Aivanam (_Tam._), Góranta (_Tel._),
Mayilánchi, Marutónni (_Mal._), Górante (_Can._), Méndhi (_Mah._),
Méndi (_Guz._), Maritondi (_Cing._), Dánbin (_Burm._), Hinie (_Malay_).
197. The leaves of this common Indian shrub, in almost universal use
throughout the East for staining the nails, &c., are well worthy of a
trial in the treatment of that troublesome and painful affection of the
natives called _Burning of the Feet_. For this purpose the fresh leaves
should be beaten into a paste with vinegar or lime juice, and applied as
a poultice to the soles of the feet. Another plan, which is sometimes
more effectual, is to use strong friction with the bruised leaves over
the parts. Like all other remedies, however, they not unfrequently fail
to afford more than temporary relief; still, from occasionally
succeeding, they merit a fair trial.
198. +Leeches.+
Jók (_Hind._), Jónk (_Duk._, _Beng._, _Punj._), Drik (_Kash._), Attái
(_Tam._), Attalu, Jela-galu (_Tel._), Attá (_Mal._), Jígani (_Can._),
Jala (_Guz._), Kudallu, Púdal (_Cing._), Míyon, Minyon (_Burm._),
Lintah (_Malay_).
199. Leeches are procurable, especially during the monsoon, in most
parts of India, in the neighbourhood of tanks and swamps. As they are a
valuable resource in many diseases, when properly applied in proper
cases, a few preliminary remarks may be acceptable.
200. Leeches vary considerably in size; and their blood-extracting
capacity is, as a general rule, in proportion to their size. It has been
found that small Leeches will abstract two and a half times, small
middle-sized four times, large middle-sized five and a half times, and
large ones nearly six times their own weight of blood. Hence, to
abstract a certain quantity of blood, a very much larger number of small
Leeches is required than of large ones. The middle-sized Leech, from 1½
to 2 inches in length when at rest, is in all cases preferable. The very
small leeches so commonly supplied in India are objectionable on account
of the number of bites, the length of time required in their
application, and the indefinite small oozing of blood which follows
their application, and the difficulty in arresting the flow by pressure.
On the other hand, the very large Leech is objectionable, from the large
gaping wound left by its bite, which often results in an ugly scar; this
applies with peculiar force to childhood and infancy.
201. Where only one or two Leeches have to be applied, they may be taken
in the hand and held to the spot where it is desired they should bite,
but this is a long and tedious process; when several are to be applied,
they should be put in a wineglass and thus held to the surface till they
have all taken.
202. In order to make Leeches bite readily, thoroughly cleanse the skin
with soap and water, and then dry it; this is particularly necessary if
a liniment has been previously employed. If they will not bite, one or
more of the following plans may be tried: 1. Remove them from the water
and keep them for ten minutes in a dry, warm cloth. 2. Smear the skin
with cream or sugared milk. 3. Apply a small mustard poultice over the
spot. After carefully cleansing with hot water, apply the Leeches. Not
only will they bite more readily, but the flow of blood will be far
greater than it otherwise would be. 4. Make a small puncture or scratch
on the skin, and smear the blood over the surface; this often succeeds
when everything else fails. It should also be remembered that the fumes
of sulphur, vinegar, or tobacco in a room, will often prevent Leeches
from biting at all.
203. To make Leeches bite on particular spots, take a piece of
blotting-paper and make in it as many small holes as there are Leeches,
the holes corresponding with the spots on which it is desired to apply
the Leeches; they are then to be covered over with a wineglass or
tumbler; the Leeches, finding themselves on a rough surface, creep about
till they come to the holes in the paper, when they instantly bite the
exposed points of the skin; the blotting-paper is easily removed by
being moistened.
204. When Leeches will not drop off naturally, which they generally do
in about fifteen minutes or less, or if you wish to remove them,
sprinkle them with a little salt or vinegar, or touch them with a piece
of onion; the last is an old Bengali practice.
205. To promote the bleeding from Leech-bites, use hot fomentations; to
arrest it apply burnt rag, and make firm pressure with the finger over
the bite. A piece of tobacco leaf, or spider's web, or the nap off a
hat, sometimes succeeds better than burnt rag. If these fail try
powdered alum (25) or sulphate of copper (116). See also _Hæmorrhage_ in
Index.
206. If Leeches get into the rectum or nostrils, or any of the other
passages, they may be dislodged by using an injection of, or by simply
touching them with, vinegar or a solution of salt.
207. Leeches should not be applied immediately over a large prominent
vein, nor to the eyelids, nor to the bosom of a woman, especially during
pregnancy, nor to the loose skin of the penis or scrotum, as the bites
in these situations are apt to be followed by infiltration or
inflammation.
208. Additional care is necessary in applying Leeches to young children,
as they bleed so much more freely than adults; they should, when
practicable, be placed where a bone is near the surface, so that in case
of excessive bleeding pressure may be made against it. Morning is the
best time for their application; if put on in the evening, the bites may
burst out bleeding whilst _the attendants are asleep_, and the _child
die from hæmorrhage_; such cases are on record. As a general rule, one
Leech is sufficient for each year of a child's age up to six; after that
age up to adolescence, the latter number continues to be enough in
ordinary cases.
209. _In Fevers attended with much Headache_, Leeches are very useful,
but they should only be applied in the early stages of the disease; when
the patient is young and vigorous, four or six Leeches to each temple
may be applied, but they sometimes give most relief if put at the nape
of the neck, close to the point where the head joins to the spine. _In
severe Pain in the Chest or Abdomen occurring during Fevers_, eight or
ten Leeches applied immediately over the seat of pain often afford
manifest relief.
210. _In severe Headache, or fulness of Head depending upon the stoppage
of a discharge of blood from Piles_, Leeches close to the anus
frequently afford great relief, but great care is necessary to prevent
them creeping up into the rectum. When the _Headache depends upon the
sudden stoppage of the Menstrual Discharge_, the leeches should be
applied to the inner part of the thighs.