the anus are often most serviceable in relieving the pain and straining
at stool, and otherwise prove beneficial. The same measure is also of
great service in _Congestion of the Liver_, or they may be placed over
the region of the liver, but a fewer number afford a greater amount of
relief when applied to the verge of the anus.
212. _In all local Inflammations of the Skin_, _Incipient Abscesses_,
_Boils_, and _in Bruises_, _Sprains_, and _Blows_, where there is much
pain and heat of the part, six or eight Leeches, followed by hot
fomentations, tend to relieve the pain and cause the subsidence of
inflammatory action.
213. _Obstinate Vomiting_ may occasionally be checked by a few Leeches
to the pit of the stomach after ordinary means have failed.
214. +Lemon-grass Oil.+ The oil obtained by distillation from several
species of Andropogon.
Akyá-ghas-ká-aitr (_Hind._), Hazár-masáleh-ká aatar (_Duk._),
Agya-ghans-tail (_Beng._), Vásh-anap-pullu-yenney, Karpúra-pullu-yenney
(_Tam._), Nimma-gaddi-núnay (_Tel._), Vásanap-pulla-enna (_Mal._),
Purvali-hullú-yanne (_Can._), Lilli-chaya-tél (_Guz._), Pengrimá-tel
(_Cing._), Sabalen-si (_Burm._), Miniak Sárie (_Malay_), Iz-khar
(Punj.), Babber-i-Khát (_Kash._).
215. Specimens of Lemon-grass Oil met with in India differ somewhat in
appearance, but they all partake more or less of the same medical
properties, being powerful stimulants whether taken internally or
applied externally. The true Lemon-grass Oil is of a pale sherry colour,
transparent, with an extremely pungent taste and a peculiar fragrant
lemon-like odour.
216. _In Flatulent Colic and other Spasmodic affections of the Bowels_,
a dose of from 3 to 6 drops on sugar or in emulsion often affords great
and speedy relief. Thus given it proves effectual in allaying _Obstinate
Vomiting_. Even in _that of Cholera_ it has been found successful when
other remedies have failed, and in these cases it proves additionally
serviceable by acting as a stimulant to the system generally; it is well
worthy of a more extended trial in the treatment of this disease. The
dose (5 or 6 drops) may be repeated every hour or oftener in severe
cases.
217. _In Chronic Rheumatism_, _Lumbago_, _Neuralgic Pains_, _Sprains_,
_and other painful muscular affections_, an embrocation of equal parts
of this oil and any bland oil, well rubbed in twice daily, has been
found useful in many instances. In old chronic cases it is necessary to
use the undiluted oil in order to obtain relief.
218. +Lime.+ Calcareous earth, the oxide of calcium.
Chúnah, Chúna (_Hind._), Chunnah (_Duk._), Chún, Chúná (_Beng._,
_Punj._, _Kash._), Shunnámbu (_Tam._), Sunnam (_Tel._), Núra (_Mal._),
Sunnú (_Can._), Chunná (_Mah._), Chúno (_Guz._), Hunu (_Cing._),
Thónphiya (_Burm._), Kapor (_Malay_).
219. Lime in a medical point of view is of great importance as the basis
of LIME WATER (in India it is essentially necessary to see that nurses
and sick attendants understand the difference between Lime Water and
Lime Juice; accidents have been known to occur from their ignorance), a
mild and useful antacid; it is prepared by adding two ounces of slaked
lime to one gallon of water, in a stoppered bottle, shaking well for two
or three minutes, and then allowing it to stand till the lime is
deposited at the bottom. In cases of emergency, as burns, &c., half an
hour is sufficient for this purpose; otherwise it should be allowed to
stand for twelve hours at least before being used. It is _only the clear
water which holds a portion of Lime in solution, which is employed in
medicine_. It is advisable always to keep a supply ready prepared, as it
is useful in many ways, and it will remain good for a long time, if kept
in well-stoppered bottles, so that the air cannot have access to it. The
dose for adults is from 1 to 3 ounces twice or thrice daily; it is best
administered in milk.
220. Another form, called the SACCHARATED SOLUTION OF LIME, thought to
be better adapted for internal use in the diseases of childhood and
infancy, is prepared by carefully mixing together in a mortar one ounce
of Slaked Lime and two ounces of powdered White Sugar, and adding this
to a pint of Water, as described above. It should be kept in a
well-stoppered bottle. The dose of _the clear water_ is from 15 to 20
drops or minims in milk twice or thrice daily.
221. _In Acidity of the Stomach, in Heartburn, and_ _in those forms of
Indigestion arising from or connected with acidity of the stomach_, Lime
Water in doses of 1½ to 2 ounces, is often speedily and permanently
effectual. It is particularly useful in indigestion when the urine is
scanty and high coloured, and when vomiting and acid eructations are
prominent symptoms. It is best given in milk.
222. _In Diarrhœa arising from Acidity_ Lime Water frequently proves
useful; it is best given in a solution of gum arabic or other mucilage,
and in obstinate cases ten drops of Laudanum with each dose increases
its efficacy; it may also be advantageously combined with Omum water
(317). _In Chronic Dysentery_ the same treatment sometimes proves
useful. Enemas of Lime Water diluted with an equal part of tepid milk or
mucilage have also been used with benefit. It is especially adapted for
the _Diarrhœa and Vomiting of Infants and young children which result
from artificial feeding_; in these cases a sixth or a fourth part of
Lime Water may be added to each pint of milk. The Saccharated Solution
of Lime (220) has also been found of great service in this class of
cases.
223. _Obstinate Vomiting_ sometimes yields to a few doses of Lime Water
in milk, when other more powerful remedies have failed. It is worthy of
a trial in the _Vomiting attendant on the advanced stages of Fever_; it
has been thought to arrest even the black vomit of yellow fever. It is
also a remedy of much value in _Pyrosis or Waterbrash_.
224. _To relieve the distressing Irritation of the Genital Organs_
(_Pruritus Pudendi_) bathing the parts well with tepid Lime Water three
or four times a day sometimes affords much relief. _Leucorrhœa and other
Vaginal Discharges_ have in some instances been mitigated and even cured
by the use of vaginal injections of a mixture of 1 part of Lime Water
and 2 or 3 of Water.
225. _In Scrofula_, Lime Water in doses of ½ ounce in Milk, three or
four times a day, proves beneficial in some cases; it is thought to be
especially adapted for those cases in which abscesses and ulcers are
continually forming. To be of service, it requires to be persevered in
for some time. _Scrofulous and other Ulcers attended by much discharge_
have been found to improve under the use of Lime Water as a local
application. For _Syphilitic Ulcers or Chancres_, one of the best
applications is a mixture of Lime Water ½ pint, and Calomel 30 grains;
this—commonly known as BLACK WASH—should be kept constantly applied to
the part by means of a piece of lint or rag moistened with it. Many
forms of _Skin Disease_, attended with much secretion and with great
irritation or burning, are benefited by Lime Water either pure or
conjoined with oil (229). _To sore or cracked Nipples_ it proves very
serviceable. Diluted with an equal part of water or milk it forms a
useful injection in _Discharges from the Nose and Ears_ occurring in
scrofulous and other children.
226. _In Consumption_, Lime Water and milk has been strongly recommended
as an ordinary beverage. The same diet-drink has been advised in
_Diabetes_; but little dependence is to be placed upon it as a _cure_;
it may produce temporary benefit.
227. _In Thread Worm_, enemas of 3 or 4 ounces of Lime Water, repeated
two or three times, have sometimes been found sufficient to effect a
cure.
228. _In Poisoning by any of the Mineral Acids_, Lime Water given
plentifully in milk is an antidote of no mean value, though inferior to
some of the other alkalies. It may also be given in _Poisoning by
Arsenic_.
229. _To Burns and Scalds_ few applications are superior to LIME
LINIMENT, composed of equal parts of Lime Water and a bland oil. Olive
Oil is generally ordered for this purpose, but Linseed Oil answers just
as well, and where this is not at hand Sesamum Oil (338) forms a perfect
substitute. When thoroughly shaken together, so as to form a uniform
mixture, it should be applied freely over the whole of the burnt
surface, and the parts kept covered with rags constantly wetted with it,
for some days if necessary. This Liniment on cotton-wool, applied to the
pustules, is said to be effectual in preventing _Pitting in Smallpox_.
230. +The Lime.+—The fresh fruit of Citrus Bergamia, _Risso_.
Límú, Níbú Nínbú (_Hind._, _Duk._), Nébu (_Beng._), Niúmb (_Kash._),
Elumich-cham-pazham (_Tam._), Nimma-pandu (_Tel._), Cheru-náranná,
Jonakam-náranná (_Mal._), Nimbo-hannu (_Can._), Límbu (_Mah._), Límbu,
Nímbu (_Guz._, _Punj._), Dehi (_Cing._), Sámyá-si, Tambiya-sí
(_Burm._), Limowe Nipis (_Malay_).
231. The fresh juice of the Lime is a valuable resource to the Indian
practitioner. In _Scurvy_ it deservedly ranks highest in our list of
remedies, and should be taken to the extent of not less than three
ounces twice daily: the addition of sugar increases its efficacy. Should
the patient be very debilitated, it may be advantageously combined with
tonics, as Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Decoction of Ním Bark (260).
Diluted with half its quantity of water it forms an excellent gargle for
_Scorbutic and other Ulcerations of the Mouth, and Sponginess of the
Gums_. When scurvy appears in a jail or other place where numbers of
people are congregated together, the daily use of Lime Juice should be
strictly enforced amongst the healthy, as it is one of our best
preservatives against an attack of the disease. For other remarks, see
Art. _Scurvy_, in Index.
232. _In Smallpox, Measles, Scarlatina, and other forms of Fever_, where
there is a hot, dry skin, and much thirst, a very useful refrigerant
drink, "Lemonade," may be made by pouring a pint of Boiling Water on
five or six peeled Limes cut in thin transverse slices. When cool,
strain, sweeten to taste, and let the patient drink as plentifully as he
likes. In the same class of cases, when the mouth is dry and clammy,
sucking a fresh Lime cut in slices is often both agreeable and useful,
though when at hand a slice of Pineapple is said to answer the purpose
even more effectually. The stringy portion should not be swallowed. _In
Diabetes_, weak lemonade is preferable to plain water for allaying the
great thirst; like other fluids, in this disease, it is better taken
during the intervals between, than at meals.
233. _In cases of Hæmmorrhage from the Lungs, Stomach, Bowels, Uterus,
Kidneys, or other internal organs_, especially when attended with
feverish symptoms, the drink described in the last section, or made
somewhat stronger, may be taken with advantage in considerable
quantities. The patient should at the same time remain quiet in the
recumbent position, and kept as cool as possible.
234. _In Poisoning by Croton Oil Seeds_, _Castor Oil Seeds_, _the Physic
Nut_, _and the fresh root of the Bitter Cassava_, _Mandioc_, _or Tapioca
plant_, almost immediate relief to the purging, vomiting, and other
urgent symptoms will be obtained by drinking Lime Juice, 4 or 5 ounces
at a time, diluted with an equal quantity of _conjee_ or plain water. It
is an antidote which should always be first tried, because it is
generally at hand, and seldom fails to afford more or less relief. A
full dose of Castor Oil should be subsequently given.
235. _For relieving the irritation, &c., of Mosquito bites_, the local
application of Lime Juice often proves more effectual than anything
else. Applied to the surface at nights before going to bed, it is
thought also to afford protection from the attacks of mosquitoes.
236. +Moringa, or Horseradish Tree.+ Moringa pterygosperma, _Gærtn._
Shájnah, Ségvá (_Hind._), Mungé-ká-jhár (_Duk._), Sojná (_Beng._),
Sohánjná (_Punj._), Morúnga, Murungai (_Tam._), Munaga (_Tel._),
Murinna (_Mal._), Nugge-gidá (_Can._), Munagácha-jháda (_Mah._),
Murungá (_Cing._), Dándalon-bin (_Burm._), Kaylor, Ramoongie (_Malay_).
237. The fresh root of this tree closely resembles in taste, smell, and
general appearance, the common Horseradish of Europe, hence its ordinary
name amongst Anglo-Indians. There is good reason for supposing that it
possesses similar medical properties as a stimulant and diuretic, and in
these characters it is worthy of trial in _Dropsical Affections attended
with Debility_: it may be given as follows. Take fresh Moringa Root and
Mustard Seed, of each, well bruised, one ounce. Boiling Water, one pint;
infuse for two hours in a covered vessel and strain. Of this the dose is
about one ounce and a half (a wineglassful) thrice daily. It may also be
used as a vehicle for nitre and other more active remedies.
238. _In Hoarseness and Relaxed Sore Throat_, a decoction of Moringa
root (or the above infusion) has been found serviceable as a gargle.
239. In the preparation of mustard poultices when it is desired to make
them act more speedily or energetically, the addition of the expressed
juice of the fresh root, or the scraped root, answers these purposes
effectually.
240. +Mudar.+ Calotropis procera and C. gigantea, _R. Brown_.
Ák, Ákond, Madár (_Hind._, _Punj._), Ák, Akrá, (_Duk._), Ák, Ákondo
(_Beng._), Ak-a-múl (_Kash._), Erukku or Erukkam (_Tam._),
Jillédu-chettu, Mándáramu (_Tel._), Erukka (_Mal._), Yakkeda-gidá
(_Can._), Ákda-cha-jháda (_Mah._), Ákda-nu-jháda (_Guz._), Vára,
Vára-gaha (_Cing._), Mayo-bin (_Burm._), Ramegu (_Malay_).
241. One or other of the above species of Calotropis is found everywhere
in India, and although some doubt exists as to which of them is the
Mudar which some years since attained high repute in the treatment of
leprosy, they both possess the same medical properties and may be used
indiscriminately. The only part employed in medicine is the root-bark;
and it is necessary carefully to attend to the subjoined directions for
collecting and preparing it for medical use, a disregard of them having
been, in some instances, the apparent cause of the failure of the
remedy. The roots should be collected in the months of April and May,
from sandy soils, and all particles of sand and dirt having been
carefully removed by washing, they should be dried in the open air,
without exposure to the sun, until the milky juice contained in them
becomes so far dried that it ceases to flow on incisions being made. The
bark is then to be carefully removed, dried, reduced to powder, and
preserved in well corked bottles. In small doses, from 2 to 5 grains,
long continued, its action is that of an alterative tonic; in larger
ones, from 30 to 60 grains, for adults, it acts freely as an emetic, and
in this character it is regarded by some as one of the best Indian
substitutes for Ipecacuanha.
242. _In Leprosy_, _Constitutional Syphilis_, _Obstinate Ulcerations_,
_and in Chronic Rheumatism_; _also in Skin Diseases arising from the
abuse of Mercury_, powdered Mudar (_ante_) has been found highly useful
in some instances, whilst in others it has altogether failed. The
commencing dose is 3 grains, gradually increased to 10 grains or more,
thrice daily.
243. _In the Dysentery of Natives_ it has been highly spoken of. In the
severer class of cases in adults, a large dose, from 20 to 60 grains,
may be given at once, in the same manner as Ipecacuanha (see Art.
_Dysentery_ in Index). In ordinary cases, smaller doses are preferable.
For children the dose is 1 or 2 grains for every year of age, three or
four times a day. Its effects are said to be very similar to those of
Ipecacuanha, like which, it may be given variously combined, as
circumstances may require.
244. +Mustard.+ The seeds of Sinapis juncea, _Linn._ and other species
of Sinapis.
Rái Ráyán (_Hind._, _Duk._), Rái (_Beng._, _Punj._), Ásúr (_Kash._),
Kadugú (_Tam._), Áválu (_Tel._), Katuka (_Mal._), Sásave (_Can._),
Moharé (_Mah._), Ráyi (_Guz._), Abbé (_Cing._), Munniyén-zi (_Burm._),
Biji Sa-sarvi (_Malay_).
245. English Mustard imported in bottles is procurable in most of the
large bazaars, or is met with as an article of domestic economy in the
household of almost every European. If not at hand, however, the common
country Mustard seed may be substituted, especially in the formation of
poultices. For this purpose, however, they require to be thoroughly
ground down into the required consistence with a little water. If
previously deprived of their fixed oil by expression, their activity is
increased. By long keeping they lose much of their pungency; hence fresh
seeds should, when practicable, be employed.
246. With English Mustard at hand you can never be in want of a safe and
efficient emetic. A full teaspoonful (piled up) in a tumblerful of warm
water, generally produces free vomiting; if it does not, in five or ten
minutes it may be repeated, and should this not produce the desired
effect, a third dose may be given after a similar interval. Should this
fail, then some other emetic may be tried. It is especially indicated in
_Drunkenness_, _Narcotic and other Poisoning_, _and in all cases where
the stomach is overloaded with hard, indigestible food or intoxicating
drinks_, when it is desirable simply to unload the stomach without
producing any depressing effect on the system. It is very doubtful
whether country Mustard may be safely used as an internal medicine.
247. MUSTARD POULTICES are usually made with the flour of Mustard mixed
to the consistence of a poultice with water or vinegar, spread on a
piece of stout brown paper or rag, and applied to the skin. A few points
require notice: _a._ Cold water should be used in their preparation; it
is a mistake to suppose that hot water or vinegar is better suited for
this purpose, _b._ If it be desired to make the poultice act more
speedily or strongly, this may be done by adding a small portion of
bruised Capsicum or the scraped fresh root of the Moringa tree (239).
_c._ For persons of delicate skins, as women and children, it is
advisable to place a piece of thin muslin between the poultice and the
skin; for the sake of cleanliness also this is desirable. _d._ As a
general rule it should be removed when it produces redness of the skin,
whether it causes much pain or not. _e._ Some skins are very susceptible
to its action; in these cases the poultice should be at once removed if
it causes great pain. _f._ If allowed to remain in contact with the skin
for twenty or thirty minutes it is apt to act as a blister, which is
very undesirable, as _the ulcers which result are difficult to heal_.
_g._ In cases of fever and acute disease, the morning or early part of
the day is preferable to the evening for applying a Mustard poultice.
248. _In Apoplexy_, _Convulsions_, _Delirium_, _and violent Headaches
occurring during Fevers or Smallpox_, Mustard poultices to the feet and
calves of the legs are often very useful in relieving the affection of
the head. Where the patient is able to sit up for the purpose, a Mustard
foot bath [an ordinary foot bath, to which is added a handful of
Mustard] is even more effectual. The water should be as hot as can be
well borne, and the higher the fluid reaches up the leg, the better. In
_Delirium Tremens_ it should be used every night before bedtime.
249. _In some Head Affections_, e.g., _the early stages of Insanity, and
Delirium Tremens, where there is determination of blood to the head_,
_with sleeplessness_, _restlessness and anxiety_, a plan which has been
found effectual in some cases has been to envelop the whole of the legs
and lower part of the abdomen in cloths steeped in a mixture of Mustard
and hot water, a cold wet towel being at the same time applied round the
head. It has a very calming effect, and is occasionally productive of
sleep. The Mustard foot bath, described in the last section, is also
worthy of a trial, repeated every night before the usual bedtime.
250. _In Dropsy_ Mustard occasionally proves useful. It is best
administered in the form of Whey, made by boiling half an ounce of the
bruised seed in a pint of milk, and straining. This quantity may be
given daily in divided doses.
251. _In Cholera_, _Colic_, _and Spasms of the Bowels_, when unattended
by inflammation, a Mustard poultice placed over the abdomen in many
cases affords considerable relief. _Vomiting, especially that
accompanying Fevers, and Pregnancy_ may often be allayed by a Mustard
poultice applied to the pit of the stomach. _In Cholera_, when the
patient is very low, the poultice may be placed over the heart, or the
left side of the chest.
252. _In Coughs, attended with much difficulty of breathing_, Mustard
poultices to the chest often afford relief. They may also be
advantageously applied on the back between the shoulder-blades. They may
be used for children as well as adults. _Hooping Cough_ is occasionally
much relieved by Mustard poultices along the spine.
258. _Toothache_, _Faceache_, _and Neuralgic Pains of_ _the Head and
Face_, are frequently relieved by the application of a Mustard poultice
over the seat of pain.
254. +Myrobalans, Chebulic.+ The dried fruit of Terminalia Chebula,
_Retz._
Har, Harrá, Pilé-har (_Hind._), Haldá, Harlá, Pílá-halrá (_Duk._),
Hárítakí, Hórá (_Beng._), Zard halélá (_Punj._, _Kash._), Kadú-káy
(_Tam._), Karakkáya (_Tel._), Katukká (_Mal._), Alale-káyi (_Can._),
Hiradá (_Mah._), Harlé, Pílo-harlé (_Guz._), Aralu (_Cing._), Buah
Kaduka (_Malay_).
255. Chebulic Myrobalans, met with in all the bazaars of India, are of
an ovoid shape, about an inch in length, sometimes tapering towards the
lower extremity, round or obscurely five- or six-sided, more or less
furrowed longitudinally, smooth, of a yellowish brown colour, and
astringent taste.
256. Myrobalans is a safe and effective aperient, and given to natives
in the following form, has been found to act very satisfactorily: Take
of Myrobalans bruised 6, Cinnamon or Cloves bruised 1 drachm, Water or
Milk 4 ounces; boil for ten minutes, strain, and set aside till cold.
This quantity taken at a draught generally produces on an adult native
three or four copious stools without griping, vomiting, or other ill
effects. Youths from twelve to fourteen years require only half the
above quantity, or even less. For infants and young children Castor Oil
or Senna is preferable as an aperient. It is well adapted for ordinary
cases of _Constipation occurring in Natives_ and in other states where
aperients are required.
257. _Chronic Ulcerations, Ulcerated Wounds, and many Skin Diseases
attended with profuse discharge_, often manifestly improve under the use
of an ointment composed of equal parts of dried Myrobalans and Catechu,
both finely powdered, and sufficient ghee or some bland oil to make them
into a thick paste: this, spread on a rag, should be applied to the
part, and renewed twice daily.
257_a_. Mr. W. Martindale, chemist, of New Cavendish Street, London, has
forwarded to me a preparation of another kind of Myrobalans, EMBLIC
MYROBALANS, the fresh fruit of _Phyllanthus Emblica_ (_Linn._), a common
Indian tree, preserved in sugar. The pulp, which has an agreeable taste,
is stated by Mr. M. to possess purgative properties in doses of one or
two of the preserved fruit. Commenting on this preparation it is stated
in the _British Medical Journal_ (July 29, 1882, p. 173): "We have tried
it carefully in several cases of habitual constipation, and have no
doubt it is a valuable addition to our list of laxatives.... It may be
eaten at dinner or dessert, and it would be absurd to regard it as a
medicine. It is most valuable for children." It should be added that it
is only in the fresh state that it possesses aperient properties; in the
dried state, as they are commonly met with in Indian bazaars, they are
astringent, containing a large proportion of gallic acid. Their ordinary
vernacular names are Ánvulá, Ánvurah (_Hind._), Ámlá Ánlá (_Beng._),
Nelli-kay, Tóppi (_Tam._), Ámala-kamu (_Tel._), Nelli-káyi (_Can._,
_Mal._), Avalá (_Mah._), Nelli, Nellika (_Cing._), Zíphiyu-sí (_Burm._).
258. +Ním Tree or Margosa.+ Azadirachta Indica, _Iuss._