in the treatment of _Worms, especially the common Round Worm or
Lumbricus_. The juice should be collected as it flows out from incisions
made in the unripe fruit; a table-spoonful suffices for a dose for an
adult. It should, whilst quite fresh, be mixed with an equal quantity of
honey and two ounces of boiling water, and the whole well stirred. When
cool, this should be taken as a draught, and two hours subsequently, one
ounce of Castor Oil, with half a table-spoonful of Lime Juice. This
process should be repeated two days in succession. Half the above dose
is sufficient for a child between three and seven years old, and a
third, or about a teaspoonful, for a child under three years of age.
Should colic follow its use, draughts of sugar and water, or sugar and
milk, should be freely given. _In Ringworm_ the unripe Papaw fruit, cut
in slices and rubbed on the spots, is said by Dr. H. H. Goodeve to be a
very simple and efficient remedy.
296. _In Enlargements of the Spleen and Liver_ Mr. Evers (_Indian Med.
Gazette_, February 1875) reports highly of the value of the milky juice
of the unripe Papaw fruit. Of sixty cases treated with it, thirty-nine
were cured. He administered it as follows: About a teaspoonful of the
fresh juice was thoroughly mixed with an equal quantity of sugar, and
the mass made into three boluses, one to be taken morning, noon, and
evening. For children a single drop of the juice with sugar was found
sufficient. A poultice of the pulp of the unripe fruit was placed in
each case over the enlarged organ; but on this Dr. Evers places little
reliance. From 20 to 25 days was the longest period a patient was under
treatment. A nutritious and liberal diet to be enforced. It was found
notably useful in recent cases. No ill effects—nothing beyond a feeling
of heat in the stomach—followed its use. Should there be gastric or
intestinal irritation, a small dose of Opium or Henbane may be combined
with the juice.
296_b_. +Pedalium Murex+, _Linn._
Bará-ghókrú (_Hind._, _Dak._, _Beng._), Ánai-nerunji, Peru-neranji
(_Tam._), Enuga-palléru-mullu, Káítu-nerinjil (_Tel._), Ána-nerinnil,
Káttu-nerinnil (_Mal._), Ánne-galu-gidá (_Can._), Hattí-charátté
(_Mah._), Motte-ghókru (_Guz._), Ati-naranchi (_Cing._), Sulegí
(_Burm._).
297. This small plant, with its yellow flowers and sharp-spined seed
vessel, exhaling when bruised the odour of musk, is common on dry sandy
localities, especially on the seaboard of most parts of Southern India.
The fresh leaves and stems briskly agitated in cold water convert it
into a thick mucilage, nearly of the consistency of the white of a raw
egg, inodorous and tasteless. An infusion thus prepared is a highly
prized remedy among the people of Southern India in _Gonorrhœa_. For
this purpose half a pint of the above infusion is taken every morning
for ten days successively; and under its use great relief to the
scalding on the passage of urine is afforded, and a cure in many cases
effected. It seems well worthy of further trial. One of its effects,
indeed its principal one, is greatly to increase the flow of urine;
hence it might prove useful in some forms of _Dropsy_. Water rendered
mucilaginous by this plant soon regains its original fluidity; hence the
infusion should be freshly prepared each time it is to be administered.
298. +Pepper, Black.+ The unripe fruit of Piper nigrum, _Linn._
Kálí-mirch, Gól-mirch (_Hind._, _Punj._), Kálí-mirchí (_Duk._),
Kálá-morich, Gól-morich (_Beng._, _Punj._), Martz (_Kash._), Milagu,
Mulagu (_Tam._), Miriyálu (_Tel._), Kuru-mulaka (_Mal._), Menasu
(_Can._), Miré (_Mah._), Kálo-mirich, Miri (_Guz._), Kalu-miris
(_Cing._), Náyu-kon (_Burm._), Lada hitam (_Malay_).
Black pepper, when fresh and of good quality, is a useful stimulant and
stomachic in doses of from 10 to 15 grains or more.
299. _In Cholera_ the following pills were formerly held in high repute
in Bengal. Take of Black Pepper, Asafœtida, and Opium, each 20 grains;
beat them well together, and divide into 12 pills; of these one was the
dose, repeated in an hour if required. On account of the quantity of
Opium they contain, it is inadvisable to continue their use too long
(_See_ Par. 285). They are chiefly indicated at the very outset of the
attack.
300. _For Piles in aged and debilitated persons_ the following
Confection is often of great service: Take of Black Pepper in fine
powder, 1 ounce; Caraway fruit in fine powder, 1½ ounce; Honey, 7½
ounces. Rub them well together in a mortar, and give from one to two
drachms twice or thrice daily. It proves useful also in the case of old
and weak people suffering from _Descent of the Rectum_. An infusion of
Black Pepper (2 drachms of bruised Pepper to 1 pint of Boiling Water)
forms a useful stimulant gargle in _Relaxed Sore Throat, and Hoarseness_
dependent thereon.
301. +Physic Nut Plant.+ Jatropha Curcas, _Linn._
Jangle-arandí (_Hind._, _Guz._), Jangli-yarandi (_Duk._), Erandá-gách,
Bon-bhérandá (_Beng._), Kátt-áma-naku (_Tam._), Pépalam (_Tel._),
Káttá-vanaka (_Mal._), Bettada-haralu (_Can._), Rána-yerandi (_Mah._),
Val-endaru, Erandu (_Cing._), Késu-gi, Simbo-késu (_Burm._).
302. A common plant in waste places throughout India. The seeds, which
in their native state are an acro-narcotic poison, yield on expression
about 30 per cent. of a pale yellow oil, which in doses of 12 to 15
drops acts as a purgative equal in action to one ounce of Castor Oil,
but is far less certain in its operation and causes more griping than
the latter, hence it is rarely employed. Its ill effects are corrected
by Lime Juice, as in the case of Croton Seeds (Sec. 120). Diluted with a
bland oil (1 part to 2 or 3), it forms a useful embrocation in _Chronic
Rheumatism_. The leaves locally applied to the breasts, as directed in
Sec. 85, are stated notably to _increase the secretion of Milk_; it is
worthy of a trial. More important, however, than the preceding is the
alleged power of the fresh juice to _arrest Bleeding or Hæemorrhage from
Wounds_. Baboo Udhoy Chand Dutt (_Indian Med. Gazette_, Oct. 1, 1874)
details two cases in which a piece of lint, soaked in the juice and
locally applied, at once arrested the bleeding; in one of these cases
alum, perchloride of iron, &c., had been previously used without effect.
He states that it does not cause pain nor act as a caustic, but seems
simply to coagulate the blood, and covers the bleeding surface with a
tenacious layer. Further evidence of its styptic powers is recorded by
Mr. B. Evers (_Indian Med. Gazette_, March 1875), who furnishes also an
interesting account of a pulsating tumour, "a varicose aneurism,"
situated just above the inner ankle, which was cured (?) by the
subcutaneous injection of a drachm of this juice. The styptic properties
of this agent seem well worthy of further trial.
302_b_. +Plantago, or Ispaghúl Seed.+ The seeds of Plantago Ispaghula,
_Roxb._
Ispaghúl, Isbaghól (_Hind._), Isapghól (_Duk._, _Punj._), Eshopgól
(_Beng._), Ís-mogul (_Kash._), Ishappukól-virai, Iskól-virai (_Tam._),
Isapagála-vittulu (_Tel._), Isabakólu (_Can._), Isabagóla (_Mah._),
Isapghól (_Guz._).
303. Ispaghúl seeds, ovate-elliptical, concave, about an eighth of an
inch in length, of a greyish colour, yielding to water an abundance of
tasteless mucilage, are procurable in most bazaars, and constitute a
highly useful demulcent medicine.
304. _In Dysentery and Diarrhœa_ they have been long held in
well-deserved repute when given, as advised by the late Mr. Twining, of
Calcutta. "_In the Chronic Diarrhœa of Europeans_, who have been long
resident in India, benefit [he remarks] often follows the use of
demulcents followed by mild tonics. For this purpose the Ispaghúl seeds
seem to answer better than any other remedy. The dose for an adult is 2½
drachms mixed with half a drachm of powdered sugar candy. The seeds are
exhibited whole, and in their passage through the intestines they absorb
as much fluid as makes them swell, and by the time they reach the
central or lower portions of the canal, they give out a bland mucilage,
and in general they continue to possess the same mucilaginous properties
until they have passed through the intestines. If the frequency of the
dejections be restrained by anodyne enema, and by using only a small
quantity of food, the mucilaginous properties of these seeds are most
evident. It is said that a slight degree of astringency and some tonic
property may be imparted to the seeds by exposing them to a moderate
degree of heat, so that they shall be dried and slightly browned. This
remedy sometimes cures the protracted diarrhœa of European and Native
children after many other remedies have failed."
305. _In many affections of the Kidneys and Bladder, in Gonorrhœa_, &c.
attended with pain, local irritation and scalding or difficulty in
passing urine, the following decoction is likely to prove serviceable:
Take of Ispaghúl Seeds bruised, 2 drachms; Water a pint; boil for ten
minutes in a covered vessel, and strain. Of this the dose is from 2 to 4
ounces, three or four times daily or oftener.
306. +The Plantain or Banana Tree.+ Musa sapientum, _Linn._
Kélah-ká-pér (_Hind._), Mouz-ká-jhár (_Duk._), Kéla-gáchh (_Beng._),
Kadali (_Tam._), Kadali, Arati-chettu (_Tel._), Vázha-marum (_Mal._),
Bálegida (_Can._), Kéla-jháda (_Mah._), Kéla-nu-jháda (_Guz._),
Kehal-gahá (_Cing._), Napiyá-bin (_Burm._).
307. The Plantain, or Banana-tree, is extensively cultivated throughout
the tropical portion of both hemispheres for the sake of its fruit,
which forms a valuable article of diet, and in the dried state is of no
mean value as an anti-scorbutic (See Art. _Scurvy_ in _Index_). It is
mentioned in this place chiefly on account of its leaves, which, when
young and tender, are of a beautifully fine texture, and may be utilised
with great advantage in medical and surgical practice.
_a._ _As a dressing for blistered surfaces_, for which purpose they are
admirably adapted in hot climates, where Spermaceti Ointment, usually
employed in European practice, rapidly becomes rancid, and consequently
irritant. After the removal of a blister a piece of plantain leaf of the
required size, smeared with any bland oil, should be applied to the
denuded surface and kept in its place by means of a bandage. The first
sensation it occasions is peculiarly cooling and soothing, and the
blistered surface generally heals satisfactorily in four or five days.
For the first two days the upper smooth surface is placed next to the
skin, and subsequently the under side, until the healing process is
complete. The dressing should be changed twice daily, with fresh leaves,
or oftener if required.
_b._ _As a substitute for India Rubber or Gutta Percha Tissue in the
water-dressing of Wounds and Ulcers._ The younger the leaf the better is
it suited for this purpose. Two points require attention: 1, the piece
used should be sufficiently large to cover or envelop the whole part;
and, 2, it should be carefully kept in its place by bandages, &c. If
properly applied, evaporation of any subjacent fluid is effectively
prevented.
_c._ _As a shade for the eyes in Ophthalmia and other Diseases of the
Eye_, no manufactured shade is superior to it; the older and greener
leaves answer best for this purpose.
308. +Plumbago rosea+, _Linn._
Lál-chíta, Lál-chítarak (_Hind._), Lál-chitarmúl (_Duk._), Rakto-chitá
(_Beng._), Chitra (_Punj._), Shitranj (_Kash._),
Shivappu-chittira-múlam, Kodi-múli (_Tam._), Erra-chitra-múlam
(_Tel._), Chenti-kotuvéli (_Mal._), Kempu-chitra-múlá (_Can._),
Támbada-chitramúla (_Mah._), Ratnitúl (_Cing._), Kin-khen-ní (_Burm._),
Chiraka-merah (_Malay_).
309. The root of this plant, common in gardens throughout India, is of
great value as a means of raising a blister when other articles of the
same class are not available. For this purpose take the fresh bark of
the root and rub it into a paste with water and a little rice flour;
spread this on a piece of rag and apply it to the surface; in about five
minutes it begins to give pain, which increases in severity for about
half an hour, when it may be removed; a rice poultice may then be
applied over the part, and within twelve or eighteen hours a large
uniform blister will be found to have formed. The fluid having being let
out, it may be dressed with plantain leaf, in the usual way. The chief
objection to the use of a Plumbago blister is the great pain it
occasions, hence it should only be used when other blistering agents are
not at hand, and a blister is an immediate necessity.
310. +Pomegranate Tree.+ Punica Granatum, _Linn._
Anár-ká-pér (_Hind._), Anár-ká-jhár (_Duk._), Dálimgásh (_Beng._),
Dháun (_Kash._), Mádalai-chedi (_Tam._), Dálimba, Dádima-chettu
(_Tel._), Mátalam-chetti (_Mal._), Dálimbe-gidá (_Can._), Dálimba-jhàda
(_Mah._), Dádam-nujháda (_Guz._), Delun-gahá (_Cing._), Salé-bin, or
Talí-bin (_Burm._), Dalima (_Malay_).
311. Two parts of the Pomegranate tree, common in gardens and elsewhere
throughout India, are employed medicinally, viz., the Rind of the Fruit
and the Bark of the Root or Root-Bark.
312. _In Diarrhœa and the advanced stages of Dysentery_, the rind of the
fruit is a valuable astringent. It is best given in Decoction prepared
by boiling in a covered vessel, 2 ounces of the bruised Dried Rind, and
2 drachms of bruised Cloves or Cinnamon in a pint of water for fifteen
minutes and straining. Of this, when cold, the dose is 1½ ounces three
or four times a day; in obstinate cases, five drops of Laudanum may be
added to each dose. It is said to be especially useful in the _Diarrhœa
of Natives_.
313. _In Relaxed Sore Throat_ the above decoction, with the addition of
a drachm of Alum to the pint, is a very useful gargle, and it also forms
a good astringent injection in _Vaginal Discharges_; in these cases the
cloves or cinnamon should be omitted.
314. _For Tape Worm_ the Root-bark is a remedy of established value
given as follows: Take of the fresh Bark sliced, 2 ounces: Water, 2
pints; boil to 1 pint and strain. Of this, two ounces should be taken
fasting, early in the morning, and repeated every half-hour, until four
doses have been taken. This should be followed by an aperient (1 ounce
of Castor Oil), and the worm will generally be expelled within twelve
hours.
315. +Ptychotis, Ajwain or Omum Seeds.+ The fruit of Carum (Ptychotis)
Ajowan, _D.C._
Ajváyan (_Hind._), Ajvain, Ajván (_Beng._), Ajván (_Duk._), Ajwain
(_Punj._), Jáwind (_Kash._), O'mam, or O'mum (_Tam._), Omamu, Vámamu
(_Tel._), Hómam, Ayamód-kam (_Mal._), Vóma (_Can._), Vóvá, Vóva-sádá,
(_Mah._), Ajwán (_Guz._), Oman, Assamodagam (_Cing._), Samhún
(_Burm._), Lavinju-larmisi (_Malay_).
316. These small, pungent, aromatic seeds rank deservedly high in the
list of native remedies; they are considered to combine the stimulant
quality of capsicum or mustard with the bitter property of chiretta, and
the antispasmodic virtues of asafœtida. This remedy, Dr. Bidie remarks,
in moderate quantities increases the flow of saliva, augments the
secretion of gastric juice, and acts as a stimulant, carminative and
tonic. As a topical remedy it may be used with advantage along with
astringents in cases of _Relaxed Sore Throat_. For disguising the taste
of disagreeable drugs and obviating their tendency to cause nausea and
griping, he adds, that he knows no remedy of equal power. Testimony of a
similar character is borne by Mr. J. J. Wood and others, and no room is
left to doubt the value of this medicine.
317. The natives employ the crude seeds in doses of about a
dessert-spoonful with the addition of a little salt; this is chewed and
washed down with draughts of water. They also employ them in decoction,
but this is objectionable, as heat dissipates the essential oil, in
which the virtues of the seeds reside. A far better form is the
Distilled Water, OMUM WATER—Aarqe-ajván (_Hind. et Duk._),
Ajwain-ka-arak (_Punj._), Jawind-húnd-arak (_Kash._), Óman-tí-nír
(_Tam._), Ómam-dráv-akam (_Tel._). It is also sold under the name of
"Sison Cordial." Every Indian domestic medicine chest should contain a
good supply of this useful preparation, which is procurable in all the
large towns in India, being a very popular remedy with the native and
East Indian portion of the community. Where, however, it is not
purchasable it can be readily prepared by any native who has a common
country still; in this case care should be taken that the right
proportions be used—3lb. of the bruised seeds to six quart bottles of
water, and distil over four. In order to prevent the seeds touching the
bottom or sides of the boiler, and thus by becoming charred
communicating a burnt flavour to the water, they should be tied up in a
bag or cloth of loose texture, and suspended in the centre of the water.
The dose is from 1 to 2 ounces, repeated as circumstances may require;
that for a child ranges from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful,
according to age. The Distilled Oil is also an excellent form of
administration in doses of 1 to 3 drops on sugar, or made into an
emulsion with Gum Arabic.
318. In some forms of _Dyspepsia_, _in the vomiting, Griping or Diarrhœa
arising from errors of diet_; _in simple Flatulence and even
Tympanites_; _in Faintness and Exhaustion_; _in Spasmodic Affection of
the Bowels in Choleraic Diarrhœa, in certain cases of Colic_; _and in
Hysteria_, it has been found, even when given alone, pre-eminently
useful (Wood). _It is especially adapted for the Diarrhœa and Flatulent
Colic of Children._
319. _In Cholera_ much reliance is placed by the natives and
Anglo-Indians on Omum water, and although it appears to have no claim to
the character of a specific in this disease which popular opinion
assigns to it, there can be little doubt that it exercises considerable
power, especially in the early stage, of checking the diarrhœa and
vomiting, and at the same time of stimulating the system. It is not to
be trusted to alone, but forms an admirable adjunct to other remedies.
320. _In Habitual Drunkenness, Dipsomania_, Omum seems worthy of trial.
On this point Mr. Wood observes, "On account of its biting or pungent,
yet pleasant taste, and the sensation of warmth it creates in the
stomach, it has been constantly recommended of late years to those
afflicted with the desire for alcoholic drinks. It does not, of course,
intoxicate, but it is no mean substitute for the ordinary stimulant, in
removing almost immediately the sensation of 'gnawing' or 'sinking at
the pit of the stomach,' which the frequent use of spirits so invariably
brings on. And I have been assured that it has been the means of
rescuing many otherwise sensible and useful men from slavery to the
habit of spirit drinking."
321. +Rice.+ The husked seed of Oryza sativa, _Linn._
Chával (_Hind._), Chánval (_Duk._), Chál, Chánvol (_Beng._), Chánwal
(_Punj._), Thomúl (_Kash._), Arishi (_Tam._), Biyyam (_Tel._), Ari
(_Mal._), Akkí (_Can._), Tándúla (_Mah._), Chókha (_Guz._), Hál
(_Cing._), Sán, Chán (_Burm._), Bras (_Malay_).
322. Rice may be utilised in the following ways in the treatment of
disease:
_a._ In the form of Decoction—"_Conjee Water_," as it is commonly
called, prepared by boiling one ounce of cleansed Rice in a quart of
Water for twenty minutes, straining, and flavouring with Sugar, and with
Lime Juice if desired, to taste. This forms an excellent drink in
_Fevers_, _Smallpox_, _Measles_, _Scarlet Fever and Inflammations of all
kinds_, also in _Gonorrhœa_, and other cases where there is _pain and
difficulty in passing Urine_.
_b._ In the form of Powder—RICE FLOUR; this dusted thickly over the
surface forms a very cooling and soothing application in _Small-pox_,
_Measles_, _Erysipelas_, _Prickly Heat_, and other _Inflammatory
Affections of the Skin_. It is pleasant to the patient's feelings, and
allays heat and irritation. _To Burns and Scalds_, Rice Flour is an
excellent application: it should be used as soon as possible after the
occurrence of the injury, and it should be dusted thickly over the whole
of the burnt surface, so as to absorb any discharge that may be present,
and at the same time exclude the air as far as possible. If in a few
days this becomes hardened and irritating, a warm Rice poultice should
be applied, so as to soften it and allow its easy removal; the surface
should then be dressed with Lime Liniment (229) or Resin Ointment (372).
_c._ In the form of Poultice.—RICE POULTICE.—To prepare this, place a
sufficiency of Rice Flour in an open vessel over the fire, gradually add
Water, and stir until the mass has the required consistence. A more
ready mode is to place the Rice Flour in a basin, and then gradually to
add Boiling Water, constantly stirring it, as above. A piece of cloth of
the required size being ready at hand, the poultice should be smoothly
spread on it, to the thickness of from a quarter to half an inch, and
applied over the affected part. In most cases it is advisable before
applying it, to smear the surface of the poultice with a bland oil; this
renders it more soothing and keeps it longer soft and moist. A rice
poultice requires changing twice or even thrice daily. It is an
excellent application to _Abscesses_, _Boils_, _Buboes_, _Ulcers_, and
_other local inflammatory affections_, _Inflamed Piles_, _&c._ _In
Chronic Bronchitis and other Chronic Coughs_ considerable relief often
results from the application of a large soft Rice Poultice placed over
the chest at bedtime, and allowed to remain on all night; another may
also be advantageously placed on the back between the shoulder-blades.
The efficacy of these poultices is in many cases increased by the
addition of a little Mustard Flour (1 part to 3 or 4 of Rice Flour), so
as to produce a slight redness of the skin; or the surface of the
poultice may be smeared over with Oil of Turpentine.
323. +Sal Ammoniac.+ Hydrochlorate of Ammonia, Chloride of Ammonium.
Nousádar (_Hind._), Nouságar (_Duk._), Noshágar (_Beng._), Charám,
Navá-charám (_Tam._), Navá-charám, Nava-ságaram (_Tel._), Nava-sáram
(_Mal._), Navá-ságára (_Can._), Nav-sága (_Guz._), Navá-cháram
(_Cing._), Zavasa (_Burm._), Namu-charum (_Malay_), Nãushádar
(_Punj._), Nausadan (_Kash._).
324. Sal Ammoniac, procurable in most Indian bazaars, is generally very
impure; occurring in thick translucent cakes or masses of a dirty white
or brownish colour, inodorous, of a bitter, acrid taste. To fit it for
medical use, it should be dissolved in boiling water, strained through
calico, and the clear solution exposed in an open vessel to crystallise.
The crystals and white residuum should be collected and kept in bottles
for use. Thus prepared, it proves valuable in many affections. Its
nauseous taste, which is a great objection to its use, is completely
covered by the addition of a small quantity of liquorice.
325. _Milk Abscesses_ occurring after confinements and in nursing
mothers may often be arrested, if at an early stage, before matter
forms, the breast be kept constantly wet by means of rags saturated with
a lotion composed of one drachm of Sal Ammoniac, one ounce of _Arrack_,
and a pint of Rose Water. It also proves useful in removing any hardness
which may remain after the abscess has burst, and is sometimes
successful in arresting _Abscesses in other parts of the body_, when
applied at an early stage before matter has formed.
326. _In Tic Douloureux and Rheumatic Faceache_, Sal Ammoniac
occasionally proves very useful. Two drachms in six ounces of water
should be taken in divided doses (1½ ounce for a dose), every four
hours, till relief is obtained: if the pain does not yield after the
four doses, no benefit can be expected from persevering with it. _Other
forms of Neuralgia_, as _Sciatica_ and _Lumbago_, have also been found
to yield to it, when administered early in the attack.