affected_, Sal Ammoniac, in doses of 15 to 24 grains, with infusion of
Country Sarsaparilla (163), proves highly serviceable; but it is even
more effectual in relieving those _Muscular pains of the Chest_ and
other parts of the trunk so often met with in the overworked and
underfed portion of the working classes in large cities. In these cases
it requires to be persevered in for some time.
328. _Hysterical, Nervous, and Bilious Headaches_ are often greatly
benefited, or disappear altogether, under the use of this salt in doses
of 10 to 20 grains twice or thrice daily, dissolved in Camphor Julep.
The earlier in the attack it is given, the greater are the chances of
its proving effectual.
329. _In Chronic Coughs, especially in those of old age_, a mixture of a
drachm of Sal Ammoniac, two ounces of syrup of country Liquorice (6),
and four ounces of Water, in doses of one ounce five or six times a day,
occasionally proves serviceable. In doses of from 1 to 5 grains,
according to the age of the child, conjoined with a few grains of
powdered Cinnamon, it has been found useful in _Hooping Cough_; it is
inferior in efficacy to Alum, but may be commenced with safety and
advantage at a much earlier period in the attack.
330. _In Hæmorrhage from the Lungs, Stomach, and other Internal Organs_,
it is worthy of a trial if other more effectual agents are not at hand.
In these cases, two drachms should be dissolved in a pint of _conjee_
water, and a wineglassful given every second or third hour, according to
the severity of the case. The patient should be kept quiet, cool, and in
the recumbent posture.
331. _In Jaundice_, especially when it comes on suddenly, after a great
mental shock, or after exposure, a few doses of Sal Ammoniac (20 grains
every four hours) have often a marked effect. _In Hepatitis and Abscess
of the Liver_, Dr. W. Stewart, after considerable experience in its use,
regards this salt almost as a specific, and he pronounces it very
serviceable in _all cases of Liver Disease_, whether depending on
organic change or on functional derangement. The proper period for its
exhibition is after the abatement of acute symptoms, and when
diaphoresis (sweating) has been freely established, and it should then
be administered in doses of 20 grains night and morning. The evidence he
adduces in support of his views is very strong. He also speaks highly of
its efficacy in _Chronic Dysentery_, and advises its continued use for
some time after the disappearance of acute symptoms. (_Madras Journal of
Med. Science_, 1870, and Feb., March, and Dec. 1872.) _In Dropsy_,
especially in that connected with disease of the liver, or in that
following fevers, it may be administered with advantage in the same
doses, conjoined with Infusion of Moringa (237), or Decoction of
Asteracantha (39).
332. _For Bruises_, _Strains_, _Rheumatic Swellings_, _Enlarged Glands_,
_Indolent Buboes_, _Swollen Joints_, _Boils_, _&c._, and _local
Inflammations of the Skin_ generally, a solution of this salt in _hot_
water (2 drachms to a pint), kept to the parts for a few hours, proves
useful, not only relieving the pain but reducing the swelling. It is
also thought to be more effectual than anything else in removing the
discoloration consequent on bruises and sprains. This has been noticed
especially with reference to blows on the eye (_Black Eye_). It is an
important ingredient in the Cold Lotion described in Sect. 265.
333. +Sandal-wood Oil.+ The oil obtained by the distillation of Sandal
Wood, Santalum album, _Linn._
Sandal-ká-aitr (_Hind._), Sandal vel Chandan-ká-tél (_Duk._, _Punj._),
Safed-chandnúk-til (_Kash._), Sandal-ká-tel (_Beng._), Shandanam-talium
(_Tam._), Miniak Chandana (_Malay_).
334. Sandal-Wood Oil is sold commonly in the bazaars, being a favourite
native perfume. It has been successfully employed in the treatment of
_Gonorrhœa_. Dr. Aitchison strongly recommends commencing with five-drop
doses, each dose to be made up separately, and the oil mixed in the
fluid it is to accompany with the aid of a drop or two of Liquor
Potassæ. It is an excellent remedy, he adds, but must be used with
_great care_, as it is apt to produce baneful effects on the kidneys if
given in too large doses. It is of great importance to use only good or
pure oil; hence it should be procured, if possible, direct from the
manufacturer. Much that is sold in the bazaars is adulterated or of
inferior quality. It seems well worthy of trial in cases of obstinate
_Gleet_. It is best given in a little Omum water or Infusion of Ginger.
335. +Senna.+ The leaves of Cassia lanceolata, _Forsk._, and other
species. Indian or Tinnevelly Senna.
Saná, Hindí-saná-ká-pát (_Hind._), Nát-kí-saná (_Duk._), Són-pát,
Shín-pát (_Beng._), Sanna-mákhí (_Punj._), Berg-i-sanna (_Kash._),
Nilá-virai, Níla-vakái (_Tam._), Néla-tangédu (_Tel._), Níla-váká
(_Mal._), Nelá-varíke (_Can._), Sana-kola, Nil-ávari (_Cing._),
Puve-kain-yoe (_Burm._), Sunna Maki (_Malay_).
336. The imported Senna met with in the bazaars is usually of very
inferior quality, consisting of broken pieces of old leaves, pieces of
stem, and other rubbish. That grown in India, especially in Tinnevelly,
is preferable to that imported from Arabia, which is called
_Sana-Makhí_, or _Mecca Senna_. The leaves should be unbroken, clean,
brittle, pale green, or yellow, with a heavyish smell. It is a good safe
aperient, and may be given as follows: Take of Senna leaves, one ounce;
of bruised Ginger and Cloves, each half a drachm; Boiling Water, ten
ounces. Let it stand for one hour, and strain. This is a good aperient
in all cases of _Constipation_, in doses of one and a half to two
ounces; half this quantity, or less, is required for children, according
to age. A simple infusion of Senna leaves, of the above strength, if
taken hot, with the addition of milk and sugar, can hardly be
distinguished from ordinary tea. In this manner it is easily
administered to children, and will be borne by the most delicate
stomachs. As a general rule. Castor Oil is preferable as an aperient for
infants.
337. +Sesamum+, +Jinjili+, or +Til Oil+. The expressed oil of the seeds
of Sesamum Indicum, _Linn._
Til-ká-tél, Míthá-tel (_Hind._, _Punj._), Mittá-tél (_Duk._), Nal-enney
(_Tam._), Manchi-núne (_Tel._), Nall-enná (_Mal._), Valle-yanne
(_Can._), Chokhóta-téla (_Mah._), Mítho-tél (_Guz._), Talla-tel
(_Cing._), Tíl (_Kash._), Nahu-sí (_Burm._), Miniak-bijan (_Malay_).
338. Til or Jingili Oil, met with in all bazaars throughout India, is
quite equal, when properly prepared, to Olive Oil for medicinal and
pharmaceutical purposes. It is advisable always to keep a small stock of
it on hand for cases of emergency, such as burns, &c., when Lime
Liniment (229) may be required. As a dressing for _Ulcers, Suppurating
Wounds_, "oil dressing" has been successfully applied in Bombay; it
consists of the continuous application of a pledget of common country
cloth or rag saturated with pure Sesamum Oil to the affected part. It is
thought to be superior to any other simple dressing particularly during
the hot season. _In Leprosy_ Dr. Hilson has conclusively shown that
great and manifest benefit, though it may be temporary, results from
diligent frictions of the body with this oil (see Sect. 161).
338_a_. The leaves, which abound in mucilage, have attained some repute
in bowel affections, and Mr. B. Evers (_Indian Med. Gazette_, March
1875) made trials with them in sixteen cases of _Dysentery_. Recovery
followed in each case, but they were all of a mild type, and though the
remedy acted as a demulcent, it did not appear to exercise any specific
influence on the disease; besides, as opium had to be conjoined with it
to control the tenesmus, the benefit may have been due as much, if not
more, to the opiate as to the mucilage. It is evidently a remedy of very
secondary value, and inferior to Ispaghúl Seeds (304). The seeds have
powerfully emmenagogue properties assigned to them, and it is believed
by the natives and Anglo-Indians that, if taken in large quantities,
they are capable of producing abortion. In _Amenorrhœa_ the employment
of a warm hip bath containing a handful of the bruised seeds has been
reported on good authority to be an efficient mode of treatment. It
seems worthy of further trial. In three cases of _Dysmenorrhœa_
(_Painful Menstruation_) Mr. B. Evers (_op. cit._) administered with
benefit the powdered seeds in ten-grain doses three or four times daily.
At the same time he employed the hip bath containing the bruised seeds
as mentioned above.
339. +Sulphur.+
Gandak, Gandhak (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Mah._, _Guz._, _Punj._), Gandrok
(_Beng._), Gandakam, Gandhakam (_Tam._, _Tel._, _Mal._, _Cing._),
Gandhaká (_Can._), Kán (_Burm._), Blerang (_Malay_), Ganduk (_Kash._).
340. Several kinds of Sulphur are met with in the bazaars, but as their
composition is unknown and some of them are reputed to contain a large
proportion of arsenic, they are unsuited for internal administration;
the better and purer kinds, however, may be safely employed as external
applications.
341. As a remedy for _Itch_, SULPHUR OINTMENT holds a high place. One
part of finely powdered or sublimed sulphur to six of kokum butter or
any bland oil is sufficiently strong for ordinary cases. After cleansing
the parts with soap and hot water, the ointment should be thoroughly
well rubbed in for fifteen or twenty minutes, till the pustules are all
broken. Its use should be confined to the hands and wrists and other
parts affected; no good is obtained from applying it extensively over
the whole surface of the body, as is often done. It is best rubbed in at
night before going to bed, allowing it to remain on the whole night, and
then washing it off in the morning with soap and hot water. This process
may be repeated every night till a cure is effected, which will be the
case after three or four applications, provided the ointment is properly
rubbed in. The patient should not resume the clothes he wore previously
until they have been subjected to the process of _boiling_, a
temperature of 212° F. being necessary for the destruction of the
acarus, on the presence of which the disease depends. Simply washing the
clothes in hot water will not destroy the germ of infection.
342. Some other forms of _Chronic Skin Disease in Natives_ improve under
the use of Sulphur Ointment, described in the last section; or, better
still, of "Balsam of Sulphur" so called, which is simply a solution of
sulphur in warm Olive or Sesamum Oil.
343. _In Chronic Rheumatism_ a liniment, composed of two ounces of
powdered or Sublimed Sulphur, and a pint of Ním Oil, well rubbed in
twice daily, has been used with great benefit in many cases. Relief
sometimes follows the practice of dusting the affected part with Flour
of Sulphur at bedtime, enveloping it in flannel, and covering the whole
with plantain-leaf to prevent the escape of the fumes.
344. _In Piles_ few medicines afford more relief to the distressing
local symptoms than a mixture of equal parts of Sublimed Sulphur and
Cream of Tartar; of this a teaspoonful should be taken in milk once or
twice daily, so as to keep the bowels gently open. Should this quantity,
however, operate too powerfully on the bowels, the dose should be
diminished. The ingredients for this powder should be procured from a
regular chemist. The same treatment appears to act beneficially in
_Chronic Dysentery_. It is likewise well adapted for _Habitual
Constipation_, especially when occurring in persons subject to piles. It
is well to bear in mind that in all cases where Sulphur is administered
internally, it communicates to the stools a peculiarly disagreeable
odour of sulphuretted hydrogen.
345. +Tamarinds.+ The Fruit of Tamarindus Indicus, _Linn._
Anblí (_Hind._), Amlí, Amlí-ká-bót (_Duk._), Imlí (_Punj._),
Tamar-i-hind (_Kash._), Téntúul, Tintúrí, Ámlí (_Beng._),
Puliyam-pazham (_Tam._, _Mal._), Chinta-pandu (_Tel._), Chinch
(_Mah._), Hunashí-hannu (_Can._), Ámblí (_Guz._), Siyambula (_Cing._),
Magi (_Burm._), Assam-java (_Malay_).
346. The pulp of the fruit, of a reddish-brown colour and acid
saccharine taste, is laxative and refrigerant, and made into sherbet
with water or milk (in the proportion of one ounce of the pulp to one
pint of fluid) forms an agreeable and useful drink in _Febrile and
Inflammatory Affections_. The only objection to it in some cases is (in
others this is an advantage) that it is apt to act on the bowels as a
laxative. In the absence of limes or lemons, Tamarind pulp may be given
with great advantage in _Scurvy_, both as a preventive and as a
curative, but it requires to be discontinued if it cause griping and
diarrhœa; otherwise it is a valuable antiscorbutic, and as such may be
taken on board ship, or form a portion of daily rations in jails, &c.
347. +Telini Fly, Mylabris Cichorii+ (_Fabr._).
Télní, Télní-makkhí (_Hind._), Zírangí, Bad-bó-kí-zírangí (_Duk._),
Pinsttarin-í (_Tam._), Ígelu (_Tel._).
348. This insect is of common occurrence throughout India; it has the
following characters: About an inch in length and the third of an inch
broad; the elytra, or wing-cases, of an obscure yellow, with three large
somewhat zigzag transverse black bands; the first band is interrupted
and sometimes reduced to three or four spots. There are met with in
various parts of India other allied species, which differ more or less
from the above description, but they all partake of the same irritant
and vesicant properties, the active principle being the same with that
of the officinal Cantharides, viz., Cantharidine. It is apparently a
complete substitute for the European article as a vesicant, provided
that due care is taken in its preparation, &c. The best season for
collecting the insects is just previous to the setting in of the
monsoon, in the early morning or evening; they should be killed by the
steam of boiling vinegar, thoroughly dried in the sun, and preserved in
well stoppered bottles.
349. Its principal use is as a blistering agent, and for this purpose it
is used in the form of plaster, prepared as follows: Take Telini Fly,
finely powdered; White or Black Dammar, Bees-wax, and Suet (mutton or
goat), of each two ounces; liquefy the three latter with a gentle heat,
then remove from the fire and sprinkle in the Telini; mix the whole
thoroughly, and continue to stir the mixture while it is allowed to cool.
In consequence of the difficulty of preparing this, and the uncertainty
of its strength, I would advise that every establishment should be
provided with a supply of officinal Blistering Liquid of the British
Pharmacopœia; this only requires to be applied for two or three minutes
with a camel's-hair brush, allowed to dry on, and then covered with a
warm rice poultice; in the course of a few hours the blister will be
found to have risen. The Liquid prepared in India from the Telini Fly is
quite equal in power to the European article prepared with Cantharides
or Spanish Fly.
350. _Remarks on the Use of Blisters._—Blisters are of great value in
many cases, but unless used with care and discrimination they may do
_more harm than good_. Thus, a blister applied at the outset or during
the acute stage of inflammation will increase the mischief, whereas in
the advanced stages its action may prove in the highest degree
beneficial. During pregnancy a blister to the chest has been known to
induce premature labour, retention of urine, &c., and applied to a
person suffering from scurvy it is apt to induce troublesome ulceration.
To prevent gangrene, which has occasionally resulted from a blister,
especially in children, it is advisable not to allow it to remain on
more than ten minutes, then to remove it and apply a warm rice poultice.
In infants a thin piece of muslin should be placed between the skin and
the plaster. If strangury follow its use, the patient should drink
plentifully of decoction of Abelmoschus (2), Rice _Conjee_ (322), or
other demulcents, avoiding those of an oleaginous nature. After the
fluid has been let out, which is easily done by snipping the raised
cuticle in two or three places with a pair of sharp-pointed scissors,
the blistered surface should be dressed with plantain-leaf, as directed
in paragraph 307_a_.
351. +Tinospora cordifolia+, _Miers._, +Gulancha+.
Gulanchá, Gul-bél (_Hind._), Gul-bél (_Duk._), Gul-lanchá (_Beng._),
Giló, Gúlanch (_Punj._), Bekh-gilló (_Kash._), Shindi-kodi (_Tam._),
Tippa-tíge, Gadúchi (_Tel._), Amruta, Chitr-amruta (_Mal._),
Amruta-balli (_Can._), Gula-vélí (_Mah._), Gul-vél (_Guz._), Rasa-kinda
(_Cing._), Sinza-manné, Singomoné (_Burm._), Piturali, Akar-Sarimtooro
(_Malay_).
351_b_. This twining shrub is common in most parts of India. The root
and stems, which are the parts employed in medicine, should be collected
in the hot season when the bitter principle is most abundant and
concentrated. As met with in the bazaars it consists of dried transverse
segments of a woody stem, varying in diameter from one quarter of an
inch to two inches, and from half an inch to two inches in length; they
have a shrunken appearance, and are covered with a smooth shrivelled
bark, some of the pieces being marked on their surface with warty
prominences; inodorous, of a very bitter taste.
352. Gulancha is a very useful tonic, and is best given in Infusion; one
ounce of the bruised stem to half a pint of cold water macerated for
three hours and strained; of this the dose is from one and a half to
three ounces thrice daily; it is rendered more agreeable by the addition
of Cinnamon, Cloves, or other aromatics. It has been used with benefit
in mild forms of _Intermittent Fevers_, and in _Constitutional
Debility_, _and Loss of Appetite after these and other Fevers_. It has
also been found useful in some forms of _Dyspepsia_, and in _Chronic
Rheumatism_.
353. An extract (Sat-giló, _Hind._, _Punj._; Gul-bél-kásat, _Duk._;
Sath-gilló'i, _Kash._, Shíndal-sharuk-arai, _Tam._; Palo, _Beng._;
Tippa-satu, _Tel._) prepared by the native doctors, is held in high
repute amongst them in _Intermittents, &c._ It is a white floury
substance, with a strongly bitter taste. It is, however, often
adulterated with, or consists altogether of, gluten of Wheat; its
bitterness, therefore, is a good test of its quality. In doses of one to
three drachms, it is highly esteemed as a tonic in _Debility after
Fevers_, in _Spleen Affections_, &c. Dr. Burton Brown speaks of it as an
efficient remedy in _Diseases of the Bladder, especially in Chronic
Inflammation of that organ_.
354. +Toddy.+ A saccharine juice obtained by the excision of the spadix,
or young flowering branch of the Palmyra, Cocoanut, and other Palms.
Séndí, Tári (_Hind._, _Duk._), Kallu (_Tam._), Kallu (_Tel._), Henda
(_Can._), Rá (_Cing._), Tu-ak (_Malay_).
There are many kinds of _Toddy_ in India, and they are named according
to the plants from which they are produced. The names given above are
generic.
355. Amongst its other uses _Toddy_ is valuable as the basis of a very
useful stimulant application, the _Toddy_ POULTICE, which is to the
Indian what the Yeast Poultice is to the European surgeon. It is
prepared by adding freshly drawn _Toddy_ to Rice Flour till it has the
consistence of a soft poultice and subjecting the mixture in an open
vessel to heat over a gentle fire, stirring constantly till fermentation
commences, or it "begins to rise," as it is commonly expressed. This,
spread on a cloth and applied to the parts, acts as a valuable stimulant
application to _Gangrenous or Sloughing Ulcerations_, _Carbuncles_,
_Indolent Ulcers_, _&c._ It hastens the separation of the slough and
establishes subsequent healthy action.
356. _Toddy_ left exposed to the air rapidly undergoes vinous
fermentation, and becomes converted into _Arrack_, one of the most
intoxicating drinks of the country. This _Arrack_, subjected to
distillation until it has a specific gravity of 0·920, may be employed
as Proof Spirit in the preparation of tinctures and other pharmaceutical
purposes, and in the formation of cold evaporating lotions (380).
357. +Turmeric.+ The dried root-stock of Curcuma longa, _Linn._
Halad, Haldí (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Punj._), Holodí (_Beng._), Lidar,
Gandar-i-lidar, (_Kash._), Manjal (_Tam._), Pasupu (_Tel._), Mannal,
Marin-nala (_Mal._), Arishiná (_Can._), Halede (_Mah._), Halad
(_Guz._), Kahá (_Cing._), Sanó, Tanún (_Burm._), Kooneit (_Malay_).
358. Turmeric has been employed in the following affections with
excellent effects:
359. _In Catarrh, or severe "Cold in the head,"_ the fumes of burning
Turmeric inhaled through the nostrils act as a local stimulant or
irritant, causing a considerable discharge of mucus from the nasal
cavity; this is generally followed by a marked degree of relief to the
congestion or fulness often so troublesome in these cases.
360. _In Catarrhal and Purulent Ophthalmia_, especially in that termed
"_Country Sore-Eye_," a Decoction of Turmeric (one ounce of the bruised
root to 20 ounces of water) proves a very effectual lotion for relieving
the burning and moderating the urgency of the symptoms. A piece of soft
rag soaked in it should be kept constantly over the affected eye.
361. +Oil of Turpentine.+ The oil obtained by distillation from Pinus
palustris. _Lamb._, and other species of Pinus.
Gandhá-barójé-ká-tél (_Hind._, _Punj._) Gandhá-férózé-ká-tél,
Káfúr-ká-tailam (_Duk._), Kapúrér-tail (_Beng._), Karppúrat-tailam
(_Tam._), Karppúra-tailam (_Tel._, _Mal._), Karapúrada-tailá (_Can._),
Kápúrácha-tela (_Mah._), Karpúrnu-tél (_Guz._), Kapuru-tel (_Cing._),
Piyo-sí (_Burm._), Nimiak Kapor Baroos (_Malay_), Yárí-kanglun-ki-til
(_Kash._).
362. Oil of Turpentine is procurable in most large bazaars, but not
generally sufficiently pure for internal administration. It answers,
however, perfectly well for external or local application, and is most
valuable in the preparation of TURPENTINE STUPES or EPITHEMS, which are
made in one of the following ways: 1. By steeping a flannel in hot
water, as hot as can be borne by the hand, wringing it out dry and
sprinkling the surface freely with Oil of Turpentine. 2. By steeping a
piece of lint or rag of the required size in Oil of Turpentine, placing
it over the affected surface, and immediately applying over it flannel
heated before a fire, as hot as can be borne. In either way it acts
admirably as a counter-irritant, and in most cases is superior to
mustard poultices. It is applicable to all cases of _Internal
Inflammations_, _Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels_, _advanced stages
of Dysentery and Diarrhœa_, _Obstinate Vomiting_, _Flatulence, and
Flatulent Colic_, _Chronic Bronchitis attended with Cough and Difficulty
of Breathing_, _Asthma_, _&c._
363. In some cases, greater benefit is derived from applying these
Stupes to a distant point rather than near to the affected part; thus,
in _Apoplexy_, _Insensibility_, _Convulsions_, _Delirium_, whether
arising in the course of fever or otherwise, they produce the best
effects when applied to the feet and to the calves of the legs. _In
Cholera_, when applied successively to the abdomen, over the region of
the heart, along the spine and to the extremities, they often seem
materially to aid other measures in stimulating the system and raising
the vital powers. Turpentine friction and turpentine enemas may also be
resorted to as aids to other treatment.
363_b_. _In "Pecnash," or Maggots in the Nose_, common amongst the
natives of Bengal and other parts of India, "the best treatment is to
inject every opening in the skin of those affected with this disease
with pure Oil of Turpentine, which is found to kill the maggots, and
then to extract any maggots that are visible by means of a pair of
forceps. Chloroform is even more efficacious, but is more expensive."
(Dr. T. E. B. Brown, _Indian Med. Gaz._, Sept. 1879, p. 263.)