5 Anula. (nasal N.)--Or Amle, (Phyllanthus emblica, W. Murray IV. 127,
Myrobolans.) The fruit round, like a plum. The tree like that of the
tamarind, of a pleasant acid, and sweetish astringent taste. It is
aperient, cooling, and drying; of great use in eruptions of the skin,
arising from a redundance of bile. Other virtues ascribed to this
fruit may be found in all Yunani works. It is also called Bidjee and
Dhatri Phill, used by the natives for cleansing the hair.
6 Aru.--A variety of plum, much resembling the common sort, both in
the tree and fruit; it however possesses more acidity, and is less
easy of digestion.
7 Abi.--Pyrus Cidonia. The Quince; slightly astringent, and cool in
a great degree; heavy and difficult of digestion, yet it is gently
laxative and expectorant, and is recommended for strengthening the
powers of virility. In Arabic Siffirjill, Persian Behi.
8 Aak.--Arug, Mudar, Asclepias gigantea. A milky shrub, very common
all over India; its pod resembles a mangoe, but rather longer in
proportion: when ripe it breaks, and is found filled with a white
substance, resembling silk, to which the seeds are fixed. The leaves
of the plant resemble the Dak, but are somewhat smaller: its height is
generally from 1 to 1 1/2 yard; when its leaves or stalk are broken,
a white milky liquid exudes. There are two kinds, white and red;
both are purgatives, violently so. It is said to be beneficial in
the following disorders. Foulness of the blood, bilious affections,
Juzam, Psora, ZÊrbad, boils, cuticular eruptions, diseases of the
liver, visceral obstructions, hÊmorrhoids, all internal diseases,
dropsy and worms.
("Many and wonderful virtues are ascribed to this plant; but I must
refer those who have faith in charms to the original Taleef Shereef,
when their curiosity will be amply gratified." Translator.)
All the above virtues have been ascribed to this plant; my opinion
is, that the application of the leaves is useful in swellings,
promotes suppuration in indolent tumors, and cures eruptions on the
skin. The milk blisters, and if applied to the eye, it produces
swelling, itchiness, and loss of vision. The powder of the root,
mixed with goat's blood and fresh butter, and applied to the eye,
is said materially to strengthen vision. In other works it is said,
that the milk of every variety of this plant is poisonous, and
violently cathartic.
9 Aal.--Vide Mujeet, Rubia, Madder, a wood used for dyeing a red
color, and forming a principal article of commerce in some parts of
India. In the "Dhara Shakoi" it is called Mujeet, but I suspect that
they are different plants, as the Mujeet is thin, and of a fine red
color; whereas the Aal is blackish, with a tinge of yellow, though
not thicker than the other.
10 Aditt Bagut.--In Persian, Aftab Perust, Helianthus Annuus. The
sun-flower; the name of a flower called also Soorujmookee. The
stem grows straight about a man's height; the leaves are broad and
triangular, the flower circular, flat and yellow, with serrated edges,
and it is said to follow the sun in his diurnal progress. There are
two kinds, a small and greater; their medical properties the same;
they are bitter to the taste, and heating in a considerable degree. It
is beneficial in cholicks, dropsical affections, foulness of stomach,
and rheumatism; it also improves appetite, and promotes expectoration
in cases of cold, accompanied by fever.
11 Area.--A culinary fruit resembling the cucumber, and grows in
the rainy season; it is so cooling that it produces pains all over
the body; it is moreover difficult of digestion, and if taken in any
quantity produces fever.
12 Anwul (Nasal).--A large tree very common in India, which when
in flower, has a very beautiful appearance; its flowers are yellow,
resembling those of the Cassia. There are two kinds of this, one called
Mahedi Anwul. Of this also there are two varieties. It is cooling, and
the medicinal properties of all varieties are the same. It is used with
good effect in bilious vomitings, and also in leprous affections of the
skin. It is recommended in weakness of the eyes, asthma, affections
of the chest, and foulness of blood. It strengthens the weak and
emaciated, and braces the solids when relaxed by disease or otherwise.
13 Aruk.--This name is indiscriminately given to four different kinds
of trees; Nowa, Cutel, Burhil and Taar.