33 Arne'.--The wild buffaloe. Its flesh recommended in
Marasmus. P. Gowmeche Serhaie.
34 Arnd.--"The Castor, Ricinus communis, W. Palma Christi." Wildenow
says, "Planta semper annua, nunquam fructicosa vel arborea, nec in
calidissimis terrÊ plagis liguescit." But this is incorrect; for the
plant is perennial, and becomes a moderate sized tree. The natives,
however, have a prejudice against allowing it to grow beyond 3 or
4 years, and even this is only in solitary places. The chief reason
I fancy is, that it interferes with the cultivation of the soil, if
permitted to remain. They usually sow it with grain, and reap the grain
crop before it has attained its full height; this they can do annually,
but seed sown under its shelter the second year, would not succeed.
A shrub, with broad soft leaves, like the fig tree; it grows about 6
or 8 feet in height; the root is hollow, and without flaw or wrinkle;
the seed grows in bunches like grapes, and the shell of the pod,
which resembles gall-nuts, is covered with soft prickles. The seed is
like the coffee bean, and is stained with different colored spots,
so as to appear like marbled paper; the kernel is white, soft, and
oleaginous. There are two kinds of this; one with a red, the other
with a green pod; the former is culled Jongia Arnde; both varieties
are sweet, heating, and heavy. The oil of the kernel is useful in
removing obstinate constrictions of the intestines, when given warm;
also in flatulency; rheumatic swellings of the joints and lumbago;
in strangury, spasms in the urinary bladder, headaches, dropsy, and
feverish complaints. It is also recommended as an expectorant in
difficulty of breathing, and in cough; in affections of the skin,
and in superabundance of mucus in the intestines. It is a warm,
stimulating purgative; the dose one or two table spoonsful. Both
my father, uncle, and I, have used it with great success, in cases
of obstinate cholic from costiveness. They also used the leaves
moistened with ghee, as an external application in rheumatic pains
and swellings. If the seeds are bruised, and mixed with curdled milk,
and allowed to remain in this state till they become putrid, they form
an excellent application for the cure of itch, and usually succeed
in 7 or 8 days. It has also been said, that if one of the kernels
be taken at first, and daily increased by one, till 100 are taken,
and then decreased in the same gradual manner, it will cure Juzam,
and other kinds of Leprosy.
35 Arusa.--A name for the Baan Tree; vide Bansa. In the
Maadentezerrubad, it is thus described:--Arusa is a medicine of
Hindoostan, hot and moist, or in the opinion of some writers,
cool and moist, in the 2d degree: half an ounce of the juice,
with as much honey, is a cure for hoarseness, or loss of voice;
and used with the fruit of the Peepul tree, it increases appetite,
and corrects mucous discharges. A decoction of the leaves in water,
is useful in Jaundice, difficulty of breathing, Gonorrhoea, and hectic
fever. As a gargle it strengthens the gums; and the leaves bruised,
and taken in honey or water, cure Epistaxis, Hoematemesis, Nausea,
Vertigo, and Suppression of the menses.
36 Arjun.--A tree, also the fruit; hot and astringent; useful in
bilious affections, and in prostration of strength from fatigue, and an
antidote to poisons. Its use is interdicted in disorders arising from
cold; also in ulcers: but externally applied it cleanseth foul sores,
and promotes healthy granulation. It prolongs Aphrodisia, strengthens
the system, and expedites the union of divided parts. Some physicians
call it cooling. Pentaptera Arjuna.
37 Arloo, Catoombura, or Sheunag,.--The name of a tree, a native
of the hills; it is pungent, beneficial in loosening phlegm, and
promoting appetite; it produces costiveness, and is vermifuge, and
recommended in Juzam. It is an ingredient in the Dusmool.
38 Arvie, or Arum Colocasia,.--A root and seed. It is about 3 inches
long, more or less, and when the outer rind is removed it is white. Its
stem is about 3 feet in height; its leaves large like a shield,
with the points reflected; in consistence and polish it is like
the plaintain leaf. It is also called Cutchaloo, but the different
names are only applied with propriety to different parts of the same
root; the Cutchaloo being more like a Byngun or Egg-plant. They are
both in general use in India. The Arvie is dressed with meat, and
the Cutchaloo is roasted; the leaves and shoots are also commonly
eaten. Its properties, I can declare from experience, are in a small
degree cool; and it is useful in giving strength to the system;
prevents the involuntary emission of semen; it produces wind, and is
heavy and hurtful to the throat Its corrector is acids, and being
repeatedly washed in water. The Cutchaloo is the most powerful,
and the most hurtful of the two kinds. A. Culdass, at least it is
so stated; but in the Yunani works, there is a material difference;
as the Culdass is described, therefore, it is doubtful to me whether
they are one and the same.