61 Amulbedh.--Called also Amulbenth, a very acid fruit of India;
the tree much resembles the lime tree, but is rather larger. It is so
very acid, that it will, in a few minutes, dissolve a needle, or small
shell. It is light and aperient; improves decayed appetite; is cardiac;
removes visceral obstructions, and increases all the secretions. I
have been accustomed to take out part of the pulp of the fruit,
and to fill the empty space with such medicines as assist digestion,
and correct disorders of the digestive organs, in a pounded state,
and allowing the fruit, thus medicated, to dry, and using it under
the title of Amulbedh. It is brought in quantities from Jeynugger,
and Ruttunboil. A spurious sort of this is made from the large lemon,
and sold in its stead. I have found it useful in promoting digestion,
giving relief in rheumatism, and as an aperient (Amul means acid.)
62 Amulchangerie.--An acid fruit, from a plant of India, called
Changerie, much resembling the In-ubassaleb, (Nightshade,) and grows
about 8 inches high, or more, and is about as much expanded. Its
properties are hot, light, and stomachic; it promotes digestion, and
is beneficial in Piles and Juzam; it cures laxities of the bowels,
and decreases all the secretions, except bile.
63 Amlie.--Tamarindus Indicus. A large tree; the fruit and leaves off
it are very small, growing from both sides of a centre stem; they close
up at night, and are expanded during the day. The fruit resembles a
bean-pod, bent in the centre, and usually less than 8 inches in length;
it bends so as to assume the figure of a semi-circle, but often not so
much. The Author of the Book Tophut-ul-Momeneen, describes the tree as
resembling the Pomegranate tree; but I suspect he had never seen it. It
is acid and heavy, removes flatulence, but increases bile and blood.
When ripe, it is laxative, promotes appetite, and is beneficial
in oppression after meals. It is dry, light, cardiac, and restores
prostration of strength from fatigue. It removes nausea, giddiness,
thirst, and general heat. Sherbet prepared from it, should it agree
with the stomach, is preferable to any other, and prevents the noxious
influence of the hot winds on the system. The kind which is red, ought
to be chosen for preserves, and it possesses all the properties of
the fresh fruit. The flowers of the tamarind eat with meat, increase
its flavor; they also prevent accumulation of bile, are aperient,
and increase appetite; but they are improper when acidity prevails
in the stomach.