139 Pytha.--The gall-bladder of any animal. Bile is hot and dry, but
no general account can be given of its properties, as almost that of
every animal differs from another. If goat's bile be used, it will
relieve an affection of the liver, and if it be mixed with camphor
and butter, and introduced into the ear, it will cure tooth-ache,
or rubbed into the abdomen of a child below the navel, it will prove
laxative. Cow's bile, if introduced into the ear, will cure pain
arising from wind, mucus or bile.
140 Putalphoorie.--The name of a grass, which grows in rocky places,
from which it has either derived its name or from its property of
dissolving the stone in the urinary or gall-bladder. It is a very
small plant; its leaves, like those of the Lobeia (a small bean),
when chewed are found to be very mucilaginous. It is a powerful
medicine in dysuria, and is beneficial in dissolving stones in
the urinary or gall-bladder. Of this I have several times had proof
within my own observation; and I have given it to the extent of 5 or 6
mashas in these disorders, combined with sugar, or with other diuretic
medicines, or sherbets, or even in plain water; a substitute for this
may sometimes be found in Gokroo, in cucumber seeds, or some such
cooling medicine. A distilled water from it is in use. In one case
where I used the Putalphoorie, I found, that while fresh and green,
it was not so beneficial, and induced costiveness; but when dried
and given, it was much more effectual and less prejudicial.