351 Chitchera or Chichira, also Chirchira. P. Khasmar. "Achyranthus
aspera." Pungent and laxative, increases appetite, cures disorders
of wind and mucus, daad, seulie, piles, itch, (both dry and moist,)
itchiness in the bowels, dropsy, boils, and other eruptions. Another
kind is red; both are dry and astringent. The seed is beneficial in
those eruptions, the consequence of vitiated bile. The red flowers
are very common, the white are more scarce; if the white flower
be preserved about the person, it will render one invulnerable. In
disorders of the blood, the root bruised in water and taken is useful,
mixed with dhaie and sugar, it is of use in Menhorragia cruenta. The
stem of the plant used as a tooth-brush is excellent in disorders of
the teeth, and sweetens the breath. The juice of its leaves squeezed
into the eye improves eye-sight. The seeds and leaves pounded and
drank in a seer of milk is a powerful emetic, or if they be taken
to the quantity of four tolahs daily for 21 days in congee, they
will cure bleeding, piles, and bruised and applied externally, will
act as styptics. The white flowers kept on the person, will prevent
you from being stung by a scorpion, or will remove the pain when
externally applied.
352 Chetuck.--A name given to birds that inhabit wild places,
(those more tame are called Chiria,) they are sweet to the taste;
cold and moist. Aphrodisiac, and useful in disorders called Sunpat,
and increase phlegm. Tame fowl is hot and dry, also aphrodisiac.
353 Jutamassie.--Bitter and cold, clears the skin, useful in
mucous disorders or diffusion of bile in the blood, in affections
of the throat, and is an antidote to poisons. "Spikenard, Valeriana
Jatamansi."
354 Chuttra.--During digestion it is hot, and produces a burning
sensation, curative in itch and flatulence.