TRANSCRIBER'S NOTICE The medical knowledge represented in this book is several centuries old. The publication of this book is for historical interest only, and is not to be construed as medical advice by Project Gutenberg or its volunteers. Medicinal plants should not be used without consulting a trained medical professional. Medical science has made considerable progress since this book was written. Recommendations or prescriptions have been superseded by better alternatives, or invalidated altogether. This book contains a number of prescriptions that are very dangerous. THE TALEEF SHEREEF, OR INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA; TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL. BY GEORGE PLAYFAIR, Esq. SUPERINTENDING SURGEON, BENGAL SERVICE. PUBLISHED BY The Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta. Calcutta: PRINTED AT THE BAPTIST MISSION PRESS, CIRCULAR ROAD. SOLD BY MESSRS. THACKER & CO. CALCUTTA; & BY MESSRS. PARBURY, ALLEN & CO. 1833. TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE. In the course of a practice of upwards of twenty-six years in India, I have often had occasion to regret, that I had no publication to guide me, in my wish to become acquainted with the properties of native medicines, which I had frequently seen, in the hands of the Physicians of Hindoostan, productive of the most beneficial effects in many diseases, for the cure of which our Pharmacopeia supplied no adequate remedy; and the few which I had an opportunity of becoming acquainted with, so far exceeded my expectations, that I determined to make a Translation of the present work, for my own gratification and future guidance. Having finished the translation, I became convinced, that I should not have fulfilled the whole of my duty if I did not make it public; and ill calculated as I know myself for such an undertaking, I have ventured to offer it to the world, with all its imperfections. Conscious, that the liberal minded will give me credit for the best of motives, I shall not dread criticism; and if it has the effect of inducing those more competent to the task to an inquiry into the properties of native medicines, my views will have been fully accomplished. In writing the names of the different medicines, I have followed the Author's example, and have been guided solely by the pronunciation, without altering the sound given to the letters in English, and have not borrowed a single name from any work of Oriental literature. In this I may have acted wrong, but I did so from the conviction, that by this method, the names would be more familiar, and better understood, by the Natives in researches after the different drugs. I have inserted as many of the systematic names as I could trace, both from Dr. Fleming's work, and those of others; but I regret, that I was not honored in the acquaintance of any Botanist who could have assisted me with more. To the youth of the profession, I trust the work may be acceptable, by leading them to the knowledge, that such medicines are in existence; and my medical brethren of the higher grades may not deem further inquiry into the properties of native drugs beneath their notice. To the profession at large, then, I beg leave to dedicate this Translation, with the hope, that they will make due allowance for all faults, and that some of the more experienced will favor us with another and better edition. To my respected friends Messrs. Wilson and Twining, the profession is indebted, that this little work ever saw light; and though they are godfathers to none of its errors, yet without their encouragement and aid, it must have slumbered in oblivion, and remained as was intended, (after the failure of an attempt on the part of the translator,) a manual for his own private use. GLOSSARY. Acouta, Herpes. Aruk, Distilled liquid. Boolbul, Indian Nightingale. Badgola, Splenitis. Coir, Fibrous substance surrounding the Cocoanut. Daad, Impetigo. Dhats, Component parts of the human frame. Elaous, Disease of the Intestines. Introsusception. Fetuck, Hernia. Goor, Unrefined Sugar. Juzam, Black Leprosy. Jow, Barley. Junglie Chuha, The Forest Rat. Khoonadeer, Khoonazeer? Lupus, Cancer. Kunzeer, Cancer. Mootiabin, Total blindness, Gutta Serena. Naringee, The Orange. Nachoona, Opacity of the Cornea. Neela Totha, Sulphate of Copper. Nuffsoodum, HÊmoptysis. Pilau, Poolau, Dish made of meat and rice, seasoned with spices. Peshanee, The Forehead. Paddy, Rice in the husk. Panroque, Cold with Fever, also Jaundice. Peendie, A formula for females. Paan, A leaf, chewed by the Natives, with Catechu, Betel, and Lime. Raal, Gum Resin. Rajerogue, Carbuncle. Soonpat, Loss of sensation in parts of the body. Soorkhbad, Erythema. THE TALEEF SHEREEF, OR INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA. TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL, WITH ADDITIONS. 1 Am, Ambe, Anbe.--The Fruit, Mangifera Indica. The produce of a large tree very common in Hindostan. The fruit is about the size of, and very much resembling in shape, a goat's kidney, and having the external appearance of an apple. When ripe, it sometimes retains the green color, but oftener becomes yellow, or red and yellow. The virtues ascribed to this tree, are as follows:--The bruised leaves and young shoots applied to the hair, expedite its growth, and considerably darken its color. The bark of the trunk of the tree, and of its roots, is cooling and astringent; the former powerfully so. The leaves are astringent, and promote digestion; their ashes styptic. The young flowers are cool and drying; have a pleasant aromatic scent, and when taken internally, are cooling and astringent; recommended for the cure of chronic Gonorrhoea or Gleet, purulent expectoration, bilious foulness of the blood and boils. The young unripe fruit has much acidity, and is drying; moderately used, it increases all the animal secretions, and is beneficial in chronic affections of the liver; it promotes appetite, and is lithonthriptic. The fruit, when ripe, is sweet, cooling, mucilaginous and heavy, tending to allay thirst, and useful in nervous affections; strengthens the system, restores impaired appetite, (is said to moderate an increased secretion of bile,) and improves the complexion. The fruit is of various sizes, from a few drachms to a pound weight; but it is usually met with weighing about 4 ounces. It becomes acid about a month after the fall of the flower, in which state it is used as preserves, such as jellies, pickles, &c.; at this time, too, it is used as seasoning for Pilaus, and other dishes; for when the stone or kernel has become hard, it is no longer fit for these purposes. When the fruit has attained its full growth, and when nearly ripe, it is to be taken from the tree, and put into dry grass, straw, or the leaves of the Palass tree, and there allowed to become ripe; this process deprives it of all acidity, and also prevents the formation of a resinous gum, which it contracts when allowed to ripen on the tree, and which renders it too pungent to be eaten with relish. The fruit is in perfection in the hot winds, and when the rains commence, it ripens very fast; before the cold weather it is usually out of season. There are some trees that blossom the whole year, and some few that even produce fruit; but instances of this are very rare. There is a variety of this tree on which the fruit is sweet from its first formation; this requires to be used early, otherwise it will in all probability become a prey to insects. Some trees produce fruit only once in 4 years. In general, it produces fruit in abundance every second year, and less in the alternate year; some are even perfectly barren every alternate year. There is a mode of manuring this tree, which it is said improves the flavour of the fruit greatly; this is mixing the juice of its fruit with milk, and pouring it over the roots. It is also said to be possible to communicate the flavor of any particular fruit to the mangoe, by its expressed juice being made use of, as an application to the roots of the tree. The kernel of the mangoe, roasted, is pleasant to the taste, and grateful to the stomach; it is much recommended in laxities of the bowels, and strengthens the primÊ viÊ; water drank after having eat of this kernel, seems to possess a flavor peculiarly excellent. The usual mode of preparing them, is to allow them to remain exposed to the rains, till the shell shall have become decayed; by this process it is deprived of any heating or irritating property. Prepared in this manner, and kept a short time in lime juice, taken out, bruised and mixed with salt, fennel, &c, it is much extolled for strengthening the stomach, and promoting digestion. If preserved for 3 years, pounded, and swallowed to the quantity of a tolah, with a little water, no medicine is preferable for strengthening bowels habitually lax. In the acid state, the fruit is very prejudicial to those who have any disorders in their teeth, a cough, an affection of the chest, or who are subject to cholicky pain in the bowels, but very beneficial when used in irritable habits. The best method of using them is this. The acid unripe fruit, after the outer rind has been peeled off, is to be cut into thin slices, and infused for some hours in water; this water so impregnated, is to be drained off, mixed with a sufficient proportion of sugar, and used as sherbet. It produces a great relish for food, and is in other respects beneficial. The same effects are produced by the unripe fruit, being roasted and allowed to remain in water, as above mentioned. It is recommended in paralysis, from coup de vent. Many physicians have considered the mangoe to be of a cooling nature, but, in my opinion, it is heating in all its stages. The Yunani physicians have stated the ripe fruit to be hot in the 2d, and dry in the 3d degree. Its virtues may be described in a few words. It strengthens the system, gives tone to the kidnies, restores impaired appetite, &c. It is aperient, improves the complexion, beneficial in piles, an useful deobstruent, braces and increases the bulk of the solids, and removes nervous affections. In some of these disorders I am inclined to doubt of its good effects, but such virtues are attributed to it. It is recommended, in order to prevent any bad effects from the fruit in its unripe state, that raisins be eaten with it. Hukeem Alwee Khan, a man of eminence in his profession in the reign of Mahommed Shah, says, that if ever this fruit disagreed with the system, it must have been eaten when unripe or green. I had occasion to attend a gentleman of very high rank, who laboured under dropsy; I cured him of the disease, but 3 years afterwards, having eaten a large quantity of mangoes, the disease returned, and I have observed the same effects in other cases. Hukeem Alli Mughphoor, physician, states, that influenced by the resemblance of the mangoe to the human kidney, he concluded that it must be beneficial in that organ, (disorders of;) he therefore prescribed it in a case of hectic fever, arising from diseased kidney, and completely cured the disease. In this I differ from him entirely; he must have mistaken the nature of the complaint, for a remedy given expressly for the cure of a disease in the kidney, could not, at the same time, have removed the fever, excepting appropriate medicines had been administered along with it!! The best mangoes are those having a thin juice, sweet and free from fibres; and they ought to be cooled in water or in ice, especially during the hot weather. It is preferable to use the juice of the fruit without eating any of the fibrous parts; a neglect of this may produce various disorders, such as indigestion, cholicky pains, &c. It is very common to eat the expressed juice, mixed with sugar and other things, with rice, or with bread, but this is great imprudence; for in the most healthy subjects it may produce nausea, and general uneasiness. Should any ill effects follow the use of the mangoe, milk, or the kernel of the fruit, will be found a corrector. My father's opinion is, that these are not the only remedies; for if it produces any heating effect, curdled milk will give relief, or even cold water, or acidulated sherbet, and he himself was always in the habit of using the Phalsa sherbet on these occasions. Should cholic be produced, the Oil of Almonds or other sweet oils, will remove the complaint; and a diarrhoea is to be cured by the use of the kernel; and a swelling of the abdomen, by milk, in which a little ginger has been mixed; or even ginger by itself will have the effect A substitute for mangoe, as a medicine, may be had in Chobe Cheenee. In general, it will be adviseable to abstain from the use of the mangoe, till 2 or 3 showers of rain have fallen; but those of a cold phlegmatic or melancholic temperament do not require to be so particular. Those for whose complaints mangoes have been recommended, have in a few months derived great benefit from their use, by eating them with camel's milk. There are many kinds of this fruit, and their names are as various; but the stronger the scent, the more effectual they are as a medicine. In Persian it is called Nugzuck. 2 Aramsheetul.--Pungent and cooling; useful in bilious and catarrhal complaints; also recommended in foulness of the blood. 3 Akaholie.--Vermifuge, also recommended in bilious and catarrhal disorders, in seminal weakness and gonorrhoea. 4 Adki.--Vide Arhir. 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. 14 Aloo (Bochara).--A kind of plum. 15 Abnoos (Ebony).--A large tree, producing a sweet fruit like grapes. Its leaves resemble those of the Sinobir, but are somewhat broader: it is an evergreen, and its wood is, when good and full-grown, dark-colored and durable; its leaves are smooth and glassy; its properties said to be very active and deleterious; it is heating in a considerable degree, and is said to be lithonthriptic. It dispels flatulency, and cures tympanites. It is recommended in chronic affections of the liver. Filings or raspings of the wood are styptic, and its charcoal more so; a decoction of the wood, in spirits, is very effectual in discussing scrophulous tumours, when externally applied. The raspings of the wood, mixed with whites of eggs, is an excellent application to scalds and burns; they are also famed for cleaning deep foul ulcers, and inducing the growth of healthy granulation. Taken internally, the dose is 10 1/2 Mashas, and should it disagree with the stomach, which it often does, honey, or Gum Arabic, with sweet basil, are correctors. The large Baer Tree, (Konar), is a good substitute for the Abnoos; quality, hot 3, dry 2. Persian Awnoos. 16 Anbihildee.--Curcuma zedoaria, (Rox.) Amomum Zed. Wildenow. An Indian root, hot and dry in the 2d degree; useful in herpes, and foulness of the blood, and much esteemed as an external application in wounds and bruises, for which it is also internally exhibited: orange juice used as a vehicle, corrects, in some degree, its heating quality; or if this be not procurable, Bapahic, or the seed of the Penwur, or Turmeric, will have the same effect; the medicine may be given to the quantity of 3 1/2 Masha. 17 Apurjeeta.--Clitoria ternatea, Crow's beak, a twining shrub. The natives call it Kowwa Thontee, which literally signifies crow's beak, also Neelisbund; the plant is about a foot and a half high, and sometimes less, resembling the Cungheiy, only the leaves of the latter are smooth and polished, while those of the former are rough and hard; both the Apurjeeta and the variety Neelisbund, are cooling. It is beneficial in weakness of sight, in clearing the voice and soreness of the throat, and is useful in the poisonous bites of leeches. It is also of use in rheumatic affections of the joints, Juzam, bilious disorders, mucous discharge from the lungs or bowels; it allays general heat, and is said to be an antidote to certain poisonous substances, and of great efficacy in hard indolent tumours, and affections of the skin. 18 Abruc.--Talc, A fossil substance, beneficial in seminal weakness, redundance of bile, mucus, &c. An antidote to poison. The physicians of Hindostan prepare it for use by calcination. Arabic, Tulk. 19 Abhea.--A name for Hurr; it also signifies the water of life, and a medicine called Guloe. 20 Aotungun.--A very common seed, resembling coriander. In powder it is recommended as giving strength to the system, and rendering Aphrodisie more permanent. It is a very favorite medicine in India. It is, moreover, useful in Nephritia and liver complaints, and it is very innocent in its operation. Some physicians describe it as hot and dry, in a considerable degree, and disagreeing with the stomach; they, therefore, recommend it to be taken with a proportion of sugar. In all its properties the Maadentezerrubad states the Bonphilly to be nearly the same; dose 4 1/4 Mashas. 21 Atees.--The root. Of this there are two kinds, a white and black, and both are very common. The white kind resembles the Jedwaar; the root is very irregular in thickness. It frequently is found resembling the white Bahmen. Both kinds are bitter, astringent, pungent, and heating; aiding digestion, useful in dysentery, vomiting, and piles. 22 Adjmode.--Bishop's Weed, Sisson Ammi, (Linn.) Amoos, (Arab.) Ajooan, (Hind.) Nemkha, P. Ajamodum, S. A hot seed, stomachic cordial and stimulant. (Ajmood, Parsley? Taylor. Apium Involucratum.) Apium Involucratum, Rox. M. S. "Sp. Ch. Annual, glaucous, villous, superior leaflets filiform, both general and partial, involucra, about 6 leaved." Bitter and pungent, light and heating, increases appetite, induces costiveness, and strengthens the vital energy; increases the seminal secretion, and removes pains and other disorders, the consequence of colds; beneficial in nausea, is vermifuge, relieves hiccup, and is useful in Dysuria, but it produces heat in the abdomen. It is called Curufs, but it is only a variety of this, and is something betwixt that and Aniseed, though this may be owing to the difference of cultivation. 23 Adjwain.--"Anise Seed. In Arabic, Aneesoon. Pimpinella Anisum, Linn. "Ujwain. The seed of a plant of the Dill kind, Taylor. Ligusticum Adjwaen, Roxb. Sp. Ch. annual, erect, leaves super de compound, with filiform leaflets, ridges and furrows of the seeds distinct and scabrous. This is what is recommended to notice by Dr. Percival, under the name Ajava seed." A species of the above, of which there are two kinds, one of which is called Juhar; both are bitter, pungent, and aromatic; it resembles the Ajmode, but is smaller, and has a strong aromatic scent. It assists digestion, improves appetite, is useful in rheumatism and catarrhal affections; is vermifuge, beneficial in dropsy, dispels flatulence, and is highly extolled in flatulent cholic. A. Nanchoa. 24 Adjwain. 25 Khorasanee. "Hyosciamus niger, Linn. Black Henbane. Narcotic. Corrector, Vinegar." This plant grows thick from the root, and is covered with a hairy down. The seeds are contained within a hard thick shell, and the leaves are like those of the pomegranate flower. The pod is filled with seeds of a small irregular shape. There is a plant called Hulbeh, which resembles this, but is smaller. A. Buzurulbunje. 26 Adjan.--Or Adjain, a large tree, with wide spreading branches, in size approaching that of the mangoe; its leaves growing close, and also resembling those of the mangoe tree, but longer and thinner; the fruit is about 1 1/2 foot long, and very thin. 27 Akhroat.--"The Walnut, Juglans regia, Linn." This is a native of hilly countries; its leaves are like the Terpat; the fruit is sweet to the taste, heating, and heavy; it loosens the bowels, and restores strength; it is useful in rheumatic affections, increases mental energy and the powers of manhood, and gives relief in flying pains in the stomach. A. Jouz. 28 Andaluck.--A kind of grain. 29 Aderuck.--"Ginger, Amomum zinziber, Linn. Amomum zinziber, Wild. Adraca, S. Sonth (dried root,) H. Sunthi, S." A very common root, the stem of which is knotty, and from every knot, a leaf is produced; it is hot and heavy; promotes digestion if eaten before meals, mixed with Lahore salt, (rock salt;) it prevents flatulent swellings in the stomach and bowels. P. Zinzibeel tur. It is much extolled as a stomachic when prepared as sweetmeats; but if the syrup be allowed to dry, it spoils, becomes less grateful to the taste, and its heating quality is much increased. 30 Arnee.--The name of a tree, in height that of the Peach tree, but it is full of branches from the root upwards, and the leaves are like those of the Sumhaloo; it is heating, and beneficial in rheumatic complaints and swellings from cold. In the Dhintri it is described as oleaginous and heavy; effectual in Jaundice, increasing appetite, loosening the bowels, and removing flatulence. 31 Arhir or Toor.--"Cytisus cajan." Some consider these as distinct species, but in my opinion Toor is only Arhir in an overgrown state. The plant grows to the height of a yard and half; and the taste of the pea of the Arhir is preferable to that of the Toor. Toor is sown and cut down at the same time as the sugar-cane; whereas the Arhir is sown, and cut with the barley. The pod of the Toor is larger than that of the Arhir; and the former has an unpleasant smell, which is wanting in the latter; they are both used very commonly as food, all over India. It is in its properties cool and dry, and produces costiveness; it is useful in bilious and catarrhal disorders, and in foulness of the blood. It is even said to be an antidote to poisons. In its taste it is sweet, like that of the Cassela. I conceive it hot in the 2d, and dry in the 3d degree, and recommend it for strengthening the stomach. When used as food it is heavy; but is beneficial in complaints having their origin in cold. If twice scalded in hot water, before it is boiled, it will cause less thirst; and if boiled in milk, or whey, it becomes less heating. A decoction of the leaves is recommended as a wash for the mouth, in cases of toothache, and diseases of the teeth. P. Shakool. 32 Aord, or Aort, or Mash..--vide M. (Phaseolus Max.) 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. 39 Armeede,.--A kind of cucumber. 40 Aorde Gunta.--A kind of Satawur. 41 Aistullkund.--The name of a root; also called Gir‡mkund; also a variety of the medicine Maankund: it promotes phlegm, and corrects bile and wind; it is also useful in foulness of the blood and general swellings. The other kind is useful in foulness of blood, and in bilious affections; it is sweet, cool, and heavy. It is likewise called IstolÈkund. 42 Asperuck.--A name for AklÈel ul Mulk. 43 Asgund.--Physalis flexuosa. A very common white root, also called Asgund'h, about half a yard long, like the sweet potatoe, (Convolvulus batatas.) When thin and dry, it resembles the Sh˙k·kul mysrie, (carrot;) its leaves are very like those of the kuth, (Mimosa catechu,) but rather less. It grows about a yard along the ground; its taste is astringent and bitter; it is hot, and strengthens the powers of virility; removes bilious and mucous affections; is beneficial in general swellings, and white leprosy. Some give this name to the Kaknej, or Winter Cherry. In the Maadentezerrubad, it is thus described. Asgund is a medicine of Hindoostan; the best sort of which is procurable at Nagour. It is hot and dry in the 1st degree. The people of India use in its stead, the Soorinjan, (the Hermodactylus.) It is especially beneficial in pains of the joints. The root, when arrived at perfection, has a strong scent of the horse; from which circumstance it has in India, derived its name; Asp, signifying the horse, and Gund, smell: it is also called Bajecund. If 3 drachms of the root be boiled in 2 pounds of cow's milk, and 1 ounce of sugar mixed with it, and this taken for 14 days, it increases peculiar secretions, and improves the complexion. 44 Asphill.--Padmunie, a variety of Kunwul. The Lotus, (NymphÊa Nelumbo,) which is produced on dry land. It is sweet, bitterish, and cool; is useful in vomiting, Diarrhoea, and foulness of the blood. 45 Astull.--Bunt‡ki, a name for Buratha; it means a large Byngun, or Egg-fruit; the plant being the same. 46 Aspurka.--Cool and light; promotes peculiar secretions, and is useful in various disorders: it removes offensive exhalations; moderates profuse sweats; is beneficial in dropsy; restores strength; cures emaciation; and is an antidote to poisons. 47 Aoshire.--Kuss kuss. Ooseer? Andropogon muricatum, Koenig. A name for Kuss kuss. In the Dara Shekoi, it is called Aosire, and is described as the root of the grass kuss, with which houses are made cool in the hot weather. It is cool, and assists digestion, cures laxity of the bowels, and is useful in bilious affections, foulness of blood, and superabundance of mucus; allays thirst, is a grateful application to blistered parts, or where much heat is experienced; beneficial in difficulty of voiding urine, in boils and eruptions, and prolongs aphrodisia. 48 Asteghoon.--An article of food, made by mixing one part of Moong, with two parts of rice, boiling them together, and pouring off the water, with which is to be mixed rock salt, assafoetida, coriander, ginger, and peepul. This is an excellent drink in fevers, in bilious affections, and foulness of the blood; it increases appetite, and clears, and gives tone to the kidnies and bladder. 49 Apheem.--(Papaver somniferum.) Of this there are four kinds; the 1st, which is white, is called Chaarun, (promoting digestion;) the 2d, Maarun, is black; the 3d yellow, and the 4th, of all these colours mixed, called Saarun. Its properties are well known, and fully detailed in all Yunani works on medicine. 50 Aginmunt.--Agwunt. Names of Arnee; q. vide. 51 Agust.--(∆schynomene Grandiflora.) A tree, cool and dry, producing flatulence, curing bile, foulness of blood, and mucus; also fever. Its flowers beneficial in improving the sense of smelling, and in night blindness. 52 Akroat.--Vide Akhroat. 53 Akirkirra.--or Akirkirrh‡, (Dranculus.) In Yunani works called discutient and alternant. "Anthemis Pyrethrum, Linn. Pelletory of Spain, Ainslie. Off. The Root. Pyrethre, (F.) Eaher Wustrell, (G.) Akk·r·c·rum, (Tam.) Powerful stimulant, useful as a sialagogue, to excite an increased flow of saliva; hence useful in headache, rheumatism of the face, toothache, in paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the throat." 54 Agur.--Dry and light, useful in affections of the eyes; it also promotes the secretion of bile. A. Oodh. 55 Agunie Char.--Pungent and very hot. In rheumatic affections of the chest, Soonpat from mucus, and rheumatic pains in the joints, it is highly beneficial. This medicine is the produce of the western provinces of India; and the best kind is red, and feels hot to the touch; it is found by the sides of rivers. 56 Akasbele.--Cuscuta reflexa, a name for Afteemoon, (Dodder of Thyme.) 57 Alsi.--"Linum Usitatissimum, W. Atasi, S. Tesi, H. Emollient and demulcent." Grows about 1 1/2 foot high; its leaves are thin, and its flower of the color of Lapis lazuli. In India it is supposed to decrease the secretion of semen, and to weaken sight; it is hot, and said to be discutient; it is useful in phlegm from cold. A. Buzz˙rkatan. 58 Aoloo.--The owl. Those who eat its flesh may expect to be deprived of all reasoning faculties, with loss of memory. It produces much wind, and is called in Persian, Boom. The women of India frequently give it to their husbands, that by the mental weakness it produces, they may obtain more liberty of conduct than might otherwise be agreeable. 59 Alaechee.--A. Kakla. "Amomum Cardamomum, Wild. Amomum Repens, Wood, vol. II. p. 356." It is of two kinds, and very common. The tree is very large, its leaves resemble those of the sugar cane, of the length of a man; it is very fragrant, and both kinds are nearly alike in properties. The physicians of India call it moderately cool, aromatic, and bitter; and that it is useful in bilious affections, rheumatic complaints, and superabundance of mucus; it is likewise said to decrease Aphrodisia, and to be prejudicial in affections of the chest The large kind possesses all these properties in a greater degree than the small; "the latter is called the Guzerattee Alaechee." 60 Alta.--A name for the Lac colour. 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. 64 Amrutphull.--A name given to the sweet lime. Vide Rajeneemb. 65 Ambarae.--A fruit, the produce of the hills, large and acid. 66 Amarbele.--A name for Afteemoon (Dodder Thyme.) 67 Amroude.--(Guava.) An Indian fruit resembling the pear. It is full of small seeds, and is of an unpleasant smell; its tree resembles the mulberry, but is smaller; the leaves are like the leaf of the mangoe, green, with a tinge of red, and the veins of the leaf are strongly marked. The fruit is pendant, and its shape pyramidal. It is also called Suffryam, "Psidium pyriferum." It strengthens the stomach, produces costiveness, and is astringent. I have given it with good effect in laxities of the bowels. 68 Amratuck.--The name of a culinary vegetable. 69 Amultas.--Called also Kurwara. "Cassia Fistula, W. Sauvernaca, S. Casse, F. Rohnkassie, G. The pulp of its fruit laxative." Its flowers are dressed, and eaten with meat; and it has the virtue of giving it additional flavor, and loosening the bowels. 70 Ananass.--Called also Kutel Sufrie, (The Pineapple,) for this reason, that if the plant is carried along with a person proceeding on a journey, it will produce fruit. It is about the size of the large lime, called Turunje; its color yellow, tinged with red; its surface is irregular, and covered with small prickles; its smell like that of the mangoe, and very pleasant; the whole plant, including the fruit, is about a yard in height; the leaves have serrated edges, and the fruit grows perpendicular. On the top of the stem there is a bunch of leaves growing from the top of the fruit, which if broken off, and planted, is reproductive. It bears fruit only once, and only one fruit at a time. I have not seen its properties noticed in any work, but the people of India call it cooling. It was first described by Abul Fuzul, in the Ayen Akberry; and this was afterwards copied by the Author of the Dhara Shekoih, from which others have copied it. Part of this description I have copied, and from my own observation have added the remainder. In my opinion it is hot in a small degree, and moist in the 2d degree. Its use is grateful to the system, and it gives strength to the intellectual powers, also tone to the stomach. It is injurious to the throat, to the solids, to respiration, and to the intestines; but its corrector is sugar, and if it be sliced, put in rose water to which sugar is added, and allowed to stand for some time, its beneficial properties are increased, while its injurious qualities are prevented or corrected. A preserve made from it, is excellent, and is used with stews and Pilau, as giving them great additional relish. 72 Ambeloona.--A fruit of Hindoostan, acid and astringent, cool and producing costiveness, beneficial in mucus and bile; also in carbuncle, and other tumors and affections of the throat. 73 Ambegool or Angool, or Ambegooda; called also Inderain Soorkh. (Vide the next article.) A plant whose taste is bitter and astringent; it is hot and moist, light and purgative, beneficial in flatulence, mucus, and general swellings. It is vermifuge, and removes pains in the bowels. It is an antidote to poisons, and removes disorders produced by indigestion. The fruit of the plant is sweet and cool, heavy and purgative, useful in affections from wind, bile, and disorders of the blood; it removes general heat, and is beneficial in Marasmus. It decreases the seminal secretion, increases mucus, and strengthens the system. Nourdi Mahommed says, that in the epidemic carbuncle which affects the armpit or throat, this fruit is given with more success than any other medicine; and that one fruit given internally, and another applied to the part, will cure the disease, should there be any stamina remaining in the system. He also says, that if ten pounds of this fruit be steeped for a week in Anula water, taken out and dried, put into a mill, and the oil expressed, and this oil introduced into the nose for 8 days successively, white hair will become black. He writes much more respecting its virtues; but as I have had no experience of them, and cannot vouch for the effect, I forbear to transcribe them. 74 Inderain.--"Cucumis Colocynthus. Wild Gourd. Bitter cucumber. It is said by Thunberg to be rendered so perfectly mild, by being pickled, as to be used as food at the Cape of Good Hope." The fruit of a plant like the small melon, and very bitter; the plant too resembles that of the melon, and in Persian it is called the bitter melon. There are two kinds of this, one I have already described under the head of the preceding article. Both are bitter, powerful, hot, light, and purgative; a cure for Jaundice, useful in bilious and mucous affection, diseases of the spleen, dropsy and fever: they are also vermifuge. In menstrual suppression the following is said to be effectual. Of the root of Inderain Soorkh 1 pice weight, pepper 14 grains in number; bruise, and give in water: effectual in two or three days. Also the following is used by the natives; bitter Toombric seed, Jawakhar, Goor, Mynphill, in equal parts, mixed with the milk of the prickly pear, and formed into a tent; applied to the Os Uteri for 3 days, it will produce fever. 75 Anderjow.--"Nerium Anti-dysentericum, Echites Anti-dysenterica, (Roxb. MS.) Curaya, H. Cutaja, S." A large tree, with leaves like the almond tree; it produces a fruit long and broad, which grow separate from each other. The fruit contains a number of seeds, rather longer than those of the melon, and resembling a bird's tongue. The pulp of the fruit is of a yellowish white, but the seeds are red. Its properties are bitter, pungent, cool, and astringent. It cures flatulence, bile, and fever, is vermifuge, and is useful in piles, and beneficial in that kind of carbuncle the matter of which is infectious: there are two kinds of this, a bitter and a sweet sort: of these, the bitter is to be preferred. In Hemorrhoids, where much blood is discharged, if taken in the quantity of half a tolah daily, in cold water, for eight days, the cure will be accomplished. The bark of the tree, taken in cold water, will remove laxities of the bowels. 76 Anar.--A name for Darim, q. vide. "Punica Granatum." 77 Aunalie.--A name for Shakakool, (Wild Carrot.) 78 Ambaray.--or Ambara, a vegetable used by the poorer classes, resembling Sunn (hemp.) When young, it is hot, heavy, and promotes appetite; it is useful in flatulence, and loosens the belly: when ripe it is sweet and cool, and increases seminal secretion. In the Dunterie it is written, that it is oleaginous and astringent. 79 Ankaloon.--The name of a salt called also Oodoobudh. Vide Loon. 80 Anbertasung.--A name for Sungbusserie. 81 Angud.--The name for Hungoot, q. vide. 82 Anjeer.--Ficus Carica. The Fig. A common fruit. Its virtues are fully pointed out in Persian works. Another variety, called Anjeer Deshtee, (Adam's fig,) Keonberrie. Some writers call the fig hot, others describe it as cool, like the Goolur. 83 Aaont.--The Camel. The flesh is sweet to the taste, and light; it increases the strength of vision and dispels flatulence, kills larvÊ in the stomach, useful in piles, and increases bile and mucus: in P. Shootur. 84 Aoode Belao.--Lutre Lutreola, (Shaw.) The Otter? An animal, named also Kunduss, called in P. Saqeabi. Its scrotum is called Jeunel bedesther. Its properties fully related in all Yunani publications. 85 Aoont Kutara.--A prickly shrub, about a yard high; both leaves and branches are full of prickles, and its flowers are yellow; its fruit round, and also full of prickles. It is bitter and pungent, useful in phlegm and cough, also wind; increases bile, and is diuretic; it promotes digestion, and increases the strength of the system. If the fresh root be cut into small pieces, and the oil extracted from it by heat, and this oil to the quantity of one masha, rubbed over a plaintain leaf, and externally applied, it will increase Aphrodisia, and lengthen its duration. This oil, applied to the parts, will restore strength. Its application will also remove an offensive effluvia from the axillÊ. Echinops Echinatus, (Roxb.) 86 Aoonk.--A plant, a yard or more in height, whose leaves are about 2 inches in breadth, and hard
{'title': 'The Taleef Shereef; Or, Indian Materia Medica by George Playfair', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}