Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 1).djvu/477

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N. 0. M0RINGACEÆ.
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usually 3-pinnate ; petioles, sheathing at the base ; pinnæ opposite, 4-6 pair ; pinnules opposite, 6-9 pair, the uppermost lfoliolulate ; a hairy gland between each pair of pinnæ and pinnulæ. Ultimate leaflets opposite, 2/5-4/5in. long, obovate or elliptic, entire, membranous, pale beneath. Flowers 1in. diam., strongly honey-scented. Sepals linear-lanceolate, reflexed. Petals ½-¾in. long, linear spathulate, white, with yellow dots near base. Filaments villous at base. Ovary hairy. Capsule 9-20in. long ½-¾in. broad, 3-gonous, linear, pendulous, longitudi- nally ribbed, slightly constricted between the seeds. Seeds 3-cornered, winged at the angles, about lin. long, including the wings.

It is one of most easily propagated trees of the Western peninsula by cuttings. Flowers and fruits in abundance twice or at times, thrice a year.

Use. — The root is described by the Sanskrit writers as acrid, pungent, stimulant and diuretic, and is applied externally as a rubefacient. The seed is said to be stimulant, and is given in ascites arising from enlargement of the liver and spleen.

The root and bark abortifacient. Kanai Lai Dey, quoted by Chevers (I. B. Lyons Medical Jurisprudence). See, K. R. Kirtikar's Poisonous Plants,' Bombay, P. X. Jl. Bombay N. H. Society, Vol IX.

A decoction of the root-bark is recommended to be given with asafœtida and rock salt in inflammation, abscess and calculous affections. The gum of the tree, mixed with sesamum oil, is recommended to be poured into the ears for the relief of otalgia (Dutt).

Mahomedan writers describe the flowers as hot and dry, and consider that they expel cold humours, disperse swellings, act as a tonic and diuretic, and increase the flow of bile. The juice of the root with milk is diuretic, antilithic and digestive, and is useful in asthma. A poultice made with the root reduces swellings, but is very irritating and painful to the skin. The pods have anthelmintic properties.

Ainslie says that the Native doctors prescribe it as a stimulant in paralytic affections and intermittent fever, in doses of