In Bombay, it is a popular remedy for the slight dysenteric derangements of the bowels to which children are subject ; 3 to 4 leaves are given with cumin and sugar, and the pounded leaves are applied to the navel. In the Concan, one or two leaves are given every morning to cure stuttering ; and the juice is applied (generally as a lêp with Cadamba bark, ghi. and black cumin) to skin eruptions supposed to arise from heat of blood-(Dymock).
In Java, according to Horsfieid, the leaves are considered diuretic ; and on the Malabar Coast, the plant is one of the remedies for leprosy.
Dr. A. Hunter, after trying it in the Madras Leper Hospital, came to the conclusion that it had no claim to consideration as a specific in leprosy, but found it most useful in ameliorating the symptoms and improving the general health.
The leaves are officinal in the Indian Pharmacopoeia and described as alterative, tonic and local stimulant, more especially useful in syphilitic skin diseases, both externally and internally. Recent reports from Europe (1885) confirm this statement, and there has been some enquiry for the drug in Bombay which has led to its cultivation on a small scale (Dymock).
In some parts of India, the people are in the habit of taking powder of the dried leaves with milk for improving their memory and as an alterative tonic.
567. Eryngium cœruleum, Bieb. h.f.b.l, ii. 669.
Arab. — Shakakul-misri (Arab.)
Pers : — Gurs-dusti (Pers.)
Vern : — Dhudhali (H.); Poli ; Mittûa ; Kandû ; Pahari gâjar ; Nûrâlam (Pb.)
Habitat : Kashmir.
A spinescent, glabrous, erect, perennial herb. Stem 2-3ft , undivided below, corymbose and often bluish above. Radical leaves 5 by 1¾in., petiole 2-6in.; lower cauline often similar, smaller, with shorter petioles, but more often subsessile, elliptic acute, undivided, serrae or subspinulose. Upper cauline sessile
