It is given, too, in jaundice and supposed diseases of the liver (Watt).
It is also anthelmintic (Surgeon-Major Mukerji, in Watt's Dictionary).
597. 0. umbellata, Linn, h.f.b.l, iii. 66 ; Roxb. 141.
Vern. : — Chirval ; Chirval-ki-lakri (H. and Dec.) ; Surbuli (B ); Cherivello ; Chiru vêru (Tel ) ; Sayawer ; Imbûral (Tam.) ; Kalpenyok (Lepcha).
Habitat : — Western Peninsula, from Orissa southwards. Found in the sandy scrub of the Coromandel Coast and largely collected (Gamble).
An annual herb, diffuse, glabrous or scaberulous. Stem woody, much-branched from the base. Stipules with bristles Leaves ½-1½in., spreading or recurved, often fascicled, linear, flat or almost acicular with recurved margins, acute, nerveless. Peduncles in the upper axils stout, 3-many-flowered ; pedicels short. Cymes sometimes sessile or terminal. Calyx-teeth a little shorter than the Corolla-tube, subulate. Capsule didymous, crown low. Seeds numerous, angled, testa smooth.
Uses: — The small, narrow, pale green leaves of this low-growing plant, the native doctors consider as expectorant, and prescribe them accordingly. Of the virtues of the root in poisonous bites, colds and cutaneous disorders, as mentioned in Millers Dictionary, I know nothing. When dried and powdered, the leaves are sometimes mixed with flour and made into cakes, which are eaten by such as suffer from consumptive and asthmatic affections. The dose of the decoction of the leaves is about an ounce twice daily (Anislie).
598. Ophiorrhiza Mungos, Linn, h.f.b.l, iii. 77 ; Roxb. 235.
Sans. : — Sârpâkshi.
Vern. : — Kiri-purandân (Tam.) ; Sarpâshi-chettu (Tel.) ; Sarathi (H.) ; Gandha nâkuli (B.).
