Remarks on the Uses of some of the Bazaar Medicines and Common Medical Plants of India / With a full index of diseases, indicating their treatment by these and other agents procurable throughout India; to which are added directions for treatment in cases of drowning, snake-bites &c.

by Edward John Waring

43.

Bael Fruit.

The fruit of Ægle Marmelos, Corr.

Bél, Si-phal (Hind., Beng., Punj.), Bél-phal (Duk.), Vilva or Bilva-pazham (Tam.), Bilva-pandu, Márédu-pandu (Tel.), Kúvalap-pazham (Mal.) Bilapatri-hannu (Can.) Bél-phal (Guz.), Bélá-chaphala, Bela (Mah.) Bélli, Bélli-ka (Cing.), Ushi-si, Ushi-ti (Burm.), Buah Bail (Malay), Bil-kath (the entire fruit), Shífal-gúj, the pulp and seeds with the rind removed (Kash.).

44. The half-ripe fruit is best suited for medical use, and that freshly gathered is preferable to that which has been kept a long time, as is generally the case with the bazaar article. In bazaar specimens, the Wood-apple (fruit of Feronia Elephantum) is often substituted for Bael. Though they bear a close resemblance externally, they can easily be distinguished by opening them. In the true Bael there are, in the centre of the pulp, a number of cells, from five to eighteen, each containing one or more seeds and glutinous mucus, whilst in the Wood-apple there are no cells, and the seeds are embedded in the pulp. European experience has confirmed the native opinion that it is a remedy of much value in cases of obstinate Diarrhœa and Dysentery when unattended by fever, and the patient is weak and dyspeptic. It proves especially serviceable when any signs of Scurvy are present. It is best given as follows: Take of the soft gummy fluid from the interior of the fruit two ounces, mix this with three or four ounces of water, sweeten to taste, and, if procurable, add a lump of ice. This draught should be repeated twice or thrice daily. In the obstinate Diarrhœa and Dysentery of Children it may safely be given in doses of from one quarter to one half the above quantity, according to age. The Fluid Extract of the dried Bael is regarded by many as superior to any other preparations of this fruit. The dose is from half a drachm to a drachm, twice or thrice daily for an adult. Dietetic Bael is also a valuable preparation. Dr. Aitchison suggests that a supply of Dietetic Bael (prepared by Messrs. Bathgate & Co., of Calcutta) should be kept in store. "It consists," he remarks, "of the pulp of dried Bael fruit carefully pulverised and mixed with a certain proportion of arrowroot. It is an excellent preparation to be used in those cases when Bael is prescribed, and where the fresh fruit cannot be got of good quality, e.g., the Bael fruit grown in the Punjaub is not to be compared with that of the more moist and tropical regions. Besides using this in actual disease it makes a good substitute in a patient's diet owing to its pleasant aromatic flavour."

45. In Irregularity of the Bowels, presenting alternations of Diarrhœa and Constipation, one draught, as described in the last section, taken in the early morning, often exercises a most beneficial effect in regulating the bowels. Where much debility exists, and the stomach is weak and irritable, it is apt to disagree, occasioning eructations, &c., in which case it may be tried in smaller doses, or be given at bedtime in place of early morning.

46.

Betel or Betle Leaves.

The fresh leaves of Chavica (Piper) Betle, Retz.

Pán (Hind., Duk., Beng., Punj., and Guz.), Vettilai (Tam.), Tamala-páku, Nága-valli (Tel.), Vetrila (Mal.), Viledele (Can.), Videchapána (Mah.), Balát (Cing.), Kún-yoe (Burm.), Seereh (Malay).