143. In all the above cases the remedy should be persevered in for weeks or even longer; and the rules given above for its administration must be carefully attended to. Its operation is most beneficial in the cold season.
144.
Galls.
Mái-phal, Mázu-phal (Hind.), Mái-phal, Májú-phal (Duk.), Máju-phal (Beng., Punj., Kash.), Máshik-káy (Tam.), Máshi-káya (Tel.), Máshik-káya (Mal.), Máchi-káyi (Can.), Mái-phala, Máshi-ká (Mah.), Máyi-phal (Guz.), Mása-ka (Cing.), Pinza-káni-si, Pinz-gáni-di (Burm.), Manjakani (Malay).
145. Many varieties of Galls are met with in the bazaars; the best for medical use are globular, about the size of a nutmeg, of a yellowish-white colour and very astringent taste, with a small hole on one side of the surface. In the absence of this kind the other varieties of Galls may be employed, as they all partake, more or less, of the same astringent qualities. The dose for an adult is from 10 to 20 grains in powder or infusion; but a better form is Decoction, prepared by boiling for ten minutes in an earthenware vessel 1½ ounces of bruised Galls in a pint of Water; of this, when cold and strained, the dose is from 1 to 2 ounces thrice daily, oftener. This decoction forms also a useful astringent wash, gargle, &c.
146. In Chronic Diarrhœa, especially in Natives, powdered Galls in 15 grain doses thrice daily often prove useful, and in obstinate cases its efficacy is increased by the addition of half a grain of Opium with each dose. A little powdered Cinnamon may be advantageously added, and the whole given in honey. In the advanced stages of Dysentery the decoction (ante) seems to answer better, and it may be given in doses of 1½ to 2 ounces thrice daily, with the addition of Opium, as above, and a carminative. This treatment is adapted only for adults.
147. In Prolapsus (descent) of the Rectum, the daily use of an enema of decoction of Galls proves useful by constringing the parts; and this may further be effected, especially in the case of children, by keeping a pad saturated with the decoction over the external parts after the protruded bowel has been returned. The same treatment is applicable (the decoction being used as a vaginal injection) in cases of Prolapsus of the Uterus (descent of the Womb).
148. In Piles unattended by increased heat or inflammation, a very useful application is an ointment composed of 1½ drachms of powdered Galls, and 1 ounce of Ghee. The ingredients should be thoroughly mixed. If there should be much pain half a drachm of Opium may be added to it. It should be applied twice daily. Enemas of the decoction (ante) may also be used with advantage.
149. In Gleet and long standing Gonorrhœa, 20 grains of powdered Galls, twice or thrice daily, have sometimes a good effect in checking the discharge. In Leucorrhœa, and other Vaginal Discharges, the same treatment is applicable, and at the same time injections of the decoction may be employed.
150. In Relaxed sore Throat and Enlargement of the Tonsils a very useful gargle is composed of 40 grains of Alum, six ounces of Decoction of Galls (145), and one ounce of Honey.