Azadirachta Indica, Iuss.
Nínb, Nímb (Hind.), Ním, (Duk., Beng., Punj.), Vémbu, Véppam, Véppa-marum (Tam.), Véppa-chettu, Ním-bamu (Tel.), Véppa, Aviya-véppa (Mal.), Bévina-mará (Can.), Límbacha, jháda (Mah.), Límbdanu-jháda (Guz.), Kohum-ba, Nímba-gahá (Cing.), Tamá-bin, Kamákha (Burm.), Dawoon Nambu, Baypay (Malay).
258b. The Ním Tree, according to Dr. Pulney Andy (Madras Jour. of Med. Sci., vol. xi. (1867), p. 105), is held in veneration by the Hindús as being dedicated to the goddess Mariathá, the deity which is supposed by them to preside over all epidemics: or rather the epidemics themselves are thought to be visitations of this goddess, in honour of whom the leaves are in common use amongst Hindús, particularly in Smallpox epidemics. The leaves are spread on the bed of the patient, fans made of them are used for fanning him, besides which a bunch of them is fixed above the door as a sign of the presence of the goddess in the house. Dr. Pulney Andy was thus led to make trials of the fresh tender young leaves as an internal remedy in fourteen cases, and of these thirteen recovered; but how far the recoveries were due to the remedy is very problematical. He prescribed about five grains made into a pill, with liquorice powder, and a few drops of water, thrice daily. In the absence of fresh leaves he suggests the use of dried ones in infusion or decoction (3j to Water Oj) in doses, for an adult, of one ounce twice or thrice daily. The efficacy of this remedy is open to grave doubts.
259. Ním bark varies much in appearance, according to the size and age of the tree producing it. The bark from the trunk of a tree above three or four years of age is covered with a thick scaly epidermis, and varies in thickness from a quarter to half an inch. That from the smaller branches is smooth, of a dullish purple colour, marked by longitudinal lines of ash-coloured epidermis from one-eighth to one-twelfth of an inch apart. The inner layer of the bark, of a whitish colour in the fresh state, is powerfully bitter, far more so than the outer dark-coloured layer, which, however, possesses a greater amount of astringency. According to the analysis of Mr. Broughton it contains a bitter neutral resin, in which apparently the activity of the remedy resides.
260. Ním bark is a valuable astringent tonic, and when dried and reduced to powder, may be given in doses of one drachm three or four times a day. A better form, however, is a decoction prepared by boiling two ounces of the bruised inner layer of the bark in a pint and a half of water for a quarter of an hour, and straining whilst hot; of this, when cold, the dose is from 2 to 3 ounces. It, as well as the Powdered Bark, is a remedy of considerable value in Ague or Intermittent Fever; and in these cases it should be given every second hour previous to the time at which the attack is expected to return. It is chiefly adapted for mild, uncomplicated cases, especially in natives. For Convalescence after Fevers, General Debility, and Loss of Appetite, the Decoction, in somewhat smaller doses than those mentioned above, proves of great service, and its efficacy is increased and its taste improved by the addition of a few bruised Cloves or a little Cinnamon. As the decoction readily spoils in hot weather, it should be prepared fresh for use when required.
261. To Indolent and Ill-conditioned Ulcers, especially those of long standing, a poultice of Ním leaves acts beneficially as a stimulant. It is easily prepared by bruising a sufficient quantity of the fresh leaves with a little tepid water, and applying it, spread on a rag, to the ulcerated surface; should it cause pain and irritation, as it sometimes does, an equal weight of rice flour may be added.
262.
Nitre, Saltpetre, Nitrate of Potash.
Shórá (Hind., Duk., Punj.), Sórá (Beng.), Saféd-shora (Kash.), Pot-luppu (Tam.), Peti-luppu, Shúrá-karam (Tel.), Veti-uppa (Mal.), Pet-luppu (Can.), Shóra-mítha (Mah.), Sóro-khár (Guz.), Pot-lunu, Vedi-lunu (Cing.), Yán-zin (Burm.), Sun-dawa (Malay). In Kashmir the term Shorá means Gunpowder, hence one must speak of White Gunpowder (Saféd Shorá), which is the name of Nitre, if it is wished to procure it. (Dr. Aitchison.)
263. Nitre is obtainable in most of the bazaars of India, but often in a very impure state. To fit it for internal use it should be purified by dissolving it in boiling water, removing the scum after the liquid has been allowed to settle, straining the solution through calico and setting aside to crystallise. Pure specimens, which are sometimes met with in large bazaars, should be in white crystalline masses or fragments, colourless, and of a peculiar, cool, saline taste.