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

Musa sapientum, Linn.

Kélah-ká-pér (Hind.), Mouz-ká-jhár (Duk.), Kéla-gáchh (Beng.), Kadali (Tam.), Kadali, Arati-chettu (Tel.), Vázha-marum (Mal.), Bálegida (Can.), Kéla-jháda (Mah.), Kéla-nu-jháda (Guz.), Kehal-gahá (Cing.), Napiyá-bin (Burm.).

307. The Plantain, or Banana-tree, is extensively cultivated throughout the tropical portion of both hemispheres for the sake of its fruit, which forms a valuable article of diet, and in the dried state is of no mean value as an anti-scorbutic (See Art. Scurvy in Index). It is mentioned in this place chiefly on account of its leaves, which, when young and tender, are of a beautifully fine texture, and may be utilised with great advantage in medical and surgical practice.

a. As a dressing for blistered surfaces, for which purpose they are admirably adapted in hot climates, where Spermaceti Ointment, usually employed in European practice, rapidly becomes rancid, and consequently irritant. After the removal of a blister a piece of plantain leaf of the required size, smeared with any bland oil, should be applied to the denuded surface and kept in its place by means of a bandage. The first sensation it occasions is peculiarly cooling and soothing, and the blistered surface generally heals satisfactorily in four or five days. For the first two days the upper smooth surface is placed next to the skin, and subsequently the under side, until the healing process is complete. The dressing should be changed twice daily, with fresh leaves, or oftener if required.

b. As a substitute for India Rubber or Gutta Percha Tissue in the water-dressing of Wounds and Ulcers. The younger the leaf the better is it suited for this purpose. Two points require attention: 1, the piece used should be sufficiently large to cover or envelop the whole part; and, 2, it should be carefully kept in its place by bandages, &c. If properly applied, evaporation of any subjacent fluid is effectively prevented.

c. As a shade for the eyes in Ophthalmia and other Diseases of the Eye, no manufactured shade is superior to it; the older and greener leaves answer best for this purpose.

308.

Plumbago rosea.

Linn.

Lál-chíta, Lál-chítarak (Hind.), Lál-chitarmúl (Duk.), Rakto-chitá (Beng.), Chitra (Punj.), Shitranj (Kash.), Shivappu-chittira-múlam, Kodi-múli (Tam.), Erra-chitra-múlam (Tel.), Chenti-kotuvéli (Mal.), Kempu-chitra-múlá (Can.), Támbada-chitramúla (Mah.), Ratnitúl (Cing.), Kin-khen-ní (Burm.), Chiraka-merah (Malay).