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

There are many kinds of Toddy in India, and they are named according to the plants from which they are produced. The names given above are generic.

355. Amongst its other uses Toddy is valuable as the basis of a very useful stimulant application, the Toddy Poultice, which is to the Indian what the Yeast Poultice is to the European surgeon. It is prepared by adding freshly drawn Toddy to Rice Flour till it has the consistence of a soft poultice and subjecting the mixture in an open vessel to heat over a gentle fire, stirring constantly till fermentation commences, or it "begins to rise," as it is commonly expressed. This, spread on a cloth and applied to the parts, acts as a valuable stimulant application to Gangrenous or Sloughing Ulcerations, Carbuncles, Indolent Ulcers, &c. It hastens the separation of the slough and establishes subsequent healthy action.

356. Toddy left exposed to the air rapidly undergoes vinous fermentation, and becomes converted into Arrack, one of the most intoxicating drinks of the country. This Arrack, subjected to distillation until it has a specific gravity of 0·920, may be employed as Proof Spirit in the preparation of tinctures and other pharmaceutical purposes, and in the formation of cold evaporating lotions (380).

357.

Turmeric.

The dried root-stock of Curcuma longa, Linn.

Halad, Haldí (Hind., Duk., Punj.), Holodí (Beng.), Lidar, Gandar-i-lidar, (Kash.), Manjal (Tam.), Pasupu (Tel.), Mannal, Marin-nala (Mal.), Arishiná (Can.), Halede (Mah.), Halad (Guz.), Kahá (Cing.), Sanó, Tanún (Burm.), Kooneit (Malay).

358. Turmeric has been employed in the following affections with excellent effects:

359. In Catarrh, or severe "Cold in the head," the fumes of burning Turmeric inhaled through the nostrils act as a local stimulant or irritant, causing a considerable discharge of mucus from the nasal cavity; this is generally followed by a marked degree of relief to the congestion or fulness often so troublesome in these cases.

360. In Catarrhal and Purulent Ophthalmia, especially in that termed "Country Sore-Eye," a Decoction of Turmeric (one ounce of the bruised root to 20 ounces of water) proves a very effectual lotion for relieving the burning and moderating the urgency of the symptoms. A piece of soft rag soaked in it should be kept constantly over the affected eye.