31 Arhir or Toor ارهر و تور.—“Cytisus cajan.” Some consider these as distinct species, but in my opinion Toor is only Arhir in an overgrown state. The plant grows to the height of a yard and half; and the taste of the pea of the Arhir is preferable to that of the Toor. Toor is sown and cut down at the same time as the sugar-cane; whereas the Arhir is sown, and cut with the barley. The pod of the Toor is larger than that of the Arhir; and the former has an unpleasant smell, which is wanting in the latter; they are both used very commonly as food, all over India. It is in its properties cool and dry, and produces costiveness; it is useful in bilious and catarrhal disorders, and in foulness of the blood. It is even said to be an antidote to poisons. In its taste it is sweet, like that of the Cassela. I conceive it hot in the 2d, and dry in the 3d degree, and recommend it for strengthening the stomach. When used as food it is heavy; but is beneficial in complaints having their origin in cold. If twice scalded in hot water, before it is boiled, it will cause less thirst; and if boiled in milk, or whey, it becomes less heating. A decoction of the leaves is recommended as a wash for the mouth, in cases of toothache, and diseases of the teeth. P. Shakool.
32 Aord, or Aort, or Mash. ماش.—vide M. (Phaseolus Max.)
33 Arne’ ارنى.—The wild buffaloe. Its flesh recommended in Marasmus. P. Gowmeche Serhaie.
34 Arnd ارنڈ.—“The Castor, Ricinus communis, W. Palma Christi.” Wildenow says, “Planta semper annua, nunquam fructicosa vel arborea, nec in calidissimis terræ plagis liguescit.” But this is incorrect; for the plant is perennial, and becomes a moderate sized tree. The natives, however, have a prejudice against allowing it to grow beyond 3 or 4 years, and even this is only in solitary places. The chief reason I fancy is, that it interferes with the cultivation of the soil, if permitted to remain. They usually sow it with grain, and reap the grain crop before it has attained its full height; this they can do annually, but seed sown under its shelter the second year, would not succeed.
A shrub, with broad soft leaves, like the fig tree; it grows about 6 or 8 feet in height; the root is hollow, and without flaw or wrinkle; the seed grows in bunches like grapes, and the shell of the pod, which resembles gall-nuts, is covered with soft prickles. The seed is like the coffee bean, and is stained with different colored spots, so as to appear like marbled paper; the kernel is white, soft, and oleaginous. There are two kinds of this; one with a red, the other with a green pod; the former is culled Jongia Arnde; both varieties are sweet, heating, and heavy. The oil of the kernel is useful in removing obstinate constrictions of the intestines, when given warm; also in flatulency; rheumatic swellings of the joints and lumbago; in strangury, spasms in the urinary bladder, headaches, dropsy, and feverish complaints. It is also recommended as an expectorant in difficulty of breathing, and in cough; in affections of the skin, and in superabundance of mucus in the intestines. It is a warm, stimulating purgative; the dose one or two table spoonsful. Both my father, uncle, and I, have used it with great success, in cases of obstinate cholic from costiveness. They also used the leaves moistened with ghee, as an external application in rheumatic pains and swellings. If the seeds are bruised, and mixed with curdled milk, and allowed to remain in this state till they become putrid, they form an excellent application for the cure of itch, and usually succeed in 7 or 8 days. It has also been said, that if one of the kernels be taken at first, and daily increased by one, till 100 are taken, and then decreased in the same gradual manner, it will cure Juzam, and other kinds of Leprosy.
35 Arusa ٱروسا.—A name for the Baan Tree; vide Bansa. In the Maadentezerrubad, it is thus described:—Arusa is a medicine of Hindoostan, hot and moist, or in the opinion of some writers, cool and moist, in the 2d degree: half an ounce of the juice, with as much honey, is a cure for hoarseness, or loss of voice; and used with the fruit of the Peepul tree, it increases appetite, and corrects mucous discharges. A decoction of the leaves in water, is useful in Jaundice, difficulty of breathing, Gonorrhœa, and hectic fever. As a gargle it strengthens the gums; and the leaves bruised, and taken in honey or water, cure Epistaxis, Hœmatemesis, Nausea, Vertigo, and Suppression of the menses.
36 Arjun اڑجن.—A tree, also the fruit; hot and astringent; useful in bilious affections, and in prostration of strength from fatigue, and an antidote to poisons. Its use is interdicted in disorders arising from cold; also in ulcers: but externally applied it cleanseth foul sores, and promotes healthy granulation. It prolongs Aphrodisia, strengthens the system, and expedites the union of divided parts. Some physicians call it cooling. Pentaptera Arjuna.
37 Arloo, Catoombura, or Sheunag, ارلو.—The name of a tree, a native of the hills; it is pungent, beneficial in loosening phlegm, and promoting appetite; it produces costiveness, and is vermifuge, and recommended in Juzam. It is an ingredient in the Dusmool.
38 Arvie, or Arum Colocasia, آروى.—A root and seed. It is about 3 inches long, more or less, and when the outer rind is removed it is white. Its stem is about 3 feet in height; its leaves large like a shield, with the points reflected; in consistence and polish it is like the plaintain leaf. It is also called Cutchaloo, but the different names are only applied with propriety to different parts of the same root; the Cutchaloo being more like a Byngun or Egg-plant. They are both in general use in India. The Arvie is dressed with meat, and the Cutchaloo is roasted; the leaves and shoots are also commonly eaten. Its properties, I can declare from experience, are in a small degree cool; and it is useful in giving strength to the system; prevents the involuntary emission of semen; it produces wind, and is heavy and hurtful to the throat Its corrector is acids, and being repeatedly washed in water. The Cutchaloo is the most powerful, and the most hurtful of the two kinds. A. Culdass, at least it is so stated; but in the Yunani works, there is a material difference; as the Culdass is described, therefore, it is doubtful to me whether they are one and the same.
39 Armeede, ارميدى.—A kind of cucumber.