7 Abi ابى.—Pyrus Cidonia. The Quince; slightly astringent, and cool in a great degree; heavy and difficult of digestion, yet it is gently laxative and expectorant, and is recommended for strengthening the powers of virility. In Arabic Siffirjill, Persian Behi.
8 Aak آك.—Arug, Mudar, Asclepias gigantea. A milky shrub, very common all over India; its pod resembles a mangoe, but rather longer in proportion: when ripe it breaks, and is found filled with a white substance, resembling silk, to which the seeds are fixed. The leaves of the plant resemble the Dak, but are somewhat smaller: its height is generally from 1 to 1½ yard; when its leaves or stalk are broken, a white milky liquid exudes. There are two kinds, white and red; both are purgatives, violently so. It is said to be beneficial in the following disorders. Foulness of the blood, bilious affections, Juzam, Psora, Zærbad, boils, cuticular eruptions, diseases of the liver, visceral obstructions, hæmorrhoids, all internal diseases, dropsy and worms.
(“Many and wonderful virtues are ascribed to this plant; but I must refer those who have faith in charms to the original Taleef Shereef, when their curiosity will be amply gratified.” Translator.)
All the above virtues have been ascribed to this plant; my opinion is, that the application of the leaves is useful in swellings, promotes suppuration in indolent tumors, and cures eruptions on the skin. The milk blisters, and if applied to the eye, it produces swelling, itchiness, and loss of vision. The powder of the root, mixed with goat’s blood and fresh butter, and applied to the eye, is said materially to strengthen vision. In other works it is said, that the milk of every variety of this plant is poisonous, and violently cathartic.
9 Aal آل.—Vide Mujeet, Rubia, Madder, a wood used for dyeing a red color, and forming a principal article of commerce in some parts of India. In the “Dhara Shakoi” it is called Mujeet, but I suspect that they are different plants, as the Mujeet is thin, and of a fine red color; whereas the Aal is blackish, with a tinge of yellow, though not thicker than the other.
10 Aditt Bagut ادت بهگت.—In Persian, Aftab Perust, Helianthus Annuus. The sun-flower; the name of a flower called also Soorujmookee. The stem grows straight about a man’s height; the leaves are broad and triangular, the flower circular, flat and yellow, with serrated edges, and it is said to follow the sun in his diurnal progress. There are two kinds, a small and greater; their medical properties the same; they are bitter to the taste, and heating in a considerable degree. It is beneficial in cholicks, dropsical affections, foulness of stomach, and rheumatism; it also improves appetite, and promotes expectoration in cases of cold, accompanied by fever.
11 Area اروى.—A culinary fruit resembling the cucumber, and grows in the rainy season; it is so cooling that it produces pains all over the body; it is moreover difficult of digestion, and if taken in any quantity produces fever.
12 Anwul (Nasal) انول.—A large tree very common in India, which when in flower, has a very beautiful appearance; its flowers are yellow, resembling those of the Cassia. There are two kinds of this, one called Mahedi Anwul. Of this also there are two varieties. It is cooling, and the medicinal properties of all varieties are the same. It is used with good effect in bilious vomitings, and also in leprous affections of the skin. It is recommended in weakness of the eyes, asthma, affections of the chest, and foulness of blood. It strengthens the weak and emaciated, and braces the solids when relaxed by disease or otherwise.
13 Aruk عرق ارك.—This name is indiscriminately given to four different kinds of trees; Nowa, Cutel, Burhil and Taar.
14 Aloo (Bochara) الو بخارا.—A kind of plum.