669 Kasmerie كاسميرى or Kasmuroo, or Kasmurga, or Kasheera. It is hot; heavy; cures fever, pains in the bowels, and its flower is astringent and beneficial in eruptions from diffusion of bile. It is an ingredient in many formulæ. It prevents the approach of old age, strengthens all the animal functions, and is aphrodisiac and diuretic.
670 Kanjee كانجى.—Increases the secretion of milk; cures disorders of mucus, wind, and bile. It is the vinegar of Hindostan. It restores prostrated strength from fatigue, removes pains in the bowels and flatulence, and remedies costiveness. The method of preparing it is thus. A little Zeera and Saslie are put on the fire till they produce a smoke, an earthen vessel is then placed over them in an inverted position to receive the smoke. Then into this is put mustard, salt, adjwain, and cumin seed, with warm water; the mouth of the vessel is then tied up in a cloth, and placed in the sun till it becomes sour. In the hot-weather it is quickly prepared; the older it is, the better for medicinal purposes.
671 Gowrohun گاوروجن.—A medicine found in the gall-bladder of a cow, and is but seldom met with. It is beneficial in affections of the mesenteric glands of children; in the quantity of two soorkhi it is purgative. It is also beneficial in flatulent swellings. If boiled in water and used for some time, it will cure epilepsy. It is only found in those cows the descendants of those herded by Khrishna.
It is often counterfeited, but the real kind is clearer than the spurious.
672 Kath كتة.—“Acacia Catechu, W. Kayar, H. Khadira, S. Mimosa Catechu, Woodville.” Called also Kuth. It is cool and vermifuge; strengthens the teeth; cures seminal weakness, fever, white leprosy, swellings, eruptions from bile, marasmus, Juzam, and mucous disorders. The gum is sweet and aphrodisiac, and strengthens the system. That made from the pith of the Khaer, is useful in boils and eruptions, affections of the mouth, and disorders of mucus and blood. It also removes ptyalism.
673 Kakra Singie كانكراسنگى.—It is crooked like a ram’s horn; small and red, with a tinge of black, and its pod is hollow; it is bitter, astringent, hot, and promotes appetite, and restores the color of the skin changed from foulness of blood; allays vomiting and thirst; cures fever and disorders of mucus, difficulty of breathing, cough, and eructation, also piles and dysentery. It is said to be hot and dry in the 2nd degree. It likewise cures wind and hoarseness, and creates appetite; and it is useful, if retained in the mouth, as a relief to cough from phlegm; a little of it given to children at the breast, mixed with honey, increases their strength and removes emaciation.
674 Kanakutchoo كاناكچو.—Brought from Cashmere, and held in great esteem in that country. Its taste is saltish and sweet, and it is used dressed with meat; some call it Samaroogh, but the latter is a creeper and does not produce seed. The fruit is about half the size of an egg, and is suspended from the plant, which is of a white color, and grows during the rains in the jungles, and loves the vicinity of running water. It is also called Neerkoombie. It is found sometimes amongst ruins, but those that grow in the jungles are to be preferred. The lower classes of Indians use it as food, and as such it is grateful. It is useful in affections of the eyes.
675 Kagphill كاگپہل or Kagtoondie. “Strychnos Nux Vomica, W.” “I have heard that it grows very common about Midnapoor or Cuttack; several seeds or nuts are enclosed in one pod, which in size is about that of a horse chestnut, the seeds are surrounded in the pod by a glutinous matter. It is said to be useful in paralysis, but has seldom been given beyond six grains in the day.”—“Trans.” It has obtained its name from being poison to the crow. Kag being the name of a crow, and phill, a nut A. Hubbool Girab; for the same reason. It is not well ascertained whether it is a seed or root, but it looks like a seed. It is equally uncertain whether it is cool or hot; it is brownish, inside white; it is round, and its shell very hard; steeped in water it becomes soft, and its shell can be removed; it is then rasped down and pounded, and kept in a state of powder or electuary for use. It strengthens the system; cures disorders of wind; blackens white hair; but its constant use produces palsy. It is an active poison; its correctors are drinking fresh milk, producing vomiting, and taking soup, oily or fatty substances. If externally applied to discolorations of the skin, daad, pains, &c. it will be found beneficial. It is said in the Dara Shekoi, to be excellent in cholics from wind. It is in my opinion hot, but as it is a strong poison, it is better not to use it: if given as a medicine, its correctors ought to be given with it.
It is also mentioned among aphrodisiac medicines, and will be found a powerful one, should it agree with the stomach. In India its name is Koochela.
676 Gajur گازر.—“Daucus Carota, W.” The carrot; sweet to the taste, and equally hot and cold in its effects; it creates appetite, produces costiveness, cures eruptions from suffusion of bile; is useful in piles, is lithontriptic, and beneficial in mucous disorders and wind. A. Gazur. I have found it excellent when roasted in an oven; the thin external rind and heart removed, and ate with rose-water, and Bedemoosk, in depression of spirits, and as a cardiac. Its distilled water is also equally effectual. Its virtues are described in Yunani works.