Part 2

26 Adjan.--Or Adjain, a large tree, with wide spreading branches, in size approaching that of the mangoe; its leaves growing close, and also resembling those of the mangoe tree, but longer and thinner; the fruit is about 1 1/2 foot long, and very thin.

27 Akhroat.--"The Walnut, Juglans regia, Linn." This is a native of hilly countries; its leaves are like the Terpat; the fruit is sweet to the taste, heating, and heavy; it loosens the bowels, and restores strength; it is useful in rheumatic affections, increases mental energy and the powers of manhood, and gives relief in flying pains in the stomach. A. Jouz.

28 Andaluck.--A kind of grain.

29 Aderuck.--"Ginger, Amomum zinziber, Linn. Amomum zinziber, Wild. Adraca, S. Sonth (dried root,) H. Sunthi, S." A very common root, the stem of which is knotty, and from every knot, a leaf is produced; it is hot and heavy; promotes digestion if eaten before meals, mixed with Lahore salt, (rock salt;) it prevents flatulent swellings in the stomach and bowels. P. Zinzibeel tur. It is much extolled as a stomachic when prepared as sweetmeats; but if the syrup be allowed to dry, it spoils, becomes less grateful to the taste, and its heating quality is much increased.

30 Arnee.--The name of a tree, in height that of the Peach tree, but it is full of branches from the root upwards, and the leaves are like those of the Sumhaloo; it is heating, and beneficial in rheumatic complaints and swellings from cold. In the Dhintri it is described as oleaginous and heavy; effectual in Jaundice, increasing appetite, loosening the bowels, and removing flatulence.

31 Arhir or Toor.--"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..--vide M. (Phaseolus Max.)

33 Arne'.--The wild buffaloe. Its flesh recommended in Marasmus. P. Gowmeche Serhaie.

34 Arnd.--"The Castor, Ricinus communis, W. Palma Christi." Wildenow says, "Planta semper annua, nunquam fructicosa vel arborea, nec in calidissimis terrÊ 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.--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, Gonorrhoea, and hectic fever. As a gargle it strengthens the gums; and the leaves bruised, and taken in honey or water, cure Epistaxis, Hoematemesis, Nausea, Vertigo, and Suppression of the menses.

36 Arjun.--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,.--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,.--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,.--A kind of cucumber.

40 Aorde Gunta.--A kind of Satawur.

41 Aistullkund.--The name of a root; also called Gir‡mkund; also a variety of the medicine Maankund: it promotes phlegm, and corrects bile and wind; it is also useful in foulness of the blood and general swellings. The other kind is useful in foulness of blood, and in bilious affections; it is sweet, cool, and heavy. It is likewise called IstolÈkund.

42 Asperuck.--A name for AklÈel ul Mulk.

43 Asgund.--Physalis flexuosa. A very common white root, also called Asgund'h, about half a yard long, like the sweet potatoe, (Convolvulus batatas.) When thin and dry, it resembles the Sh˙k·kul mysrie, (carrot;) its leaves are very like those of the kuth, (Mimosa catechu,) but rather less. It grows about a yard along the ground; its taste is astringent and bitter; it is hot, and strengthens the powers of virility; removes bilious and mucous affections; is beneficial in general swellings, and white leprosy.

Some give this name to the Kaknej, or Winter Cherry. In the Maadentezerrubad, it is thus described. Asgund is a medicine of Hindoostan; the best sort of which is procurable at Nagour. It is hot and dry in the 1st degree. The people of India use in its stead, the Soorinjan, (the Hermodactylus.) It is especially beneficial in pains of the joints. The root, when arrived at perfection, has a strong scent of the horse; from which circumstance it has in India, derived its name; Asp, signifying the horse, and Gund, smell: it is also called Bajecund.

If 3 drachms of the root be boiled in 2 pounds of cow's milk, and 1 ounce of sugar mixed with it, and this taken for 14 days, it increases peculiar secretions, and improves the complexion.

44 Asphill.--Padmunie, a variety of Kunwul. The Lotus, (NymphÊa Nelumbo,) which is produced on dry land. It is sweet, bitterish, and cool; is useful in vomiting, Diarrhoea, and foulness of the blood.

45 Astull.--Bunt‡ki, a name for Buratha; it means a large Byngun, or Egg-fruit; the plant being the same.

46 Aspurka.--Cool and light; promotes peculiar secretions, and is useful in various disorders: it removes offensive exhalations; moderates profuse sweats; is beneficial in dropsy; restores strength; cures emaciation; and is an antidote to poisons.

47 Aoshire.--Kuss kuss. Ooseer? Andropogon muricatum, Koenig. A name for Kuss kuss. In the Dara Shekoi, it is called Aosire, and is described as the root of the grass kuss, with which houses are made cool in the hot weather. It is cool, and assists digestion, cures laxity of the bowels, and is useful in bilious affections, foulness of blood, and superabundance of mucus; allays thirst, is a grateful application to blistered parts, or where much heat is experienced; beneficial in difficulty of voiding urine, in boils and eruptions, and prolongs aphrodisia.

48 Asteghoon.--An article of food, made by mixing one part of Moong, with two parts of rice, boiling them together, and pouring off the water, with which is to be mixed rock salt, assafoetida, coriander, ginger, and peepul. This is an excellent drink in fevers, in bilious affections, and foulness of the blood; it increases appetite, and clears, and gives tone to the kidnies and bladder.

49 Apheem.--(Papaver somniferum.) Of this there are four kinds; the 1st, which is white, is called Chaarun, (promoting digestion;) the 2d, Maarun, is black; the 3d yellow, and the 4th, of all these colours mixed, called Saarun. Its properties are well known, and fully detailed in all Yunani works on medicine.

50 Aginmunt.--Agwunt. Names of Arnee; q. vide.

51 Agust.--(∆schynomene Grandiflora.) A tree, cool and dry, producing flatulence, curing bile, foulness of blood, and mucus; also fever. Its flowers beneficial in improving the sense of smelling, and in night blindness.

52 Akroat.--Vide Akhroat.

53 Akirkirra.--or Akirkirrh‡, (Dranculus.) In Yunani works called discutient and alternant.

"Anthemis Pyrethrum, Linn. Pelletory of Spain, Ainslie. Off. The Root. Pyrethre, (F.) Eaher Wustrell, (G.) Akk·r·c·rum, (Tam.) Powerful stimulant, useful as a sialagogue, to excite an increased flow of saliva; hence useful in headache, rheumatism of the face, toothache, in paralysis of the tongue and muscles of the throat."

54 Agur.--Dry and light, useful in affections of the eyes; it also promotes the secretion of bile. A. Oodh.

55 Agunie Char.--Pungent and very hot. In rheumatic affections of the chest, Soonpat from mucus, and rheumatic pains in the joints, it is highly beneficial. This medicine is the produce of the western provinces of India; and the best kind is red, and feels hot to the touch; it is found by the sides of rivers.

56 Akasbele.--Cuscuta reflexa, a name for Afteemoon, (Dodder of Thyme.)

57 Alsi.--"Linum Usitatissimum, W. Atasi, S. Tesi, H. Emollient and demulcent." Grows about 1 1/2 foot high; its leaves are thin, and its flower of the color of Lapis lazuli. In India it is supposed to decrease the secretion of semen, and to weaken sight; it is hot, and said to be discutient; it is useful in phlegm from cold. A. Buzz˙rkatan.

58 Aoloo.--The owl. Those who eat its flesh may expect to be deprived of all reasoning faculties, with loss of memory. It produces much wind, and is called in Persian, Boom.

The women of India frequently give it to their husbands, that by the mental weakness it produces, they may obtain more liberty of conduct than might otherwise be agreeable.

59 Alaechee.--A. Kakla. "Amomum Cardamomum, Wild. Amomum Repens, Wood, vol. II. p. 356." It is of two kinds, and very common. The tree is very large, its leaves resemble those of the sugar cane, of the length of a man; it is very fragrant, and both kinds are nearly alike in properties. The physicians of India call it moderately cool, aromatic, and bitter; and that it is useful in bilious affections, rheumatic complaints, and superabundance of mucus; it is likewise said to decrease Aphrodisia, and to be prejudicial in affections of the chest The large kind possesses all these properties in a greater degree than the small; "the latter is called the Guzerattee Alaechee."

60 Alta.--A name for the Lac colour.

61 Amulbedh.--Called also Amulbenth, a very acid fruit of India; the tree much resembles the lime tree, but is rather larger. It is so very acid, that it will, in a few minutes, dissolve a needle, or small shell. It is light and aperient; improves decayed appetite; is cardiac; removes visceral obstructions, and increases all the secretions. I have been accustomed to take out part of the pulp of the fruit, and to fill the empty space with such medicines as assist digestion, and correct disorders of the digestive organs, in a pounded state, and allowing the fruit, thus medicated, to dry, and using it under the title of Amulbedh. It is brought in quantities from Jeynugger, and Ruttunboil. A spurious sort of this is made from the large lemon, and sold in its stead. I have found it useful in promoting digestion, giving relief in rheumatism, and as an aperient (Amul means acid.)

62 Amulchangerie.--An acid fruit, from a plant of India, called Changerie, much resembling the In-ubassaleb, (Nightshade,) and grows about 8 inches high, or more, and is about as much expanded. Its properties are hot, light, and stomachic; it promotes digestion, and is beneficial in Piles and Juzam; it cures laxities of the bowels, and decreases all the secretions, except bile.

63 Amlie.--Tamarindus Indicus. A large tree; the fruit and leaves off it are very small, growing from both sides of a centre stem; they close up at night, and are expanded during the day. The fruit resembles a bean-pod, bent in the centre, and usually less than 8 inches in length; it bends so as to assume the figure of a semi-circle, but often not so much. The Author of the Book Tophut-ul-Momeneen, describes the tree as resembling the Pomegranate tree; but I suspect he had never seen it. It is acid and heavy, removes flatulence, but increases bile and blood.

When ripe, it is laxative, promotes appetite, and is beneficial in oppression after meals. It is dry, light, cardiac, and restores prostration of strength from fatigue. It removes nausea, giddiness, thirst, and general heat. Sherbet prepared from it, should it agree with the stomach, is preferable to any other, and prevents the noxious influence of the hot winds on the system. The kind which is red, ought to be chosen for preserves, and it possesses all the properties of the fresh fruit. The flowers of the tamarind eat with meat, increase its flavor; they also prevent accumulation of bile, are aperient, and increase appetite; but they are improper when acidity prevails in the stomach.

64 Amrutphull.--A name given to the sweet lime. Vide Rajeneemb.

65 Ambarae.--A fruit, the produce of the hills, large and acid.

66 Amarbele.--A name for Afteemoon (Dodder Thyme.)

67 Amroude.--(Guava.) An Indian fruit resembling the pear. It is full of small seeds, and is of an unpleasant smell; its tree resembles the mulberry, but is smaller; the leaves are like the leaf of the mangoe, green, with a tinge of red, and the veins of the leaf are strongly marked. The fruit is pendant, and its shape pyramidal. It is also called Suffryam, "Psidium pyriferum." It strengthens the stomach, produces costiveness, and is astringent. I have given it with good effect in laxities of the bowels.

68 Amratuck.--The name of a culinary vegetable.

69 Amultas.--Called also Kurwara. "Cassia Fistula, W. Sauvernaca, S. Casse, F. Rohnkassie, G. The pulp of its fruit laxative." Its flowers are dressed, and eaten with meat; and it has the virtue of giving it additional flavor, and loosening the bowels.

70 Ananass.--Called also Kutel Sufrie, (The Pineapple,) for this reason, that if the plant is carried along with a person proceeding on a journey, it will produce fruit. It is about the size of the large lime, called Turunje; its color yellow, tinged with red; its surface is irregular, and covered with small prickles; its smell like that of the mangoe, and very pleasant; the whole plant, including the fruit, is about a yard in height; the leaves have serrated edges, and the fruit grows perpendicular. On the top of the stem there is a bunch of leaves growing from the top of the fruit, which if broken off, and planted, is reproductive. It bears fruit only once, and only one fruit at a time. I have not seen its properties noticed in any work, but the people of India call it cooling. It was first described by Abul Fuzul, in the Ayen Akberry; and this was afterwards copied by the Author of the Dhara Shekoih, from which others have copied it. Part of this description I have copied, and from my own observation have added the remainder. In my opinion it is hot in a small degree, and moist in the 2d degree. Its use is grateful to the system, and it gives strength to the intellectual powers, also tone to the stomach. It is injurious to the throat, to the solids, to respiration, and to the intestines; but its corrector is sugar, and if it be sliced, put in rose water to which sugar is added, and allowed to stand for some time, its beneficial properties are increased, while its injurious qualities are prevented or corrected. A preserve made from it, is excellent, and is used with stews and Pilau, as giving them great additional relish.

72 Ambeloona.--A fruit of Hindoostan, acid and astringent, cool and producing costiveness, beneficial in mucus and bile; also in carbuncle, and other tumors and affections of the throat.

73 Ambegool or Angool, or Ambegooda; called also Inderain Soorkh. (Vide the next article.) A plant whose taste is bitter and astringent; it is hot and moist, light and purgative, beneficial in flatulence, mucus, and general swellings. It is vermifuge, and removes pains in the bowels. It is an antidote to poisons, and removes disorders produced by indigestion. The fruit of the plant is sweet and cool, heavy and purgative, useful in affections from wind, bile, and disorders of the blood; it removes general heat, and is beneficial in Marasmus. It decreases the seminal secretion, increases mucus, and strengthens the system. Nourdi Mahommed says, that in the epidemic carbuncle which affects the armpit or throat, this fruit is given with more success than any other medicine; and that one fruit given internally, and another applied to the part, will cure the disease, should there be any stamina remaining in the system. He also says, that if ten pounds of this fruit be steeped for a week in Anula water, taken out and dried, put into a mill, and the oil expressed, and this oil introduced into the nose for 8 days successively, white hair will become black. He writes much more respecting its virtues; but as I have had no experience of them, and cannot vouch for the effect, I forbear to transcribe them.

74 Inderain.--"Cucumis Colocynthus. Wild Gourd. Bitter cucumber. It is said by Thunberg to be rendered so perfectly mild, by being pickled, as to be used as food at the Cape of Good Hope." The fruit of a plant like the small melon, and very bitter; the plant too resembles that of the melon, and in Persian it is called the bitter melon. There are two kinds of this, one I have already described under the head of the preceding article. Both are bitter, powerful, hot, light, and purgative; a cure for Jaundice, useful in bilious and mucous affection, diseases of the spleen, dropsy and fever: they are also vermifuge.

In menstrual suppression the following is said to be effectual.

Of the root of Inderain Soorkh 1 pice weight, pepper 14 grains in number; bruise, and give in water: effectual in two or three days.

Also the following is used by the natives; bitter Toombric seed, Jawakhar, Goor, Mynphill, in equal parts, mixed with the milk of the prickly pear, and formed into a tent; applied to the Os Uteri for 3 days, it will produce fever.

75 Anderjow.--"Nerium Anti-dysentericum, Echites Anti-dysenterica, (Roxb. MS.) Curaya, H. Cutaja, S." A large tree, with leaves like the almond tree; it produces a fruit long and broad, which grow separate from each other. The fruit contains a number of seeds, rather longer than those of the melon, and resembling a bird's tongue. The pulp of the fruit is of a yellowish white, but the seeds are red. Its properties are bitter, pungent, cool, and astringent. It cures flatulence, bile, and fever, is vermifuge, and is useful in piles, and beneficial in that kind of carbuncle the matter of which is infectious: there are two kinds of this, a bitter and a sweet sort: of these, the bitter is to be preferred. In Hemorrhoids, where much blood is discharged, if taken in the quantity of half a tolah daily, in cold water, for eight days, the cure will be accomplished. The bark of the tree, taken in cold water, will remove laxities of the bowels.

76 Anar.--A name for Darim, q. vide. "Punica Granatum."

77 Aunalie.--A name for Shakakool, (Wild Carrot.)

78 Ambaray.--or Ambara, a vegetable used by the poorer classes, resembling Sunn (hemp.) When young, it is hot, heavy, and promotes appetite; it is useful in flatulence, and loosens the belly: when ripe it is sweet and cool, and increases seminal secretion. In the Dunterie it is written, that it is oleaginous and astringent.

79 Ankaloon.--The name of a salt called also Oodoobudh. Vide Loon.

80 Anbertasung.--A name for Sungbusserie.

81 Angud.--The name for Hungoot, q. vide.

82 Anjeer.--Ficus Carica. The Fig. A common fruit. Its virtues are fully pointed out in Persian works. Another variety, called Anjeer Deshtee, (Adam's fig,) Keonberrie. Some writers call the fig hot, others describe it as cool, like the Goolur.

83 Aaont.--The Camel. The flesh is sweet to the taste, and light; it increases the strength of vision and dispels flatulence, kills larvÊ in the stomach, useful in piles, and increases bile and mucus: in P. Shootur.