solution, containing chiefly potash salt, which is used in curries, especially as a cure for acidity, and anti-scorbutic, and where common salt is scarce, this is used by the people for seasoning their curries." (C. T. Peters, M. B., Zandra, South Afghanistan.) " I have known a diet of green plantain well boiled, and curds (dahi), sweetened with sugar or seasoned with salt according to taste, to be of singular benefit, in cases of dysentery and diarrhœa. (2) Ripe plantain, well beaten up with pulp of old tamarind and sweetened with old treacle or sugar-candy, is a household remedy among the natives of Bengal for dysentery, at the commencement of the attack. (3) Flour, made out of green plantain, dried in the sun, is used in the form of chappatis in certain parts of Tirhoot in cases of dyspepsia with trouble-some flatulence and acidity. I have known one case in which it agreed remarkably well when even a diet of plain sago and water brought on a severe attack of colic. The chappatis are taken dry with a little salt." (Assistant-Surgeon N. C. Dutt, Durbhanga.) " A combination of ripe plantain, tamarind, and common salt is most efficacious in dysentery. I have used it in many cases both of the acute and chronic forms of the disease, and seldom failed to effect a cure. It may, in fact, be said to be a specific. It is simple, easily procurable, and may safely be
administered to a child. In simple cases, a single dose is sufficient, as a rule, three or four doses are required to effect a cure. The patient should be kept quiet and placed on low diet The dose for an adult is, — ripe plantain one ounce, the pulp of ripe tamarind half an ounce, common salt quarter of an ounce ; well mixed and administered immediately. It may be given two or three times a day." (R. A. Parker, M. D.) " The juice of the tender roots contains a large quantity of tannin and is used with mucilage for checking hemorrhages from the genital and air passages. The ashes, produced by burning the plant, contain a large amount of potash salts, and are used as an antacid in acidity, heart-burn, and colic. The tender fruit is used as a diet for patients suffering from hemoptysis and diabetes." (J. H. Thornton, B.A., M.B., Monghyr. ) " The juice of the bark and leaf is frequently given to children suffering
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INDIAN MEDICINAL PLANTS.
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