304. _In Dysentery and Diarrhœa_ they have been long held in well-deserved repute when given, as advised by the late Mr. Twining, of Calcutta. "_In the Chronic Diarrhœa of Europeans_, who have been long resident in India, benefit [he remarks] often follows the use of demulcents followed by mild tonics. For this purpose the Ispaghúl seeds seem to answer better than any other remedy. The dose for an adult is 2½ drachms mixed with half a drachm of powdered sugar candy. The seeds are exhibited whole, and in their passage through the intestines they absorb as much fluid as makes them swell, and by the time they reach the central or lower portions of the canal, they give out a bland mucilage, and in general they continue to possess the same mucilaginous properties until they have passed through the intestines. If the frequency of the dejections be restrained by anodyne enema, and by using only a small quantity of food, the mucilaginous properties of these seeds are most evident. It is said that a slight degree of astringency and some tonic property may be imparted to the seeds by exposing them to a moderate degree of heat, so that they shall be dried and slightly browned. This remedy sometimes cures the protracted diarrhœa of European and Native children after many other remedies have failed." 305. _In many affections of the Kidneys and Bladder, in Gonorrhœa_, &c. attended with pain, local irritation and scalding or difficulty in passing urine, the following decoction is likely to prove serviceable: Take of Ispaghúl Seeds bruised, 2 drachms; Water a pint; boil for ten minutes in a covered vessel, and strain. Of this the dose is from 2 to 4 ounces, three or four times daily or oftener. 306. +The Plantain or Banana Tree.+ Musa sapientum, _Linn._ Kélah-ká-pér (_Hind._), Mouz-ká-jhár (_Duk._), Kéla-gáchh (_Beng._), Kadali (_Tam._), Kadali, Arati-chettu (_Tel._), Vázha-marum (_Mal._), Bálegida (_Can._), Kéla-jháda (_Mah._), Kéla-nu-jháda (_Guz._), Kehal-gahá (_Cing._), Napiyá-bin (_Burm._). 307. The Plantain, or Banana-tree, is extensively cultivated throughout the tropical portion of both hemispheres for the sake of its fruit, which forms a valuable article of diet, and in the dried state is of no mean value as an anti-scorbutic (See Art. _Scurvy_ in _Index_). It is mentioned in this place chiefly on account of its leaves, which, when young and tender, are of a beautifully fine texture, and may be utilised with great advantage in medical and surgical practice.