Uses.--The decoction of the leaves is used in the Philippines as an
expectorant. The plant is official in the Pharmacopoeia of India as
an emetic and in small doses is nauseant and diaphoretic. As an emetic
the dose of the fresh juice of the root is 8-16 grams every 10 minutes
till vomiting occurs. Dr. W. O'Shaughnessy, writing from Bengal, states
that this is the only indigenous and abundant emetic plant of which
he has experience, which acts without producing griping, purging, or
other unpleasant symptoms. In a communication to Dr. Waring he remarks
that it is a good emetic and diaphoretic whenever ipecacuanha is not
at hand but that it should be regarded not so much as a substitute
for that article as a resource in case of need.
The leaf juice is used in India to drop into the ears for disease of
these organs.
One of the infinite remedies used by the Filipinos under the name
of "contrapoisons," without specifying or knowing what poison,
is the powdered root of _Crinum_, given internally with a little
water. They also use the leaves locally for the itch, bruising them
and rubbing the affected parts energetically with them. I may note
here in passing, what I have written before: that the Filipinos have
from time immemorial been familiar with the sarcopt of scabies (Kahaw)
which they pick out with a needle or spine of some fish or vegetable.
Botanical Description.--A plant with globose, scaly root. Leaves
keeled or ridged. Flowers white, on a flattened stalk, on a spathe
of 2 leaflets and several dry threads enclosing 4 flowerets. Corolla
funnel-form, tube long and triangular; limb cut in 6 horizontal
lanceolate lobes. Stamens 6, shorter than corolla. Anthers long. Stigma
with 3 points. Seed vessel inferior, 3-celled, each cell containing
a seed.
_Habitat._--Very common on the seashore and in groves of mangrove
trees. Blooms in July.
LILIACEÆ.
Lily Family.
_Aloes Barbadensis_, Mill. (_A. humilis_, Blanco; _A. vera_, L.;
_A. vulgaris_, Banck.; _A. Indica_, Royl.)
Nom. Vulg.--_Sabila_, Tag.; _Dilang boaya_, Vis.; _Aloes_, Eng.
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