5 Anula. (nasal N.)--Or Amle, (Phyllanthus emblica, W. Murray IV. 127,
Myrobolans.) The fruit round, like a plum. The tree like that of the
tamarind, of a pleasant acid, and sweetish astringent taste. It is
aperient, cooling, and drying; of great use in eruptions of the skin,
arising from a redundance of bile. Other virtues ascribed to this
fruit may be found in all Yunani works. It is also called Bidjee and
Dhatri Phill, used by the natives for cleansing the hair.
6 Aru.--A variety of plum, much resembling the common sort, both in
the tree and fruit; it however possesses more acidity, and is less
easy of digestion.
7 Abi.--Pyrus Cidonia. The Quince; slightly astringent, and cool in
a great degree; heavy and difficult of digestion, yet it is gently
laxative and expectorant, and is recommended for strengthening the
powers of virility. In Arabic Siffirjill, Persian Behi.
8 Aak.--Arug, Mudar, Asclepias gigantea. A milky shrub, very common
all over India; its pod resembles a mangoe, but rather longer in
proportion: when ripe it breaks, and is found filled with a white
substance, resembling silk, to which the seeds are fixed. The leaves
of the plant resemble the Dak, but are somewhat smaller: its height is
generally from 1 to 1 1/2 yard; when its leaves or stalk are broken,
a white milky liquid exudes. There are two kinds, white and red;
both are purgatives, violently so. It is said to be beneficial in
the following disorders. Foulness of the blood, bilious affections,
Juzam, Psora, ZÊrbad, boils, cuticular eruptions, diseases of the
liver, visceral obstructions, hÊmorrhoids, all internal diseases,
dropsy and worms.
("Many and wonderful virtues are ascribed to this plant; but I must
refer those who have faith in charms to the original Taleef Shereef,
when their curiosity will be amply gratified." Translator.)
All the above virtues have been ascribed to this plant; my opinion
is, that the application of the leaves is useful in swellings,
promotes suppuration in indolent tumors, and cures eruptions on the
skin. The milk blisters, and if applied to the eye, it produces
swelling, itchiness, and loss of vision. The powder of the root,
mixed with goat's blood and fresh butter, and applied to the eye,
is said materially to strengthen vision. In other works it is said,
that the milk of every variety of this plant is poisonous, and
violently cathartic.
9 Aal.--Vide Mujeet, Rubia, Madder, a wood used for dyeing a red
color, and forming a principal article of commerce in some parts of
India. In the "Dhara Shakoi" it is called Mujeet, but I suspect that
they are different plants, as the Mujeet is thin, and of a fine red
color; whereas the Aal is blackish, with a tinge of yellow, though
not thicker than the other.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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