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bronchitis, two of which were capillary ; also in three cases of whooping cough. It was tried in phthisis, but no definitely satisfactory results were obtained. A tumblerful of the decoction was given three times a day." (Pharmacog. Ind., Vol. III. p. 149.)
1056. P. plebejum, Br., Var. indiea, h.f.b.i., v. 27.
Vern. : — Rânîphûl (Santal).
Common in central and S. India, also in the Bombay Presidency.
Branches uniformly spreading all round from the crown and leafy, internodes short. Leaves ¼-½ in. long, linear or obovate-oblong, flat, obtuse or apiculate ; stipules very short. Flowers crowded in the axils, pedicels shorter than the perianth or none. Sepals broad, 2 outer acute. Nutlets 1/14 in. (Duthie.)
Use : — The root is given for bowel complaints (Campbell).
1057. P. vlviparum, Linn., h.f.b.i., v. 31.
Syn. :— P. bistorta, Linn.
Vern.:— Maslûn, bîlaurî, anjabar (Pb.).
Habitat : —Alpine and Sub-alpine Himalaya, from Kashmir to Sikkim, etc.
A perennial, glandular herb. Stem solitary, 4-12in., slender simple, erect, from a woody root-stock as thick as the thumb or less. Root leaves long-petioled, linear or linear-oblong, acute, obtuse or cordate ; l-6in., coriaceous, sometimes pubescent, or even tomentose beneath. Cauline leaves sessile, erect. Spikes l-4in. long, solitary, erect, slender. Bracts ovate, acuminate. Perianth very variable in size. Flowers suberect, pink, the lower re-placed by bulbils. Stamens included or exserted. Styles filiform, slender, free and included or greatly lengthened and connate below. Nut very small, trigonous, or biconvex.
Uses : — The root is a useful astringent and said to be applied to abscesses ; a decoction may be used in gleet and leucorrhœa as an injection ; makes an excellent gargle in relaxed sore-throat and spongy gums, and an excellent lotion for ulcers. Mixed with Gentian, it is given in intermittent fevers ; also useful in passive hæmorrhage and diarrhœa (Dr. Stewart).