Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 2).djvu/648

Hab. — In all seas.

Root of clasping fibres ; stem 1 inch to a foot in length. Frond 1-10 feet in length ; 1-16 inches in breadth, occasionally bullated or rugose, cartilaginous or leathery. — Harvey.

As an article of commerce this weed is said to find its way from the Caspian into India. In Thibet it is said by Honig-berger to grow in a salt lake. When dried in the sun it exudes a whitish substance resembling Manna, hence called " Mannite," — which Dr. Stenhouse, in his analysis of various weeds, found in the greatest abundance in this species. Medicinally this weed is employed in Sind for the cure of scrofulous affections. In syphilitic eruptions it is a favorite remedy, exhibited in the form of a syrup in conjunction with a decoction of Quince seeds {Semina cydonia vulgaris). In the manufacture of kelp and iodine the Laminarias are much valued. (Murray.)

Hab. — Himalaya, Persia.

Sansk. — Silâ Valkâ (rock-bark).

Vern. — Charéla, Charcharéla, Pathar-ke-phúl, Silá-bák (Hind.), Motha-dagada-phúl, Bárik-dagada-phúl (Mar.), Ghabilo, Chadila (Guz.), Kalpasi, Kalapu (Tam.), Ratipanché (Tel.)

Hab. — India, Europe, Africa.

Uses : — In Persia these lichens are known as Ushnab and Dowálah. The author of the Makhzan-el Adwiya states that Ushnah grows upon the oak, cypress, and other trees ; that which is whitest should be preferred ; it should have an agreeable odour. He describes it as astringent, resolvent, and aperient, and says that the decoction is used as a tonic and alterative ; when burnt, the smoke relieves headache, the powder is a good cephalic snuff. Externally the drug has emollient and nstringent properties, and may be used in a bath or as a poultice, &c. The dry powder is applied to wounds and sores to promote granulation. Honigberger mentions the use of the drug at Lahore in disorders