Parts used:—The tubers; flowers; seeds and root.
Uses:—The tubers of this plant are highly esteemed as a medicine for uterine diseases, colic, bilious obstructions, dropsy, epilepsy, convulsions and hysteria. Ud sálap is generally given to children as a blood-purifier. It was a common belief in ancient times, and it is so even now among the peasantry of Europe, that pæony root, if worn by children round their necks, has the power of preventing epileptic attacks. If taken in full doses (60 grains), the drug produces headache, noise in the ears, confused vision and vomiting. (Dymock.) The infusion of the dried flowers is highly valued as a remedy for diarrhœa. Seeds are emetic and cathartic. (Watt).
According to Dr. Bellew, the root is in Booner, given to cattle to render them prolific; and in combination with other drugs, as the bruised leaves of Melia, is a favourite remedy for bruises, sprains, etc.
N. O. DILLENIACEÆ.
29. Dillenia indica, Linn. h.f.br.i., I. 36 ; Roxb. 451.
Sanskrit:—Bhavya.
Vevn.:—Chálta, (Hind.); Cháltá, hargesa (Beng.); Korkot (Santal); Chilta (Monghyr); Panpui (Garo); Chalita otengah, (Assam); Rai, oao (Uriya); Ramphal (Nepal); Phamsikol (Lepcha); Thapru, chauralesia (Mag.); Mothe karamala, mothá karmel, karambel (Bomb.); Motá karmal, karmbel (Mar.); Uva (Tam.); Uva, pedda, kalinga (kalinga, Elliot) (Tel.); Bettakanagala, kaddkanagula (Kan.); Syalita (Malay.); Hondapara, Wampara (Sinhalese).
Habitat:—Tropical forests in the Western Peninsula, Behar and Ceylon, and the Himalaya, from Nepal to Assam. Commonly cultivated at Dehra and Saharanpur. Eastern Peninsula, from Sylhet to Singapore. Malay Peninsula and the Islands.
A very handsome tree with fine foliage; moderate-sized, round-headed. Bark cinnamon-brown. Leaves closely placed,
