other astringents and rock-salt. He recommends this mixture as a remedy for pterygium and opacities of the cornea" (Dr. Dymock, Mat Med., W. Ind., 187). U. C. Dutt informs us that the ancient Hindus used the gum as an external astringent only.
The seeds internally are administered as an anthelmintic, but regarding the reliance which can be put upon their action considerable difference of opinion prevails. Some medical men think that they can be advantageously substituted for santonine, while others view them as much less powerful. They have at the same time a warm purgative action which often proves injurious to their anthelmintic property. They are, however, largely used in the treatment of round-worm. The following extract from Dr. Waring's Bazaar Medicines will be found to give the leading facts regarding these seeds : Butea seeds are thin, flat, oval or kidney-shaped, of a mahogany-brown colour, 1¼ to 1¾ inches in length, almost devoid of taste and smell. European experience has confirmed the high opinion held by the Mohamedan doctors as to their power in expelling lumbrici or round-worms, so common amongst the Natives of India. The seeds should be first soaked in water and the testa or shell carefully removed ; the kernel should then be dried and reduced to powder. Of this the dose is 20 grains thrice daily for three successive days, followed on the fourth day by a dose of castor-oil. Under the use of this remedy, thus administered in the practice of Dr. Oswald, 125 lumbrici in one instance, and between 70 and 80 in another, were expelled. It has the disadvantage of occasionally purging when its vermifuge properties are not apparent : in some instances also it has been found to excite vomiting and to irritate the kidneys, and though these ill effects do not ordinarily follow, yet they indicate caution in its employment." (Bazaar Medicines, Waring, pp. 31-32). In the Bhâvaprakâsa, the use of the seeds of the palâsa as an aperient and anthelmintic is noticed ; and they are directed to be beaten into a paste with honey for administration. Sarangadhara also recommends them as anthelmintic (Dr. Dymock). Externally, the seeds, when pounded with lemon-juice and applied to the skin, act
