CANNABIS SATIVA, Lmn. INDIAN HEMP.
(Rheede, Hort. Mal., vol. x. t. 60, 61.)
Habitat.--Persia, extending to Western Himalaya ; extensively cultivated.
Officinal Part.--The dried flowering tops of the female plant grown in India, from which the resin has not been removed (Indian Hemp, Gunjah, Hind.) Characters:-- Tops consisting of one or more alternate branches, bearing the remains of the flowers and smaller leaves and a few ripe fruits, pressed together in masses which are about two inches long, harsh, of a dusky-green colour, and a characteristic odour. Active principle, a bitterish acrid resin (Churrus, Hind.)
Properties.--Primarily stimulant; secondarily anodyne, sedative, and antispasmodic. Narcotic, diuretic, and parturifacient properties have been assigned to it ; but these require confirmation. (65)
Therapeutic Uses.--In tetanus, hydrophobia, delirium tremens, ebrietas, infantile convulsions, various forms of neuralgia and other nervous affections, its use has been attended with benefit. Amongst other diseases in which it has been employed are cholera, menorrhagia, and uterine hæmorrhage, rhuematism, hay fever, asthma, cardiac functional derangement, and skin diseases attended with much pain and pruritus. It has likewise been employed in lingering and protracted labours depending upon atony of the uterus, with the view of inducing uterine contractions.
Preparations.--Extract of Indian Hemp (Extractum Cannabis Indicæ). Take of Indian Hemp, in coarse powder, one pound ; Rectified Spirit, four pints. Macerate the hemp in the spirit for seven days, and press out the tincture. Distil off the greater part of the spirit, and evaporate what remains by a waterbath to the consistence of a soft extract.
Dose.--From half a grain to two grains or more.
Tincture of Indian Hemp (Tinctura Cannabis Indicæ). Take of Extract of Indian Hemp, one ounce ; Rectified Spirit, one pint. Dissolve the extract of hemp in the spirit.
Dose.--From five to twenty minims, repeated according to the effects produced.
[The three principal forms in which Indian Hemp is met with in India are,--1, Gunjah, the dried flowering plant from which the resin has not been removed; 2, Churrus, the resinous exudation from the leaves, stems, and flowers; and, 3, Bang, Subjee, or Sidhee, the larger leaves and capsules without the stalks. In addition to these is Majoon, a compound of bang, butter, sugar, flour, and milk. A careful chemical examination of Indian hemp and its preparations is a desideratum.]
