Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 1).djvu/174

94 poultice. The oil used in dengue fever with great benefit, Used for rubbing on the chest in bronchitis. Action similar to mustard, but less effective.

Syn.:—Sinapis ramosa, Roxb; S. Cuneifolia, Roxb, S. rugosa, Roxb. 498 and 499.

Sans.:—Râjika (Kumaon.)

Vern.:—Râi, Sarson, Sarson-lahi, gohna-sarson, bari-râi, barlai, badshai-râi, Khas-râi (H); Râi sarisha, (B); Asur (Kashmir); Râi (Guz.); Mohari; râyî (Mar.).

Habitat:—Cultivated in India.

A tall, erect, branching annual, rarely glaucous, or hispid at the base only, Stem 3-6 ft., much-branched. Lower leaves petioled, sometimes pinnatifid, upper large, lanceolate, toothed, subsessile. Terminal lobe much the largest. Blade of the basal leaves 6-8 by 2-4 in., toothed; upper leaves 2-2½ in., entire. Flowers bright yellow; sepals spreading ½ in : diam. Pods 2¼-2½ in. including the beak, linear-lanceolate; beak narrowly-conical, ½ in.; valves with a prominent mid-rib, Seeds small, dark rugose, globose, about 40 in a pod.

Parts used:—The seeds.

Uses:—"The seeds commonly met with in the bazaars of India, which, from their colour, may be denominated Brown Mustard Seed, possess properties similar to those of the black and white mustard seed, for which they may be employed as an efficient substitute, especially in the preparation of mustard poultices." (Pharm. of Ind.)

"Externally used in internal congestions, in spasmodic, neuralgic, and rheumatic affections, and in morbid states of the cerebro-spinal system, as an emetic. Taken internally, it acts as a digestive." (Bombay Pharmacopœia Committee).

Eng.:—The rocket.

Vern.:—Safed-sarsu (Bombay).