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Rh fruit is described as astringent, and is used in combination with beta and other medicines in diarrhœa and dysentery. The ripe fruit is said to be useful in hiccup and affections of the throat. The leaves are aromatic and carminative" (U. C. Dutt).

In Mahomedan medical works the leaves are described as astringent, the fruit as " cold and dry, refreshing, astringent, cordial, and tonic, a useful remedy in salivation and sore throat, strengthening the gums and acting as an astringent. Sherbet made from the fruit increases the appetite, and has alexipharmic properties. The pulp, applied externally, is a remedy for the bites of venomous insects ; if not obtainable, the powdered rind may be used" (Dymock.)

Is sometimes used to adulterate Bael fruit.

" The leaves are aromatic and carminative, and have the odour of anise ; prescribed by native practitioners in the indigestions and slight bowel affections of children" (Ainslie.)

" The bark is said to be sometimes prescribed for biliousness" (Watt).

Sans. : — Bilva.

Vern :-- Bel, sriphal (H.) ; Bel (B.) ; Bil, bel (Mar. & Guz.) ; Bila, katori (Sind.); Lohagasi (Kol.) ; Awretpang (Magh.); Vilva-pazham, Vilvam Tamil ; (Sinhalese) ; Beli (Tam.) ; Maredu, maluramu, bilva-pandu, patir (Tel.) ; Maika, mahaka (Gond.) ; Kúvalap-pazham (Mal.) ; Bilapatri (Kan.)

Habitat: — Sub-Himalayan forests, from the Jhelum eastward, Central and South India. Ceylon (cultivated.)

A large or middle-sized tree, deciduous, glabrous, armed with axillary, straight, sharp, spines lin. long. Branches spiny. " Bark, ½in. thick, outer substance soft, grey, exfoliating in irregular flakes. Wood yellowish white, or greyish-white, hard, with a strong aromatic scent when fresh cut; no heartwood.