Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 1).djvu/708

628 Use :— The fruit or seed is said to be stomachic. The roots are a valuable remedy in the cure of itch (Murray). In Kashmir, the fruit is used in decoction to cure the rot in sheep. The plant is considered heating. In Bombay, the hakims 'use the fruit as stimulant and carminative. It is said to promote expulsion of the fœtus (Dymock). It also possesses diuretic properties (Lindley).

The roots are used as diuretic and emmenagogue by some hakims (Dr. Emerson).

Habitat : —From Kashmir to Simla ; also in the Dhaula Dhar Range, above the Kangra Valley.

Vern. : — Chora or Churâ (Pb.).

Herbs usually tall, glabrous, 4-12ft. Leaves 1-2-3-pinnate, pinnæ toothed, usually large. Bracts several, 1in., linear ; bracteoles many, ¼in. Umbels compound, rays often 20-30, 1-3in. ; equal; pedicels hardly half as long as the fruit. Calyx- teeth obsolete ; petals obovate, emarginate, white or lurid- purple. Fruit ½ by ¼in., sub-quadrate; dorsal and intermediate ridges approximate, rounded, somewhat corky; furrows 1-vittate ; commissure 2-4 vittate ; carpels plane on the inner face. Seedless than 1/16in. wide, but about twice as wide as thick, almost grooved on the inner face.

Use : — Not used in native practice ; but formerly used in Europe, and especially in France, as a cordial and stimulant remedy, in the cure of flatulence and dyspepsia, Also used in obstinate constipation, and in bilious complaints.

Syn. :— Narthex Asafœtida, Fale. F. Asafœtida, Linn.

Vern. : — Hîng (Beng. and Hind.); Hiltit (Arab.); Angoza (Pers.) ; Hingu (Sans.) ; Anghuzeh-i-lari (Pers.) ; Perungyam (Tam.) ; Inguva (Tel.) ; Hinga (Bom.)

Habitat: — Kashmir.

Perennial herbs. Stems 5-8ft. Leaves pubescent, at least