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Rh The powder of the root is considered stomachic, and that the bark ground and mixed with whey, is a valuable remedy for piles (Rheede).

Dr. Horsfield reports that in Java it is considered as a useful diuretic.

The author of the Makhzan speaks of it as a powerful tonic, deobstruent and alterative, and observes that the odour of the plant may be perceived in the urine and perspiration of those who are taking it. The administration of the drug is recommended in bilious affections, and for the dispersion of various kinds of tumors. He also informs us that the Hindus use the bark, and make a kind of confection of the young plant by rubbing it up with clarified butter, flour and sugar ; a portion of this taken daily is said to be a good tonic, and to prevent the hair turning white or falling off. An oil, prepared from the root, by steeping it in water and then boiling in oil of Sesamum until all the water is expelled, taken fasting every morning, for 41 days, in doses of 2 dirhems, is said to be a powerful aphrodisiac (Dymock).

In the Punjab the flowers are highly esteemed as alterative, depurative, cooling and tonic. (Stewart.)

Vern. : — Kaat-plaster (Nilgiris).

Habitat :— Nilgherry Mts. ; alt. 7-8,000ft.

A perennial, wholly clothed with cottony wool, branches very many, crowded on a stout woody stock, some very short, densely leafy, flowerless, others 4-10in. long and flower- bearing. Leaves 1/6-½in., narrowly linear, those on the flowerless branches and base of the flowering parts most dense, spreading and reflexed, on the upper part of the flowering branches erect, all acute with recurved margins, heads 1/6-¼in. diam. sessile, most densely crowded or solitary or in corymbose clusters ; margins of leaves revolute. Involucre-bracts. 1/6 in.,