The Medicinal Plants Of The Philippines - free ebook by T. H. (Trinidad Hermenegildo) Pardo de Tavera

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Medicinal Plants of the Philippine Archipelago...

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The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines

Copyright, 1901, by P. Blakiston’s Son &amp; Co. This translation was undertaken with the especial object of facilitating the study of the native medicinal plants by the numerous medical officers stationed at small posts throughout the Philippines. In order to aid in the recognition of these plants, the botanical descriptions have been revised to the extent of adding, where possible, the size and shape of the plant, English name, length of leaves, color of flowers, etc., in many instances su

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Translator’s Preface.

Commissioned by His Majesty’s Government to study the medicinal plants of my native country, I returned there and spent two years in collecting data regarding the use that the Filipinos make of their plants in the treatment of disease. At the same time I collected and carefully preserved some with the purpose of taking them to Europe, to study their chemical composition in the laboratories of Paris under the direction of the eminent men who had been my instructors in medicine. The work I did in

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Preface.

Some physicians regard with small favor the therapeutic application of plants by the Filipino “herb-doctors” ( curanderos ) as being entirely empirical. This disparagement is unjustified because in all the most rational and scientific remedies that we make use of, the first step towards the final development of their relative position among remedies is due to empiricism which is founded on daily experience, on observation of results obtained in specific cases, facts that are handed down from fat

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Abbreviations.

Tetracera macrophylla, Vall. ( T. monocarpa , T. sarmentosa , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Malakatmón , Tag. Uses. —The wood of malakatmón is one of the best known and popular drugs of the Binondo 1 market place. It is used as an infusion internally in the hæmoptysis of consumptives, and externally in the treatment of sore throat, its action being due to the large amount of tannin it contains. It is also employed in Malabar in the form of an infusion of the leaves of the species, T. Rheedi , to treat s

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Dilleniaceæ.

Botanical Description. —A shrub with leaves alternate, oval, serrate, finely dentate with very short and stiff hairs. Flowers of a strong, rather agreeable odor, axillary, in panicles. Calyx, 4 sepals. Corolla, 4 petals. Stamens indefinite, expanding at the upper end and bearing 2 anthers. Carpels 3, with ovules indefinite in two series. Seeds with red arils. Habitat. —In the vicinity of Manila. Blooms in July....

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Magnoliaceæ

Magnolia Family. Illicium anisatum, L. Nom. Vulg. — Anis estrellado , Badiana , Sp.; Sag̃ki , Tag.; Star Anise , Eng. Uses. —Although this plant does not grow in the Philippines, the use of its fruit is so common there that it demands a place in this work. It is employed chiefly as a condiment in the preparation of food, and its essential oil is used to prepare the native “anise cordial” by mixing it with alcohol obtained from the palm or from sugar cane. The decoction of the fruit is given afte

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Anonaceæ.

Custard-Apple Family. Artabotrys odoratissimus , R. Br. ( A. hamatus , Bl.; Uvaria Sinensis and Unona uncinata , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Ilag̃-ilag̃ de China , Sp.-Fil.; Alag̃-ilag̃ Son-son , Tag. Uses. —A decoction of the leaves of this species is used to treat cholera in some of the islands of the Malay group; in the island of Java they use for the same purpose a decoction of the leaves of the species A. suaveolens , Bl., which is commonly called Susog̃ Damulog in the Pampanga dialect. The activ

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Menispermaceæ.

Moonseed Family. Tinospora crispa , Miers. ( Menispermum crispum , L.; M. rimosum , Blanco; Cocculus crispus , DC.) Nom. Vulg. — Makabuhay , Tag. Uses. —Makabuhay is one of the most widely known and used plants in the Philippines; a sort of panacea applied to all bodily afflictions. Its Tagalo name means literally “you may live.” A shoot deprived of roots and dropped in some moist place is soon covered with bright green leaves and adventitious roots. This peculiarity of the plant made it possibl

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Nymphæaceæ.

Water-Lily Family. Nymphæa Lotus , L. Nom. Vulg. — Lawas , Talaylo , Tunas , Gaway-gaway , Tag., Vis., Pam.; Water Lily , Eng. Uses. —The anaphrodisiac virtues attributed to this plant and to all the water-lily family are purely imaginary. Its juice being slightly bitter and astringent is used in decoction as an injection in gonorrhœa. It possesses mild narcotic properties, for which some use the juice of the whole plant, rubbing the forehead and temples with it to produce sleep. Botanical Descr

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Papaveraceæ.

Poppy Family. Argemone Mexicana , L. Nom. Vulg. — Kasubhag̃-āso , Iloc. Uses. —Padre Blanco says that the yellow juice of this plant “is used by the natives (Filipinos) to treat fissures of the corners of the eyes.” The negros of Senegal use the decoction of the root to cure gonorrhœa. The milky juice to which Blanco refers is used in different countries to treat various skin diseases, including the cutaneous manifestations of syphilis and leprosy; to remove warts, and as an eye wash in catarrha

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Cruciferæ.

Mustard Family. Brassica juncea , Hook. &amp; Thom. ( Sinapis juncea , L.) Nom. Vulg. — Mostaza , Sp.; Mustard , Eng. Uses. —The seeds are used in the same way as those of white or black mustard ( Sinapis alba and S. nigra , L.). Botanical Description. —Plant with a glabrous stem, leaves sessile, glabrous, lanceolate, the upper ones serrate, the lower ones almost entire. Flowers in racemes. Calyx, 4 sepals. Corolla, 4 rounded, unguiculate petals. Stamens 6, two of them short and the other fo

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Capparidaceæ.

Caper Family. Cleome viscosa , L. ( C. icosandra , L.; Polanisia viscosa , DC.) Nom. Vulg. — Balabalanoyan , Apoyapoyan , Tag.; Wild Mustard , Eng. Uses. —The seeds possess the same properties as those of mustard and are used in place of the latter in Manila. In America the leaves are used as a poultice in otitis, their action being rubefacient. In India the seeds are given internally for their anthelmintic and carminative effect; the dose is one teaspoonful twice a day. The juice of the leaves

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Bixineæ.

Bixa Orellana , L. Nom. Vulg. — Atsuiti , Achuiti , Tag.; Achiote , Achuete , Sp.-Fil.; Annatto , Eng. Uses. —The principal use of the seeds is in cookery and everybody knows the yellow color which Filipino cooks impart to almost all their dishes. In medicine the fine powder that covers the seeds is used as a hæmostatic and internally as a stomachic. On account of the astringent qualities of the coloring matter it is used in some countries to treat dysentery, a fact which suggests its possible t

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Portulacaceæ.

Purslane Family. Portulaca oleracea , L. Nom. Vulg. — Verdolagas , Sp.; Olasiman , Kolasiman , Tag.; Purslane , Eng. Uses. —The entire plant is edible, in the form of a salad or as a condiment with meat or fish. The leaves are succulent and acid, and the juice expressed from them is used as an eyewash to remove corneal opacities; it is also used in superficial erysipelas and other skin affections. The bruised leaves are used as a poultice for abscesses, contusions and on the temples for headache

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Guttiferæ.

Gamboge Family. Garcinia mangostana , L. Nom. Vulg. — Mangostán , Sp.; Mangosteen , Eng. Uses. —The seed of the fruit is astringent and is given internally as an infusion in dysentery and chronic diarrhœa. The decoction is very useful as an injection in leucorrhœa. The following potion has given excellent results to Dr. Ed. J. Waring in chronic dysentery and the diarrhœas of tropical countries: Boil till reduced to 600 grams. Take 120 grams twice a day. Tincture of opium may be added. An analysi

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Dipterocarpeæ.

Dose. —6–12 large spoonfuls each day, for the declining stage of gonorrhœa. In Burmah they extract the balsam by the following method: A large hole is cut in the trunk of the tree and a fire is built in this cavity and kept up till the wood of the trunk begins to burn, by which time the oleo resin has collected in abundance in the segments of bamboo placed to receive it. When the exudate diminishes, fire is again placed in the cavity and one tree may tolerate 2, 3 or even 4 of these cavities. Th

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Malvaceæ.

Mallow Family. Sida carpinifolia , L. ( S. acuta , Burm.; S. stipulata , Cav.; S. frutescens , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Wawalisan , Eskobag̃haba , Pamalis , Higot-balato , Mamalis , Tag., Vis., Pam. Uses. —The root is emollient and bitter. The decoction is used as a lotion for ulcers, and internally as a sudorific and tonic-astringent. The physicians of India prescribe the powdered root with milk for fevers and for nervous and urinary diseases. The leaves are used locally in ophthalmia. The juice o

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Sterculiaceæ.

Sterculia Family. Sterculia fœtida , L. ( S. polyphilla , R. Br.; Clompanus major , Rumph.) Nom. Vulg .— Kalumpag̃ , Tag.; Bag̃ar , Iloc. Uses .—A decoction of the leaves is used as a wash in suppurative cutaneous eruptions. The fruit is astringent and is used in Java as an injection for gonorrhœa. In western India and in the Philippines it is an article of diet. The seeds yield an oil that is used for illumination and as a comestible. Botanical Description .—A large tree of the first order with

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Geraniaceæ.

Geranium Family. Oxalis corniculata , L. ( O. Acetosella , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Taig̃an dogá, Susokayoli , Tag.; Darasig , Vis.; Malabalugbug dagis , Ayo , Kongi , Yayo , Pam.; Indian Sorrel , Eng. Uses .—The part of the plant used in medicine is the leaf which is acid by virtue of the potassium oxalate which it contains. The decoction is used internally as an antipyretic in fevers and in dysentery. Mistaking the properties of the plant it is given for vesical calculus which, if composed of oxa

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Rutaceæ.

Rue Family. Ruta graveolens, L. ( L. angustifolia , Pers.) Nom. Vulg .— Rudu , Sp.; Rue , Eng. Uses .—The rue of the European, American and Indian pharmacopœias is emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, excitant, diaphoretic, antiseptic and abortive. It contains an essential oil, and rutinic acid (C 25 H 28 O 15 , Borntrager), starch, gum, etc. The essential oil is greenish-yellow, thick, acrid and bitter; specific gravity 0.911. It boils at 228°, is slightly soluble in water, and soluble in

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Simarubaceæ.

The bitter principle contained in the root, wood and bark was discovered by Blunse who named it samaderin ; it is a white, crystalline, foliaceous substance, more soluble in water than in alcohol, fusible. Nitric and hydrochloric acids color it yellow. Sulphuric acid immediately forms a violet red color which disappears as iridescent, feathery crystals are precipitated. (D. Beaumentz et Egasse.) The Filipino “herb-doctors” concoct an oil of manungal that in reality contains none of the ingredien

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Burseraceæ.

Myrrh Family. Garuga pinnata , Roxb. ( G. Madagascarensis , DC.) Nom. Vulg. — Bugo , Tag. Uses. —The fruit is slightly acid and edible. The trunk exudes an abundant gum, of the odor of turpentine, translucent, greenish-yellow, forming small masses slightly soluble in alcohol, soluble in water, with which a mucilage is formed. The juice of the leaves is used for asthma. The sap is used in Bombay to remove opacities of the cornea. There is another species in the Philippines, G. floribunda , Decsne

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Meliaceæ.

Melia Family. Melia Azedarach , L. Nom. Vulg .— Paraiso ( Paradise ), Sp.-Fil.; Pride of India , China Tree , Eng. Uses .—The root was official in the U. S. P., 1880, as an anthelmintic; it is administered in the following form: Boil till reduced one half. Dose .—For a child 1 soup-spoonful every 15 minutes till nausea is produced. In view of the narcotic effects produced by this drug, the foregoing method of administration seems to us imprudent; we prefer to give 30–70 grams of the decoction an

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Celastraceæ.

Staff-Tree Family. Celastrus paniculata , Willd. ( C. alnifolia , DC.; C. Rothiana , Roem.; Diosma serrata , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Bilogo , Tag. Uses .—I am not acquainted with the medicinal uses of this plant in the Philippines. In India, by means of a primitive system of distillation, they extract from the seeds a dark-colored oil of empyreumatic odor, which under the name of Oleum nigrum was once proclaimed by Dr. Herklots as the sovereign remedy for beriberi. This oil in doses of 10–15 drops

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Rhamnaceæ.

Buckthorn Family. Zizyphus Jujuba, Lam. ( Rhamnus Jujuba , L. &amp; Blanco; Z. Mauritania , Wall.) Nom. Vulg. — Manzanitas , Sp.-Fil.; Jujube Fruit , Eng. Uses. —The small fruit known commonly as manzanitas has an agreeable taste, although ordinarily offered for sale before they are quite ripe. They are among the most popular dainties at the fairs and festivals in the provinces of Manila and are the only part of the plant used in medicine. They possess emollient qualities and are official in

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Anacardiaceæ.

Cashew Family. Mangifera Indica , L. Nom. Vulg. — Manga. Uses. —The dried and pulverized kernel of the seed is used as an anthelmintic in doses of 1½–2 grams both in India and Brazil. The same preparation is used in the Philippines in the treatment of dysentery and diarrhœa and its effect is doubtless due to the large quantity of tannin it contains. It is administered as follows: The pounded kernels of 20–25 seeds are brought to a boil in 2 bottles (sic) of water. When the liquid has evaporated

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Moringeæ.

Moringa pterygosperma , Gaertn. ( M. oleifera , Lamk.; M. poligona , DC.; Guilandina Moringa , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Malug̃ay , Kamalug̃ay , Kalug̃ay , Tag.; Dool , Malug̃it , Vis. and Pam.; Horse Radish Tree , Indo-Eng. Uses .—The root is vesicant and the Filipinos bruise it and use it for sinapisms. I have often observed, however, that it is quite painful used in this way. Dr. Waitz states that it is a good plan to add a few drops of the root juice to mustard sinapisms, a proceeding which seem

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Leguminosæ. (Papilionaceæ.)

Pulse Family. Agati grandiflora , Desv. ( Sesbania grandiflora , Pers.) Nom. Vulg .— Katuray , Tag. Uses .—The flowers are edible. They and the leaves are purgative and are given in decoction for this purpose, 30–40 grams to 200 of water. The juice of the flowers is a popular remedy in India, for migraine and coryza. The trunk bark is bitter and tonic. Botanical Description .—A tree, 4–6 meters high, with drooping limbs; leaves long, very narrow, abruptly pinnate; many caducous leaflets, linear,

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Leguminosæ.

Mix and keep in a well-corked flask. Dose. —1–2 grams 3 times a day. In the Philippines the powdered seed is given in affections of the digestive tract, especially in diarrhœa and feeble digestion. The same name of Bonduc is given to the seeds of another species that grows in the Philippines, C. Bonduc , Roxb.; Kamot-Kabag , Bayan-Kambig̃ , Tag. The seeds are identical in chemical composition and therapeutic indication. The two principal substances contained in the seeds are an oil, 24% and a re

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Leguminosæ.

Mimosa Division. Entada scandens , Benth. ( E. Pursœtha , DC. and Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Gogo , Tag.; Bayogo , Balogo , Gohog̃ bakay , Vis. and Pam.; Gilla Nuts , Indo-Eng. Uses. —The use made of the mashed bark of this tree is well known throughout the Philippines. Cut in strips and beaten thoroughly between stones it is sold under the name of “gogo”; it is macerated in water, to which it imparts a reddish color, and forms a substitute for soap. The Filipinos use this preparation for bathing, es

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Crassulaceæ.

Orpine Family. Kalanchoe laciniata , DC. ( Cotyledon laciniata , Roxb.; Bryophyllum serratum , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Siempreviva ( Live-for-ever ), Sp.-Fil.; Katakatakā , Tag. Uses. —The fleshy leaves are beaten up and applied to chronic ulcers and sores on which they exert a stimulant action. Applied to the temples they relieve headache. Ainslie testifies to the good effect of its local use in inflammations and as a wash for ulcers. The juice of the leaves is used in Concan in the treatment of

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Combretaceæ.

Terminalia Catappa , L. ( T. molucana , Lam.; T. mauriciana , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Talisay , Tag.; Almendro , Sp.-Fil.; Talisay , Banilak , Nato , Hitam , Vis.; Kalisay , Pam.; Lugo , Pandan , Iloc.; Indian Almond , Indo-Eng. Uses. —The kernel is edible and has a very agreeable taste. It yields about 50% of a fixed oil, sweet and savory. If left for some time, it deposits an abundance of stearin. It closely resembles oil of sweet almonds for which it, as well as the oil of Pili ( Canarium commu

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Myrtaceæ.

Myrtle Family. Psidium pomiferum , L. ( P. aromaticum and P. pyriferum , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Guayabas , Sp.; Bayabas , Guayabas , Tayabas , Tag., and other dialects; Guava , Eng. Uses. —The green fruit is acid and very astringent. The stage of development when it is best eaten raw, is just before it ripens, for then its acidity has lessened, it is not astringent and does not emit the strong odor, so disagreeable to many, that characterizes the ripe fruit. When fully ripe it is sweet, non-astri

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Melastomaceæ.

Melastoma malabatrichum , L. ( M. obvolutum , Jack.; M. aspera and obvoluta , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Granatis , Tag. Uses. —A decoction of the leaves is of use as an astringent in diarrhœa and dysentery. A decoction of the bark is used as a gargle for aphthæ and catarrhal sore throat, and as a wash for ulcers and the itch. The fruit is edible, resembling slightly the currant; it has doubtless received the name “granatis” on account of its many seeds. Botanical Description .—Small tree, with oppos

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Lythraceæ.

Dr. Bholanauth Bose recommends the internal use of the juice of the leaves as a remedy for chronic diseases of the spleen; this treatment, however, has caused severe pain and is absolutely uncertain in effect. In Concan the juice of the leaves is given mixed with food to animals in heat, for its anaphrodisiac action. The fresh or dried plant is given in decoction mixed with ginger in intermittent fevers. If the ethereal tincture be evaporated a resinous residue remains that has not been studied,

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Onagraceæ.

Evening Primrose Family. Jussiæa suffruticosa , L. ( J. villosa , Lam.; J. erecta , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Malapoko , Tag. Uses .—The entire plant reduced to a pulp and mixed with milk is used in India to treat dysentery. Ainslie states that the decoction is employed as a vermifuge and purgative. Botanical Description .—An herb with square stem, leaves alternate, lanceolate, nearly entire, glabrous. Flowers axillary, yellow, solitary. Calyx of 4–5 lobules. Corolla, 4 lanceolate petals inserted be

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Passifloraceæ.

Passion Flower Family. Carica Papaya , L. Nom. Vulg .— Papaya , in many Phil. dialects; Papaya , Papaw , Eng. Uses .—The decoction of the leaves is used locally in sores and atonic ulcers, followed by a poultice of the boiled and mashed leaves. The natives use the cold infusion of the leaves to wash clothes spotted with blood and the spots disappear rapidly by virtue of the ferment papain which digests the fibrin. The infusion is also very useful as a wash for sores and gangrenous ulcers, modify

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Cucurbitaceæ.

Gourd Family. Trichosanthes palmata , Roxb. ( T. tricuspis , Mig.; T. lucioniana , Bares.) Nom. Vulg. —(?). Uses. —Roxburgh states that the fruit is toxic and sometimes used to kill crows. Dymock states that the leaf is smoked in Bombay as a remedy for asthma. The extremely bitter taste of the fruit and rind induced Sir W. O’Shaughnessy to examine it for tonic and purgative properties; doses as high as 0.20 gram 3 times a day failed to exert a purgative effect. The root is used in veterinary med

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Ficoideæ.

Trianthema monogyna , L. ( T. obcordata , Roxb.; Portulaca toston and axiflora , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Toston , Tag.; Alusiman , Ayam , Vis. Uses. —This plant is edible, the natives eating it boiled, fried or in salad. The root is cathartic and is used powdered. Botanical Description. —A plant with prostrate stems, radiating branches. Leaves ensheathing the stem, opposite, oval, red-bordered, glabrous. Petioles with 2 stipules at the base and 2 small teeth near the middle. Flowers axillary, soli

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Umbelliferæ.

Parsley Family. Hydrocotyle Asiatica , L. Nom. Vulg. — Takip kohol , Takip suso , Tag.; Rabasa , Sp.; Indian Pennywort , Indo-Eng. Uses. —Dr. Daruty, of Mauritius, has published a study of this plant, giving a résumé of its composition, therapeutic uses and physiological action. The writers of antiquity recognized the plant as a powerful alterative, tonic, diuretic, stimulant and vermifuge, especially effective in secondary syphilis and in ulcerative diseases of the skin. Lépine and Boileau used

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Cornaceæ.

Dogwood Family. Alangium Lamarkii , Thwaites. ( A. decapetalum , hexapetalum and tomentosum , Lam.) Nom. Vulg. —(?) Uses. —According to Mooden Sheriff, the root bark is an efficient emetic in doses of 3 grams. In smaller doses it is febrifuge and produces nausea. The bark is extremely bitter; its reputation in the treatment of skin diseases is undeserved. It is a good substitute for ipecac, having given good results in all conditions in which the latter is indicated, with the exception of dysent

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Rubiaceæ.

Botanical Description. —A large tree, with leaves opposite, oval, entire, acute, downy. Petioles long, flat above, with 2 stipules. Flowers axillary, in compound verticillate racemes. Calyx adherent, with 5 promptly deciduous teeth which leave a scar that also disappears. Corolla much longer than the calyx, funnel-form, the limb 5-cleft. Stamens 5, inserted near the middle of the tube. Filaments rudimentary. Anthers 2-celled. Style longer than the corolla. Stigma globose. Seed-vessel rather roug

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Compositæ.

Eupatorium Ayapana , Vent. Nom. Vulg .— Aya-pana , Sp.; Ayapana , Apana , Tag.; Ayapan , Indo-Eng. Uses .—A native plant of Brazil now naturalized and well known in the Philippines and many other tropical countries; it is called by its Brazilian name, Aya-pana, more or less modified. The entire plant is aromatic and its infusion has an agreeable, bitter taste. Its virtues have been much exaggerated, but it is certainly a good stimulant, diaphoretic and tonic. An infusion, 30 grams of the leaves

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Plumbagineæ.

Leadwort Family. Plumbago Zeylanica , L. ( P. viscosa , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Sagdikit , Tag.; Bagbag , Talankaw , Iloc.; White-flowered Leadwort , Eng. Uses. —The root is vesicant and is used by the natives for this purpose. ( P. rosea , L., common in India, is more powerful. The Pharmacopœia of India states that both species are worthy of further investigation.) According to the Sanscrit authors it increases the appetite and is useful in dyspepsia, piles, dropsy, diarrhœa and skin diseases. Th

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Sapotaceæ.

Sapodilla Family. Achras Sapota , L. Nom. Vulg. — Chico , Sp.-Fil.; Tsiku , Tag. Uses. —The chico is one of the popular fruits of the Philippines, much appreciated by Europeans as well as the natives. When not entirely ripe it yields a resinous juice that sticks to the lips and affords a disagreeable taste; but when once thoroughly ripe it has a slightly vinous, sweetish taste and is easily digested. Therapeutically its seeds are used as a diuretic, but large doses should be avoided as they cont

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Oleaceæ.

Olive Family. Jasminum Sambac , Aiton. ( Nyctanthes Sambac , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Sampaga , Tag.; Sampaguitas , Sp.-Fil.; Arabian Jasmin , Eng. Uses. —The flower is the most popular and beloved of any in the Philippines (and is commonly referred to as the national flower). In decoction it is used as an eye-wash in catarrhal conjunctivitis. In India the flowers and the leaves have a merited reputation as a lactifuge; 2 handfuls of flowers bruised and applied without moistening, once or twice a d

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Apocynaceæ.

Dogbane Family. Allamanda cathartica , L. Nom. Vulg. —Not known. Uses. —As this plant has no common name in the Philippines it is most probable that the natives do not use it. The Portuguese introduced it into India from Brazil. A decoction of the leaves is purgative and is used in lead colic. The milky juice of the plant is emetic and cathartic in large doses, but simply laxative when given in doses of 8 or 10 drops. On account of its possible violent cathartic action great prudence should be e

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Asclepiadaceæ.

The milky juice that escapes from the stem on the slightest abrasion is a drastic purgative, given commonly in dropsy, lumbricoids, etc. Pledgets of cotton impregnated with the juice and packed in the cavities of carious teeth, relieve toothache. It is applied locally for various skin diseases, including syphilitic ulcers, and as a depilatory. Some races of India, such as the Rajputs of the districts of Allahab and of Khangor, use this milk-juice to poison their female infants whom they are accu

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Loganiaceæ.

Logania Family. Strychnos Ignatii , Berg. ( S. Philippensis , Blanco; Ignatia amara , L.; Ignatia Philippinea , Lour.) Nom. Vulg. — Pepita Fruta , Sp.-Fil.; Pepita sa katbalog̃an , Kabalog̃an , Tag., Pam.; Pangaguason , Aguason , Kanlara , Mananaog , Dankagi , Katalog̃a , Igasud , Vis.; St. Ignatius Bean , Eng. Uses. —The part of the plant employed is the seed, known in addition to the above common names as Pepita de San Ignacio and Pepita de Cabalonga (for katbolog̃an ). The natives handle it w

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Boraginaceæ.

Borage Family. Ehretia buxifolia , Roxb. ( Carmonea heterophylla , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Mag̃it , Alag̃itg̃it , Tag., Vis. Uses. —The leaves dried in the shade are used in some Visayan towns, in infusion to take the place of tea. The root is used by the Hindoo physicians as an alterative. Dr. R. Ross has employed it for that purpose in a decoction of 60 grams to 500 cc. of water; 60 cc. a day of this preparation gave him good results in secondary and constitutional syphilis. The Mohammedans of I

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Convolvulaceæ.

Convolvulus Family. Ipomœa hederacea , Jacq. ( I. nil , Roth.; Convolvulus nil , L. and Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Bulakan , Tag.; Kala-Danah , Indo-Eng. Uses. —This plant is not used as a medicine by the Filipinos, but is official in the Pharmacopœia of India from which we copy its indications and official preparations. The seed is the part employed, its cathartic properties being much like those of jalap, though less energetic. An excellent substitute for the latter is 2 or 3 grams of kala-danah se

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Solanaceæ.

Nightshade Family. Solanum nigrum , L. Nom. Vulg. — Hierba mora , Sp.; Konty , Onty , Gamagamatisan , Tag.; Lagpakon , Bolagtob , Lubilubi , Vis.; Kuty , Lubilubi , Bic.; Black or Common Nightshade , Eng. Uses. —In the Philippines the entire plant is boiled and used for food, with the precaution of pouring off the first 2 or 3 waters in which it is cooked, which contain an active principle capable of causing such disagreeable symptoms as vertigo and nausea. A decoction of the leaves serves to cl

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Scrophulariaceæ.

Figwort Family. Limnophila menthastrum, Benth. ( Tala odorata , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Tala , Taramhampam , Tag.; Talatala , Pam.; Taratara , Iloc. Uses. —An infusion of the leaves is given as a diuretic and digestive tonic. The plant is aromatic. It is seldom used, but is given for the same troubles and in the same doses as chamomile and Eupatorium Ayapana . Botanical Description. —A plant 1° high, with leaves opposite, lanceolate, ovate, serrate, hairy, many small pits on the lower face. Flower

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Bignoniaceæ.

Bignonia Family. Oroxylum Indicum , Vent. ( Bignonia Indica , L.; B. quadripinnata , Blanco; Colosanthes Indica , Bl.) Nom. Vulg .— Pinkapinkahan , Pinkapinka , Taghilaw , Abag̃abag̃ , Tag.; Abag̃abag̃ , Vis. Uses .—The Hindoos consider the trunk bark an astringent and tonic and use it commonly in diarrhœa and dysentery. In Bombay it has a wide use in veterinary practice as an application for the sore backs of the domestic cattle. Sarangadhara recommends for diarrhœa and dysentery the infusion o

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Pedaliaceæ.

Pedalium Family. Sesamum Indicum , L. Nom. Vulg. — Ajonjoli , Sp.; Lig̃á , Tag.; Log̃á , Vis.; Lag̃is , Pam.; Sesamé , Indo-Eng. ( Benné Oil , Til Oil , Jinjili Oil .) Uses. —The leaves are emollient and in the Philippines, India and the Southern States of North America they are commonly used to make poultices, as a substitute for linseed. The decoction is prescribed internally as an emmenagogue and demulcent and externally as a lotion. It has the reputation of stimulating the growth of the hair

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Acanthaceæ.

Acanthus Family. Acanthus ilicifolius, L. Nom. Vulg. — Diliwariw , Dolo-ariw , Tig̃log , Lagiwlagiw , Tag.; Titiw , Vis.; Dulawari , Pam. Uses. —We are not familiar with the medicinal uses of this plant in the Philippines, but believe that its sole use is in the soap-making industry; the ash of the plant is rich in soda and potash salts and lye is prepared from it. In Goa the leaves, rich in mucilage, are used locally in fomentations for rheumatism and neuralgia. Rheede mentions as useful the ap

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Verbenaceæ.

Habitat .—Very common in the rice fields. Tectona grandis , L. Nom. Vulg. — Teca , Sp.; Tikla , Tag.; Dalondón , Yate , Kalayati , Vis.; Teak Tree , Eng. Uses .—The powdered wood made into a paste with water is undoubtedly a useful application in acute dermatitis, especially that due to contact with the caustic oleo-resin of the cashew nut ( Anacardium ). A decoction of the powder gives good results as a gargle for aphthæ, gingivitis, and other inflammations within the buccal cavity. In India th

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Labiatæ.

Mint Family. Ocimum basilicum , L. ( O. Americanum , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Solasi , Tag., Pam.; Bonak , Vis.; Sweet Basil , Eng. Ocimum gratissimum , L. ( O. virgatum Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Lokoloko , Tag., Pam.; Kolonkogon , Vis. Ocimum sanctum , L. ( O. flexuosum , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Balanay , Tag.; Sacred Basil , Eng. Uses. —All three species possess a characteristic camphoraceous odor and are commonly grouped under the one name, albahacas (sweet basil). Some natives call them solasi and ot

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Plantaginaceæ.

Plantain Family. Plantago erosa , Wall. ( P. crenata and media , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Llantén , Sp.-Fil.; Lantín , Tag.; Plantain , Eng. Uses. —The leaves of this popular plant are the commonest remedy in the Philippines for abscess of the gums. They are bruised and applied with a little lard over the swollen cheek. It is emollient and, in decoction, is used as a substitute for flaxseed. Botanical Description. —This plant is so universally known that there is no fear of confusing it with others

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Nyctaginaceæ.

Four-O’Clock Family. Mirabilis Jalapa , L. ( M. longiflora , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Maravillas , Suspiros , Sp.-Fil.; Gilalas , Tag.; Four O’Clock , Marvel of Peru , Eng. Uses. —The root is purgative and possesses the same active principles, the same properties and is given in the same dose as jalap. According to the experience of Shoolbred, Hunter, W. O’Shaughnessy and Ainslie, its purgative action is weak and uncertain and therefore unworthy of use as a substitute for jalap. The bruised leaves

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Amaranthaceæ.

Amaranth Family. Amaranthus spinosus , L. Nom. Vulg. — Kilitis , Orayi , Tag.; Ayantoto , Pam.; Kalitis , Tilites , Bayag̃-bayag̃ , Vis.; Kuanton , Iloc.; Thorny Amaranth , Eng. Uses. —The entire plant is emollient and its principal use is as a poultice for inflammations, bruises, etc. The decoction of the root is diuretic and antiphlogistic and is used in Mauritius (30 grams root to 750 cc. water) as an internal remedy for gonorrhœa; indeed it is there regarded as a specific for that disease, c

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Chenopodiacæ.

Goosefoot Family. Chenopodium ambrosioides , L. Nom. Vulg. — Alpasotes , Sp.-Fil.; Pasotis , Apasotis , Tag.; American Worm-seed , Mexican Tea , Eng. Uses. —This plant is a native of Mexico. It has a peculiar, somewhat offensive odor and an acrid, aromatic taste due to an essential oil resembling peppermint (?). According to Padre Mercado, “When the seeds are taken with wine, sensation is so dulled that the drinker may be whipped without feeling the lashes, and even if put to the torment, does n

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Aristolochiaceæ.

Birthwort Family. Aristolochia Indica , L. Nom. Vulg. — Timbag̃an , Malaubi , Tag.; Indian Birthwort , Eng. Uses. —The root has a wide use in medicine in the Philippines; it is bitter, of a nauseating odor and has the reputation of being a powerful antidote for the bites of poisonous serpents and insects. It has further use in the treatment of malarial fever, in dyspepsia, and in the flatulent colic of teething children. It is regarded as tonic and emmenagogue. In various forms of diarrhœa it ap

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Piperaceæ.

Pepper Family. Piper Betle , L. ( Chavica Betle and C. auriculata , Miq.; Piper Betel , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Hojas de buyo , Sp.-Fil.; Itmó , Tag.; Mamin , Bic.; Buyo , Mamón , Vis.; Samat , Pam.; Betel Pepper , Eng. Uses .—A masticatory, used all over the extreme Orient, is composed of the leaves of this plant, a little slaked oyster-shell lime and a rounded slice of the bonga or areca nut; the Filipinos call this combination bayo , though the name is not of native origin; the Tagalos call it

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Chloranthaceæ.

Chloranth Family. Chloranthus officinalis , Bl. ( C. Indicus , Wight.; C. inconspicuus , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .—Unknown. Uses. —All parts of the plant are aromatic. The leaves and stems lose this property after drying, but the roots, if properly dried, preserve it for a long time. They have a camphoraceous odor and bitter, aromatic taste, reminding one of that of Aristolochia Serpentaria . The mountaineers of Java use an infusion of the powdered root and the bark of the Cinnamomum Culilowan to tre

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Lauraceæ.

Laurel Family. Cinnamomum pauciflorum , Nees. ( Laurus culilaban , Var., Blanco.) C. tamala , Nees. ( L. culilaban , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. (of both).— Kalig̃ag , Makalig̃ag , Tag., Vis.; Kandaroma , Iloc; Cassia Lignea or Cassia , Eng. Uses. —The bark of both species is known in pharmacy as Chinese cassia or Chinese cinnamon (cassia cinnamon). Indeed it is very like the cinnamon of Ceylon, comes in curled quills, has the same odor and taste though not so delicate; but it is darker in color, with a

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Euphorbiaceæ.

Spurge Family. Euphorbia pilulifera , L. ( E. capitata , Lam.; E. hirta , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Golondrina , Sp.-Fil.; Gatasgatas , Batobatonis , Sayikan , Tag.; Buyayawa , Tawawa , Bowi , Vis.; Malismalis , Sisiwhan , Bolobotones , Magatas , Pam. Uses .—This plant has a reputation in the Philippines as a hæmostatic of great efficiency, for which purpose the whole plant is crushed and applied as a poultice over the wound. Like all members of this family it abounds in milky juice. We have had no

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Urticaceæ.

Botanical Description .—A tree, 20° or more in height, with abundant milky sap. Leaves alternate, oval, acute at both ends, slightly wavy and revolute borders, tough, glabrous and dark green upper surface; light green, slightly rough under surface. Petioles short. Flowers greenish, monœcious, growing on root, trunk and branches. Calyx very small, monophyllous, of about 7 deciduous lobules. Staminate: On a club-shaped receptacle, 3′ or 4′ long, bristling with the stamens; filaments very short, an

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Casuarineæ.

Beefwood Family. Casuarina Sumatrana , Jung. ( C. equisetifolia , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Agoho , Tag.; Malabohok , Agoho , Vis.; Aro , Karo , Agoó , Iloc. Uses .—The bark is astringent by virtue of the large quantity of tannin it contains. Its principal use is in decoction in the treatment of diarrhœa, dysentery and hæmoptysis; it is also given in amenorrhœa, though it is apt to increase the pain. Externally it is used as a wash for contusions and ulcers. Another species, C. equisetifolia , Forst

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Musaceæ.

The young and tender leaves are used in the Philippines as a protective dressing for ulcers, dermatitis, burns and cantharidal or other artificial blisters. Before applying to the affected surface the leaf is heated to make it more flexible and coated with a thin layer of cocoanut oil or other fatty substance. In the dispensaries of India they also use the leaves in this way, thus protecting and at the same time maintaining the moisture of the part. Dr. Waring recommends the practice and Dr. Van

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Zingiberaceæ.

Ginger Family. Zingiber officinale , L. ( Amomum zingiber , L. and Blanco.) Nom. Vulg .— Ajengibre , Jengibre , Sp.; Luya , Tag.; Laya , Bic.; Ginger , Eng. Uses .—The rhizome is used principally as a condiment in the Philippines. Its flavor is extremely agreeable, much appreciated in Europe by the English who are the greatest consumers of the condiment. In the Philippines a decoction is made of ginger and brown sugar, called tahu by the Chinese who drink it regularly as we do coffee in the earl

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Amaryllidaceæ.

Amaryllis Family. Crinum Asiaticum, L. ( C. giganteum , Blanco.) Nom. Vulg. — Bakog̃ , Tag. Uses. —The decoction of the leaves is used in the Philippines as an expectorant. The plant is official in the Pharmacopœia of India as an emetic and in small doses is nauseant and diaphoretic. As an emetic the dose of the fresh juice of the root is 8–16 grams every 10 minutes till vomiting occurs. Dr. W. O’Shaughnessy, writing from Bengal, states that this is the only indigenous and abundant emetic plant

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Liliaceæ.

Lily Family. Aloes Barbadensis , Mill. ( A. humilis , Blanco; A. vera , L.; A. vulgaris , Banck.; A. Indica , Royl.) Nom. Vulg. — Sabila , Tag.; Dilag̃ boaya , Vis.; Aloes , Eng. Uses. —This species is one of those which produce the substance known in pharmacy as aloes , which is the juice of the leaf evaporated to the consistency of an extract. It is official in all pharmacopoeias and its properties are known to the Filipino herb-doctors. They use the fresh juice of the leaves as a stimulant of

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Palmæ.

Palm Family. Areca Catechu , L. Nom. Vulg. — Bog̃a , Tag.; Betel-nut Palm , Areca , Eng. Uses. —The seeds form part of a masticatory very common throughout the extreme Orient, known as Buyo and composed of a betel leaf, a little slaked lime, and a slice of the fruit of the bonga, known as Siri in Indo-China and among the Malays. It is so common that it is hard to find a man or woman who does not use it. The saliva of those who use it is red and of a strong odor, and its careless use in time blac

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Cyperaceæ.

Sedge Family. Cyperus rotundus , L. Nom. Vulg. — Mutha , Tag.; Botobotones , Vis.; Mota , Malaapolid , Sursur , Onoran , Kusug̃ , Omadiug̃ , Galonalpas , Pam.; Nutgrass or Coco-grass , Eng. Uses. —The root possesses stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic and emmenagogue properties. In the Philippines it is used internally for dysentery, and in India for the same purpose and as a vermifuge. It is given as a tonic in gastro-intestinal diseases, and General Hardwick has reported good results with it in c

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Gramineæ.

Grass Family. Zea Mays , L. Nom. Vulg. — Maíz , Sp.; Maize , Corn , Eng. Uses. —Corn is an extensive article of diet in the Philippines, but has the reputation of being indigestible. This is true when it is eaten in the grain, but in the form of meal it is easily digested and highly nutritious. The tassels have been used in the Philippines from time immemorial in decoction as a diuretic, for which property they received notice in the Medical World of Paris about the year 1876. The entire plant i

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Bambuseæ.

Bamboo Family. Nom. Vulg. — Caña , Sp.; Bamboo , Eng. Linnæus and Blanco include in the genus Bambus all the different species of bamboo to which the Spaniards have given the general name of caña . The plant is of incomparable value to the natives of the Philippines; they build their houses of it, make agricultural and industrial instruments of it, use it in all the varied apparatus of their fisheries and for a multitude of household utensils and furniture. The variety B. arundinacea , Retz. ( B

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