GYNOCARDIA ODORATA. Lindley.
Chaulmoogra odorata, Roxb. Talien-noe, . . . Bunt. I Petar ktira, . . HIND. Ta.-fung-tsze, . . CHIN. ChalliMOOgra, HIND.,PER.
This is a native of Sylhet, is met with on the banks of streams in the Tounghoo forests, and also throughout India generally. It grows to a size equalling the large-size mango tree. When full grown it may be compared to the great maple or sycamore, Acer pseudo-platanus. It blossoms in April and May, and the seed ripens at the close of the year. When the fruit is gathered, the seed is carefully taken out, dried, and sold to the native. dealers in drugs, at about five rupees the maund of 84 lbs. Its seeds are medicinal, and have been recommended for tapeworin ; and an ointment prepared from them is a favourite application among native practitioners for the treatment of several cutaneous diseases, especially herpes and tinea. The seeds, Ta-fung-tsze, Cmx., are used by the Chinese in leprosy, syphilis, lipoma, and worms. The seeds are sold in the bazars in India, at about 13s. 4d. per cwt. ; they yield by expression about
10 per cent. of a thick bland fixed oil, having a, peculiar smell atal taste. They are various in shape, nearly oval, smooth, grey, hard ; embryo, white. For external application, they are beaten up with ghi or clarified butter, and applied to the diseased cutaneous surfaces three times daily. The ex pressed oil is prized in the treatment of leprosy in India, also in scrofula and phthisis. The surfaces of the ulcers are dressed with the oil, while a six grain pill of the seed is given three times a day. The dose of the latter is gradually .increased to twice the original quantity. One drachm given to a dog caused violent vomiting in 15 minutes. The expressed oil is sometimes given interrially, in doses of five or six minims. Too large doses are apt to produce nausea and vorniting. Its wood is adapted for fancy work and cabinet-making.— Roxb. ; E d. New Phil. Mag., 1856 ; O'Sh.; 11PC1.