MEDICINAL USE:
* Promotes the removal of mucous secretions from the bronchial tubes.
* Promotes the flow of urine.
* Bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia and rheumatism.
* A laxative.
* Scabies and other skin diseases.
* To expel worms from the body.
* Very good agent for causing vomiting.
* Earache, syphilitic ulcers ad relieving the pain of snake- bite and irritation caused by the bite of a centipede.
HOW TO USE:
* The decoction of the leaves is used to take care of the first 3 ailments given under Medicinal Use.
* The decoction of the leaves, mixed with some common salt, works well as a laxative.
* The juice of the crushed leaves is applied externally for the cure of scabies. When it is to be used for other skin diseases, a very small quantity of white lime ( calcium chloride) should be mixed with the juice before the application.
* The powder of the dry leaves is given to children for deworming. The decoction of the leaves with a little garlic also has the same effect.
* The juice of the leaves is of great repute for causing vomiting, especially in children.
* The decoction of the leaves is used for earaches.
* A poultice (cataplasm) of the leaves is applied externally to syphilitic ulcers and also as a means of relieving pain of a non- poisonous snake- bite and irritation caused by the bite of a centipede.
PARTS USED:
The leaves.
DOSE:
Normal or as indicated above.
Normal Dosage For:
Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day
A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp
1 litre = 7 or 8 cups