CALUMBA. Jateorhiza calumba. N.O. Menispermaceae.
Synonym : Cocculus palmatus, Colombo.
Habitat : Ceylon.
Features : Root bark thick, greyish-brown outside, transverse section yellowish, vascular bundles in radiating lines. Fracture short and mealy. Very bitter and mucilaginous in taste.
Part used : Root.
Action : Tonic, febrifuge.
As a bitter tonic without astringency, in weakness of stomach function and indigestion generally. The infusion of 1 ounce of the powdered root to 1 pint of cold water is taken in two tablespoonful doses three of four times daily. For bowel flatulence, U.S. Dispensatory gives half an ounce each powdered Calumba and Ginger, 1 drachm Senna, infused in 1 pint boiling water. Dose, wineglassful three times daily.
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