Indian Medicinal Plants An Illustrated Dictionary

Folk ◮ Saanthu, Kalpottan (Kerala),
Kalpootha, Chiddavintai (Tamil
Nadu), ulli (Karnataka).
Action ◮ Root bark—antiseptic,
used for ulcers. Root bark, flowers,
fruits—used for oral hygiene.
Fruits of Xylopia aromatica are
chewed with betel leaves; also used
in cough and cold. The fruits, known
as Suvaali Pippali, have no relationship
with Pippali of Indian medicine.
The plant contains pinenes.
Xylosma longifolium Clos.
Family ◮ Flacourtiaceae.
Habitat ◮ Shady ravines of the
Western Himalayas from Kashmir
to Kumaon and on low hills up to
an altitude of 1,500 m.
Folk ◮ Sallu (Kumaon), Sailu
(Himachal Pradesh, North India),
Dandal (North India), Katahaar
(Assam).
Action ◮ An extract of young and
tender leaves resembles opium in
action and is used in Assam for
intoxication. The herb exhibits
antispasmodic, narcotic and
sedative activity. It is prescribed
in dysentery, restlessness and
insomnia.
Xyris commplanata R. Br.
Xyris indica Linn. 725
Synonym ◮ X. anceps HK. f.
Family ◮ Xyridaceae.
Habitat ◮ South India.
Folk ◮ Kochelachi-pullu (Kerala).
Action ◮ Herb—antiseptic. Bruised
leaves and their juice, dried
into powder and mixed with
brandy, are used for ringworm,
itches, leprosy and other skin
diseases.
Xyris indica Linn.
Synonym ◮ X. robusta Mart.
Family ◮ Xyridaceae.
Habitat ◮ West Bengal, Assam
and Western Peninsula, generally
on sandy soils and salt marshes.
Ayurvedic ◮ Daadmaari, Dhobi
Deeb.
Folk ◮ Haabiduuba (Bengal),
Kochelachi-pullu (Malayalam).
Action ◮ Plant—used for ringworm,
itches and leprosy.
Xyris pauciflora Willd. (marshy areas
in Bihar, West Bengal and Tamil
Nadu) is prescribed as a sedative for
insomnia.
X