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.
Xylosrna longifolium Cbs.
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 (Ass am).
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 corn rnplanata R. Br.
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 paucflora Wild. (marshy areas in Bihar, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu) is prescribed as a sedative for insomnia.
Family Liliaceae, Agavaceae.
