Gunjά

Vern. Kuch Beng. Chirmiti, Hind.

"This plant is remarkable for its small egg shaped seeds, which are of a brilliant scarlet colour with a black scar indicating the place where they were attached to the pods." Sanskrit writers mention two varieties, namely, white and red seeded. The properties of both are said to be identical. The seeds are described as poisonous, and are used internally in affections of the nervous Sys-tem and externally in skin diseases, ulcers, affections of the hair, etc. The root of the plant is described as emetic and useful in poisoning. The seeds constitute the ratti weight used by Hindu jewellers and druggists. Ninety-six rattis make one tola or rupee.

Gunjά bhadra rasa.1 Take of the seeds of Abrus precatorius six parts, mercury three parts, sulphur twelve parts, nim seeds, Cannabis sativa leaves and croton seeds, each one part. Rub them together and soak for one day in each of the following fluids, namely, lemon juice, juice of the leaves of Cannabis sativa, of datura leaves and of the leaves of Solarium nigrum (kάkamachi). This medicine is given in doses of about eight grains, with rock salt and assafoetida, in paraplegia. The seeds of Abrus precatorius reduced to a paste are recommended to be applied locally in sciatica, stiffness of the shoulder joint, paralysis and other nervous diseases.2

In white leprosy, a paste composed of gunjd seed and plumbago root is applied as a stimulant dressing. In alopecia a paste of gunja seed is recommended to be rubbed on the bare scalp.3

Gunjάdya tailam.4 Take of prepared sesamum oil four seers, juice of the leaves of Wedelia calendulacea (bhringarάja) sixteen seers, seeds of Abrus precatorius reduced to a paste, one seer, and boil them together in the usual way. This oil is used as a local application in scurf of the scalp, prurigo and other skin diseases.