The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s17.t2.3

c5.s17.t2.3

THE herb used by the native physicians of Calcutta under the name of brahmi is the *Herpestis Monniera*. Roxburgh however gives brahmi and one of its synonyms somalatá as the Sanskrit for *Ruta graveolens*. This descrepancy induced me to get specimens of the plant from different parties, but every where I got the *Herpestis Monniera* under the name of brahmi. This plant is considered a nervine tonic, useful in insanity, epilepsy and hoarseness. Half a tolá of the fresh juice of the leaves, with two scruples of páchak root and honey, is recommended to be given in insanity. The leaves fried in clarified butter are taken to relieve hoarseness.¹