The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s4.t1.2

c5.s4.t1.2

THIS plant is cultivated all over the country for the sake of it's leaves, flowers, and seed vessels which are used by the natives in their curries. The root is described as acrid, pungent, stimulant and diuretic. Applied externally it acts as a rubefacient. The seeds are described as acrid and pungent and are used externally as a stimulant. They are called Sveta maricha that is white pepper. The Bhávaprakása describes two varieties of sobhánjana, namely, white and red. The root of the white variety is said to be a stronger rubefacient, while that of the red, is preferred for internal use, for promoting the appetite and acting on the excretions.