[ccxv] MEDICINE
Senna.—As an example of the present state of medical science among the
Malays, the following translation of instructions for the use of a well-known
drug may be of interest. It will be seen that it cures as many diseases as some of
the patent pills of modern advertisements. The mention of grapes, dates, and
pomegranates as ingredients may show that the Malay prescription is itself a
translation from Indian or Arabic sources:—
“This is designed to explain the virtues of the senna of Mecca (daun sana-
makki), which is famous among all doctors of experience.
“First. Take some senna leaves with their stalks and bark, pound the whole up
fine, and then weigh out a quantity as heavy as three Java duits. Let this be
mixed with honey. If this is swallowed, its properties are to cause all diseases of
the chest to disappear.
“Second. Mix the senna leaves with moist sugar. If this is taken internally, the
effect is to expel cold from the body and to give strength to the organs.
“Third. Mix the senna leaves with sugar candy. This gives strength to the bones.
“Fourth. Mix the senna leaves with clarified butter and moist sugar. If this is
taken for three days it will get rid of all bad humours in the body, and will give
health.
“Fifth. Mix the senna leaves with fresh butter to which no salt has yet been
added. The properties of this mixture are to cure headaches and to cleanse the