ASARABACKA

ASARABACKA, or Assana-Bacara, a Plant mentioned by Pliny and Dioscorides, under the Name of theWild Nardus; by us called Asanum.

Avicenna relates, that it is brought from Chind; that itsRoots resemble those of Gramen, or Dog’s-Tooth; but thatit has a pretty brisk Smell, and bites the tongue when tasted.—Its Leaves were anciently much in Use, as an Emetic, and Cathartic; and in some Authors we find a superstitious Observance in the gathering them: They allege, that if thePlant be pulled forward it becomes vomitive, but if backwards purgative. Realandus and Fernelius frequently describe it as a Diuretic.



But it is chiefly used among us as a Sternutatory, in order to which, it is dried and reduced to a Powder, to be taken as a Snuff; in which Quality it drains the Head ofmucous Humours.

ASARABACKA