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Demospongiae
HORNY SPONGE
Burnt sponge is applied externally in Unani medicine for wounds and
swellings, and to improve eyesight. Homeopaths give it in tablet form for
swollen thyroid glands, headaches, and coughs.
This living sponge looks like a slimy piece of raw liver. Different kinds of horny sponge exist throughout the warm seas of the world, but they have been so over-fished
in the Mediterranean that their survival there is threatened. All horny sponges contain an elastic substance known as hornin, which is chemically related to silk
and horn.
PARTS USED
Burnt whole sponge.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Iodine.
ACTIONS
Stops bleeding from external wounds; astringent; anti-inflammatory.
MEDICINAL USE
In Unani medicine, it is applied externally to swollen glands and to eyes to improve eyesight, and is also used for washing wounds and cavities. Spongia tosta (roasted sponge) is a homeopathic remedy for swollen thyroid glands, headaches, and coughs.
PREPARATIONS
Sponge ash mixed in oil or prepared as a surma (paste), homeopathic remedies.
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