THE

MATERIA

MEDICA

OP

THE

HINDUS,

COMPILED

FROM

SANSKRIT

MEDICAL

WORKS,

BY

UDOY

CHAND

DUTT,

Civil Medical

Officer.

WITH

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS,

BY

GEORGE

KING,
ROYAL

M.

B., F.

L. S.

SUPERINTENDENT,

BOTANICAL

GARDEN,

CALCUTTA

AND

THE

AUTHOR.

CALCUTTA:
THACKER,
SPINK
"

Co,

1877.

PKEFACE.

THIS

work
a

is not

literal translation standard

of

any

particular works,
of Therapeutics, the Materia
on

but treatise,

from compilation
upon
to

Sanskrit medical

arranged
Medica Hindu
account of

somewhat intended the

the

plan of Waring's Manual

concise

and

give a
Dr.

of exposition his

Hindus.

Wise, in
and

Commentary

the

system of Medicine, has given a pretty full and

of the

accurate

Anatomy, Surgery
to

Pathology of
here of the him

the Hindus. I have That

With stated

regard
in

his work my

may

repeat what

the

prefaceto
cannot in

translation be
too

Nid"na, "

the natives he
medical

of India

to grateful contents

for the trouble

has taken

the to light bringing

of their ancient the

works,
of his

and The

in their rightposition establishing

history

of Medicine." admit

scope and

plan

of his book

did not, in the

however,
manner

treating of
on

Sanskrit

Materia

Medica

of modern
to
an

works

the

undertaken subject. I have, therefore, the

to

publish this

work

under

impression that

it will jJrove will

acceptablecontribution
a

the
on

historyof drugs, and

indigenousmedicines.
I have

form

basis for further researches

In the

the

first

part of the
used for

work

given

an

account

of

mineral
are

medicines

by
in

the

Hindus, the
they
the

mode

in which

they
the

prepared

use,

their chemical which

to

and composition,
are

principal combinations
With have endeavoured
to

different, diseases.

regard

employed in Vegetable Materia

scientific
names

Medica, I
of

give the

correct

the

described, by procuring the drugs through practisplants ing

native

kavirajasor
in the

and having them physicians,

identified

Royal
not

Botanic

Gardens.

In I have

the general properties of describing followed this into the Sanskrit after
texts

individual articles Sanskrit literally.

writers, under
enter

head,
minute

recounting their

details

sensible perties, protheir regarding cooling or

IV

heatingeffects
the humours of
are as

on

the
are

system, and

their

which

to supposed

influence on special support the machinery

blood. These and details

phlegm and namely, air,bile, life,

not
so

much of

the
an

result of observation
erroneous

the

outcome

system of

experience pathologyand
such portions the

selected for notice I have, therefore, therapeutics. of use of the texts as relate to the practical and their effects on tangible the system.

drugs

This latitude in

departingfrom the texts, has enabled me to bring together of particular useful hints regardingthe uses in one place, I have drugs from different Sanskrit treatises on therapeutics. and economictheir history remarks added on occasionally
uses

where afford
on

thoughtI

had

new

or

additional information

subject. These remarks are for the most knowledge. partbased on personal and uses of medicines employed the preparation In describing to the texts in different diseases I have confined myself strictly I have quoted, and have giventhe original of the authors whom not in foot-notes. I have with Sanskrit verses incorporated them the results of modern researches on indigenous or my drugs, of their use. These I have reserved for a personal experience future essay. My objecthere has been to show the extent of by their own practice knowledge attained by Hindu physicians
to

the

and observation. In the selection of the

in

of medicines

to such

for illustrating the uses prescriptions individual diseases I have, as a rule, givenpreference as are recipes commonly used by native physicians.
are

Where

there

several well-known

medicines

of similar

and composition

use,
names

I have

described in detail only one, and

a

given under
to

it the

of the others with

brief allusion

their composition. My main

or principal

the

in including the names of object known preparations of the Hindu generally

Materia Medica
of

in the text and

index,is to enable the practitioner

position com-

European
when

Medicine he had
as comes

to to

get an idea of their nature and

hear
of their having been

used

patientswho

been

under

native treatment
case.

before
no

by coming
means

under his care,

is very often the

The listis by

an

exhaustive one, nevertheless I have,at the risk of being tedious,

to

endeavoured

include under
were

some

head

or

other most

of the

combinations which

native out to me by experienced pointed used in practice. as generally physicians, In the detailing
uses

of

combinations particular

cines, of medi-

Sanskrit writers are, sometimes,in the habit of indulging

in is in
a

statements. exaggerated

Thus

for

which example a medicine, described

used really the

in

is disease, special say jaundice,

to

chapter devoted regard

most

the

treatment
as

of

this

but disease,

host of other diseases may

also be recited

who physicians

these

writingsas
them

by it. Native explainthese sacred,

cured

irrelevant statements I

by saying that they are

part, omitted
in my

secondary

uses.

have, for the

translations of appear

the

hence their Englishrenderingswill sometimes texts,

deficient or The

incomplete.
of the that
were

names

works
texts

given
are

below be

the found

Sanskrit
in

texts

merely
not

shew

those

to

them, and
authors
or

that

they

composed by originally
books.
to

the

compilers of
is not In the

those

The found

combinations in most
to
a

or

formulae it

generallyused, are

be

to trace them always practicable quotingthese authorities I have,as

and compilations, their original sources. consequence had selected,

natural

of
to

principle upon

which

the

were prescriptions are

to works give preference

that

used

as

text books

by

native

physicians.
The small and number of Sanskrit medical of

works, and

of especially
numerous

on compilations

the treatment

is too diseases,

indefinite

to

admit
is
sure

of detailed enumeration
to

here.

The

enquirerafter
country
the small
in
or

them of

find,in
before.

different parts of the and

seats

learning, many

little manuals, essays It would

seem

of digests

which of

he did not hear

that in

absence

teachers of medicine used to prepare printing, as containingsuch prescriptions compilations they were for the guidanceof using, These
more or

the habit of for

their
are

who copied pupils, with their

are

them

personal use.
and

manuals

often dubbed
to according

fancy names,
merit
or

have

less circulation

the

extent

of influence of their authors.

There

VI

however

few works which

ancient

ter, characowing to their comprehensive well known throughout India. are or real merit, date,

I will here notice them

briefly.
called Charaka
most older
as

The veda
are

two

works

Sanhit" and Susruta treatises

on

A'yurHindu
tioned men-

the
now

oldest and
extant.

celebrated work

medicine
in

An

is called A'yurveda

both Veda.

these works

having

formed

part of the

Atbarva

It is said to have been

composedby originally
a

the creator, and Brahma",

and
a

to have consisted of

thousand

chapters

hundred-thousand

slokas.

in Afterwards,

consideration
it was beings,

of the short lives and

small intellects of human

"

into eight as follows : abridged chapters 1. Salyaor surgical treatment. 2. Sdlakya or diseases of the head, eyes, ears and face. diseases. of general 3. Kdyachikitsd or treatment diseases caused by evil spirits. 4. or Bhutavidyd

5.

or Kaumdra-bhritya

the treatment

of infants and of the

state. puerperal 6. Agada or

antidotes to

poisons.
which

7.

Rasdyana or

medicines

promote hoalth and

longevity.
8.
or aphrodisiacs. Vdjikarana,

A'yurveda with a hundred thousand slokas is probably a A'yurvedawith its eightdivisions seem myth, but the abridged it is not available in the had a real existence, to have although day. It probablybecame obsolete after the works of present Charaka and Susruta were composed. Charaka is generally believed to be older than Susruta and to be the oldest work on Sanskrit Medicine now tant. exconsequently In the introduction to this work it is said that A'treya, a learned devotee, the holyA'yurvedato six pupils taught ; namely, Harita and Kharapani. Jatukarna, Par"sara, Agnivesa,Bhela, treatise on a and afterwards Agnivesa first wrote medicine,
The
Bhela and

others

each producing a followed, separatework The edited At work

or

and

therebyacquiring great renown. regarded as the best. It was

in

Agnivesa was corrected by Charaka

end of each book.

of

whose

name

it is

now

current.

the

vii

of

this

work

it is

said, that this

and

tantra

or

scientific treatise Charaka. A

was

composed
writer sanhit" of

by Agnivesa
in

corrected
to

by

later
'

Vdgbhatta

his

introduction had been

his

Asht"nga-hridayathe treatises and others. A' treya, of

says, that that work

compiledfrom
the six

Agnivesa, H"rita, Bhela, Sasvata, Susruta, Kavala,

this it would
seem

From mentioned

that
not

of disciples

in
two

Charaka,
of

were

but mythicalbeings, and Bhela

are

authors ed mentiontime
name

books, for
bhatta

them, namely, Agnivesa

It

by V"gbhatta.

would

appear
was

also
not

that called

at the

Va"gof

lived,Agnivesa's work
and
s

by
Hence

the

Charaka,
that

Susruta edition

had of

also been

written.

it follows
now

Charaka'
was

Agnivesa, that
after somewhere

is the work

called
written.

Charaka,
A'treya
and
father treatise his

probably edited
to have
occurs

Susruta

had
near

been

is said
name

lectured very

the

Himalaya,
His
a

frequently in
sage,

the

Vedas. of

Atri which

was

renowned
in

and

the There added

author is
some no

law

is current but
a

his

name.

clue to the

of Charaka, nativity his

Dridhabala, who
native

chaptersto
the

work,

calls himself the other

of Panchanada been

or

Panjab.*
called
to

Susruta, on
From Charaka

hand,

is said to have it is

written

in Benares.

the facts detailed

was

above
at
a

clear

that the I will not

was

work

composed

very

early age.
in which it best discussed the book

attempt

hit at the century before

as

Christ
can

probably

written

it is

questionwhich
I may

be

quarians. by professed antiis

notice, however, that

appears
to have
as

composed
before the

in

an

styleand antiquated
of the Puranic form
not

been the

written
names

spread
and

of Hinduism, in

of modern does
to not
an

gods
at the

goddessesdo
as deity, a

occur

it,and
his

the author salutations Beef

was

not,
any

mencement com-

of the
is usual

work, offer

mythological

with later writers.

then,apparently,
article of diet that

forbidden
not

food, for Charaka

be taken

speaksof

it as

should

f daily.

Vlll

The

work

next

in

point of

age,

is namely,Susruta,

more

in its arrangement, contains systematic and shews on the whole and pathology,

better details of anatomy advanced state of a more

and of details of treatment. both of general principles knowledge, is thus described in the of the Susruta A'yurveda The origin the surgeon of heaven, introduction to that work. Dhanvantari,

descended upon
for the

earth in the person

of

of Diva

dasa,kingof Benares,

teaching surgery along with the other selves branches of medical knowledgeby which the gods preserve themfrom decline, disease and death. Susruta and other pupils vantari besought him for instruction in surgicalknowledge. Dhanasked them what theywished to learn. The pupilsreplied to make surgical knowledgethe basisof "you will be pleased
purpose
your

and instruction,

to address your

lectures to it so.

who Susruta,

will

For surgery isthe inasmuch the firstand most important as partof the A'yurveda,

take notes."

Dhanvantari

"be replied,

healingof
among

wounds

was

the first necessity for the medical art of their battles with the demons.

the

gods on

account

effects rapidcures, has recourse to treatment surgical and the actual cautery mechanical appliances,caustics instruments, Besides and is intimately connected science."
we Accordingly

with

the other

branches

of medical

findthat Susruta devotes the

greater tion porof the

of his work
and

to such

instruments as anatomy, surgical subjects and

care diseases, surgical

inflammation operations,

obstetrical operations, king and his troops in the battle-field, etc. poisons, chest diseases, diseases such as fever, The general diarrhoea, treated of in the last book called are etc., there
are reasons
"

but Uttarp-tantra,"

did not originthat this portion ally believing, added form a part of the work, but was subsequently to it. This of giving completeness by some writer with the object is evident from several reasons. Uttara " suppleThe very name mental" after is enough to suggest the idea of its being an Had it been an integral if not a subsequent work. thought, for it would ]treatise, part of the original the scheme. But at the end original first book an analysis of the contents have been

included in

of the first chapterof the of the entire work is

given

IX

wherein

it 120

is

said

that
in

this all.*

work This the

consists is

of

five

parts
a

taining con-

chapters
the This

followed of

by
the
an

line

to

the will

effect be for
six

that

in

Uttara-tantra last

remainder
is

subject

described. if the

line,however,
of have has the work

evidently
had

interpolation,
his of book five
in

original writer
would
not

divided

into

parts, he
the

said
a

that

it consisted

parts.
which

Besides the
sages

Uttara-tantra
says it

separate
from

introduction

writer
on

is

compiled
of the

the

works the

of

learned
of

the

six

divisions from the leave

Kdyacliikitsdor
work eyes, of
ears

treatment
on

general diseases, and

Sastra
or

Videhidhipa
and
nose.

Salakya

diseases
we

of

head,
out

If therefore of

of

consideration

the into
a

Uttara-tantra
on

Susruta,

the

work

resolves
as

itself

mainly
on

treatise

the

principles of
thus
appear
were

medicine that from into

a

bearing early

surgical
Hindu

diseases. medical

It would

very

age,

ers practitionor geons sur-

divided and

two

classes, namely,
or

Salya
The

chikitsaka
were

Kayachikitsaka

physicians.
after

surgeons

also

called

Dhanvantaryia
of

sampradaya
or

Dhanvantari the before

the

ed reput-

teacher surgeon Cbaraka kumar readers

in

Susruta, gods.

from division
as

Dhanvantari existed
out

mythological
the work of

of the
was

This for

compiled,

pointed
like
our

by Kaviraja

Brajendrahis

Sen
to

Gupta, Charaka,
surgeons when

modern

physicians,refers
as

surgical aid
f
on

is necessary,

for

example

the

passage
is the
on

quoted
oldest

below, treatise

We

may

conclude, therefore, that

and

Charaka treatise

Medicine

Susruta

the

oldest

Surgery
two

now

extant.

These

works,
of

namely,
of

Charaka the Hindu

and

Susruta

mark of

the

highest phase

development

system

Medicine

in

ancient

times.

Their

character comprehensive
of

and

superior

merit

in led, probably

course

manuscriptsof authors who had

and

to the extinction of the time, them. Succeeding writers preceded

and
add

these works of divine origin to regard as came practitioners Accordingly they dared not beyond the criticism of man.
to
or

regarding of medicine and special but the general pathology, principles confined their labours to making better arranged and more for the use of students, and to explaining compendiouscompilations
or

amend

what

these ancient sages had recorded

dilating upon
of

the texts of Charaka

and

while Susruta,
a

in

the
in

matter

there practice, surgical

has been

gradualdecline

tillat the present day an educated knowledgeand experience known samprad"yais a phenomenon unsurgeon of the Dhanvantariya
in Hindustan.

Hindu Medicine on compilation by Sinha Gupta Asht"nga-hridaya-sanhit" The

next

is said to be Sena

the

V"gbhatta.
dically methois

This work

is a

mere

from compilation contains

Charaka

and Susruta

arranged. It
or

little or

nothing that
from

original
ed. compil-

that is not to This

be found

in the works

which it was

with together circumstance, later writers

as

the fact of
an

always mentioned by
show that his work and Susruta.
use

old

Vagbhattabeing to seems authority,

of Charaka the
not

was

not longafter those compiled

Like these two

writers

he

does

mention

of mercury in the treatment of diseases. Next in point of age, are the two works called

the respectively

Nid"na

by
and

Madhava The

Kara

and

Chakradatta-sangraha by
treatise
on

Chakrap"niDatta.
symptoms

first is a concise

the

causes

diseases, compiled from various authors,and has been used from a long time as the text- book on by students of Hindu Medicine throughoutIndia. pathology Professor Wilson is of opinion that " the Arabians of the eighth
century cultivated the Hindu
of the treatise Greeks called
;

prognosis of

works

on

Medicine

before

those the
the

and

that the
were

Nidana

Charaka, the Susruta,and translated and studied by

and

uLrablans in the from the

a

days of

Harun

Mansur

(A. D. 773), either

made
at

more or originals, probablyfrom translations still earlier period into the language of Persia."

XI

The

treatise called

describes in Chakradatta-sangraha,

detail

the treatment

in the order in which of diseases arranged

they are
vegetable
in

described in the Nid"na

of Madhava

Kara, and

to

which it is a

companion volume. drugs. He givesa

but the

Its author deals few

with chiefly

prescriptions containingmercury,
with

which thismetal is mixed

and vegetable sulphur substances, of mercury preparations producedby sublimation and with
were salts, etc.,

chemical combination would appear, in his time.

unknown

to him.

It

that therefore, He does

mercury

not mention

coming into use just opium,so that his work, and

was

the Nidana,must have been composed before consequently introduction of this drug into India by the Mussulmans. The last greatwork
on

the

Hindu Bhava

Medicine Misra.

is that called the

comprehensive with from the works of preceding authors, treatise, compiled of drugs,accounts much additional information on the properties
compiledby Bh"vaprak"sa,
new drugs, and of some introduced into India by syphilis

It is a

of

new

this work work the

was

for example the as diseases, and described in the Portugeese of Phiringi-roga. under the name By the time this in practice, employed composed, opium had been largely had extended
to

use

of mercury

almost

various all diseases,

had of gold, arsenic, etc., silver, tin, preparations copper, orpiment, the vegeto a considerable extent into fashion, come superseding table and Hindu pathology drugsof the older writers ; in short that the Dr. Wise had reached their acme. says therapeutics Bhavaprak"sawas composedabout three hundred years ago. It

cannot, at any
Chob-chini
in

rate,be
the

much

older work.

China root, called

to is described in it. According vernacular, of this drug as a remedy for and Hanbury the use Fluckiger at Goa by Chinese to the Portugueese made known was syphilis

Hence about (A.D. 1535). traders, been

the

must Bhdvaprakasa

have

compiled after this period.

Besides the

and treatment treatiseson the description systematic of diseases above noticed, there are several works in Sanskrit and properof the synonyms devoted especially to the description ties
of individual medicines and articles of diet.
on

The oldest treatise

this

is the subject

one

It is called R"janirghantu.

generally

xu

ascribed to

but Dhanvantari,

Pundit Madhusudan

Guptaestimated

and opium the age of this work at 600 years. As both mercury mentioned in this treatise, it cannot be older. Some later comare pilations
on

this subject are

in

use general

at the

day. In present?

the North-West

the Nirghautu, Provinces, by Madanacompiled is generally a very superpala, perusedby students. In Bengal, ficial of Rajavallabha, under the name is in currency. compilation, is used. a superior work,called Satkantha-ratnabharana, In^Orissa, The progress of chemistry art of calcining, or rather of the cal and of otherwise preparing mineral substances for medisubliming slow in the early comparitively use, was ages. Susruta used the natural salts, such as chloride of sodium, ash impurecarbonates of potand soda, and briefly he employediron in anaemia, etc.; borax, referred to the the lead of silver, supposed properties copper, tin, and

but he gave no detailed instructions regarding precious stones, their calcination, diseases. or administration in special preparation Cbakradatta givessome to powder iron, processes for reducing these remedies. and a few prescriptions containing copper and talc, The oldest work containing of the calcination a detailed account of the different metals (such or iron, as gold, silver, preparation for internal use, with formulae for mercury, copper, tin and lead), their administration, medicinal is I believe a concise treatise on root are preparations by Sdrangadhara. Opium and pellitory mentioned in this work,hence it must have been compiled during the Mussulman and preparations
and

period. Since

then

host of works

on

metallic
in

combinations have been and Provinces,

both prepared

Bengal

the North- West

mineral medicines
more are

have been

in largely adopted

the treatment

of diseases. The

important
embodied
in

partsof the information contained in these works

the

medicines and the two works on inorganic Bhavaprakasa and used in Bengal, generally namely, Rasendra-chintamani of the As observed on page 54, most Rasendra-sarasangraha. mineral medicinal metallic remedies of forms. variety and of the preparations combined Nevertheless
or

Hindus

consist of their few

mixed
cannot

we

endless in an together nuity helpadmiringthe inge-

boldness and freely

of the Hindu

they were

when we find that physicians, drugs as using such powerful properly

Xlll

Hakims while the Mussulman around arsenic, etc., mercury, iron, of the west, them,with imperial patronageand the boasted learning them as the following such remarks regarding : recording " There are six 'the white oxide of arsenic/ Soomboolkhar, kinds of this, named Sunkia, the third Godanta,the fourth one do not allow this Darma, the fifthHuldea. The Yunani physicians the of their prescriptions, to form a part as they believe it destroys vitalprinciple. The physicians find these of India, the contrary, on than others of less power, drugsmore effectualin many disorders,
"

such

as

the calx of metals. these giving

For this reason

too I

am

in the habit

but I usually confine internally, of them to external application and as .aphrodisiacs which use my I prescribe who may have derived no benefit to a few friends, from Yunani prescriptions. It is better however to use as few of 1 them as possible." (i used throughout Para, Mercury.*It is very generally
i

of seldom

remedies

.India in many
in the latter
we

ways,

both

in its native

ought to
removed

killed

or

be very from its native

but prepared state, for it is seldom sufficiently cautious,

in which it is a state,

and

2 dangerous drug." " Loha, iron.' It

'

in India, commonly used by physicians but my advice is to have as little to do with it as possible-"3 At the end of the present is appended a glossary work of Indian plants described by Sanskrit writers. In the body of the work I have selected for notice onlysuch drugsand plants as have
some

is

definite

use

in

or disease, particular

class of diseases.

Numerous economic
are

other

plantsused
are

in medicine

for or incidentally,

purposes,

mentioned

by
a

Sanskrit

not

of sufficient importance in detailed notice in

a

but these writers, medicinal point of view to I had

deserve
an

work

of this sort.

prepared

list of alphabetical for my

these

with plants Dr.

their vernacular and took underKing kindly

at his suggestion, itis

scientificnames

use. personal

for me, to revise this glossary

as printed an

and,

to appendix

thiswork. by George Playfair, page

99,

\. 2.

translated Taleef Shareef,

Idem, page 26.

3,

Idem,page

146,

XIV

The have

of the Sanskrit terms in the glossary Bengali equivalents taken mainly from Sir Raja Radhakanta been Deva's Sanskrit entitledthe Sabdakalpadruma. learning

of Encyclopedia

The

Hindi

names

have been obtained from the vernaculars the Hindi a Amrita-sagar,

;

given
a

in the

Bhavaprakasa ;
on

translation of

treatise

Sanskrit Hindi

medicine
treatise
on

and

the Kesava-binoda-bhds"

Nirghantu,a
the Sanskrit

by

Pandit

translated from therapeutics Dvivedi of the Agra Kesava-prasada

College.
The scientificequivalents of these Sanskrit and vernacular
terms have been

from Roxburgh's Flora gleaned chiefly the Botanical

Indica,

Jameson's Provinces

Reporton
have been

garden of the North-West Powell's for 1855, O'Shaughnessy's BengalDispensatory, etc. The translationsof these writers PanjabProducts,
Report on

fying to do so, by identiwhenever it was practicable verified, the plants in the Royal Botanic Gardens. The rest have been of Roxburgh after carefully given chieflyon the authority to them with the characters assigned comparing his descriptions of which was the identification by Sanskrit writers. Some plants, of have been omitted from the list. The scientific names doubtful, have been ascertained for the first time, of these plants many by me. procured by Dr. King, after examination of specimens Dr.

King

has

also furnished the recent

botanical

names

of

become obsolete. the old names for which have now plants of the Sanskrit and vernacular terms,! With regard to the spelling should mention that professor H. H. Wilson's system of transliteration, has been sometimes called the Hunterian System, or as it isnow far as is necessary to arrive at the correct pronunciation so adopted, of the words, but the minute distinctionsbetween the two varieties of the dental and palatal S,the four varietiesof N, and the long and short sounds of some of the vowels, which are not always practically observed in pronouncingthem, have not been insisted upon in the proof-sheets. The vernacular terms have been for correcting the most and written in standard Bengali as they are part,spelt in Hindi dictionaries. The spoken language varies so much of the countryand among differentparts differentclasses of people to attemptany thing like a complete that it would be hopeless
numerous
,

XV

of the different of names as pronounced by the people vocabulary the vernaculars. of which Hindi and Bengali are provinces of the Sanskrit language consists in One greatpeculiarity and medicines for material objects, its havingnumerous synonyms
form
no

to exception

this rule.

Almost

all well-known

plantshave several synonyms, and some have as many as twenty chebulic myrobalan to forty names ; gulancha has thirty-nine, the lotus thirty-eight, with half as many for its varieties, thirty, Native physicians and so on. learn these synonyms by rote, just
as

theydo

their grammars other

one

and

dictionaries. Sanskrit medical

are language,

like most works, and rhyme, be used

to

works

in the

in composed
a

any

of the

numerous

it in designate

drug may the article prescriptions containing

synonyms

of

of the writer and the necessitiesof metrical to the fancy according to numerous composition. Many names again are common and it is often impossible without the helpof annotations articles, to make out which In the term. drug is meant by a particular absence of any scientific of plants, these synodescription however, nyms
sometimes

prominentcharacters, and thus prove an aid to their identification. In the glossary to this work,I have not attempted to give a complete appended listof all these synonyms. As a general rule I have givenonly the principal of each plant.Some plants have or current name
serve

to

describe their

however

more

than

one

well-known

and
names

names. currently-used

In such instances I have

giventhose

in the

first column which their

only,with

reference to tho

synonyms

under

vernacular and Sanskrit

have been given. equivalents I avail myselfof this opportunity, to tender my publicly cordial thanks to those gentlemen who have assisted me in carrying this work through the press. To Dr. GeorgeKing,Superintendent of the Royal Botanic Gardens, I feel myself particularly beholden. He has helped most materially in a variety of ways, me and has enabled thereby
me

to avoid

many

errors

and mistakes.

On

occasions he has spent hours in identifying various many for me ; and he has revised drugs before allthe last proofs, nearly the sheets
were

The printed. due entirely

to

recent

names

of

plantsin

the him

are glossary

his pen, and

theyentailed on

considerable and

tedious labour.

Without these names

I should

XVI

have been from the

as

to content myself with the old obliged names, gleaned works of Roxburghand others, which are now lerated onlytoand which would have synonyms, the impaired seriously

of reference. I am indebted as a work glossary for his permission to allow Babu to him, likewise, Prasanna Kumar of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sen,overseer to assistme and this has enabled me' to solve in my enquiries, ful many a doubtof plants names into pointin the translation of the scientific the vernacular. Duringthe absence of Dr. King from the Gardens, whenever I had occasion to seek Mr. S. Kurz cordially me helped native medicines. his aid in identifying Dr. Norman and put forms, Kanai Lai
me

usefulness of the

Chevers
in the

kindlycorrected for me proper way of doing this

some

of the Rai

work.

Dey Bahadur has,at considerable sacrifice of his the mineral substances and preparations? valuable time, analyzed of which has been described in the first the chemical composition
part of this work.
first time been Most of these him. have preparations To Dr.
now

for the

Hitra? Rajendralala the planof getting indebted for valuable advice regarding I am of some obscure questions up this work, and for explanations of Indian medical works. the history regarding To Kaviraj Binod Lai Sen, my grateful acknowledgments
are me me

by analyzed

in which he has furnished for the very liberal manner used in practice, with listsof medicines generally supplied
due

and practically of native medicines, shewn and specimens the processes by which metallic medicines are to me explained His cordial assistance under his charge. in the dispensary prepared has enabled me to bring out this work with greaterconfidence of Sanskrit books had had to depend than if F. upon my knowledge with alone. Sen Gupta, son of the late learned. Kumar Brajendra Kaviraj the leading native physician of his time in Har"dhaD'Sen Gupta, to his Highnessthe Maharaja and latterly of Calcutta, physician for me the meanings of many obscure Kashmere, has interpreted furnished me with specimens of drugsfrom passages in Sanskrit, narily ordiwith a listof the preparations his dispensary, me supplied such and cordially rendered me used by him in practice, other assistanceas I had occasion to seek'from

him.

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Gum,

as

Sometimes

etc. Myrrh, Assafcetida, is used as Kantakdri (Solatium Xanthothe eutire plant

carpum).
The
marrow,

wool, nails, horns, skin, hair, hoofs, milk, bile, honey, faty bones and of ne rves flesh, blood, urine, faeces, semen,
are

animals

all used in medicine. divides remedial

classes, namely, Pdrthiva or material and KdlaJcrita or effected by time, such as heat, cold, wind, sun-shine, shade, darkness, rain,day moon-light, and night, changesof the moon, months and se asons of the year, all said to affect the humours of the body, etc. These are and, throughthem,the diseases caused by their derangement. The influence of these agents,if properly availed of, or regulated without the aid of material remedies. sometimes cures diseases, Sanskrit writers do not agree in the mode in'which theyclassify theirproperties. cines medicines when describing Charaka divides mediinto fifty the to their supposed action on classes, according different organs of the system, or on particular symptoms of
two

Susruta

agents into

disease.
1.

These classes are

"

as

follows :

"

sffa^fte Jivantya Medicines

5
"

which

prolonglife.

2.

^"dfcr Vrinhaniya Medicines

and increase
"

which promote nutrition

thin

corpulency.
the
or tissues,

3.

%^*rta Lekhantya Medicines which

reduce

4. 5.

corpulency. 9^*ta Bhedanfya Promote excretions. WT"ffa Sandhdniya Promote the union
" "

of fractured

or

divided 6.
7. 8.

parts.
Increase the and appetite

^fa'far Dipaniya
"

[power. digestive

9. 10. 11.

12.
13.

14.

Balya Increase strength.Tonics. ?*" Varnya Improve the complexion. hoarseness. or cure 3TCS3J Kanthya Improve the voice, f Q Hridya Promote cheerfulness or relish. ^frj Triptiglma"Remove a supposed phlegm which of satiety. causes a sense Cure piles. ^"f"Ef ArsogJina ire1* Kushthayhna Cure skin diseases. 3i*^J Kandughna Cure pruritus.
*^5T
"

"

"

"

"

"

"

"

INTRODUCTION.

1-5. ^fT*
16.

KrimigJma
"

Cure
as
"

worms.

Act fwj Vishaghna"

"HiJ3l*r*f

antidotes to

poisons.

17. 18.
19.

StanyajananaPromote secretion of milk, writai' StanyasodhanaImprove the quality of milk.

"

Hpi5!8^1

Sukrajanana Increase the secretion of

" "

semen.

20. 21.
22.

W^W Sukrasodhana Purifythe semen. ^?Tt1*2ft?J' Snehopayoga Emollients.

"

^T^t^'ft^ "vedopayogaDiaphoretics.
"

23.
24.

^^zftn

25. 26.

Vamanopayoga" Emetics. fa^'ffa^fa Virechanopayoga Purgatives. [enemas. ^iT^ni'ffa'sfa' A sthdpanopayoga Medicines for use in
" "

27. 28. 29. 30. 31.

Medicines for oily ^TjwfaT^tT Anuvdsanopayoga enemas. [fromthe nose. fartft^'itasito Promote discharge Sirovirechanopayoga Relieve vomiting. ^ff f*TO^*" Chhardinigraliana Relieve thirst. *0 Trislindnigrahana T^Tfr^ Relieve hiccup. f^ffTfro^il Hikkdnigrahana Render the faeces con!^wcp""ifa Purishasangrahaniya sistent, [faaces.
" " "
"

"

"

32.

33.

Alter the ^Ttrf^sfftzr Purishavirajaniya Reduce "T"sN"cr^"iter Mutrasangrahani'ya

"
"

colour of the secretion of

urine. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39.

40. 41. 42. 43.

Alter "53lfatsr*ft2r Matravirajamya"

"

colour of urine. secretion of

Increase ifsifa^'fta' Mutravirechaniya

s"mf ^ Kdsaliara ^TSf
^
"

Cure
"

cough.
anasarca

[urine.
a.

Svdsahara

Cure difficult or asthm breathing Cure

"

"sfter?1^ Sothahara
^Tf*:
^Tf T| K

"

or

swellings. [body.
heat of of coldness.

Jvarahara Sramahara

"

Febrifuges. Remove fatigue.

"

^r^tni^

Ddhaprasamana

Relieve
sense

burning or

*lt?!TT3WTSitaprasamana"Relieve
"

44. 45. 46. 47.

48.

^tniiqf U'darddhaprasamana Cure urticaria, [limbs. ^"'J^ n^f Angamarddaprasamana Relieve painin the
"

Sulaprasamana Cure painin the bowels. "aflfara^HTf Sonitasthdpana Styptics. %^T^JHT^ Vedandsthdpana Anodynes. ^^T^?T^T Sanjndsthdpana Restore consciousness.
*3^rfl*[*fT
" " " "

SANSKRIT

MATEIIIA

MEDICA.

49.

TTSfT^T^T
WWTipr

50.

Cure sterility. Prajdsthdpana Prevent the effects of VayalistMpana

" "

age* after

Susruta divides medicines the first article of each class have certain
common

into

seven thirty

named classes,

class. The

medicines

included in each

such as acidity, sweetness, properties, and can be substioften used in combination, are etc., astringency, stuted for one another. This has the advantage of bringing analogous but numerous medicines come substances under one head, to other heads. The Nighantuand some be written under two or more cation classifiworks on the properties of medicines adoptthe following in describing them : 1. Strongly scented substances. 2. Moderately
"

scented substances. 3. Weak

scented substances. 4. Extracts.

8. Acid plants. plants. 12. Fruitplants.

5. Precious stones. 6. Metals. 7. Sweet

9. Potherbs.

10.

Bitter herbs. 11.

13. Root-stocks. 14. trees
or

Flower

bearing creepers.
trees. 16.

Largetrees.

15. Middle Corn

sized and
as

Small

shrubs.

17.

Creepers. 18.
as

Pulses. 19. Cooked

food. 20. Different sorts of water. 21. Fluids Necessaries of such life,

milk, honey,etc. 22.

etc. 23. The influence of the elements and

ornaments, baths, dress, etc. imponderables,

THE

PROPERTIES

OF

MATERIAL
ON

OBJECTS THE
HUMAN

AND

THE

ACTION

OF

MEDICINES

SYSTEM.

to Sanskrit writers, have six sorts according objects, and two sorts of forces in them. of tastes, twenty sorts of qualities, acrid and astringent. The six tastes are salt, bitter, sweet, acid, of objects as follows : are Heavy,light, soft, The twenty qualities sharp, tremulous, delicate, fixed, watery, hot, consistent, dull, oily, hard, pungent, coarse and harsh, transparent, smooth, demulcent, All substances are and cooling. cold. The two forces are heating

MATERIAL

"

other of three sorts of to assume one or after digestion, supposed, to be turned after and salts are supposed sweets : thus properties acrids and into acids ; and bitters, into sweets ; acids, digestion each Besides the above properties, into acrids. astringents, which It is that quality action of its own. medicine has a special and of taste, to the usual properties force, shews itself superior MonDanti (Baliospermum result of assimilation ; as for example, to Chitraka (Plumbago which though similar in properties tonurn),

INTRODUCTION.

5 This purgative.
cause

unlike Zeylanica\ yet,

acts as latter, the nature or is owing to its special action, of the Gods is beyond the comprehension

the

result

ultimate

of which

themselves.
on

The

various

actions of medicines

the human

system are

described in considerable detail. All diseases

be

being supposed to
some

caused

by derangement of
one or

the

humours,namely,wind,bile,
Susruta divides
on

allmedicines are blood, phlegm, etc., influence upon medicines other

to have likewise supposed

of these humours.

into two

with classes,

reference to their action

the

Sansamana and Sansodhana. are humours, namely,Sansamana medicines which rectify state of the humours' and calm the deranged their excited action, without promotingthe excretions. Sansodhana
are

medicines which them

remove

collections of bad humours

and

charge dis-

by the

excretions.

The first is subdivided into three

pectively. orders, namely,medicines influencing wind,bile and phlegm,resThe second includes emetics, errhines and purgatives, other depuratories. and other writers describe the Sarangadhara actions of medicines in further detail and mention the following

classes :

"

^TT Dipana
not aid in
iTT^f

are

medicines

which

but do promote appetite,

food. digesting undigested Fdchana

are

medicines which

assistin

gested undidigesting

both

but do not increase the appetite. Some medicines have food, these properties, that is, as well as theyare appetizers tives. diges-

"9^faTAnulomana
and
set them

are

medicines which

the digest

humours

that is, free, promote excretions

and favour their discharge.

described under three are purgatives RechaJca. ^T Bhedana, and ^^ heads, namely, W'T Sransana, Those medicines which hurry the chyle or materials for digestion, called Sransana, without allowing them to be properly are digested, Those medicines which set as for example the pulp of Cassia fistula. them and discharge free scybala and other contents of the intestines^ called Bhedana, from the bowels, without producing are watery stools, Those medicines which as for example Katuki (Pricorrhiza Kurroa}. the discharge of the digested contents of the cause or undigested
or

fa^^i

Virechaka

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA

for example, as liquid form, are called Recliaka^ Trivrit (Ipomcea, Turpethum). These last again are subdivided mediate, into three orders, namely, mridu or mild,madhyama or interintestines in
a

and krura
sw
mucus bile,

or o^

drastic. emetics
are

Vamana

medicines which

cause

emesis of

and other contents Chhedana

are

of the stomach.
remove

medicines which

by force
other

as

it were

and

from discharge

the

body adherent phlegm or

humours.

etc. would probably come Emetics, expectorants, errhines, caustics, Black pepper and alkaline ashes are under this head. given as examplesof this class of medicines.

%*"T Lekhana
constituents of the

or

attenuants

remove

bad humours

and altered thus

body by thinningthem
Warm

graduallyand

the system of them. clearing are examplesof this class. Medicines and milk
are

etc, water,honey, barley,

which

urine, promote the secretion of perspiration,

*f Svedana,

^T ^ called, respectively,

"^

Mutrala

and

Stanyajanana.
Pramdthi
are

the exit of collected medicines which facilitate their tubes

or as for example receptacles,

secretions from Vacha

(Acorus Calamus).
or

medicines which from their stomachic, are inspissants and heating digestive qualities, dry the fluids of the body. ^Wf Stambhana medicines which from or are constipators their drying, and cooling and from their easy astringent qualities, increase the air and retain the secretions, digestibility, as for example of Holarrhena antidysenterica). Indrayava (seeds

*uf^" Grdhi

^fwEff?^ are Abhishyandi

retain or heaviness, qualities

substances which from their emollient the secretions for and

cause or

heaviness curdled milk. which

and

fulness of the
^STSTf

body, as
the
cure

Dadhi example,
are

Rasdyana or
remove

alternative tonics
effects of

medicines the

prevent

or

healthy persons
*^8
3

and

age, increase the ailments of the sick. medicines which

vigour of

Balyaor

tonics
are

are

increase

strength.

Tf"a Vrinhana

medicines which

promote nutrition and

increase the bulk of the

body.

INTRODUCTION.

or aphrodisiacs are medicines which Vdji'karana

crease in-

the sexual powers. ft* Visha or poisonsare

said

to

be

endowed

with

the

the that is affecting namely, ^HTzft Vyavdyi', following qualities, entire system, as for example, opium and hemp. ^R Sukshma into the minutest is, penetrating pores of the bodyfa^Tfa Vikdsij the system that is dryingthe humours, depressing and causingrelaxation of the joints, as for example betel-nuts. *"T*^ A'gneya, that is,heating stimulant, f ^T or Maddvaha, that and enveloping their minds of their senses men is,depriving in darkness as spirituous Taken in largedoses, poisons liquors. but,judiciously destroy life, used, theyact as curatives and restore in dangerous even diseases. health, Nine active or virulent poisons mentioned are by most saurdshtrika writers, namely vatsandbha, saktu, hdridra, pradipana, and brahmaputra. These cannot all be kdlakuta" sringi, haldhala, at present. Most of them are identified varietiesof apparently seven (see aconite, drugsare described, page 97). The following minor poisons, viz. opium, gunjd (seeds of Abrus precatorius), as , and Gloriosa superba datura,roots of Nerium odorum (karavird), and the milkyjuicesof Galotropis and Idnguli) (arka) gigantea mentioned in The mineral poisons Euphorbia neriifolia (snuhi). Susruta are phendsma bhasma or and haritdla white arsenic, or of the serpent is the the poison orpiment. Of animal poisons, only one used in medicine. that

WEIGHTS

AND

MEASURES.

THE

scales of

weightsand

measures

used in ancient

days
are

differedin different described

scales parts of the country. Separate

under the names of Mdgadhi" by modern compilers, of gunjds etc. The number making a Chdraka, Kdlinga, Sausruta, tola varies in these scales from forty The scale of to ninety-six. in Bengal, in ordinary at the present use weightsand measures for itslowest weight. of Abrus precatorius) day,has the gunjd(seed The gunjd, however,is divided into fractional parts by other seeds, of thus eighteen mustard seeds, of paddy, three grains four grains

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

barleyand
equalto
6
one

said grains of wheat are respectively This scale is as follows : TSW. gunjd two*
"

to

be

make Gunjds

one one

and. mdshd
TW.
one

12 8
8 S 2

Gunjds make
Mdshds
or

16 dnds make
one

told *n?n".

Tolas make

palaW.
one seer

Palas

or

64 tolasmake
one one one

*FCT*.

Seers make

prastha
ddhaka
drona

8
32 100 In

Seers make
Seers make

Palas

or

12J s^s

make

one

Tula

make one tola. gunjds ninety-six It would seem, however, that in ancient days Susruta's scale of to a tola was in general use, for the doses of powforty gunjds ders, etc. givenin the older works, are confections, decoctions, the scale above described considered doses
are

monstrous

for the

present age, and

much

smaller

Orthodox explainthe given in practice. physicians doses by'saying that they were intended for a superior large of men of ancient days. The subject is involved in much obsrace curity and this is scarcely the place to discuss it thoroughly. In givingthe doses of medicines described in this work,I will state the quantities in current now prescribed by native physicians weights,hence they will differ from the Sanskrit texts from which the prescriptions will be translated. in fluid measures which must also be There is a peculiarity noticed in order to When
seers a

of the Sanskrit preventmisapprehension

measures

texts.
two

fluid articleis ordered in

of

or prastha

mentioned should be taken. twice the quantity upwards, itis stated, Thus if in a preparation take of solid paste of certain substances one eightseers, the seer, oil two seers, and water taken are solid pasteone seer, oilfour seers and quantities actually
water

and

sixteen

seers.

In
as

measures

below two

seers

or

in

dicated those in-

by palasuch
are

the quantities palas etc, palas, sixty eighty fixed.

not

doubled.
are

The doses of medicines

not

by They are regulated

the nature the age, strength, and digestive power of the patient, and lastly of the illness, the state of the viscera and humours, by the of individual drugs. properties

10

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

decoction strained
with used.

throughcloth. When eight partsof water dry substances,

Decoctions
are

decoctions
are

are

prepared
to be

recommended the addition of

administered

with

salt,

clarifiedbutter, cinal medior some alkalies, oil, honey, sugar, treacle, powders. one Phdnfa or infusions are prepared by steeping partof Wl*" partsof hot water,for twelve hours during powderedherbs in eight

night. They are administered in the same way as decoctions. *ft?rarera or cold infusion is prepared by steeping SitaJcashdya and straining one part of a drug in six of water for the night, the fluid in the morning. iTT*ftePdni'yais a weak form of decoction prepared by of water boilingone part of medicinal substances in thirty-two tillthe latter is reduced to one-half. This preparation is usually taken ad libitum for appeasing thirst or some such object.
the
are

is a sort of decoction Pramathyd firstreduced to a pulpand then boiled TT*raT

in which in

the medicines
water

eight partsof

tillthe latter is reduced

to one-fourth.

It is administered

with the

addition of
*W

honey.
is
an

Maniha

emulsion of medicines in fine

powder

with

four

partsof cold water. decoction in milk. ^fatTI^R or Kshi'rapdka,

one

The

proportions

in this preparation, are

eightof milk and part of medicine,

materials
are

of thirty-two
water

water.

The

boiled
;

the till together, the decoction is

and the milk is evaporated

alone remains

then strained.

Yavdgu. Sometimes medicines are added to powdered and boiled with water into a gruel which etc., wheat,barley, rice, of water in this preparation is taken as aliment. The proportion is called KalkaThis preparation is six to one of solid materials. tinction or gruel made with medicinal paste,in contradissddhya-yavdgu to another form called Kvdtha-sddhya-yavdgu or gruel for which last see Oryzasativa. made with a decoction of medicines, after "?n%^rAvaleha or extract. To prepare it,decoctions, are againboiled down to the consistence of a thick beingstrained, This extract, when extract, properly made, does not readily
^rr^j dissolve in water,
can

be drawn

out

into

and wires,

will receive

INTRODUCTION.

11

of impressions

coins

on

its surface.

Extracts

are

administered

with the addition of sugar, decoctions, or *ffk^T Vatikd and gf^T Gudikd or
are

by reducing a prepared usually

to
a a

powders. and boluses. These pills stances subdecoction of vegetable

adding some
made
or

thick consistence and then

powders
of

for

making

(Sometimes pill-masses are pill-mass.

powdered

medicines with the addition of treacle

ift^ Modaka
cold syrup and

are

boluses

honey. preparedby addingpowders to

No them together till uniformlymixed. stirring is required in this preparation. boiling Khandapdka or confections. These are made by ^R^WTSR them over addingto syrup medicines in fine powder and stirring mixed and reduced to proper consistence. the fire till intimately added to confections. Syrup may Honey is often subsequently be of made
some

sugar and water or milk or the strained decoction Confections should be of the same medicinal substance. with
as

consistence
HT^fT

extracts
or

above

described. of
in powders

Bhdvand

maceration

fluids.

Powders,

often soaked in various mineral substances, are especially and then of herbs, such as expressed decoctions, etc., juice fluids, and dried. For this process the
cover

of quantity
it.

fluid added

to the

powder
to

should be sufficientto

The mixture

is then

allowed

of this sort is completedin A single operation dry in the sun. repeatedfrom hours,but the process is generally twenty-four of fluids, and often with a variety so that the three to seven times, of various drugs. combines in itthe active principles mass resulting In this process vegetable or roasting. drugs Tj^in^ Putapdka reduced to a pastewhich is wrapped up in jamvu or vatapatra are tied of EugeniaJambolona and Ficus Bengalensis) (leaves , firmly of clayfrom half with fibres of some sort, covered with a layer roasted in cowdung fire. inch in thickness and to one of clayassumes the surface, When the laj'er a brick-red colour on is known to be completed. The ball should now be the roasting withdrawn from the fireand

broken,and the juiceof

the roasted

with the addition of honey or and administered, drug expressed the roasted such other adjuncts as may be directed. Sometimes is givenin tho form of a powder or pill. drug itself

12

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

acetous

dus
seers

of acetous fermentation. f Sandhdnavarga or products liquid produced from the Kdnjika. This is a sour Two seers of powderfermentation of powdered paddy ed dhdn (paddygrown in rainyseason), are steepedin eight
.

of water

and

laid aside

in

an

earthen

pot for fifteen

tion. fermentaacetous when the mixture undergoes days and upwards, fluid is called Kdnjikaor Dhdnydmla, that is, The resulting is a clear transparent the acid producedfrom paddy. Kdnjika fluid with an acid taste and vinous smell. It is cooling, refrigerburningof the body,etc. It is ent,and useful as a drink in fever, of wet-sheet the principle sometimes applied externally upon in the fluid beingwrapped round the body cloth steeped packing, for reliefof high fever and heat of body. It is also used as a etc. vehicle for other medicines and for preparing decoctions, oils, tation. besides paddy are sometimes used for acetous fermenOther grains If mustard or the seeds of Raphanus sativus (mulakd) are fluid is called Sintdki. If the husked added to paddy,the resulting boiled and steepedin water, the resulting of barley are grains the husks of fried mdshaliquoris called Sauvira. When and barley are of Phaseolus Roxburgliii) boiled together (pulse kaldya for acetous fermentation, the acid is called Tushdmvu. acid A'rndla is a
mixture
one sour

made gruel
or

from fermentation of boiled rice. is thus

: prepared
"

called Sukta

Chukra

Take

of treacle

made kdnjika honey two parts, part,

as

above

four described,

mix together in a clean earthen pot, and whey eightparts, parts, of bury the pot in a heap of paddy for three days. The properties
are similar, preparations they being regarded as cooling, and useful in nervous refrigerent, diuretic, diseases, rheumatism, intoxication from spiritudyspepsia, indigestion, diseases, urinary ous is of What e tc. water in ordinarily drinks, spoken as conjee English,is a decoction of rice and not the kdnjikaof Sanskrit

these

Materia

Medica.
or

"T33R Drdvaka
are

distilledmineral acids. for the

or

Several

formulae acids.

givenin

different works

of preparation salts are

mineral
a

A number

of mineral substances
a

heated in The

retort and

the distilled fluid collected in

glassreceiver.

test

of acids
or

is said to be

their property of

a dissolving

cowrie

shell

INTRODUCTION.

13

of the comtwo positions are examples following mineral acids. used for preparing chloride of ammonium Take of alum, ^"TT^T^nR Svalpadrdvaka. and soda of antimony, impure carbonates of potash sulphide borax, and rock salt,each eight and svarjikdkshdra, called yavahslidra mix and rub them four tolds ; powder, nitre six tolas, orpiment tol"s, with lemon juice and dry. Introduce the togetherrepeatedly of a distilling mixture into the receptacle apparatus, and distill the fire. The dose of the acid thus distilledis two drops. It over One week's use of long pepper. should be taken with six grains etc. of this medicine is said to cure disease, dyspepsia, spleen take of sulphate Sankhadrdvaka. For this preparation si^T^ of iron thirty-two alum and rock salt sixteen tol"s each, nitre tolas,

thrown into them.

The

one

hundred from

and
a

tol"s, twenty-eight powder,mix

and distill the be

mixture

retort. glass

The dose of this acid is said to

twelve minims. before

The

butter tongue should be anointed with clarified It should not also touch the teeth.
or

usingthis medicine.
are

Asava and arishta 3rre*rTft* These

medicated

spirituous liquors.

with the addition of from honey and treacle, prepared in water and various medicinal substances. They are all steeped The proporaid aside in earthen jarsfor vinous fermentation. tion is as follows : of the differentingredients, as a generalrule, and a half, Water thirty-two honey six seers, treacle twelve seers
"

seers

and

medicinal quarter,
or

substances
raw

one

seer

and

quarter,
used for

in

powder

decoction.

When

are vegetables

fluid is called A'sava. When the resulting the fermentation, is called decoction of drugs only is added, the fermented liquor the properties of spiricombine Arishta. These preparations tuous them. drinks and those of the drugsused in preparing They and stomachic. The preare digested easily stimulant, heating, paration called Drdkshdrishta decoction of
is made

with

honey, sugar
a

and

(see Vitis
wines.
^"f

with the raisins, vinifera ). Its action

as a

addition of
must

few

aromatics,
that of

It is used

stimulant in

analogousto diseases, exhausting

Ghritas. These
are

be

#^^flfq: Medicated

oilsand

tions decoc-

and form butter) (clarified vegetable drugsin oil or ghrita in They are prepared prominent feature of native practice. of

14

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

used in almost all sorts of extensively used internally, and the oils are diseases. The ghritas are chiefly the body. They are rubbed on by boiling prepared vegetable with the addition of water or other fluids or oil, drugs in ghrita milk or a decoction of drugs,etc. As a general such as kdnjika, used is as follows : of the differentingredients the proportion rule,

great varieties and

are

"

Medicinal

in form of paste, one substances,

or

oil four or part, ghrita

parts,water
used
are

other menstruum

sixteen

parts. When

the fluids

of vegetasuch as decoctions or the expressed juice bles, thick, of solid pasteis reduced from one-fourth to the proportion of the oil or ghrita. Sometimes one-sixth and one-eighth respectively
no

solid pasteis used at all.

more

of fluid is ordered, then up to four variety of four of fluid to one of ghrita sorts the usual proportion or oilis boiled separately with each fluid ; bu*, and these are observed, each of the fluids ordered of fluids exceeds four, the number when and the whole boiled is taken in quantity equalto the oil or ghrita, If than
one

together.
^fliTTO
or ghrita

of or preparation Ghritapdka

medicated
on a

ghrita.The
as

butter is first clarified of all heated

water

fireso

to

deprive
juice

it of any is then

that may
to

be mixed

with it. A little turmeric

but the object, I suppose, said, is placed must be to colour it. Ghrita thus purified on a firein an heat. Then earthen, copper, or iron pan and melted with a gentle
as purify it,

added

it is

the medicinal boiled

pasteand fluids to be used

froth.
It is then

are are

added, and the whole

all evaporated and the

tillthe watery parts together

is free from ghrita for use. preserved

taste colour,

strained

through cloth
be imbued which

and

Ghrita thus

should prepared
with

with the

and odour

of the medicines that

one

it has been

boiled.

It is recommended
not

the

of ghritaby preparation

be boiling

completedin
in contact

day, and

that the medicines

be that

allowed to remain their active

with the butter for some

be

time,

so

extracted. The boiling thoroughly mriduy called, respectively, process is carried on to three degrees, the boiled pasteis somewhat madhyama and khara pdka. In the first, soft enough to be made it is dry and just soft; in the second, into pills In the third form, with the fingers. itis turned hard and

principles may

INTRODUCTION.

15

for internal administration dry. The intermediate form is preferred into the rectum,while the over-boiled form is used and injection The under-boiled form is said to be for external application. suitable for
use as

snuff. medicated oils. In

sesapreparing these,

"oraT3i or Tailapdka
mum

oil should be used unless otherwise

Sesamum specified.

is coloured and substances, First of all it is heated to deprive follows: as it of any that may be mixed with it ; then the following water substances in it for twenty-four madder are sixteenth hours, one steeped viz., of the oil, wood of Symplocosracemosa turmeric, partin weight tubers ofCyperus rotundus (mustaka), a bark called nalikd, (lodhra), the three myrobalans, root of Pavonia odordta (bald) and the tender shoots of Pandanus odoratissimus each one sixty-fourth (betaki),
"

before

beingboiled

with medicinal

oil, fied puri-

in fine powder should partin weightof the oil. These ingredients be soaked in the oil, with the addition of an equalquantity of water for
a

the water is day. The mixture should then be boiled till strained. To the oil thus prepared, and finally medicinal evaporated, in the form of paste, added in the are substances, decoction, etc., of gliritapdka. same as for the preparation proportions They are then boiled togethertill the watery parts are all evaporated. cloth so as to separate the the oil is strained through When cool, Some and especially medicinal oils, those used in solid particles. of nervous the treatment jected diseases, etc., are subrheumatism, with various aromatic and to a third process of boiling fragrantsubstances. This is called the Gandha pdka or boiling the oil fragrant.The following for rendering or as substances, of them as are available, used for scenting medicated oils, are many cloves, namely,cardamoms, cinnamon, fenugreekseeds,saffron, leaves of Cinnamomum Tamala^ white sandal wood, aloes wood, Zedoaria (sati), Curcuma rotundus (mustaka), jatdmansi root, Cyperus kakkola (anaromatic seed,) resin'ofPinus longifolius (gandhavirajd), muricatus (usira)^ root of *Andropogon storax, long pepper root, nakhi (Unguis camphor, pouchof civet cat (khattdsi), odoratus]*
*

This onyx

nakhi which

according
serve as

and
name,

(Herb. Amb. ii.c. Mnrex, This being

"

ferous describes ten kinds of the odorito Rumphius who lands, the basis of the principal perfumes in the Indian Is17 ) is the operculum or lid of the shells of Purpura the origin of its flat and something like a nail explains

of Hindu Royle's Antiquity

Medicine, page

144,

16

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

auriculata Aplotaxis seeds of Abelmoschus moschatus (latdkasturi), etc. (kushta), tola of each of the above ingredients For four seers of oil, one of camphor which should be with the exception should be taken, with the exceptions noticed bel ow, four tolas. These ingredients, which is then reduced to a pastewith water and added to the oil, are the latter is evaporated, of \vater till boiled with an equalquantity and lastly strained. Camphor,musk,storax and the substance called naJchi should be added after the process of boiling and is finished,

musk,

Permelia

root perlata (saileya,)

of

the oil strained. sometimes rendered

Oils for rheumatism

and

nervous

are diseases,

by the fragrant
oil are oils. The

addition of sometimes

camphoralone.

Castor

oil and mustard

used in the preparation

stances of oil, medicinal subproportions and fluids are the same with sesamum but the prelias oil, minary of these oilsis different. Mustard oil is purified preparation by being boiled with the following ingredients, namely,emblic tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka), rootniyrobalan, turmeric, bark of ^Egle Marmelos (vilva ), pomegranate bark, flowers of odorata Mesua root of Pavonia ferrea Nigella seeds, (ndgakesara\ two tolas the bark called nalikd, and belleric niyrobalan, (bald), and madder sixteen tolas, for four seers of oil. These should each,

of medicated

be

boiled

with together

sixteen

seers

the latter is all of water, till It is

now

and evaporated, boiled with being

same as

the oil should then be strained. medicinal the substances,

fitfor

process for which is the

for sesamum

oilabove described.

the following castor oil, are used, purifying ingredients rotundus (mustaka ), coriander, namely,madder,tubers of Cyperus leaves of Sesbania aculeata (vaijayanti the three myrobalans, ), Pavonia odorata wild dates, tender red budsofFicus (hrivera), wood of Berberis Asiatica Bengalensis( vatasunga),turmeric, the bark called nalikd, (ddruharidrd), gingerand the shoots of odoratissimus (ketaH), Pandanus for four seers of each half a tola" oil.Castor oil should be boiled with equal of whey and kdnjika parts ( fermented paddy water ) alongwith the above ingredients.*
for the preliminary of oils before processes above described, purification with medicinal substances not are of adopted by the physicians India. tions They are no^ mentioned upper by the ancient writers and are the invenof recent Bengaliauthors.
*

For

The

being boiled

18

SANSKRIT

MATERTA

MEPICA.

directed to be snuffed up the nostril tilltheyreach the

when throat,

and not swallowed. In another form theyshould be expectorated called Marsha about a drachm of oil is recommended of application to be gradually pouredinto each nostril from a spoon or shell. used as gargles are so called. Sometimes SRS^T Kavala. Liquids of liquid and solid substances or solid balls of medicine a mixture taken into the mouth and retained in it till charge are on a distheybring

from called imgrc

vj

the

nose

and

Gandusha.

of application is eyes. This mode When powders or thick solutions are

gums

to applied

the teeth and

with

the

the finger,

process of

medicament

is called Trf?rSK*gPratisdrana.
or

etc. frrftaftjS Sirovastiy

to the head. applications

Oils or other

fluids are called

to applied

the head in four different ways.

in

The first form

consists Sirovast^

inches in breadth all round skin

of leather four and a half tyinga piece its lower margin to the the head,luting

and then filling the by a pasteof the pulsecalled mdshakaldya thus formed on the top of the head with lukewarm oil. The cavity reliefof pain, there is discharge oilisdirected to be retained till or till from

the eyes and with

warm

nose.

It should then This sort of and

be removed

and

the head

washed

water.

medication

is said to be

shakingof the head. In the second form,oil or other fluid is pouredin a stream on the head. This is called Pichu,cotton soaked in called Parisheka. In the third form, called Avyanga, to the scalp oil is applied the oil ; and in the fourth, rubbed on the head. is simply and medicated oils to the ears are used of liquids Applications
useful in
severe

headache

in diseases of the head

as

well

as

of the

ears.

The

external in it from

meatiw
one

with the fluid which is allowed to remain is filled

to

twenty minutes

and is then withdrawn.

or

Netrakarma 'faiNRf
names manner

to the applications

eyes

receive various used and

accordingto the
in which

nature

of tho

substances

the

Pouringof dropsinto the eyes theyare applied. enclosed within a pieceof cloth is called A'schotana. A poultice the lids is called Pinda. A paste applied to the and applied over to the margin of the lids lids is called Viddlalca. Medicines applied with the finger called or to the conjunctiva a metallic probeare or of powderor liquid or they Anjana. These lastmay be in the shape

INTRODUCTION.

may
use.

be made The

into sticks or

which pills

are

rubbed
to the

with water

before

should be made of

probe for applying medicines six inches longwith a rounded

margin
end.

of the lids

bulbous

For gold,silver, copper, iron or stone. When medicines are applied not a lead probe is preferred. collyria only to the lids but also to the conjunctiva up to the margin of the
cornea,

be It may habitual use of

the

is finger

recommended

to be

as used,

it is soft and safe.

to the Applications

skin. These consist

oils, ofghritas, plasters

baths and poultices, and Medicated ghritas

for inducingperspiration. applications described. They are oils have been already for the most part rubbed all over the body,except those intended Plasters called w%Tf Pralepaare applied moist for local ailments. moist and hot. and cold. JT^ Pradeha or poultices are applied They are also thicker than plasters. of heat to the skin for inducing ^J^f Svedana or application is carried out in four different ways, namely : perspiration the application of dry heat by means 1. TrT^T^^ or Tdpasveda of heated plates, bricks, sand,cloth or the palm of the hand only. hot
"

These

are

recommended

to be heated
or

by

catechu-wood

fire.
steam.

2.

Ushmasveda "swi'^'
ways.

the

of hot application

This with

is effected in various
wet

The
or

part to be heated is covered

are plates

cloth.

stones Bricks,

iron
some

made
are

red hot and then

over sprinkled

with

or kdnjika

and decoction,

applied

to the

partto be heated
is
to adjusted

; or

an

earthen
or

pot with
decoction

small of
some

the side is filled with hot water tube

to

in opening drugs,a is applied

consists

the hole in the

pot and the

steam

the covered

heatingthe

body through it. A third ground by burning catechu-wood

method
over

in

and it,

after

decoction over the spot and some sprinkling removing the fire, is to lie making a bed of castor oil leaves on it. The patient himself with a blanket. Or the ground this bed and cover on thick layer of boiled pulse such be covered with a as may

mdshakaldyaand
3.

bed

made

over

it for the patient.

means

This "3tj"TT^^^ Upandhasveda.

heat
or

by hot medicinal substances in the of fomentation by cloth or plasters,

form wrung

of

of application decoctions, pastes,

out

the

of hot fluids ;

20 heat may be
a

SANSKRIT

MATEKIA

MEDICA,

or

pastes within
4.

hot medicinal substances applied by enclosing cloth bag and applying the latterto the skin. Dravasveda.
water
or

or

334N
warm

This

means

the hot

and hip-bath

hot

Milk,broth,oil, kdnjika be used for baths. The patient should sit in a also etc. may and which should also be poured tub with the fluid up to his navel, his body from above the shoulders, so as to bathe him thoroughover ly. The tub should be made of wood, silver, of iron, copper or
square in measurement in all twenty-six fingers that is in height, and breadth. After the applidirections, length cation of heat, the patient should take a hot bath, eat light food and keep himself covered in bed. If too much heat has suffers from pain in the joints, and the patient been applied, then he should be treated by thirst, langour or giddiness, The and region of the heart,scrotum coolingapplications.

bath with

decoctions.

form

and

eyes should be heated with great care and to a mild ^roTTf Dhumapdna or inhalations. Tapersor of medicinal substances
a through are

degreeonly.
made pastilles inhaled
are

set fire
nose.

to, and

their fumes

thus
over

by the mouth or : a reed,half a prepared

a

tube

Pastillesfor inhalation

cubit in

with

pasteof the drugsto be

is smeared or laid length, to two-thirds of its extent used, reed is withdrawn from the

and is dried in the shade. When

the dry,

it in the form of a hollow tube. This leaving paste,

is smeared with

clarified butter and

one

end

is introduced into The lighted lighted. extremity tube and the fumes drawn in by the other end of the inhaling

throughthe the through head, eyes

or

mouth mouth-

or

nose,

as

the

case

may

be,and

emitted

again

In affectionsof the throat and

tion inhalachest,

the through

mouth

while in diseases of the is recommended,

are

nose, the fumes

drawn
or a

in

throughthe
of wood
or

nose.

The

tube for inhalation may

varies length

be metallic

made

ivory.Its
shorter

from two
a

cubits to half

and cubit,

its calibre should

be sufficient to allow tubes

are

large pea

to

pass

through.

The

administering expectorant and emetic fumes. Inhalations are useful in cough, asthma, catarrh, painin the neck the air passages, for or head, etc. They may be used for soothing from them, for the relief of cough, or for promotingdischarge called Samana, inducing vomiting.Another form of inhalation,
used in

INTRODUCTION.

21

is recommended
etc. breakfast,

to

be used

after washing the face, daily bathing made of cardamoms

not
seen

The

for this was pastille

and
in

other aromatic substances. the

This sort of

smoking is
latter.

it was day. Probably present

in vogue before the introduction

of tobacco and has been

"*jTT"r

by the displaced

were employedfor ulcers and fumigations for these are made as for inhalation. skin diseases. The pastilles inside two earthen pots, and placed face to placed They are lighted

Dhupana

or

face. The

A free

hole is made
or

in the upper

pot and
it.

tube

to adjusted to

it.

open

end

of the tube is now

to
over spread

directed

the affected

part and the fumes allowed

Incenses and tapers

in also burnt composed of various medicinal substances are for removing unpleasant smells and rooms by the sick, occupied evil spirits. supposed Kshdrakarma The ancient phyor caustic applications. ^nrwr sicians of India, like their modern representatives, preferred ing openabscesses by caustics, them with the lancet. Hence to incising caustics were described as superior inasmuch as, in to the lancet, addition to opening them by removing the abcesses, theypurified The ashes of the following derangementof the humours. plants used for the preparation of caustics, were namely :
"

Pat aid.
" "

suaveolens. Stereospermum

sent erica. Kutaja.Holdrrhena antidy

Paldsa.

"

Butea

frondosa.
robusta.

Asvakama."Shorea Pdribhadra. Vibhitaka.

" "

Indica. Erythrina Terminalia Bellerica.

"

A'ragvadha.Cassia fistula. Lodhra. racemosa. Symplocos Arka. Calotropis gigantea.

"

"

Euphorbianeriifolia. Apdmdrga. Acliyranthes aspera. Karanja. Pongamiaglabra.

" " "

Snuhi.

Vdsaka.

"

Justida Adhatoda. Musa

"

Kadali.
"

Chitraka. Putika.
"

sapientum. PlumbagoZeylanica.

Bonducella. Ccesalpinia

22

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Devaddru.

"

Cedrus
"

Deodar

a.

Alsphotd.
Karavira.
"

Vallaris Nerium
"

dichotoma.

odorum.

Saptaparni.
Gambhdri.
"

Alstonia Gmelina

scholaris. arborea.

Gunjd. ^V^Tff^
The
as are

"

Abrus
"

precatorius.

Koshdtaki.
stems

Luffa pentandra.
leaves
of these and

roots,

and
cut

plants
burnt

or

of
a

such

of them ashes

available, are
collected

into

pieces
in

in their

pit.

The

are

then

and

boiled

six

times

weight
and
on

of water
soapy
to

till the solution

becomes then

transparent,
be strained

red, pungent
and ashes

the

feel.

It should substances
the

again put
of and boiled added

fire and

the

following

added, namely, powders

Euphorbia neriifolia
conch till it shells. is of
a

(snuhi), and
mixture should

burnt be

of bivalve

The thick
one

constantly proportion
or

stirred

and

consistence. fourth of three

to

The

of shell-lime

varies

from

one-eighth strengths
are

one-sixteenth thus obtained. their caustic

caustic
to

part of the solution.

Sometimes

Caustics and

orpiment

realgar
The cleaned

are

added

to

increase

strength.
is to

part
and

where

the The

be

applied, should
be

first be with the and when For

a

rubbed. should
as

should
remain
a

then

applied
with words

probe.
for such

It

be
is

allowed
in

in contact

skin then
it is tening has-

time

occupied
becomes
of

uttering
from

hundred the

removed. dressed

The with
a

skin

black

application,
and

paste

acids, clarified

butter
or

honey.

the removal
sesamum

of the

slough, a paste

poultice composed
and

of be
in

seeds, liquorice root, lemon

Caustics
are

juice

kdnjika should

applied.
ano,

applied

to

external

piles,sinuses,fistulas

abscesses, warts, tumours,

leprous patches, etc.

THE

MATERIA

MEDICA
PART

OF
I.

THE

HINDUS.

INORGANIC
GENERAL
REMARKS
or

MATERIA
ON MINERAL
are

MEDICA.
,

MEDICINES.

MINERAL five

medicines inorganic
or

described generally
forms
a

under itself ;

heads, namely. Rasa

mercury

which

class

by

and ea.rk\is9Dhdtu metallic ores or metals^Zxzittna orsalts, Uparasaoi' The metals used in Sanskrit medicine stones. and^Rataaor precious tin,zinc, lead, iron,bell-metal, are gold,silver, copper, mercury, The Uparasasused are sulphur, talc or mica,two sorts and brass. of iron

pyrites called
minium

Suarnamdkshika

and
copper,

stone, Tdramdkshika, loadof iron, nabar, cinsulphate

of orpiment,realgar,sulphate
or

red

calamine lead, sulphuretof lead, substance and

(kharpara),

Sildjatu(a bituminous chalk, calcined

mountain

cowries
or

containing iron), alum, borax, conch Gairika a sort of red shells,

a

earth
a

ochre, KankusJifa
from described

sort

of mountain

earth,
2

Saurdshtri The

fragrantearth

Surat,sand,clay,etc.
are, 1

precious stones

Hiraka,diamond
the colour

Gdrutmat, emerald; 3 Pushpardga,topaz; 4 Mdnikya, ruby;Indra-

nila, sapphire;6 Gomeda,

a Vaidurya,

yellow

gem

of

of fat; 7

gem

of

dark

blue

the lapis lazuli;8 Mauktika, colour, called Navaratna of diamond

are

pearls;9 Vidruma, corals.

or

Collectively they are

inferior kind
of

the nine

gems.

an Rdjavarta,

from
times some-

another and Vaikrdnta, Yirat,

used

inferior kind

diamond,

instead
"

of diamond. the
are following

Salts.

Of these

noticed

by

most

writers,

viz.,Saindhava, rock salt; Sdmbara, Sambar

sonchal

lake salt;Saurarchala,
sea

salt; Bit, black salt; Sdmudra, sun-dried

known
as or

salt, monly comon

Karltacli; Audbhida, a
salt obtained of
from

saline saline

efflorescence

reh

lands; Pdnsuja

earth;
,

Yavakshdra,
carbonate

impure

carbonate

potash; Sarjikdkslidra impure

24 of soda;

SANSKRIT

MATERTA

MEDICA,

Sarmkshdra,mixed

ashes of several

chloride of ammonium;

Soraka,nitrate of borax. The term Usliara is applied to saline earth. Metals and metallic compounds are subjected to
in order purification
to

Narasdra plants; and Tankana, potash,

so-called

or impurities If used in an unpurified deleterious qualities. state, theyare supposed certain diseases for to induce or morbid symptoms. The metals, the most part, their plates and are purified by repeatedly heating them in the following fluids, plunging whey, sour namely, oil, cow's urine and the decoction of a pulse called kulattha conjee, consists in soaking Another method of purification '(Dolichos uniflorus). of the plantain-tree. the plates of heated metals in the juice Metals and metallic compounds are reduced to powder by various processes. The operation is called mdrana,which literally or destruction of metallic character but means killing a practically reduction to powder, either in the metallic state, after conversion or into an oxide or a sulphide. Various processes for the calcination of different metals are described in Sanskrit works on 1 the subject.

process of

get rid of their

will not burden these pages with a detailed account of these but shall followed at the presentday. onlydescribe modes of preparation

Althoughthe Hindus a certain number preparing

chloride of mercury,
some

had

made

some

successful efforts in such

us

of chemical

compounds

per-

of copper and sulphides acids, alkalies, etc., yet their chemical rude
and

oxide silver,

of

tin,

very

character. primitive

The

of a were operations employedby apparatus

O

them consisted of crucibles of different sorts, crlassbottles and 7 earthen

pots arranged for sublimation

sand and distillation,
vapour

of volatile

compounds,

retorts for

etc. The furnace for baths, in the groundcalled nsny? Gajaputa. metals is usually a pit heating and breadth. It is made one and a quarter cubits in depth, length with dried balls of cowdung. The metals or metallic This is filled compounds to be roasted are enclosed in a covered crucible and in the centre of the pit within the ballsof cowdung,which are placed then set fireto and allowed to burn
WTzptsr.

till consumed

to ashes. to

or are crucibles, Hushdyantra

recommended

be

made

of husks of rice two

chalk iron rust, earth from ant-hills, parts,

one bits, parteach.

and human

hair cut into small

These

are

rubbed

26

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

SULPHUR.
Sans.
TT"R

Gandhaka.

Four

varieties of

sulphurare
The
its

mentioned Of

by

Sanskrit

writers,

white namely,red,yellow,
are

and black.

these the red and black vitreous

not

now

available.

or yellowvariety

sulphuris

called

because dmld-sdr,

translucent

ripefruits of
internal
use

resemble the semi-transparent crystals the dmalaki It is (Phyllanthus emblica).

in combination

for preferred

with mercury. the

The

white used

is inferior to roll sulphur or ordinary variety in skin diseases. for external application by being washed Sulphur is purified

and yellow,

in

milk. then

It is first

dissolved in

an a

iron ladle smeared

with butter and cool and

gradually

poured
use.

into

basin of milk.

When

it is fitfor solidified

with milk or other vehicle. twenty-four grains taste, with a Sulphur is described as of bitter, astringent acts as a laxative and strong smell. It increases bile, peculiar and is useful in skin diseases, rheumatism, alterative, consumption, In combination with mercury most it is used in aletc. spleen enlarged all diseases. The circumstance of its readily combining with Dose twelve to and metalic fixing
mercury,

has led to its extensive

use

in combination

with that metal. In skin diseases it Internally

is

is used sulphur milk

or

both
in

given with

and externally. internally the shape of a sulphurated the addition and taila, diseases.1 of

from butter, prepared The

milk

boiled with

sulphur.
nally, inter-

butter thus obtained is called Gandlia and

in appliedexternally,

is taken

skin

Sulphur

and

yavakshdra (an impure carbonate

mixed with mustard potash), in pityriasis is applied etc.2 psoriasis Sulphur enters into the oil, the for skin diseases, of a largenumber of applications composition is an example. following of
i.

2.

MERCURY.

27

the

taila.l Take of sesamum oil four seers, madder, Atditijapdka three myrobalans, and sulphur lac, turmeric, realgar orpiment, all one
seer.

in equalparts,

Mix

and

expose

to the

sun.

This oil

is useful in eczema,

scabies etc.
it is used in combination

as in bdellium, called Sinliandda guggulu? Take of sulphur the following, eight decoction of the three myrobalans bdellium eighttolas, tolas, mix and boil together castor oil thirty-two tolas, seventy-two tolas,

In rheumatism

with

in

an

reduced iron vessel till about

one

to the consistence

of

tion. confecchronic

daily. It is useful in asthma,and skin diseases. rheumatism, lameness, cough,

Dose drachm twice

MERCURY.
Sans. T?TT3 Pdrada. ?;g Rasa.

has

Mercury, though in later days come

medicine in the Hindu

by Charaka* and Susruta, to be regardedas the most important Pdrada literally that means Pharmacopoeia.
not is so called because it protects mankind

mentioned

and mercury which protects,

1.

snf^iTnff*wi
.

fMrai *rfi"*T
TTCT
^

a*^wrrf^czpTO tn*n^:
2.

f^f 'ngsr:

wra^i I TT^rptf

f^nremrr:

||
*

There
some

is

passage

in Charaka into

in the
a

chapter

on

Kushtha
for the

or use

skin of

diseases mercury.

which

physicians construe

recommendation

Itisthis
as

^^Tf^f^T^T^TT^li^t^lfl^^^.
Reduced
mercury which term
cures

It may

be translated

follows.

all diseases

should

be

taken
as

by

those
as

affected with skin diseases. The

many other

rasa,

mercury however, signifies since Charaka if he

well does

things,such
the term

as

myrrh, sulphur, goldetc., and

for mercury,

not

mention mercury

name yarada, the principal

it is doubtful did mean

meant really

by

rasa.

however, he Supposing,
to "km

mercury,

its use

was

in his at all events,

confined time,

diseases only,

28 from

SANSKRIT

MATEKIA

MEDICA.

all sorts of diseases. how

to
use

It is said that the of gift God

not know in

this merciful

who physician is an object of

does
cule ridi-

society.
mercury is said to be

like the mid-daysun externally, bright and of a bluish tingeinternally. Mercury of a yellowishcolour should not be used in medicine. or variegated white, purple,

Good

Mercury,as
an

met
as

with in

commerce,

contains

several sorts of impurities, If administered number

in
;

such

tin,lead,dirt, stone, etc.

it is said to
use.

impure
it is
are

state

bring on
Various At the

of diseases for

hence mercury
is

before purified

processes

purifying

described in books.

presentday the following

generally adoptedby Kavirdjas. Mercury is first rubbed with brick-dust and garlic, then tied in four folds of cloth and boiled
water
over a

in

fire for gentle

three-hours
in

in

an

apparatus called
and dried

Doldyantra. When
in the for
sun.

cool,it
mercury

is washed

cold water

Some

use practitioners

betle-leaves instead of

garlic

rubbing the
of cinnabar

with.

Mercury obtained by
pure and lemon

tion sublima-

is considered

use.1

Cinnabar is first rubbed

sublimed
is in

with

preferredfor internal juicefor three hours,

and then

the apparatus called

Urddliapdtana yantra.

The mercury
in form

of

within the upper deposited pot of the apparatus, blackish powder. This is scraped, rubbed with lemonit is fitfor
use.

and juice of mercury

boiled in water, when called

form peculiar

rasa2 Shadgunaball jdrita

an

is thus
over

prepared. A
mercury.

little sulphuris placedin The

earthen

pot,and
the

it some

pot

is heated in

sand-bath, and,as

to melt, sulphur begins

and gradually of more cautiously to the extent mercury, altogether

1.

it is added

to

or

placedover weight

the

of six times

the

of the

f^ptsiw

sn^f'nfft'u

*rffVfrf *r

2.

*Rfa5nfw:3.*

*S^: I
TO

MERCURY.

29

mercury. removed should

mass.

When
from then be

the whole the aud fire,

is melted cooled

like oil the tillthe

mass

pot should be quickly

is consolidated. from within It the

broken, and
thus much

the mercury
is said
at

extracted
to be

Mercury
The

obtained used obtained

superior to

all other

forms, but

it is not

present.

metal purified for the

by

the

processes

.above mentioned

is

employed

preparationof
are

mercurial in

compounds.

Four

preparations of

mercury

described

books,namely, black,
and

krishna, white,yellow,and red,called respectively, sveta, pita

rakta

bhasmas,
1.

Krishna of mercury,

bhasma. made

The

black

preparationis
of

the black

phide sul-

by rubbing togetherand dissolving over

with white Several
one

the fire three

2.
or

parts of

mercury

1 sulphur.

Rasakarpura.
mercury. follows.2 is

The

preparationis
processes
are

the

Rasakarpura
for preparing

of perchloride

given
chalk

it;one
and

as

Take

of mercury

and

equal parts,
this mixture saline

rub them and

Rub togethertillthe globulesdisappear.

mercury

of chalk and in
a

with

pdnsu (saltobtained
it within

from

earth)

the

juice of Euphorbia nereifolia (snuld) repeatedly.

crucible
mercury

Enclose

covered

and

heat

pot full of rock salt. The

the

of perchloride white

will be

in deposited

shape of
Take of

pure

powder

under

the lid of the crucible. for its

The

Bhdvaprakdsa
purified

givesthe followingprocess

preparation. 3

i. ?r*!rHw

T^TS

rarer

TTT:

iftqft*R^fa"4 a^fttft

2.

3.

30

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

brick dust, rock salt, earth (red-ochre) gairika chalk, alum, kshdri lavana (impuresulphate from ant-hill, of soda) and bhdndared earth used in colouring in equal or rub together ranjaka, pots, parts, and strain throughcloth. Place the mixture in an earthen
mercury,
,

pot,cover

together with layers of clay and cloth. The pots so luted are then placed on and heated for four days, after which theyare opened, and fire, the white camphor-like depositin the upper pot is collected for
use.

it with another

face pot,

to

and face,

lute the two

3.

Pita bhasma.

The

calledPita yellow preparation

of mercury

bhasma1 is

preparedas follows. Take rub them togetherfor seven equalparts, and (Phyllanthus neruri) bhumydmalaki
directed to be

sulphur days with the juice of hastisundi (Pleliotropiwn and heat it in a Indicum). Place the mixture in a covered crucible, sand-bath for twelve hours. The result will be a yellowcompound. Rakta bhasma. The red preparation called Rakta bhasma or 4. in a variety is of waysThe following Rasa sindura2 is prepared rub together and sulphur of them. Take of mercury one equal parts, of the red buds of Ficus Bengalensis for three with the juice (vata) introduce the mixture within a bottle and heat it days successively, A red deposit in a sand-bath for twelve hours. will adhere below

and

TI.

\ ^fa^*s
i

tti

I
i w

"ipEtfii

MERCURY.

31

the neck

of

the bottle.

It is taken

out

in the

shape

of dark

red

shiningscales.
The described
used

four

of preparations works
on

mercury

above

mentioned, though
not, practically
names.

in most

metalic

medicines,are
under
not in

in

the

treatment

of

disease

these
use.

In white

the

present day the yellow preparationis

called

The

form

Rasakarpura
with

is

now

prepared,not accordingto
rock salt. bazars. the black
means

the processes

described of mercury

in Sanskrit
common

works, but by subliming the

or

black form

sulphide largely

In

this The
one

it is

manufactured
better

and
as

sold in all the

sindura
;

red
as

preparationis
Rasa

known

Rasa

and

parpati.
used.

In
or

practically, prepared mercury fact,

Rasa sindura

the

red

preparation
also used

and black

this and

is the form red

in which

it is

largely
are

Besides

the this,

of sulphides

mercury

internally. The
It
is

black

sulphide is prepared by rubbing together

and mercury red till the

equal parts of sulphur

called

globulesdisappear.
cinnabar
is

Kajjali.1 The
four

sulphide or

called
black

hingula.
and the

These

preparations,namely, cinnabar,
red of the

the

the sulphidecalled Kajjali^

preparation called Rasasindura,

nre

Rasakarpura
mercury

bazar,

the four
;

principalforms
is,they
tute consti-

in which

is used

in Hindu

medicine

that

the basis of all the formulae

containing mercury.
with the six tastes, and

Mercury
of

is said to be imbued

capable
it

removing derangements
Combined
as a

of all the humours. with other

It is the first of

alterative tonics.
cures

appropriate medicines
tonic

all

diseases, acts

powerful

and

improves

the

vision and In

complexion.
of all with

fevers

descriptions, mercury
a

is

used in extensively other cines. medi-

combination The

aconite, croton
few

seed, datura, and

are following

illustrations.

Hingulcsvara. equal parts,

rub

Take

of

cinnabar, aconite,and
a

long pepper,
about pills

together in

mortar

and

make

into

32 four

SANSKRIT

MATEIUA

MEDICA.

beaten up with a little grainseach. They are given, honey, in ordinary remittent fever.1 Taruna jvardri.2 Take of mercury, sulphur, aconite and croton with the juice of Aloe Indica and seeds, equal parts, rub together make into four grainpills. These pills act on the bowels and relieve fever. They are administered with sugar and water.

dysentery, mercury is used in a greatvariety of forms. The following are a few examples. rasa? Take of mercury, sulphur, Vajrakapdta opium,moclmthe three myrobalans, (gum of Bombax Maldbaricum], rasa,
black ginger,
mix.

In diarrhoea and

Soak

powder and pepper, and long pepper, in equalparts, the powder in the juice of the leaves of Cannabis sativa
Verbesina calendulacea
seven (bliringardja]

and (Vijayd) make

times and with

into six

grainpills.This

medicine Dose

is administered

honey in
four.

obstinate chronic diarrhoea.

four grains

to

twenty-

ture a mixtogether by melting Rasaparpati* This is prepared in an iron ladle, of equal and mercury smeared partsof sulphur with ghee butter) The melted fluid is poured on a piece (clarified It is then pressed of plantain on a ball of cowdung. placed leaf,
.

f?

^^(^TTTZ^:^?

II

II
j

ii

34 the medicine four from

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDTCA.

the shells.

It is administered in doses of about

grainsin

the acute rasa.1

diarrhoea of children.

Pdndusudana

In jaundice, mercury
in the

is used

along with
sudana Pdnducroton

other alteratives and

rasa.

as purgatives,

called following,

Take

of mercury,

sulphur,preparedcopper,

seeds and make bark

rub them togetherwith ghee and bdellium, equalparts, into two-grain pills.They are given with the juice of mm and honey in jaundice. Acids and cold water for drinking

should be avoided. In affections of the The Rasendra

to it
one

lungs mercury
a

is used in

of combinations. variety

are following gudikd? Take

few illustrations.

of

tola of the

and

of fresh the

of juice tillthe ginger, rub together

two tol"s. Add purified mercury leaves (Sesbania ^Egyptica) jayanti

mixture

then thickens, Solanum

soak it in Indicum

juice of

Jussicea repens

and (kanchata)

Take of for twenty-fourhours. respectively (vrihati) sulphur eighttolas and soak in the juiceof Verbesina purified When calendulacea (bhringardja). dry,mix the sulphurwith the with sixteen toUs of goat-milk tillthe mercury, and rub together
to being made into pills.Dose about four grains, of ginger. This pill and juice is useful in be taken with goat-milk bronchitis and cough generally.
mass

is fitfor

rasa? Rdjamrigdnka

Take

of Rasa

sindura three

parts,prepared

gold and

copper

one

orpimentand sulphur parteach, realgar,

?*

"f"l:

(I

\ |

MERCURY,

35
the mixture into the cavities of
to
a

t\vo

partseach

and

mix.

Introduce

close their openings with borax reduced couries,

roast goat-milk,

paste with
out

the cold.

shells in closed crucibles Dose about four

and

take
two

the

medicine

when

with grains, and

grainsof
It is

long

and two

of black

pepper,

honey

clarified butter.

said to be useful in

and phthisis,
nervous

chronic bronchitis with fever.

several combinations of mercury system, ^ith gold, etc. are used,such as, the Chaturmukha talc, iron, chaturmukha,Yogendra rasa etc. They are all rasa, Chintdmani with but slight variation in the proportions similar in composition, and their adjuncts. of the active ingredients Chintdmani
of preparation

In diseases of the

ckaturmukha1
mercury

is thus

prepared.
sindura two

Take

of the red

called Rasa
one

talc two them

tolas, preparediron
the

tolas, prepared rub tola, preparedgoldhalf a tola",

nervous

with together

of juice

Aloe Indica and make

This medicine pills.

is said to be useful in in the

ears,

two-grain diseases, insanity,

into

noise deafness, eephalalgia, diseases of the female and

urinaryorgans, and strength, increases the appetite and brightens nutrition,

an

of the tongue, paralysis fever etc. It improves phthisis,

the

complexion.
As alterative tonic the red of preparation used in
a

mercury,

or

Rasa-

sindura

is much described, already

varietyof

diseases.

"ra

11
ii

TT^r

^
:

II

36

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

T\vo other forms

cfuna

of this medicine

in

common

use

are

called Shad*

and Svarna sindura rasa balijdrita sindura rasa Shadguna balijdrita and

sindura

respectively. prepared.
"asa
On Take of
as

is thus

mercury

sulphurequal parts,
sublimation with
in
an a

and

prepare

sindura

already described by day, mix again

times.
Easa

glassbottle.
the process

the second

this Easa the

sindura

equal quantity of sulphur and

in this way, the six

sublime This sindura.

compound.

Repeat
considered

preparation is
sindura^
is thus

superior to
Take

ordinary gold

Svarna

prepared.

of fine leaf

one

tola, purified mercury

mortar, add twelve
mass

mix together eighttolas, by rubbing

in

tolas of

sulphurand again
in
a

rub

tillthe together,
on

is of

dark

colour.

Sublime

glassbottle
mentioned

the sand-bath. said to

cure

The

three forms

of Rasa
are

sindura

above

are

all

sorts of

but diseases, of

used particularly and

in chronic

catarrh fever,
etc.

and

cough

mental children, is used

in

ansemia bodily debility,

Mercury Syphilisand
few

syphilisboth by
as use

externallyand
are

internally.
only
in
cent re-

its treatment

mercury

described
The

compilations,such
a

the

Bhavaprakisa.
and and catechu
a

are following

illustrations of its

in this disease. of mercury

one

Saptasdlivati.2
pellitoryroot
till the
seven or pills one

Take

each half tola.

tola,
gether to-

tola, honey
One

half

Rub

globules of

mercury

and disappear, every

divide

into with

boluses.

is administered pill

morning

"rf

2.

MERCURY.

37 salt should not be taken after

water

in

Acids primarysyphilis.

and

the

use

of this medicine.

Rasa

karpuralor
to be

corrosive sublimate
a

as

sold

in the bazars

is

recommended
medicine

given in
in
a

dose single of

of

eight grains.
and
so as

The with

is enclosed

ball

wheat-flour with water

covered
not
to

powdered cloves.
the teeth. of this medicine. of perchloride sublimate

It is swallowed
acids
are

touch
use

Salts and As

forbidden

to be taken

after the is not and

a

the Rasa but is

a

karpura of
mixture

the bazars

pure

mercury,

of calomel

corrosive escapes

in indefinite

the patient sometimes proportions,

after this dose. than

may

When,

however, it contains

more

of corrosive sublimate
even are

of

and intense salivation, gastritis calomel, such doses of

death
mended recomsionally occa-

result.

When

poisonous remedies
wonder that
we

in standard
come across

works
cases

it is

no

should

of dreadful

induced salivation,

by
as a

native
ing cover-

treatment. to

The

circumstance
may act

of wheat-flour
as an

being used
to
some

the

poison

antidote
in

extent.

In
bination com-

Rasa secondarysyphilis

karpura is given

small musk.

doses

in

with For

saffron,sandal wood, and cloves, about a drachm external application,

rubbed between the

of mercury the

is recommended the
are

to be

palms

with

juice of
mercury
over

leaves of Sida

tillthe globules of (bdtydlaka) cordifolia no longervisible. The palms are then to be warmed tillperspiration breaks out from them.2

the fire

J
2.

38 For the black

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

about in primary syphilis, fumigation

half

drachm

of

mixed with one fourth part of wheat-flour, is sulphide, for seven days in succession.1 In secondary litic syphiemployeddaily the following compositionis used for fumigation. eruptions half a tola, of cinnabar one powder and mix. tola, realgar fifteen
are

Take

About

grainsof
over

this is used at
a

time.

Powders

for fumigation vapour

heated

fire of
cover

tree wood, jujube in

a

and the

is

to applied

the skin under

closed

room.

for red

Mercury enters into the compositionof several applications skin diseases, as in the following.Take of cinnabar, sulphur, seeds of Cassia tora (chakramarda), rock salt, oxide of lead,
the root of

Cleome felina and baberung, (svarnakshiri\ auriculata thin

in equal parts. (kusJita)

Aplotaxis
to
a

Powder
or

them, and

reduce

of datura, mm pastewith the juice

is said to
cure

betle leaves. This

tion applicaleaf

For

lice in

etc.2 ringworm, eczema, prurigo, psoriasis the hair, rubbed with datura or betle mercury
to be to applied

is recommended

the

scalp.3

ABSENIC.
THREE

compounds of

arsenic

are

used

in

Hindu

namely,
arsenic
or

arsenious

or anhydride

white

red arsenic,

medicine, sulphideof

and the yellowsulphide or realgar, orpiment. Of these have been used in medicine from a verythree, orpimentand realgar and are indigenous remote to India. Native white arsenic period, is not met with in India. It is

brought from Burmah, China

^TTTT^T^ ff
na^: I

and

1.

*nFTnzptn: i THT^:

wncsr:

2.

3.

ARSENIC.

the Persian

gulf.It

is not mentioned

in the

more

ancient Sanskrit

neither in the listof metallic ores, where orpiinent, etc. realgar works, of diseases. for the treatment in any prescription are nor described, In compilations of a later date, however,such as the Bhavaprakasa, medicine for and the Tantras,it is recommended as a powerful much used as such. and is now fever, In these later works white arsenic is called by several names, such
as

Sankha visha, ^T^r^^TK ST^f^r*

Sdmbala

kahara, *Rm$mt
of these terms,

Phendsma

bhasma,and
is to

^T^5^

Ddrumuch.

None

such as Wilson's lexicons, Deva's Sanskrit-English Dictionary,or Sir Raja Rddhakanta Sabdakalpadruma. Phendsma bhasma is mentioned by Susruta in his chapter where he says, it and haritdla (orpiinent) are on poisons,

however,

be

found

in standard

the two
any

mineral

but poisons,* arsenic

it is very

doubtful if Susruta

meant

native white

by

it. The

derivation of the term

implies

that it was

White sort of stone or ore. some by roasting arsenic was obtained artificially in ancient days by roasting orpiand probably this preparation ment called (see orpiment), was Phendsma At a later period bhasma. imported white arsenic had
used in medicine sankha under visha. the of sambalakshdra, designations

obtained

been

and ddrumuch,

WHITE
Sans. *^Wf%*TSankha

ARSENIC.

visha. ^r^jT^" Ddrumuch. Sdmbala kshdra. bazars under the

names

WHITE
Sunka soaked used in

Arsenic

is sold in

the

of

and Darumuch. sambul It is purified Suffed bish, by being in lemon juice of the plantain tree. It is chiefly or the juice

for which it is now to the other compounds fever, preferred and is employed alone as also in a great varietyof of arsenic, combinations. The following are a few illustrations. Jvara
in

brahmdstra.1
urine for

Take

of white

arsenic

two

cow's

three

days,and

afterwards

soak it tolis, in the juice of

I Susrata-

kalpasthana. chapterII.

40

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDTCA.

Celsia Coromandeliana cold water. Take of

a a

for (kokasima)
,

one

day,and

then wash

in

one-ninth (about

the weightof a mustard, quantity, and administer within a lump of sugar grain), small
comes on.

in intermittent fever before the paroxysm

Thus

taken for

three

days,it cures

recent

and chronic
or

fevers, ague
the weapon

and remittent

fever. It is called Jvara brahmdstra fever. destroys Ddrubrahma seeds and

which

infalliably

rasa.1

Take

of white

and longpepper, equalparts, of of tulsi (leaves with lemon juice. They are givenwith the juice incoherent Ocimum sanctum)in remittent fever with shivering, heat of body, or much speech or wandering, profuse perspiration difficult etc. The dose of arsenic in this medicine breathing, and large
may is very

datura cinnabar, arsenic, make into four-grain pills

induce

unpleasant symptoms.
Take of mercury,

Chandesvara
copper

rasa.2

aconite, sulphur, pared pre-

arsenic, equal parts,rub togetherwith the juice of fresh gingerfor six hours, then soak in ginger-juice and dry,successively for seven days. Afterwards soak in the juice of Vitex niaundo (nirgundi) about for seven days, make into pills and administer with the juice of fresh ginger.Along a graineach, with this medicine, inunction with oil, and nourishing cold bathing
and white animal food should be used.

42

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

by being successively boiled in kdnjika, the juice of the fruit of Benincasa cerifera and a decoction of the three myrobasesamum (kushmdnda) oil, for three hours in each fluid. Some lans, physicians, probably mix all these fluids together, and boil the orpiment to save time, in the mixture for three hours only. The dose of orpiment thus is from two to four grains. purified Several methods of roasting orpiment are described. The and recommends that orpiment should be powdered Bhavaprakasa made into a ball with the juice of Boerhaavia diffusa (punarnavd) and placed in the centre of a pot full of the ashes of that plant. The pot should be now and luted with clay, covered with a dish, heated over a firefor twenty hours. When cool the ball of roasted orpiment is taken out from the pot and reduced to powder.
use
,

Haritdla is purified for internal

Another

process

is

as

follows. Take

rub them yavakshdra, equalparts, and roast the mixture in a closed crucible. The Negundo (nirgundi), resulting compound from both these processes is described as a white camphor-like substance. A

purified orpimentand with the juiceof Vitex together

of

to me by an upspecimen of roasted orpiment supplied analized and found to contain but a small country physician was do not prepare proportionof white arsenic. Bengaliphysicians

who roasts notion that the man superstitious dies very soon. it from Fakirs or religious orpiment They purchase mendicants. It is said that some specimensof roasted orpiment are of white and contain a largeproportion highly poisonous, arsenic. The quality of the drug would no doubt vary according to the method in which it is prepared.
a

this drug from

to increase Orpiment is said to cure fevers and skin diseases, life. In fever it is used in and to prolong strengthand beauty,

combination

with

mercury,

etc. aconite,

The

is following

an

illustration.
have
seen

many,MSS.

in

privatecollections

which

are

much

and older,

still quite as

fresh. This fact would

of Government suggest the propriety of the

records in Mof ussil Courts

being written
so

on

arsenicised paper instead

rapidly destroyedboth by
I should add

the climate and the

which is ordinaryEnglish foolscap, also by white-ants. To guard against paper sold in the bazars is

mistake

here that

ordinary yellow

dyed with turmeric, and not at all proof the attack of insects," against

ORPIMENT.

43

Vetdla

rasa.1
black

Take pepper, then

of

purified mercury,
First

sulphur, orpiment,
rub the mercury fine the and

aconite, and

equal parts.
add the other

sulphur together,
and fresh make into
in

ingredients in
are

powder, juice
of

two-grain
remittent

pills. They
fever with

given

with

ginger

affection

of the

brain. copper,

Vidyddliara rasa?
iron

Take and
in
a

of mercury,

sulphur,prepared
rub them

pyrites, realgar
soak the mixture

orpiment equal parts,

decoction of

together milky grains

other

and

long

pepper
into

and

in the

Make (vajri). juice of Euphorbia nereifolia each. These

about pills

six and

pillsare
of the
rasa.

given

with

honey

in

enlarged spleen

enlargements
Tdlakesari several

abdominal
3
"

viscera. forms the this is active

an

Orpiment

ingredient
Take

of of

pillsfor

skin

diseases, of

which

example.

orpiment, realgar,
and rock

iron

pyrites (svarnamdkshika),mercury,
each, sulphur and
for
a

borax,
two

salt,one

part
them

burnt lemon of

conch-shell

parts each, rub

to

together

day

with

juice,then
and seeds

add mix. of with

the

mass

one-

thirtieth

part of its weight

with butter. After drachms

aconite,

Dose,

five to

ten

grains

it,powdered
should

Vernonia

anthelmintica

(vdkuchi)^two
medicine formula
a

be taken of chronic

honey
diseases.

and

ghee.
The

This

is useful

in all sorts

skin

above

is

taken

from

the under

Bhdvaprak"sa.
the
name

Sarangadbara
Mahdtdlesvara.

gives

similar

prescription

of

!|
I 2.

^T"^Tfa

Sfrra*

2HT"frf*rsnrni*T

44

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

of several external applications Orpiment forms an ingredient wood ofJSerberis lytium for skin diseases. Thus, take of orpiment, (ddruharidrd)seeds of Raphanus sativus (mulaka\ wood of Pinus
,

Deodara

and betle

each leaves,

two

burnt conch-shell half tolas,

a

beat them tola, is

an

useful The
use

with water into together in psoriasis.1 application of

thin

paste. This paste

to the ancient

orpimentas
into the

was depilatory

known
numerous

Hindus.

It enters of hair.

of composition

formulae

for

the removal

The the

are following examples.2Take

of conch-

soaked shell-lime, make equalparts,

it to the

in them

juice of plantain tree,and

a

into

pastewith the aid of

orpiment, water,and apply

Or take
a

of

part from which the hair is to be

removed-

of

conch-shell-lime two

orpimentone parts,
of

half realgar part,

part,

carbonate sarjikdkshdra (impure water, and apply.

rub together with one soda) part,

REALGAR.
Sans.

irofTOT, Manahsila.
with the

juiceof lemons, in fever, skin diseases, of ginger. It is used internally or cough, in skin diseases. In fever, it is generally asthma,etc,and externally with mercury, used in combination orpimentetc. The following
is
an

REALGAR

is purified by beingrubbed

illustration. Chandesvara rasa.3 Take of

realgar, mercury,

and sulphur,

aco-

fa*:

2.

1 ^TTif

^^H

^r

?tf nseffii^rt f^"r^r I f*n

?:

REALGAR.

45
Vitex and Negundo (nirgundi), make into

equal parts,soak nite,

of fresh

in the times

juice of

ginger, three
medicine

and respectively,
in remittent

two-grain

pills. This
each

is useful

fever.

Svdsa kuthdra

rasa.1 Take

of

realgar, mercury,
seven

sulphur,aconite,
and and

borax,
pepper, into

one

part, black

pepper

parts, ginger,

long
make with
coma

three

parts each, rub

them
are

together with water,

said to be useful cerebral

four-grain pills. They

and
in remittent

in asthma

cough,
from for

fever

with

In complications. and
in

remittent

fever,these

are pills are

powdered
also used

used

as

snuff in

rousing the patient. They

into

this

manner

hemicrania,ozsena, cephalalgia, Realgar

enters

etc.
^

the

composition of
mixed with

numerous

applications
of

for skin diseases.

aspera

Realgar

the ashes of

Achyranthes
or

( apdmdrga ) is appliedto patches

In

leucoderma of

white

lepra.
black used.2

leprous ulcers
sesamum

liniment the

composed juice of

realgar,orpiment,

pepper,

oil and

Calotropis gigantea is
into the

Chandraprabhdvarti?
several
of for applications

Realgar
:

enters

composition of example.
Take

the eye

the

is an following

realgar,galena, conch-shell

lime,seeds

of Moringa the

pterygosperma
of belleric the

(sveta

maricha),long
and make

pepper,

liquoriceand
them

kernel

myrobalan, equal parts,rub

mixture with
a

togetherwith goat'smilk, dry

These
are

into

small

or pastils pencils.

rubbed tions affec-

little honey and of the internal

appliedto

the
or

eyes

as

collyrium in

tunics, tumors

other

growths, night-blindness

etc.

zf

*rraTf*r
s

?:s:

2. 3

46

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

An Take
oil
one

oil for

to application

fistulous

sores

is prepared as

follows.

of

sulphur,realgar and turmeric, eighttolas each,mustardjuice of

the usual
datura

seer,

leaves

one

seer, water

four

seers

boil

togetherin

way.1

IRON.
Sans.

*f
are

Lauha.

THREE Kdnta
lauha

varieties of iron
or

used in Hindu
or

Medicine, namely,
Lauhasdra with
or

Mandura cast-iron,
iron iron

iron

rust, and
contact

salts of iron acids. The

produced by
form is

being kept in
used

vegetable
of pans for
use.

of

cast

in the manufacture

milk boiling The small

considered

to superior
are

all others for medicinal when

are*

of particles
on

iron which

scattered around mandura.

hot iron
to

is beaten remain

the

are anvil,

called

They
use.

allowed

in

contact

with the earth till they become considered fit for The

very

rusty and

when brittle,
mandura
or are

they are
said to be

propertiesof
Lauhasdra with

analogousto
iron

those of cast iron.

the

producedon granules
in

plates,smeared
This

vegetable
be

are acids,

also used in medicine.

varietyof

iron is said to

useful especially and

nervous

chronic bowel-complaints, diarrhoea, dyspepsia

diseases.

Cast iron is the

in plates
a

purified by beating
them sprinkling of the

it into with

thin

plates,heating conjee,

fire and

cow's

sour urine,

oil,and
seven

decoction
in

pulse of
The

Dolichos

uniflorus (kulattha},
to

times

succession.
in
an

plates are

reduced

powder by urine,
and
to rub

pounding
and reduced will not the
iron
to

them

iron

mortar, rubbing them

in
a

with cow's

roasting the powder

a

covered

crucible
will

till it is repeatedly float

on

fine

powder, that impalpable

when

water

irritate the eyes

appliedto
and
roast

them.
a

It is usual

with
In

cow's
some

urine
cases

it about

hundred

times in should
is

succession.
thus roasted and

it is recommended
a

that iron Mandura

be

for repeatedly

thousand

times.

purified

for prepared

uselike cast iron.

Prepared iron

is a fine impalpable

IRON.

47

powder
it is

of

reddish be

grey mixture

or

brick-dust of the

colour. and

On

chemical of iron.

analysis
Dose

found
six

to
to

proto

peroxide

grains

twelve.
is

Iron,
all
sorts

it

said,

increases

strength,
the best of

vigour
tonics.

and When It
is

longevity, gold
used and
in

cures

of

diseases

and
iron

is is

silver

are

not

available,
chronic

substituted

for

them.

painful spleen diseases,

tered, adminis-

dyspepsia,
and of the

fever,

phthisis,

anasarca,

piles, enlarged urinary

When
be

liver,
nervous

anaemia,
system,

jaundice,
skin articles of Benincasa

obesity,
etc.

diseases,
iron is

diseases of diet

the kushmanda

following
(fruit

should

avoided, oil,
acids.

namely,
kulattha

cerifera], mustard,
wines

sesamum

('pulse
In

of

Doliclios

uniflorus),
fever with

and

chronic other the

Vrihat

anaemia,
several
hara

debility,

emaciation,
of iron

enlarged
are

spleen
such
as

or

complications,
sarvajvara
hara

preparations lauka,
Take

used,
etc.

Chandanddya
of

lauha,
mercury and

Vrihat

sarvajvara prepared

laulial
iron

purified

and

sulphur,

copper,

pyrites,

talc, gold

orpiment,

1.

48
each two the

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

iron eight mix them together, and soak prepared tolas, tolas, in each of the following fresh mixture for seven days, fluids, viz,

of juice

the leaves of Momordica

or

dasamula

ten

roots

decoction (kdravella), decoction (seeHedysarum* Gangeticum\ of the three

Charantia

of

of

and bifloraj, parpata (Hedyotis

myrobalans,fresh

of kdkamdchi of betel leaves, of guruclii) cordifolia), (Tinospora juice of nirgundi, ( Vitex Negundo),of punarnavd (Solanum nigrum), into two-grain and of ginger.Divide the mass di/usa) (Boerhaavia and administer with long pepper and treacle. The dose of the pills, be graduallyincreased. It is used in all sorts of medicine may in emaciation, hectic fever, intermittent fevers, enlarged wasting, of fine diet consisting loss of appetite etc. A light ansemia, spleen, of this should be adoptedduring the use rice and poultrymeat and all undigestible food should be avoided medicine, lauha.1 Take of red sandal wood, Pavonia odorata Chandanddya Cissampelas Andropogon muricatus hernandifolia (pdthd), (bald), emblic rnyrobalan, ginger, longpepper, chebulic myrobalan, (usir}, Chavica officinarum Plumbago (cliai\ Nymphcea cyanea (nilotpala), and bdberung each one part,prepared (chitraka), Zeylanica, seeds, rub them all together. to Dose about ten grains iron twelve parts, and of Tinosphora be taken with the fresh juice (guruchi) cordifolia This medicine is said to cure all sorts of (parpati). biftora Hedyotis chronic intermittent fever and fever with enlarged spleen. lauha.2 This is another compound metallic Vishamajvardntaka iron and much used in chronic fever. To containing preparation
.

1.

2.

11
x

50

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

ginger,long

pepper

and

black

pepper,

ajwain,baberungseeds,
each (mustaka), and
a

plumbago root, and tubers of Cyperus rotundus tolas, thirty-two honey eightseers, treacle twelve
water
one

half seers,

hundred and

and

seers. twenty-eight

Powder
water

gredient the solid inan

steep them
for gliee,
a

in the

honey and

in

earthen

jar

smeared

with

month, or

tillcompletefermentation

takes

place.
in

This iron-wine

is said to be tonic and

and useful stomaciiic,

of the abdominal ascites, spleen, enlargements anaemia, anasarca, etc. viscera, piles A]malakddya lauha.1 Iron enters into the composition of several for

medicines

such haemorrhagicdiseases,

as

the

Khandakddya lauha,
here transcribe the

SudhdnidJii mode
of

We will rasa,A'malakddyalauhaekc. last which and

is the

the preparing

and simplest
one

shortest. Take

of emblic

myrobalan
twelve

parts,preparediron four
Dose
six to

long pepper, each parts,powder and

part, sugar
them

two

mix

together.

haematuria etc., with grainsin haemoptysis,

suitable

adjuncts.
mandura2 A

preparation nearlysimilar to the above in dyspepsia. It is composed is used and called Guda mandura emblic and chebulic myrobalans one of old treacle, part each, and with honey and iron rust three parts. These are rubbed together
Guda and ghee, taken
in

made

into boluses about

drachm

each.

One

of these is

divided doses

before, alongwith,and

after

meals,in dyspepsia
of

pain after digestion. tubers Take of baberung seeds, Vidyddhardbhra?

with
rotundus

Cypems
of

the (mustaka),

three

myrobalans, gulancha, root

2.

3.

ff-T^THr:

IRON.

of of Ipomcea Turpethum(trivrify montanum (danti), Baliospermum ginger,long pepper and black Plumbago Zeylanica (chitraka), old iron rust iron thirty-two tolds, prepared pepper, each two tolds, tola" one purified tolas, mercury preparedtalc eighttola's, thirty-two cury, the sulphurand merand a half, sulphurtwo tola's. Rub together add sufficientgliee then mix them with the other ingredients, and

honey, and
an

rub

them

for together

twelve hours. with

Preserve from

the
ten to

confection in

earthen

pot smeared

ghee.

Dose

is used in This medicine thirty grains with milk or cold water. in that form of the disease in which the chronic dyspepsia, especially is completed, and in chronic fever, after digestion on pain comes etc. diarrhoea, phithisis of Navdyasa lauha.i In anaemia iron is much used in a variety forms.
a

The

following compound powder

called

Navdyasa

lauha is

To prepare it take of ginger, popularand well known medicine. baberung seeds, long pepper, black pepper, the three rnyrobalans, tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka) and plumbago root, each and one part, preparediron nine parts, powder the ingredients four grains, gradually increased mix. Dose to eighteengrains,
to

be

taken

with

honey

and

ghee.

This

medicine

is used

in

heart disease etc. It is given on piles, anaemia,jaundice, dose. day in four-grain Every second day the dose is

the first increased

|
l

q^

ri^^^^^^i
I
T

^firf ^

ZTTfT

l.
^

52

SAKSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDlCA.

by

two

grains

till the

maximum of
one

quantityis reached.
part of the
is

The

abovd
of of

preparationwith
gulancka
hands air. Mahdsvdsdri which The iron former and

the addition

watery

extract

is called feet and

Gudmhyddi
in diseases

and lauJia,1

given

in

burning

supposed to

be caused

by deranged
forms in

lauha
in

and

Pippulddi lauha2
They
of
sugar
are

are*

the two
in

is used is thus

asthma.

similar

composition.
four

prepared. Take tola", honey and

prepared
four

iron

tolas,

prepared

talc

one

tola's

each,
kernel

the three
of

myrobalans, liquorice root, raisins,long fruits,bamboo-manna,

pepper,

jujube

tdlisapatri(leaves
root

of

Pinus

Webbiana),

bdberung seeds,cardamoms,
and rub flowers them of

of

Aplotaxisauriculata
one

(bushtha),
and
to scruple,

each Mesuaferrea(ndgakesara),
an

powder tola,
one

together in
with

iron
or

mortar.

Dose
a

about

be taken In which

honey

two

three

times

day.
is

enlarged spleen
iron is usedi In
.

Rohitaka

lauha

the

favourite
Rohitaka

form

in

It will be the

described

under

(Amoora
lauha?
is

Rohitaka}
used. Take

enlarged liver

followingcalled
and
copper,

Yakridari
four

of

prepared iron,talc

each

root tolas,

ot Citrus

burnt Bergamia (limpdka) eighttolas,

deer-skin

eight tolas,

3.

IRON.

53

rub
nine

them
to

together with

water

and

prepare

Dose pill-mass.
etc.

grains

eighteen in enlarged liver,spleen,jaundice

anasarca, in iron is

In

given

in

combination

with

carbonate Take

of
of

potash, as

the

following
carbonate

called
of

Tryushanddi

laulia.^

yavdkshdra (impure
black
pepper,
one

potash),ginger, long
parts.
Make

pepper

and

part each, iron four

into

six-grain

pillswithIn

water.

erysipelas, carbuncles
rasa?
is recommended.

and

boils Take

the of

following
mercury,
one

called

Kdldgnirudra

sulphur,
part, rub
a

prepared talc,iron, iron rust, and

them

iron
roast

pyrites,each
the mixture
its

together

with cool

water, and
add
to

within

covered

crucible; when
mix

it one-tenth

part of

weight

of

aconite,

intimately,and

divide

the

mass

into

twenty-two
Meha

grain pills. mudgara

rasafi

In urinary diseases
is

the

following,called
black

used.

Take

of

rusot,
of

salt,

wood

of Berberis

Asiatica terrestris

(ddruharidrd), root

^figleMarmelos
seeds, ginger,
the three
one

Tribulus (bilva),

pomegranate (gokshurd),
pepper,

chiretta, long pepper-root, long

black

pepper,

myrobalans tola,prepared

and
iron

root

of

Ipomcea

Tarpethum

each (trivrit),

fifteen into
a

bdellium tolas, uniform

mass

eight tolas,mix
with This

them

together

and

beat with

ghee.
medicine

Dose

twenty-two
to

grains
in

water

or

goat's milk.
chronic

is said

be

useful
etc.

gonorrhoea,

gury, stran-

fever,anaemia, jaundice

*T"PfiT^nKi"g"fT*rf H
I

i"wN*
H

fa*

nff

54

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

ing by sublimcinnabar and purified Indica (pdriwith the juice of Erytkrina and of sulphur, of Salvinia cucullata rubbed with the juice bhadra), iron four part?, (Leandd)each one part,prepared tin, prepared talc, iron pyrites, and gold, each half a part. or calamine, silver, Ifharpara Rub them together and soak in the juice of Aloe Indica with, and Hydrocotyle and divide Asiatica (rnandukaparni) (gliritakumdri) into four-grain They are administered with honey in diabetes pills. and other urinary diseases, female complaints A preparation etc.
.

Vrihat Somandtha

rasa.1

Take of mercury

obtained

similar to
is

the

above

in

composition,and called Somesvara

rasa

given in

leucorrhoea and other female above

numerous

complaints.Besides
other combinations

the of

preparationsmentioned
mercury,

gold, silver, copper etc, in varying proportionsand combinations, described under are In fact the three firstmentioned different names, drugs constitute of the pills the basis of the great majority used by Kavirdjas. Iron forms an ingredient is an of hair dyes. The following illustration. Take of powdered iron two tolas, stones five mangoe chebulic and emblic myrobalans two tolas each,belleric tolas, rub them together with water in an iron vessel myrobalan one tola, and steep for one to grey hairs for night. This paste is applied them into black.2 turning

iron and talc with the addition of

SULPHATE

OF

IRON.

55

SULPHATE
Sans. NATIVE of sulphate
from
a

OF

IRON.

Kdsisa. *6T*ft*I and to India, indigenous Two

sorts of

iron is very

has been

used in medicine

sulphate or of iron are namely, mentioned, varietyand green The latter is evidently variety. sulphate Phushpa kdsis or yellowish of the sesquioxide with the basic sulphate from of iron, covered
Dhdtukdsis of absorption did
not

ancient age.

oxygen.

It would

seem an

that

the

ancient

Hindus

know
as

of iron, as sulphate
a

iron

compound.
with

It is neither
iron like iron

described

tonic

nor

used in combination

I have met It is seldom used internally. and iron rust. pyrites who recommends with only one a by Chakradatta, prescription of iron and pulp of wood apple, linctus composed of sulphate m

hiccup.1
it Externally,
is used in skin diseases

cines. alongwith other mediof iron, Thus take of sulphate of cows gall-stone (gorocliand rusot and orpiment, equalpartsand beat into to a pastewith kdnjika. etc.2 It is useful in intertrigo, pruritis oil four seers, water sixteen Take of sesamum Kdsisddyataila.3 wood of Withania somnifera of iron, (asvagandhd) seers, sulphate of Potlios officinalis root bark of Symplocosracemosa (lodhra), each sixteen tolas. Beat the solid ingredients into a (gajapippali)

paste and boil it with the oil and

is recommended
to

water

in the usual way.

This oil

the view of

to the genitals and applied these parts. strengthening

be

the breasts with

2.
I

3.

^Tiftwr^^^f I
n

56

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

IRON
Sans.

PYRITES.

^r"ir*nf5rv TdramdkshiTca. Svarnamdkshika, "TT?:*rrf^3i

is pyrites
met
a

IRON

with in many
very
remote

and has been partsof India,

used in medicine

from

It occurs period.
a

in two

forms, silvery
the and

namely, in
radiated

dark

yellownodules
former The

with

and goldenlustre,

in

crystals.The

is called Svarnamdkshika

latter Tdramdkshika.

ancients

supposedthat they
with

contained

in combination gold'andsilver respectively, and

other

ingredients,

in part the properties metals.* Chemically possessed of those precious iron pyrites consists of bisulphide of iron. It is purified

by beingboiled
salt in
an

inJemon

with juice

one-third of its weight of rock" It is reduced and

to

tillthe pot turns red hot. vessel, urine powder by being rubbed with oil or goat's in
a

iron

then roasted
a

closed crucible.

Iron

thus prepared has pyrites

as

sweetish

bitter taste.

It is considered

tonic,alterative

and useful in diseases with The

anaemia, urinarydiseases, ascites, anasarca,

etc. As
an

prurigo, eye

alterative tonic it is generally used in combination of its such class, Take and
mass as

other medicines

is an example. following long pepper, black pepper

of

talc, iron, mercury preparediron, sesamum

etc.

seeds,

five

parts. Beat
in advanced

into

each one part, iron pyrites ginger, with honey. Dose about half a

drachm

anaemia.1 called Garbhapregnant state the following

In diseases of the
vinoda rasa21 is much

and pyrites
pepper,

used, as an alterative tonic. Take of iron each four tolas, cinnabar, long pepper and black ginger,
cloves and tola's, mace,
"rr

each three

each

six

tol"s,beat them
.

'

II

i.

2.

irKfr^T*:

ifwm?

ift^r*f f"n?fanfif

58

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

rasa.1 Take of mercury obtained by sublimation, Jayamangala of cinnabar, borax,prepared sulphur, copper, tin and iron pyrites,

and black pepper, prepared iron and silver, each one rock-salt, part, preparedgold two parts, powder them well,mix and soak the mixture three times respectively in the juice of datura leaves, and Arbor-tristis(scphdlika), in the decoction of the leaves viNyctanthes and of chiretta. Divide the mass called dasamula, ten roots, into They are taken with cumin-seed powderand honey. four-grain pills. This medicine is used in old chronic fevers of all sorts be
a a

'idis said to

be administered with that may tonic and alterative, powerful in many suitable adjuncts diseases. Mrigdnka rasa? Take of mercury one part, prepared goldone and pearls each two parts, borax one-fourth part,rub part,sulphur them together This is dried, and beat into a ball with kdnjika. enclosed in an to heat within a pot of earthen crucible and exposed rock-salt in the
manner

of

hot sand-bath

for twelve hours. When

cool the ball is taken out from the crucible and reduced to It is administered in doses of
one

with about grains used in this Two other preparations of black pepper in phthisis. and called Pottali hemagarbha rasa, and Ratnagarbha disease, similar in composition to the Mrigdnka are rasd) respectively, pottali borax etc, in gold, pearls, rasa. They contain mercury, sulphur,
to four

powder. a scruple

varyingproportions.

J
I

farr?ifH;piT-ra:

J
* *

I
:

ii

W*

wifr"*

SI^T

^Tffr%Tf^tfr^g i
tt *t*ncT5i
:

GOLD.

59

Svarna rub them

parpati.1 Take
add
an

of mercury

eight tolas,gold one

toUs and mix. with enclosed Melt smeared balls
Rasa is used

toU,
the and

together,then
over

sulphur eight
iron

mixture

the

fire

in

ladle

ghee,
in
so

press the melted

in

fluid
manner

between

cow-dung
under

tain-leav planas

the

described

parpati,
like Rasa

to

make

thin round

disks of it. This

anasarca.

medicine Milk

parpati
water to

in chronic and salt

are

diarrhosa,and

diet is

and enjoined,

prohibited. Dose
in the
course

grains two, gradually grains in

called and
in

increased

grains ten
reduced Another

of

twenty-one days, to be again gradually

of two
sort

to the

dose original

another

three

weeks.

preparation of

the

Vijayaparpaticontains
addition
cases as

diamond,
and

pearls, silver,copper,
mercury.

in talc,
same

to

phur gold, sulSvarna-

It is used

the

the

parpati above
Gold doses emblic ded
to

described. much used

as an

is

alterative tonic. the addition Calamus of

Prepared gold in
honey, ghee
recommend It is also and

of two

grains daily
or

with

myrobalan,
be under taken
an

root
a

of Acorns

is (vaclia)

for

lengthened

period.2

given

to

infants

impression that
The

it will

impart strength and beauty

is recommended Calamus for

to their frames.

following composition
of Acorus chebulic (kushtha),

them.

Take

of

powdered gold, root

(vacha)and
and leaves of

AploLaxis auriculata

myrobalans,
and

HerpestesMonniera
two to

(brimhi) pqual parts,powder

and

mix.
to

Dose

grains with honey

feeble infants The
a

ghee.
tonic

It is recommended

be

given
is

few

days

after birth. of the Hindu Materia Medica

principalalterative

the

preparationpopularly called Makaradhvaja.

To prepare

it,take

rr?fr
"r?r: in:

60

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MKDICA.

of

leaf-gold

one

toU,

mercury rub with

eight toUs, together

the Now and
mercury
a

beat

into
mass

mass,

then

aid

sulphur
Rub and
wrap

sixteen

tolas, and repeatedly

till the of
a

becomes red
cotton

black.
flower

this of

mass

juice
take

the

Aloe

Indica, layers

and of of
it

dry.
cloth

bottle

with

flat

bottom, dry.
of the first.
creased, in-

it with

clay

to

strengthen sulphur
at

it, and
the and
bottom

Place the mouth

the

mixture
insert

gold,
in

and
up

bottle,

sand-bath
of

to

its

neck heat

cover

lightly
the
process

with of

apiece
sublimation

chalk.
commences

Apply
the The
mouth

gently
should
now

at

When

heat

be

and with red

is its

the

chalk-stopper
blue below flame

removed.
at

sulphur
of

burns

characteristic collects closed

it should

the

the neck

bottle

and bottle

sublimate

its neck*

The

narrow

of the
there

apt

to

be

with be of

sulphureous
cleared with nine
an

deposits
iron

and rod.

when The done

in

is this

tendency,
is
over

sublimation the the and bottle is of

in

the

course

about

hours. from
procers

When
its

broken, shining
are

and dark

the red
in of

sublimate scales. the the form bottle.

extracted In of this red The

or

neck

shape
mercury remains

the

sulphur
the

sublimed bottom

sulphide,
latter converted doses
in
nervous

and
may

gold
used

at

the

be
into

again

in

the

preparation Maharadhvaja honey

brain
or

of

Makaradhvaja
is administered

powdered
grain daily
weakness

gold.
with of

in

of

one

other

suitable

adjuncts
mental

debility,

from

excessive

labour,
after

habitual

costiveness,

general
etc.

debility,

female

complaints

delivery, spermatorrhoea
When

Chandrodaya

makaradhvaja.1

Makaradhvaja

is adminis-

SILVER.

Gl it with

tered

as

an

it is usual aphrodisiac,

to mix

some

stimulant

makaradrugs,the resulting beingcalled Chandrodaya preparation Thus take of Afakaradhv"ja, one dhvaja. part, camphor,nutmegs,

black pepper, and

mix
are

each cloves,

four

partsmusk
ten

one-sixteenth These

part,

and make into pills about together enclosed or wrapped in betle leaves
a

each. grains chewed.

pills
with

and

Along

this medicine

generous

diet It

etc,should be taken. premature old age

and Makaradhvaja of mercury, in

of meat, glwe, consisting milk,pulses, is used in nervous debility, impotence, A similar preparation in appearance
a

etc.*

to

called AshtavaJctra rasa, is sublimed from

ture mix-

sulphur, gold, silver, lead, copper,

It is used
as a

zinc and

tin

equalparts.

nervine

tonic

in

debility. general

SILVER.
Sans, ^tzf, Eupya. ?TK, Tdra.

be soft, writers,should white, brilliantand ductile. It should not be discoloured by fire. Impure that is, is discoloured by fire, silver mixed with other metals, silver, in and not ductile. Silver is purified of a reddish or yellowish colour, into a black oxide by thin the same as gold. It is converted way and silver leaves being mixed with twice their weight of cinnabar, heated

PURE

to silver, according

Sanskrit

sublimingapparatus, called Urddhapdtana yantra. This process is repeated The resulting fourteen times. compound is a fine greyish black powder with minute shining white particles intermixed with it. On chemical analysis it is found to consist of the black oxide of silver. The properties of silver thus prepared said to be allied to those of gold but somewhat inferior. It is are used in combination with other metals, such as gold, generally iron,
in
*

the

Makaradhvaja is regarded as
active

preparationof gold, which

The and

is

be

the

principleof
below,

the and in

medicine. the mercury

gold

used

in its
are

supposed to preparation
sublimed
in

however the form

remains of red

sulphur only
mercury called of mercury,

sulphide,as

the is
some

preparationof
but
a

Rasasindura.

it Properlyspeaking,therefore,

preparation

although
the process

the of

gold
sindura

may

possibly
some

exercise

catalyticinfluence

during

sublimation,

physiciansuse
36

the
name

( see" page

Bunder

the

rasacalled Sadgundbalijariia, preparation of Makaradhvaja.

62

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

etc.

Dose, grains

one

to

two.

The

following

is

an

example

of

complex

prescription containing
vdta
copper

silver. of
mercury,

Vriliat

gajdnkusaJand

Take

prepared

talc?

iron, gold,
root

silver, orpiment, sulphur, ginger, coriander,

of

of

Sida

cordifolia (bald), bark

Myrica
pepper,
two

sapida
black

(katpliala)
,

Rims

succedanea

(sringi),aconite, long
part, chebulic
the

pepper,

and

borax,
and

each

one

myrobalans,

parts, powder, mix

rub

with

juice

of
one

Sphceranthus day.
be Divide
in of

mollis the
mass

( mundi
into
nervous

) and
four

Vitex

Negundo

(nirgundi)for
are

grain-

pills. They
Silver
common

said the
as

to

useful

various several

diseases. remedies
rasa

enters
use,

into

composition

other

in

such

the

Jayamangala Yogardja (see sildjatu),

(see gold)

etc.

COPPER.

Sans.

7TTO,

Tdmra.

Vern.

Tdmd.

THTN used
urine its thin in for

platesof
medicine.
three

copper

such
are

as

can

be

pierced by being
to

thorns
in

are

They
hours.

purified by
is reduced

boiled

cow's

Copper
paste of

powder

by smearing

leaves
a

with

sulphur
to heat

and
in
a

lemon covered thus

juice, beating
crucible within
is

them
a

into

mass, for

and

exposing
hours. made

sand-bath with

twelve and

The
into
a

powder

produced
is

bed rubinto

kdnjika
of

ball, which

introduced
in
a

tuber

AmorpliopJialluscampanulatus (ola), as
last process
it from is said
to

crucible

and

roasted. and

This

render and

the

copper

innocuous when taken

prevent

causing purging

vomiting

internally. Copper
to the

thus On

prepared
chemical

is

dark

coloured
is found

powder,
to

somewhat of

gritty sulphide

feel.

analysis it

consist

COPPER.

63

of
is

copper. used
in

It is described

as

aD

alterative,
fever,
etc.

emetic

and

purgative,
liver and

and

poisoning,
diseases,
In

dyspepsia,
diarrhoea

enlarged
as

spleen, grains
about

anasinia,
two
to

skin

Dose,
copper is
to

an

alterative,
in doses

four.

poisoning
with
into

prepared
sugar the
or

given
cause

of

twenty-four

grains
eriters

honey

vomiting.1
several medicines for few

Copper
ague, remittent

composition spleen
etc.

of The

fever, enlarged

following

are

illustrations.

Sitabhanji
realgar, together
two,
into
one,
a

rasa.2

Take and

of

orpiment,
parts,

mercury,

sulphur
rub

and them

half thin this enclose

quarter
with the

respectively,
of Momordica
in

paste paste

juice

Charantia

(kdravella}. Apply
other
in

on

copper
in
a

plates equal
covered hours. and

weight
and

to

the

ingredients,
sand-bath the
over

the

plates
fire the for

crucible,
When them. betel

roast

strong
from

twelve

cool

tract ex-

copper

plates
four

crucible

powder
in
a

Dose,
This with

four

grains
should

with be

black

peppers

enclosed

leaf. fever
A

packet

chewed.

It

is

given
and

in

intermittent of skin.

shivering
very
nana

fits,followed
similar and
to

by
the
in

burning
in

heat

tion prepara-

above

composition spleen.
Take the of

is called

Pliha

panchd-

rasa,

used

enlarged
rasa.5

SvacJichhanda

bhairava rub

prepared
of

copper

and leaves

nite aco-

equal
make and
into

parts,

together pills. They

with

juice
with

datura

and

one-grain
salt
in

are

given
with

ginger

juice,

sugar

rock

fevers

complicated

cerebral

symptoms.

""4

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Maliamritunjaya piment
and

lauha.1
each
one

Take

of mercury,
two

sulphur, talc,
parts,
carbonates
copper of

or-

realgar,

part, iron

four

parts, yavakshdra and

and

sarjikdkshdra (impure
salt, burnt
of

potash

soda),borax,

black

couries, and
Kurroa

conch-shells, plumbago-root,
(katuki)^ Amoora

root assafastida,

Picrorrhiza

rphitaka

and (rohitaka,)

Ipomcea
root

Turpethum
of

(triwit);tamarind

pulp, colocynth root,

root

bark

Anogeissus latifolius (dhava), (apdof

of

Alangium
ashes
of

decapetalum (ankota),Acliyrantlies aspera spikes of

the

mdrga),
Berberis
rusot

the

palm-tree,

turmeric

and of

wood

Asiatica Oxalis

(ddruharidrd), croton
corniculata

seeds, sulphate equal

copper, the the and

six
larged en-

and

all in (amlalonika), which

mixture

parts, with
Powder

exception

ofrohitaka soak
to

bark,
the

should
in the

be

two

parts.

ingredients, mix, gulancha

and add

fresh

juice

of

ginger
into in

it

thirty-two
One

tolas

of

honey.
every

Make

grain pillswith

honey.

pill is given
etc.

morning

liver,spleen disease,ascites
In
term

enlargements
copper of leaf

of

the in

abdominal
a

viscera,designated by
of forms.

the

gulma,
in in

is used
two

variety
rubbed
or

Thus, prepared
and
closed en-

copper

doses

grains
be

with the

ginger juice

betel

may

given,

following composition

may

be used.2

I
s

TWfa
r

^HTJTTf-T
^fe^si f^^^rfszj*
TT^T7pj"F*r
i

wy^j

66

SANSKRIT

MATEEIA

MEDICA.

sulphur, them together for each and with twelve hours with the decoction of the three myrobalans, Make into pills the fresh juice of Solanum nigrum (kdkamdchi). administered with a decoction about four grainseach. These pills are of the fruits of Solanum nigrum and the three myrobalans, in all of the drugs and thirty-two tolas of preparedwith two tol"s, four tol"s. They are or water, which is boiled down to one-eighth,
two

Take rasa.1 Hriday"rnava one part,prepared copper

of

purified mercury
part?, rub

and

said to be useful in heart disease.

Tdmresvara? Take of

and prepared copper, mercury, borax, and long pepper, equal parts, soak in the decoction iron,sulphur, of the leaves, Indica root, and flowers of Azadira";hta bark,fruit, and of the three myrobalans of the pulp of Cassia fistula (nimba)" in skin diseases of various sorts. During the administra Pose four grains, of this medicine a cooling regimen should be observed^

SULPHATE

OF

COPPER.
Vern.
in Tutict.

Sans. ?JSI, Tuttha.

SULPHATE

of copper

was

known

India from

very remote

period. It
the roasted obtain

is

prepared by
mass

roastingcopper
and
was

in

water

pyrites, dissolving evaporatingthe solution to

known
as a

crystalsof

the

sulphate. It

salt of

TOT

ta*
li
^

^n4*:
"i"*f

yif^'u^^rv
II

ftmfwf ?;T5i"f??r^^ it
n

9177^^

iw

"

ftW" filiWT*rtftvft#t

II

'S^^

SULPHATE

OP

COPPER.

67
some

copper, and

for

the

Bhavaprakdsa says
some

it contains

copper

therefore

possesses in eye

of the
as

propertiesof that

metal.*

It is and
is

described useful
in

this

work

skin diseases,
use,

emetic, caustic, astringent, It diseases, poisoning etc.

rubbed with

for purified

internal

by being

honey

and

exposedto heat in a crucible. It is then soaked for three days in whey, and dried. Sulphate of copper thus prepared taken is said not to produce vomiting when internally. Dose, one to two grains. hot water is administered in Sulphateof copper dissolvedjin from to excite vomiting. It enters into the insensibility poisoning of some medicines for remittent fever, such as the Jvarcomposition dnkusa mentioned but arsenic is the active ingrediin Bhavaprakdsa, ent In quartan fever the following, in these preparations. called
ghee and
is recommended ChdturthakariJ by many writers. Take of orpiment, of copper, burnt conch-shell and realgar, sulphate sulphur,equal

rub them parts,

a

with together "When the

the

juiceof

Aloe Indica and

roast

in

covered

crucible.

cool extract

the

powder

and make
are

into

with pills four-grain with

juiceof
pepper

Aloe Indica. and

They

tered adminisshould be

powdered black

ghee.Butter-milk
is used

taken before these

which pills

relieve the fever

by inducing vomiting.
in chronic for of

rasa.2 Grahanikapdta bowel the

Sulphateof
other

copper

along with complaints

medicines,as
Take

rasa. followingcalled Grahanikapdta

example in sulphate of

fair

TT^TT I

"f: |

68
copper,

SANSKRIT

MATEBIA

MEDICA.

and borax, each five iron,iron pyrites orpiment, mercury, mdshds. Prepared couries two and a half toUs and sulphurone with lemon juice and roast the mass tol". Rub thorn all together

lightly. This

medicine

is

given

in

chronic

bowel

complaints,

consumption etc.
Gdrbhavildsa rasal
of
some

Sulphate of
Sutikavinoda

copper

enters

into the and

rasa.

position com-

medicines
as,

for diseases of the pregnant

or

peral puerTo each

such state,

the

Garbhavildsa

prepare
one

it take

of mercury,

of sulphurand sulphate

copper,

with lemon juicefor three days. Then part,rub them together

take of cumin each

one

seeds, long pepper, kdldjird^

and make into

black pepper

and

ginger

part,mix

in bowel

complaints and
state.

pills.They are used eight-grain during the puerperal and indigestion

pregnant
the for
eyes

to sinuses and fistula-in-ano with Sulphateof copper is applied and healing It is added to ointments of stimulating them. object of copper is poured into the foul ulcers.2 A solution of sulphate

in

of opacity

the cornea.3 Take

The

following compound powder is

of sulphur, sulphate copper,

to applied

chancres.

of mercury,

cinnabar, and
This

of iron, equal parts, powder and mixi sulphate be used in the form of powder or paste. composition may

TIN.
Sans.

3^p, Vanga. Vern.

Rdng.
been known Dr. from
a

TIN,though
very

not

to India,has indigenous

ancient

period and

is mentioned

by

Susruta.

Royle

f ff a4 ^fa*Ph*T'R-Jl
3

TIN.

69

observed

"

But

the

Hindoos from

like the
ancient in the

Egyptians
times.

have

employed
there

tin
is

for various
no

purposes
its

very

And

though Bay
of

proof of

being

found
on

present day in the peninsula of

of the

India
as

yet it is abundant

the

opposite coast
and

Bengal
must

in

Burma,
ancient Tin

Tenasserim, Junkseylon
times

Malacca. India

There

in

very

have

been

trade between

and these

places."

is purified by the

melting it over

the fire and

pouring
).

the melted It is prepared

to

fluid into

milky juice of Calotropis gigantea ( arka

use

for medicinal one-fourth

by melting weight
tamarind
to
a a

it in

an

iron

cup,

adding
carbonate
an

it of

part of
and

its

of

yavakshdra (impure
shells,and
fine

potash)
rod
in cold
a

powdered
mass

agitating with
It is

iron

till the
water

is

reduced
over

powder.
The

then

washed

and

dried

gentle fire.

resultingproduct is
oxide of tin
in
a

greyish

white

powder consisting chemically of

is

with

some

It impurities. forms. Thus the with

used chiefly

in

urinary
be

disorders
in

variety

of

simple powder honey "

of
or one

may

given

four-grain dose

every may

morning
be used.

of the

following preparations
and

Trinetra

rasa.1 them

Take

prepared tin,mercury
an

sulphur equal
seven

parts, rub

together in

iron

mortar

and

soak

times

in respectively tions of

the

juice of Cynodon dactylon(durvd)and

of

the decoc*

root, gum liquorice

Bombax

Malabaricum
roast

(Mocharasa) ,
covered and

and

Tribulus soak

terrestris (gokslmrd). Then

in

in

crucible,
make
into

again

the above This

mentioned
is

fluid medicines

four-grain pills.
of the above named

medicine

given

with

decoction

in milk

vegetable drugs, in painful micturition.

Take
of the

Vangesvara rasa?

preparation of

mercury

called

J?T"T:^T%*fte

70

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Rasasindum,
four

and with

of

prepared
in

tin, equal
diseases of

parts
and

and

mix. diabetes.

Dose

about

grains
Vrihat

honey

urinary
Take each
them

Vangesvara
sulphur
half and

rasa.1

prepared tolas,

tin,

mercury,

silver

and

talc,

camphor tola,
mix

two

prepared
soak

gold
mixture

and
in

pearls,
the

each of

together,
and all
is

the
into

juice
This
act

Eclipta
medicine

prostrata
is

(kesardjd),
to
cure

make of
in

four-

grain-

pills.
and
to

said

sorts

urinary
diabetes

diseases,
with the

as

an

alterative fruit of Take then and bottle called

tonic.

It

given

juice

of

the

ripe

Ficus of

glomerata
mercury,

(udumbara). sulphur
and
in

Svarnavanga.'2
andrub all the the them above

tin, equal quantity

parts,

together, ingredients
in
a

take
rub

sal-ammoniac

equal
Introduce sand-bath.

to

together
expose
to

in

mortar. in

mixture

glass

and Svarna lustre

of

heat

The
of
in tin

resulting
has
a

powder
beautiful

Vanga
and five

or

golden
texture.

preparation
It with
is bronze is

golden
in

flaky
to

given honey

urinary
the

complaints
of emblic mosaic the The
.

doses

ten

grains

and

juice
of tin

myrobalans. gold
"

This
in the

preparation
arts
as a

the

bisul-

phuret

or

used
of

powder
is

especially

for

manufacture

paper its

hangings."
preparation
in

It

noticed

by
is

Pereira.

Sanscrit

text

for

quoted
of

below,
Kavi-

taken

from

manuscript

compilation

the

possession

ZINC.

71

rajaBenod

Lai Sen.

It is evidently a recent

innovation

if not

an

imitation of the

European preparation.

ZINC.
Sans3JH^, Yasada. Vern. Dastd.

such as Suiruta, by the older writers, The of many prescriptions. does it enter into the composition nor Bh"vaprak"sa mentions it in the chapteron metallic preparations, to powder in the same and reduced and directs it to be purified Zinc is not mentioned
way
as

tin.

It is said

to be useful iu eye

orders, diseases, urinarydis-

anaemia

and asthma.
This

Kharpara.
enters into the

mineral
a

is mentioned number of

in

most

works.

It for

of composition
use.

both prescriptions under this

name

internal and external the

The

article used

by

zinc ore. of Upper India is a sort of calamine or physicians in Bengal are not acquaintedwith this ore, Most of the physicians that is, they consider kharpara and substitute zinc for kharpara, of zinc or as a mere yasada. They accordinglydirect synonym that kharparashould be reduced to powder by being melted over
a

fire and

rubbed

with rock salt.

Zinc

thus

prepared

is

fine with

of yellowish grey powder consisting chloride of sodium. this In the works described.
on

carbonate

of zinc mixed

of the

of Upper India, physicians

is not preparation does not dissolve

There

they use
heat.
or

the

zinc

ore,

which

the

of application

It is

simply
juice

by being boiled purified

and then

in cow's urine

soaked

in lemon

who substitute zino physicians Bengali for the description for kharparaare evidently of some of the wrong, of this drug, as for example of the collyrium mentioned preparations

powdered.

The

below,can

applyto metallic zinc. sold by Hindustani medicine vendors, in as occurs Kharpara^ greyish or greyish black porous earthy masses composed of On chemical analysis found to consist it was agglutinated granules.
not

of carbonate
etc. baryta,

and silicateof zinc with traces of other metals

as

iron
3

Kharparais described

as

tonic and alterative and useful

72

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MKDICA.

in

skin

diseases,

fevers

etc.

It
six

is
to

also twelve. of

much

used

as

collyrium

in

eye

diseases.
Vasanta

Dose,
mdlati three
and

grains
rasa.

Take black

leaf

gold
four

one

part,

pearls

two

parts,
para and

cinnabar

parts,
rub
rub

pepper

parts,
add

purified
some

khar-

eight
lemon

parts,

them

together. together
Dose
is

Then

butter and

juice

and

till
two

intimately
to

mixed with

no

separate
and

particles
pepper. in

are

visible.
medicine

four

grains

honey
sicians phy-

long

This

much

used

by

Up-country

chronic
etc.1

fever,

secondary

syphilis,

chronic

gonorrhoea,

leucorrhcea A
in
stone

collyrium
mortar

is

prepared
water,
that

as

follows. the

Hub

some

Jcharpara
portion,
bottom.
it

with
solid

take

dissolved have subsided and When

mix

watery
to

rejecting Evaporate
times tenth
in
a

any

particles

may

the

this

solution,
of the

powder
three

the

residue

soak

three

decoction
of
is

myrobalans.
and sorts

dry

add

one

part

powdered
to

camphor
in various

intimately.
eye

This

collyrium

said

be

useful

of

diseases,2

LEAD.

Sans,
,

SisaTca.

Vern.

Sisd,

Lead

is

produced
galena.
and

abundantly
Galena
is is

in

India
in

in

the bazars

shape
under

of

the the

sulphide
name

called

sold

the natives

of

surma,

much

used

by

the

as

collyriunv

74

SAKSKRIA

MATERIA

MEDICA.

circumstance

of its beingconsidered the best other varieties of

or cosmetic application are

for them.

The

anjana mentioned

srotonjana,
the
tains moun-

and rasdnjana. piislipdnjana

is said to be obtained ^T^^n^f Sauvirdnjana of Sauvira, whence a country alongthe Indus,
name.

from

it derives
name as surma

its is

The

article supplied under lead

ore.

its vernacular

the of

of sulphide

Surma

translated is usually

sulphide
a

antimony, but I have not been able to specimenof the antimonial ore from the shopsof
some

obtain

single
of

Calcutta and
in fine

other towns.

The

of antimony occurs sulphide of

in
a

streaky,
lead
ore

masses fibrous, crystalline on

radiated
masses

texture.

The

the

contrary, occurs

cubic

destitute of rays and is

tabular in its crystalline arrangement.

is described ^ffr^T Srotonjana to be
as

of white and

and colour, other rivers.

is said

producedin

the bed of the

Jamuua

It is

called this

in the vernacular, and the article supplied under surma saffed vendors medicine is calcareous name or by Hindustani spar.

Iceland

It is used

as

a surma

for collyrium
or

the eyes, but is considered

inferior to the black

^'HlT^'r

galena.
as an

Pushpdnjanais

described

alkaline

substance.

I have not met with any

in his

with any vernacular translation of this word, nor could identify or supplythe drug. Wilson, person who calx of

translates the term as Dictionary, Sanskrit-English but I know not on what authority.1 brass, is the extract of the wood ofBerberis WS*r Rasdnjana called
rasot

Asiatica
in place

in the

vernacular.

It will be noticed

in

its

the

and

VegetableMateria Medica. used as a cosmetic for the eyes, or Sauvirdnjana galenais chiefly these organs, improve their appearis supposedto strengthen ance
and preserve
them from

disease. It enters into the

composition

"tNt*i"rilV*ViTOT*, II

BELL

METAL

AND

BRASS.

75

of

some

collyria for
in
a

eye

diseases. three human

Galena,

heated for used lead

an

over

fire times

and in
eye

cooled

decoction is rubbed

of the with

myrobalans
milk and with add all

seven

succession,
diseases.1 To
one

in

various
as

Another

collyriurn

prepared lead,
rub

is

follows.

part of purifiedand
and
two

melted

equal

portion
and reduce

of

mercury
to

parts of galena,
add

them
in

together

powder.
mass

Now
mix

camphor,

equal
This

weight

to one-tenth

part of
to

the

and
eye

intimately.
From
it

preparation
and

is said
uses

be

ful use-

in

diseases.2 described
meant

the would of

composition
seem

of
term

lead

and

galena
the
as

above

that
not

by

the

surma

Hindus
is

sulphide

lead,

and

sulphide

of

antimony

generally supposed.

BELL

METAL

AND

BRASS.

BELL
copper

metal,
tin.
are

(*KT aj,

Kama},

as

used

in

medicine,
an

is

an

alloy of
and

and

Brass, ( faTff^r, Pittala) is

sometimes
as

alloy
with

of

copper

zinc. and

They
are

used and
same

in

combination

other

metals,
and
is

regarded
to

tonic in

alterative.
way
as

They
copper.

are

purified

reduced
an

powder
of
a

the

The

following

example

preparation containing
rasa.3 Take
of mercury,

bell

metal.
copper, and

Nitydrianda
metal and

prepared
of

iron, bellcalcined

tin, purified orpiment, sulphate

copper

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

conch-shell
pepper,

and

couries, sulphur,ginger, long pepper

and five Lake

black

the

three

myrobalans, baberung seeds, the

sea,

salts,

namely, rock,sun-dried
Chavica

black,sonchdl

and

Sambar

salts,

offidnarum(cliavika), long pepper root,havusa (an aromatic Calamus Curcuma zedo aria substance), Acorus (sati), (vacJia),
Pinus Stepliania hernandifolia (pdthd), of

deodara,cardamoms,
two

seeds

Argyreiaspeciosa daraka)each (vridhya

the

toUs,

rub

together
make
into

with

juiceor
The

decoction
are

of chebulic

myrobalans and
disease has. a
an

pills.They ten-grain
the scrotum.
one drugs for curing it,

of given in hydroceleand elephantiasis when that,

a

remark
may

long list of
one, is well

take it for for

incurable

in exemplified

this medicine

of the elephantiasis

scrotum.

MICA
Sans.

OR

TALC.

ssfHT Abhra.

FOUR

varieties

of

talc

are

described

by

Sanskrit

writers,

namely, white,red, yellowand black. Of these the white variety in making lanterns etc, and the substitute for glass is used a as
black black
is variety called vajrdbhra

used

in

medicine.

It

is of
name

hard colour,
or

and

heavy, and
the

known generally

by

the

of krishndbhra Talc and

in is

shedbhra.
manner. following

purifiedin
in milk.

It is firstheated

washed the

The

platesare

then

separated and
) and

soaked

juice

of

Amarantlius Talc thus

polygamus ( tandulia
to

Jcdnjika

for

eightdays.

is reduced purified

powder by being

fir

t^'ft^ I
i

^rfff
I

*t"^t^f^cj
^fl"
TT"T

in;;

fasrr

MICA

OR

TALC.

77

rubbed

with talc

paddy
passes

within

thick
pores

piece
of

of

cloth, when
cloth
to in fine

the

dered pow-

through
for
is
use.

the

the

particles
is

and

is

collected

Talc,
for
a

thus

reduced
use

powder,

called with closed

It dlianydbliraka. cow's
urine

prepared
to
a

medicinal

by being
heat

mixed
a

and

exposed

high degree
times.
times.

of

within the

crucible, repeatedly for

is said
to

hundred thousand sahasra

per

Sometimes
When abhra

process
case,
at

be

repeated
is

this is the and

to

the

preparation

called

putita
It

sold be

high price (eight

rupees

tola).
is
a

is considered of brick-dust of and

of

superior efficacy. Prepared

and
a

talc

powder
it

colour of

saline,earthy
with
iron in

taste.
excess.

Chemically

consists

silicate

magnesia
and is used

It is considered with chronic Its iron

in

tonic

aphrodisiac

in combination

anaemia, jaundice, chronic

diarrhoea

and

dysentery,
etc.

fever, enlarged spleen, urinary

said
to

diseases, impotence
combination
Jvarasani and
rub
one

efficacy is

be

increased

by

with

iron.

Dose, grains
Take
of

six to

twelve. rock

rasa.1
one

mercury,
iron

sulphur,
and

salt,aconite

copper,

part each, prepared

th"3 juice
pepper

talc, five parts each, leaves,

then add
are

together with
part of black
with

of

Vitex into betle

Negundo

and

make of

two-grain pills. They

leaves
in chronic

administered

the

juice

fever

and

enlarged spleen.
Agnikumdra
rasa.2

Take

of

mercury,

sulphur, borax, iron,

"i*:

^TCT^
I

^r

^T^niT^ JTsT*!* ^Tf

'

"*T*

*5iT*

!%^N

^T^^f

5^^

f^^^Tx

78

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

long aconite, ginger,

each
hours
one

pepper,

black

pepper,

ajowan and

opium

part, prepared talc ten

the decoction of of pills the size of black and

for three parts, rub together

rosea

with into

Plumbago

and (rakta chitraka) This

is preparation

make

peppers.

used in chronic diarrhoea Sulachanamritdbhral with toUs eight

indigestion.
of rub preparedtalc eight tolas, decoction
of the it
or juice

Take

each of the fresh

following

Chavica officinarum Jajuba(kola), drugs,namely, pulp of Ziziphus root of Andropogon muricatus (usir -a), (chavikd), pomegranate fruit, emblic myrobalan arid Oxlais corniculata (amlalonika), lemon juice,

grainseach. This medicine is used in disinclination for food, loss of appetite, vomiting, urinary dyspepsia, It is tonic, and debility. alterative arid aphrodianasarca siac. diseases,
and

make

into

about pills

six

The

called Kandarpa preparation

kumdrdbhra

is very

similar

to the above

in composition. In disorders of the urine the rasa2 in used.

following
the
a

culled Harisankara

Soak

some

preparedtalc in
course

juice of
and make

emblic
into

myrobalans seven pills. two-grain

times in the

of

week

Arjundbhra?
the

In heart disease

talc is used with the

a

of juice
plaint. com-

arjuna bark
of juice

which

last is considered

for specific

this

Arjunbhra is preparedby soaking some

the the bark of Terminalia

prepared talc in
and dividing times,

Arjuna,seven

MICA

OR

TALC.

79

the the

mass

and chronic bronchitis two-grainpills.In phthisis is used. Take of prepared talc called Sringdrdbhra1 following into

sixteen

camphor, cardamoms, nutmegs, tolas,

odorata Pothos (bald),

mace,

cloves,root of
,

leaves called (gajapippuli) offidnalis Webbiana tejpatra, (tdlisapatra), root, leaves of Pinus jatamansi root of Aplotaxis cinnamon, flowers of Mesua ferrea(ndgakesara), and flowers of Woodfordia auriculata (kushtha), Floribunda(dhdtaki) Pavonia each sulphur, purified
mix ingredients,
at pill
a

one

tola", mercury
into with

half

tola. Powder
water.

the

and

make chewed

with four-grain pills betle leaves and The

One
a

time is to be

and ginger, be taken

littlewater
or

is to be taken

afterwards.

pills may

three

four times

The daily.

diet should consist of

milk gliee,
as

and broth.
an

Mohalakshmi
tonic and prepare

bildsarasa.2 This

is used preparation

tive altera-

in general debility, aphrodisiac impotence etc. To take of talc eighttolas, four tolas, sulphurfour it, mercury
two

tolas,tin
half four
two
a

silver tolas,

each and mace, tola, gold half a seeds of Argyreia and of datura, tolas, (bridhaddraka) speciosa tolas each. Mix rub together, with the

tola,orpiment tola,camphor, nutmegs

one

one

tola, copper

juiceof
|

betle leaves and

5^"

W^mYf

WTS^TCt^RT^
w*

| TTTei:

i\?a(V ix^ i

80

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

make

into

pills of
similar

about
to

six

grains

each.

Another

preparation
rasa.

of It

composition
is, as
its
name

the

above

is called for the of

Manmatlidbhra
votaries of

implies,

intended

Cupid.
prepared
and

Galitakushthdri copper the

of

rasa^-

Take

mercury,

sulphur,

and

iron, bdellium, plumbago myrobalans,

each
one

root, sildjatu, nux

vomica,
and

three

part,
four
in

prepared
parts

talc rub

the

seeds with with ulcer

a-

Pongamia
and Dose of

glabra ( karanja), ghee,

about
toes

each,

together
smeared
with

honey ghee.
tion

and
a

preserve

an

earthen
in

pot

drachm.

It is The

given
diet
must

leprosy
consist

the

and

fingers.
The

should live

of from

fine his

rice,
wife.

milk,

sugar

and

honey.

patient

apart

ALUM.

Sans.

^fife^T^

Sphatikdri.
shale
in in the

Alum It is not writers

is

prepared by
synonyms
in

from

alum

Punjab metallics,
as

and but
an

Behar later gent, astrin-

mentioned

Susruta,
and

his

list of

give
and
as

its

uses.

It is described

useful eye

leucorrhoea,
etc.

strangury,
enters

vomiting,
the with used

ulcers,
of

white
several

leprosy,

diseases
to

It
in

into

composition
rusot,

applications
see

the

eye

combination It is seldom

opium

etc, for which

Herberts

Asiatica.

internally.

arrfV

82

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

these

Adliatoda vasica (vdsaka), gulancha, Clerodendron Siphonanthus rotundus (musCyperus (brahmai/ashti), "nd Solatium Jacquinii should be administered. taka], (kantakdri) Borax enters into the composition for of several prescriptions and rasa diarrhoea, alongwith opium, such as the Grahanikapdta Nripavallava rasa, for which see Opium. A mixture of equal long pepper and baberung partsof borax, Beeds is given for five days, at the menstrual periodsfor the conception.1 It is also used for procuring purpose of preventing abortion and inducing labour pains. Borax rubbed into a paste with the root of Vallaris dichotoma (bhadravalli ) is applied eased to disnails.

a pills

decoction made

of

LIME.
Sankha Sans. sj^'H^r, bhasma.
^r

nf
,

Churna. Thus
we

SEVERAL have

sorts of lime

are

used in Hindu

medicine.
we

lime from

limestone called churna.

Then

have lime from

bivalve-shells and snail-shells, called calcined cowries,conch-shells, and Kapardaka bhasma,Sankha bhasma,Sukti bhasma, respectively,

purified by being soaked in and are for use lemon juice, prepared by being calcined within in dyspepsia, covered crucibles. Lime is used internally enlarged in the abdomen, and externally spleen and other enlargements enters into the composition of a great many as a caustic. Lime for different sorts of dyspepsia.The following are a prescriptions few examples.
Sambuka
are

bhasma.

These

shells

I |
"

rr

ff ^ f*r
|

I TT^T
"

Ml^^l^f ^^^Tf^^RT ^^f^'fiT

frv

I ma

w^

"rFT

WTTfiT (I

LIMB.

83

Amrita

vati.1 Take
nine

aconite two of calcined cowries five parts, and make parts,

into

They pills. two-grain and indigestion. used in loss of appetite are each and sulphur, Agnikumdra rasa? Take of borax, mercury each three one tola, aconite,calcined cowries and conch-shells, rub them black pepper eight tolas, togetherfor twelve tolas, cine This mediand make into twelve-grain hours with lime juice pills. Calcined and cure is said to increase the appetite indigestion.
black pepper parts, conch-shell in half
lime
a

drachm

doses is recommended

to be taken with

in enlarged spleen.3 juice Lime

is used in various

combinations

as

ent caustic for differ-

diseases. of soda

Thus

mixture

of conch-shell

nate lime, impure carbo-

Raphanus sativus (mulaka), and enlargedglands.4 A mixture of lime, is applied to tumours carbonate of soda, sulphateof copper and borax is applied as a Lime enters into the composition and warts. caustic to tumours Thus take of conch-shell lime three tola's, of depilatories. orpiment and rub them tola" and the ashes of Butea frondosa one each, (paUsa), stalks or of Calotropis with the juice of plantain gigantea together times to the part from which seven (arka). This paste is applied
and (sarjikd) the ashes of the hair is to be removed.5

\
zn:
*

ft*'

4 ^ I

5 rTT^
I i

84

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

CHLORIDE

OF

SODIUM.
Lavana.

/Sans. ^^, SUSRUTA

1

describes

the

2 Sdmudra,3 Vit Sdindhava, 8 Pdnsuja, also called Ushasuta. 1 Gutikd, The first 6 Audb/iidaj of panclia five in the above list generally lavana pass by the name and are often used in combination. The other or the five salts, used in medicine. varieties are rarely Saindhava literally ifiSf? means producedin Sinde, or the to rock salt which is country alongthe Indus. The term is applied

varieties of salts, following viz., 5 Romaka, Vid, 4 Sauvarchala, or

regardedas the best of salts. Three varieties of rock salt are The recognized, viz., white,red and crystalline. pure white
for medicinal use. salt is preferred For alimentary crystalline salt is considered superior to the other purposes also,rock sweet varieties. It is regarded as digestive, and appetizing, and agreeable, diseases.
^l^r

is much

used

in

and dyspepsia

other abdominal

Sdmudra

term

in the Madras appliedto It is called karkach in the vernacular. Orthodox natives, Presidency. salt as impure from the circumstance of its who consider common and who take only rock havingundergonethe process of boiling, substitute karkach for rock salt, if the latter is not available. salt,

is

means literally producedfrom sun-dried sea-salt, manufactured

the

sea.

The

Sun-drif i sea-salt is described

its properties other respects are Vit lavana frH[^r^Tg.
occurs

as

somewhat

bitter and laxative. In those of rock

salt.

said to resemble in dark red

what someshining granules

coarsely powdered lac resembling

mild,saline and
"

in appearance.
taste.

It has

somewhat

nauseous

Dr.
was

Fleming
was

says

that the
a

by

following process native druggist to Mr.

his presence.
ounces

for

making this
at

salt

communicated

Turnbull

and Mirzapore

actually
salt
are

in performed mixed fourth

narrow

Fifty six pounds of

of dried aonlds is

sambar

with twenty
of these

One (emblic myrobalans.)

earthen

materials is

put into
a

round

pot with

the

made of clay. The fireplace fire-place has a hole at the bottom for introducing the firewood. After about an hour, in the fire has been lighted and the materials,

mouth,which

put in

CHLORIDE

OF

SODIUM.

85 is added

pot,appear
The degrees. about the six

to be

heated,the
is then

rest of the materials

a

by
and

whole

exposedto

strong red heat for

to

hours.

The

fire is then

allowed

die away,

pot to cool j which

upon

beingbroken
or

is found

to contain about

forty-eight poundsof

calanemuc

bitlabanf*

of salts in genethe properties ral, possessing useful in be a nd to is said to be carminative and stomachic, etc. bowel complaints, dyspepsia, indigestion, spleen, enlarged stani ^cf^j^TSauvarchala called sonchal or Jcdldnimak in HinduVit lavana,besides is said to be the
same

and and digestive, agreeable aromatic,

as

useful in

Reporton ing Punjab Products as "a dark colored salt said to be made by dissolvsalt in a solution of "sajimdti" porating common (crudesoda)and evaof soda, it ; this salt contains chloride of sodium, sulphate but no carbonate of of sodium, caustic soda and a littlesulphate soda." Sonchal salt is not available in the drug shopsof Calcutta. form of Some to a crystalline Bengaliphysicians give this name rock salt, but up-country physicians always translate sauvarchala The latter interpretation sonchal or kdldnimak. as appears also of sonchal saltfrom Ram to obtain in the Punjab where a specimen is said in the Reporton Punjab Products, Sing, a noted druggist,
sort of
cases

vitlavana. It is described in the

"

to be

salt of the

same

kind

as

kdldnimak"

is the salt proalso called srnfi^Xt Sdkarribari, duced jRomaka, romaka is from the Sainbar Lake near Ajmere. The name It is obtained by the said to be derived from a river called Rum". of salt water in the shape of clear rhomboidal evaporation tals. crys-

Tt*T^

It has

pungent taste,and
to

is considered

laxative and

of salts. It the other properties possessing salts. is said to be the best and purest of evaporated is producedof itself from the earth, ^%^ Audbhid)that is, the name appliedto a salt produced as an efflorescence on reh in addition diuretic, lands. The salt is called reha
or

kalar in the vernacular. It consists

and of sulphate chloride of sodium, of soda with a little principally is described as alkaline, pungent and nauseating. It ia bitter, said to be
so

abundant

in

some

partsof the Punjab

Page
192.

as

to

render

Asiatic Researches

Vol. XI.

86

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

the soil quitebarren.

Some

or physicians

rather

writers

tute substi-

this article for sanibar

or

salt in the

of pancha lavana composition

the five salts. ^TZ^vT

Gutikd.

This

mentioned salt,

by

Susruta

and

some

later

cannot writers,

be identified at

present.In the treatise called

Siva Dass
of the
says

Dravyaguna
that the
name a

by

Chakra

Datta,

his commentator

is derived gutikd

from

the circumstance

salfc

assuming
that it is
a

hard, granular or
sort of boiled salt.

nodular Susruta

shape from boiling. So

describes it
as

stomachic

and laxative. digestive T?"Nj5f Pdnsuja or from earth saline earth.

Ushasuta
or

literally means,
common come as

salt manufactured from

Pdngd

salt,manufactured
under
an

with impregnated Rock salt with

salt water, would

water,

this head. The

warm,

is used

emetic.1
a

different varieties of salt enter into the medicines

tumours

compositionof
few

great many
other

for

and indigestion, dyspepsia, enlargedspleeii The

a are following a

in the abdomen.

illustrations.

Ndrikelakslidra. 2 Take
hole in it and salt in
ayer its

cocoa-nut

fruit full of

water, make
the nut with

fillthe cocoa-nut
water. roast

that is, dissolve with rock salt,

the
a

Then
it in

close the
a

opening,cover
fire. The of

of

clay and
as a

pitof

salt thus

roasted

is

esteemed

valuable

medicine
or

in the form

dyspepsiawhich
It is

is

attended with pain,two

three

hours Dose

after about

meals.
a

given

with the addition of long pepper. Bhdskara

salt ten lavana.
3

quarter tol". toUs, sonclial

pepper,

Take

of karkach

salt sixteen

rock salt,coriander,long black salt, tolas,

long

ST^^Tri
I

^T*zrf?*^Tfa?f'TW:

CARBONATE

OF

POTASH.

87

pepper

root, leaves

called of Pinus

leaves (Mshnajirakd), Mesua

of Nigella sativa seeds tejpatra, flowers of Webbiana (talisa patra ), Calamus

),fruits of ( ndgakesara ferrea

(amlave^ fasciculatus

two tolas four toUs each, black pepper, cumin seeds and ginger, asa), one eacb,pomegranate seeds eighttoUs, cinnamon and cardamoms

tola

mix each,powder,
a

and soak

seven

times in lemon

juice. Dose

about
tumours

drachm
in the

with

whey

or

and other wine, in enlarged spleen of

loss abdomen, dyspepsia,

etc. Rock

the on opacities Take in combination with other drugs, as in the following. seeds of Acacia Lebbek (sirisa), long pepper, black pepper and salt in equal rub them together with water, and make parts, These are rubbed on opacities of the cornea. or pencils. pellets salt is applied to

constipation appetite, or cornea, either singly

of the rock into

CARBONATE
Sans.

OF 9TCn~
the has

POTASH.

TavaJcshdra.

THIS is mentioned
a

as article,

well

as

next

one

called

sarjikdkshdra,
from

and by Susruta,

been

used

in medicine

very

remote

the

green

the ashes

to ashes reducing of the barley(Hordeum hexastichum) dissolving spikes in water, straining the solution through thick cloth, and
,

Yavakshdra period.

is preparedby

it over the fire.The resulting salt is a clear amorphous evaporating it is carbonate powder with a saline and partlyacid taste. Chemically of potashwith some Yavakshdra is described as impurities. laxative and diuretic. It is used in urinarydiseases, stomachic, pepsia, dysof the abdominal and other enlargements cera. visenlarged spleen A decoction of chebulic myrobalan and rohitaka bark is given with the addition of carbonate of potash and long pepper in enlarged in the abdomen and in tumours called spleenand liver,

88

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

gulma.l
with

In

strangury

or

painful micturition, carbonate

a

of

potash
into

sugar

is considered

very

efficacious

remedy.2

It enters

the

composition

of

numerous

saline

medicines.

CARBONATE
Sans.

OF

SODA. Vern.

qfiJT^TTOTT Sarjikdkshdra.
produced
from several and

Sdjji.
of salt-worts

Sdjjior
growing
The the

barilla is

species
West

in brackish

soil in the

Punjab

North-

Provinces.
in

process
"

of
on

is manufacturing sdjji

described The

in full detail
cut

Report
the

Punjab months,

Products". dried and

plants are
in
a

down
a

during

cold

burnt

pit
three

of

spherical hemi-

shape, about
At the bottom
of this

six feet in circumference

and

feet
or

deep.

pit,one

or

more

inverted their upper

commencement

ghards

earthen buried.
tions. opera-

vessels The

having
are

small

holes

pierced in
at
a

portion are
of the
of

holes Into

kept pit

closed
is thrown

the

the

small

quantity
added
to up.

the up

plants
a

and

burnt,

fresh

plants being gradually

continued exudes
till the from

keep
As
and

constant

fire,and
a

this is

pit fills
the
are

During
soon

this
as

cess pro-

liquidmatter
the

plants. opened
all the

this
runs

is

observed down the The

into

orifices in the
below up

ghards

the

liquid
run

them
are

the fire. with

a

After

liquidhas
over

down,
earth. lity, quaThe

ashes

stirred found

stick and

covered

with first

alkali called

in the

earthen

vessels is it is found

of sdjji in the

the
or

sdjji lota
in

because

lota

pot.

residuary

mass

the

pit is

crude

dirty potash.
in

SarjU'dkshdraor
granular
masses

as sdjji,

used

medicine,

occurs

in porous
a

of
of soda.

greyish white

colour, and
consists of

with

strong
of

kaline alsoda

taste

Chemically, it
as

carbonate

with

certain

impurities, such

organic matter, sulphate of soda,

90

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

and is evidently dictionary Sanskritized from the vernacular of foreign a term sord, origin. of nitre was The manufacture therefore most probably introduced into India after the adoption of gunpowder as an implement of
met

however

is not

with in any

Sanskrit

warfare.

It is necessary

to observe

here

that many
term

writers

have

translated erroneously This

last

nitre into
a

the Sanskrit but

an

yavakshdra.

impure carbonate of of the barley. potashobtained by reduciug to ashes the spikes is not mentioned Chloride of ammonium by Susruta and the it is called narasdra, Sanskrit works older writers. In recent a sian term apparentlyderived from the vernacular nausadar of PerAnother salt mentioned in oirgin. of soda is the impure sulphate vernacular. combination It is called Kshdri
lavana
recent

however

is not

nitrate

Sanskrit

tions compilain

called KJidrinoon
in

the
in

and Sanskrit,

is used

with other saline medicines.

ALKALINE

ASHES. Kshdra.
or

Sans, ^K,
THE
are

ashes of

number

of

more plants containing

less potash

A listof these plants employed both externallyand internally. has been already of caustic pastes, used in the preparation given in the Introduction to notice (see page 21). It remains now A solution of alkaline ashes for internal use. the preparations of the ashes of these plantsor of such of them as are available, with and straining six parts of water is prepared by mixing them the strained that is, the fluid throughcloth for twenty-one times, the ashes twenty-one times in succession, fluid is poured over and made to percolate throughthem. Lastly the fluid is allowed to stand and the clear solution
one

drained off. This alkaline solution drachms

in

is givenin doses of

to

three

dyspepsia, ascites,

enlargementsof
It is

the abdominal

calculous affections, etc. viscera, and antacid. mixed

diuretic as laxative, regarded

VdisvdnaraJcshdra.1 Take

of the

ashes of

Euphorbia

I Vffw*iw*

31*

ALKALINE

ASHES.

91

tternfolia Calotropis (snuJii)y (arka\ Plumbago Zeylanica gigantea Ricinus commimis Cratceva Roxburgh" (varuna)9 (chitraka), (eranda), (tila), Achyranthes aspera (apdmdrga) Musa Butea frondosa sapientum(kddali)^ and of the shells of tamarinds, in all, two seers boil in (paldsa)j
,

Boerhaavia

Sesamum diffusa (punarnavd),

Indicum

sixteen
to

seers

of water

tillreduced

to one-fourth. Allow

the solution

and stand,
of rock

drain the clear

'

liquid.To

the clear solution add two

boil againtillthe fluid is evaporated, salt, dry and powder. To this powder add the followingcarminatives, namely, cumin seeds, Tcdldjird, ginger,long pepper, black pepper ajowan, four tolas, and mix. This combination is given and assafoetida,each in doses of one in dyspepsia, to two with cold water scruples,
seers anasarca

etc.

This Abhayd-lavana.I Tcshdra above described.

is

It

similar to Vaisvdnarapreparation used in enlarged is much of spleen

a success.

and long standing,

of mixed

often with
are

To prepare

this two

seers

alkaline ashes

boiled in
seer

is reduced to one-fourth. One

of rock the

and salt,

sixteen

seers

of

-four seers of water tillit sixty of chebulic myrobalans, two seers cow's urine are then added, and
to
a

mixture

boiled tillit is reduced added cumin

thick syrupy

consistence.

Lastly are

black seeds, ginger,

pepper,

long pepper,

92

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

assafoetida,
cuma

ajowan,

root,

of
each is

Aplotaxis
four

auriculata, (kushtha), tol"s, and

the

and

Cur~

Zedo'trix
This in

(sati },
medicine

whole
to
one

intimately
tola the
once

mixed.

given

in

doses

of

half
etc.

daily
are

enlarged

spleen,
moved

liver it is

disease, given
in

ascites

If

bowels

not

sufficiently

larger

doses.

DIAMOND.
8ans.

-^^j
enumerated

Hiraka. in

OF and
used within coral
or

the

precious
are

stones

page

14, diamond,
The
rest
are

pearls
rarely

only
used

much
at

used

in

medicine.
is

not

all. boiled

Diamond
in

purified
of
in

by
leaves

being
of

enclosed
gran-

lemon

and

the
to

juice powder

the the

Agati

diftora (vaka).
A

It is reduced
root

following
to
a

manner.

piece
of

of the
some

of

cotton

plant
these

is beaten

paste
not

with be

the less
and when

juice
than roasted the

betle

leaves.

Both diamond The

to

vegetables

should

three
in

years
a

old.
of

The

is enclosed is fine

within
seven

this

paste

pit

fire. reduced the

process
a

repeated powder.
in
a

times,

stone

is in

easily

Another

process of horn-

consists

roasting
for be the
a

diamond
in

enclosed
succession. tonic of

paste

made
thus

shavings,
is said
to

three

times

Diamond that
the

prepared
nutrition,

powerful strength
Dose
enters

alterative
and

improves body
and

increases
sorts

firmness
one

removes

all

of

diseases.

about
the

grain.
of

Diamond
tonic
rasa,

into
as

composition
chin

several

alterative

and

medicines,

such
sundara

the rasa,

Trailakya
etc.

tdmani medicines

rasa,
are

Ratnagirisimilar in

Sarvdnga

These

PEARLS

AND

CORAL.

93

They composition.
mercurv,

all contnin

gold,iron, talc, diamond, pearls,

are

etc, in

and varvingproportions is thus

used in similar

cases.

chintdmani rasa1 Trailakya each one gold and pearls, of mercury, red preparation or the juiceof Aloe Indica and medicine
various is used
as an

prepared.Take

of diamond,
sindura

talc and Rasa part,iron,

four

rub together with parts each, into

make

alterative tonic

This two-grainpills. in with suitable adjuncts

diseases.

PEARLS
Sans. S^f
r

AND

CORAL.
im"3

Muktd, Pearls.

Coral. Pravctla, from

are

THESE and period

gems
are

have been

used in medicine
Pearls

very

ancient

mentioned of juice
of in

by Susrufa.

by being purified
is

boiled in the the flowers

of the leaves of Sesbania aculeata (jayanti), or

(vaka). Coral Agati grandiflora

a

being boiled preparedfor

decoction
use

of the three

purified by myrobalans. Both are

by being calcined in covered crucibles of both these articles and then reduced to powder. The properties used in combination. said to be alike arid theyare generally are diseases, etc,and They are said to be useful in urinary consumption and of weak persons. to increase the strength, nutrition, energy The following and arc examplesof prescriptions containingpearls
medicinal coral.

Pittdntaka rasa.% Take of nutmegs,

mnce,jatdmdnsi root, root

i
i

.t^^l^^^f

f^TfT^^r^:
*

"rf^t ^ | 5fTThfit*ni*f
|

?rT^rt^TT^ i ^ifw^RT^ZfT
i

f^24"s^TTnr

"4"g^' lirf* ?rir **a^f*naTBf ^it^iT

I

rr

T?7rr"f 'J?^nifctT.^r^
|
w:
:

T^Nw

94

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

of

Aplotaxis
,

auriculata
iron

( Jcushtha pyrites,
in

), leaves iron,
to

of

Pinus

Webbiana
one

(tdlisa
part

patra

aconite,

talc all the

is

and the
aid

realgar,
above
of
to

each,
Beat

prepared
them
into

pearls

equal
into
a

quantity
paste
with

ingredients.
water

together four-grain
to

and in

make diseases

pills.
caused

This

medicine

said such

be

useful

supposed

be

by
of

deranged bile,
etc.

bile,

as

dyspepsia,

jaundice,

biliousness,
Vasanta each

vomiting
Kusumdkara
two

rasa.*

Take

of

prepared
lead and

gold iron,

and

phor, cam-

parts,

of

prepared
and
mortar

tin,
four

three
Rub

parts
these

each,

prepared

talc, pearls
in
a

coral,

parts
soak

each. the

ingredients
times

together
in

and

powder namely ),
decoction
and

seven

successively

each of

of

the

following
Vasica

fluids,

milk,
of
root-

sugar-cane

juice, juice
of Pavonia

Adliatoda

(vasaka
of
of

lac stock

and of

odorata

laid

),juice

the

flowers

the

plantain
of in the

tree, of
flowers
of of of

the

root-stock

Nelumbium

specioswn (mdlatipuspd)
.

(padma) Lastly
of

and soak
in

Aganosma
musk

caryophyllata by

an

infusion

prepared
water

macerating
hours.
with

one

part
Divide

musk

eight

parts

warm

for

twelve

this and

mass

into in

four-grain

pills.

They

are

given

sugar,

honey

ghee
and

urinary

diseases,

impotence,
medicine

gleet, diabetes,
is

tion consumpa

general
tonic in

debility.
chronic in

This

regarded

as

valuable
and
extract

alterative much called

gonorrhoea complaints cane).

in

and

spermatorrhoea
with
an

is

prescribed
Kusdvalelid

these

combination

(see Sugar

SILAJATt.

95

SILAJATU.
means Sildjatu literally

stone

and

lac,

The

term

is

to certain bituminous

substances

said to exude in produced the

from

rocks

applied during
other stance sub-

the hot weather.

mountains

It is said to be iron abounds.

where

It is a dark

Vindhja and unctuous sticky

a

bdellium resembling and

a

in appearance.

It has

bitter taste

platinum foil it burns with a little and leaves a large smoke inflammable of ashes consisting and of lime, magnesia, quantity silica, chiefly iron in a mixed state of proto and peroxide.* is prepared for medicinal use by beingwashed with cold Sildjatu
water
or a

stale cow's urine. strongsmell resembling

Over

and then rubbed

in
an

into

an

emulsion

with its bulk of hot water

milk

iron

black cream-like

to the sun, when pot. This emulsion is exposed substance collects on its surface and; this is removed.
as

The process is continued

mixture

long as

any

cream

rises. If the time to time

as

becomes

too

hot thick,
water

water

is added

from

but required, the

cream

too much

should not be added The

at once, for then

will not in

rise to the surface.

sun

thus sildjatu
use.

collected the

is dried

the thrown

and
away.

for preserved
The extract

The

dregsat

bottom

thus obtained sildjatu is purified plants, by b^ingsoaked in a decoction of the following Buchanania Termi(sdla), latifolia (pidla), namely.Shorea robusta, nalia tomentosa is Sildjatu (asana)and Acacia catechu (kliadira). alterative tonic and is considered specially regarded as a powerful useful in urinary anaemia, consumption, diseases, diabetes, gravel, is given in doses cough, and skin diseases. The extract of sildjatu of six to twelve grains. micturition it is In strangury or painful given with honey or with the decoction of Tribulus terrestris In urinary it is givenin combination with (gokshura}! complaints
are

of

of preparations combination with

lead

or

tin.

As

an

alterative

it tonic,

is used in

as iron,

in the

called Yoaardja. following

The

or silajit

alum

earth

of

Nepal

is

different article from is

an

the
not

sildjatu
Hindu

of the

Sanskrit

Materia

Medica.

The

former

article of Yunani

Medicine.

9(3

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

Yogardja.
silver,
and
sugar each five

Take

of of

sildjatu, prepared
the three
root

iron,

iron

pyrites
black

and

parts,

myrobalaiis,
and

ginger,

pepper
one

long

pepper,

plumbago Powder,
half
a

bdbei^ung seeds,
make medicine
into
a

each

part,
with
a

eight
Dose

parts.
about

mix

and This
in

confection

honey.

toU.
is used

is considered

able valu-

alterative chronic

tonic, and

ansemia,

jaundice,

tion, consump-

fever,

skin

diseases, urinary

diseases, piles, etc.

RED

OCHRE.

Sans.

i\

f^ff

Gairika.

Vern.

Gferumdtt.

Two

sorts

of and

gairikd yellow.
It

or

ochre
The

are

mentioned

by

Sanskrit also

writers,

namely,
is used

red
in It

red
silicate

variety,
of

called

Raktapdshdna
with

medicine. is

is

alumina
in milk and

coloured
seven

oxide
and is

of

iron

purified by
sweetish,

being

soaked

times,
usefn!
as

described

as

astringent,

cooling,

in

ulcers,

burns,
of
some

boils of

etc.

It

is

rarely

used

internally

except
a

an

ingredient
number

the

complex
such
as

prescriptions
the

containing
called

large

of

mineral
rasa,

drugs,
which Besides

preparation
all the

Jvarakunjarapdrindra
substances*
of
sweet

contains

nearly
several
used in

mineral varieties A

gairika

other medicine.

earth

are

described earth
as

and

occassionally
from and

scented
is

brought
astringent
of

Surat
useful

and
in for

called

Saurdstra

mrittikd
into

regarded

hemorrhages.

It enters from

the

composition
organs.

several

medicines

relieving bleeding

internal

98

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Sringiis a
cow, is said to

varietyof tinge her

This Ficus

aconite red.
is

which

if tied to the horn

of

milk

Kdlakuta.

poison

said

to

be

the

gum

of
a

plant
of

resembling
Malwa and

the the

in religiosa

appearance.

It is

native

Concans. The bunches

are sea

Haldhala. of grapes. in the

of fruits of this

plant resemble
tree. the of Concan

those

Its leaves

like those of the

coast to

palm

It is found and

Himalaya,

in the

the

south,

in the mountain

called

Kishkindhya poison is of
the

to the north
a

Mysore.
and
causes

Brahmaputra. purging.
Ghats
on

This
on

tawny

colour

It

grows

Malay achala,that is,the

that of

Western

the

Malabar

Coast. it would description

are seem

From the poisons,

the above
first six

these Of from

nine

of probably species has been used

in

aconite. medicine

these the
a

varietycalled Vatsandbha
remote

very

period.
is

Aconite in
as

by being purified
for three

cut

in

small

slices and It is

steeped regarded
to be

cow's

urine

days, before being used.

useful in diseases and air. It is used

heating and

stimulant,and
is

supposed
in in
a

caused

by deranged phlegm
of the

great

but variety of affections,

recommended specially

fever, ce-

affections phalalgia, In recent

or

throat, dyspepsiaand
is following
a

rheumatism.
medicine.

acute

fevers the Take

favourite

Mrityunjaya rasal
pepper,

of

purifiedaconite, sulphur,black
one

long
and

pepper beat

and

borax, each
into
a mass

part, cinnabar
water

two

parts;

powder

them

with

and

make

into two-

grain pills.These

are pills

given with humours,

suitable

adjuncts in

fever

supposedto
the fever and

be caused

as by deranged air,

also in those
in is,

caused

by

derangement

of all the

that
A

ordinaryremittent
similar
name

in that of

typhoid type.

composition very
under the

to the above

is recommended

by Sarangadhara

TOT

ACONITUM

FEROX.

99

of A'nanda with
as

bhairava

rasa.

If there
are

is

much
to

constipation along
above

the the In

fever, croton preparation

seeds called

added murdri

the
rasa*

ingredients,

in

Jvara

fever

complicated
with

with

cerebral and of

symptoms

aconite
in

is

used

in

combination
Panchavaktra

mercury

datura,

as

the

following
nite, aco-

called

rasa.2 and twelve

Take rub

purified mercury, together

make into of with

sulphur,
the

black
datura

pepper

borax,

them and

juice

of

leaves with

for these the

hours,
decoction of taken.

four-grain pills. CalotropisgiganUa

Along

pillsa

of the root
pepper,

(arka) with*
is recommended

addition
to

long

black

pepper

and

ginger

be

In
or

chronic much

fever
of

with

strong
aconite

shivering fits, copious perspiration,

is used in

heat
as

body,

combination

with

salts

and of vit and

aromatics,

in the cumin

follwing

called

Saubhdgya

vatikd.3
sea,

Take sonchal,
pepper

aconite, borax,
and black
sambar

viz. rock, seeds, the five salts,

salts, the

three

myrobalans,
and

ginger, long sulphur, together,

mixture in

pepper, rub the

prepared talc, mercury

the
mercury

equal
mix times

parts.
them

First with

and

sulphur
soak the

then

other the

ingredients,
of the

seven

successively in

juice

following leaves, namely,

of

Viteas

ff ^

I
I

100

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Negundo
prostrata
aspera

( niraundi

) Nyctanthes

Arbor-tristis
Vasica into

( sepMlikd

), Eclipta Acliyranthes

( kesardja ), Adhatoda ( apdmdrga ),

and used make
in

vdsa/ca

and

four-grain
with

pills.
loss of

Aconite
a

is much

dyspepsia
The

appetite,
rasa

in
*

variety
an

of

combinations. Take black with of

following

called

Rdmavdna
and

is

illustration.
one

mercury,
two

aconite, cloves,
parts, nutmeg,
make of
rasa

sulphur,
a

each rub

part,

pepper, tamarind

half
into

part,

them

together
These

juice
the

and

two-grain
black
in

pills.
pepper.

pills are

given

with

addition Hntdsana

powdered
is

Another
to

preparation
the

called
is

similar

composition
In
as

above,

and
to

recommended

by

several

writers.
such
ears

diseases
sore

supposed

be

caused

by

deranged

phlegm,
from

catarrh,
nose

throat, cough,
aconite
is used in

asthma,

discharges
with
ketu rasa2

the

and

etc,

combination

other
is
a

heating
known
pepper, mixture

medicines. medicine and three

to

The for
these

following
diseases.

called Take

Kapha
of

well

aconite, borax,
mix

long
the
two to

conch-shell
times

lime, equal parts; powder, successively

in fresh A
in

and

soak

ginger

juice.

Dose,
similar

grains,
above

be

given
called
In

with
Bhairava

ginger
rasa,

juice.
is used hemicrania Take of

preparation
hoarseness

the of

and

and

loss

voice. be

cephalalgia
following
form.

and

it is recommended aconite
one

to

given
root

in and

the

part,

liquorice
two

the

pulse
and boils

of

Phaseolus
into

RoxburgJiii pills.

(masha),

each

parts;

powder
In of
liniment

make
and and

one-grain
skin

other
ointment.

diseases The

aconite is

is

used

in

the

form

following

an

illustration.

ACONITUM

HETEROPHYLLUM.

101 four aconite

Visha

taila.1 Take of

of

sesamum

oil

seers,

root of

seeds eighttolas, Berberis of Nerium Asiatica

odorum

wood Pongamia glabra (karanja\ turmeric,

root

) (ddmharidrd

of
of

gigantea (arka), Galotropis

Tabernaemontana
coronaria

flowers (karavira), calamus

( tagara ),Acorus
Vallaris

( vacha ), Aplotaxis auriculata

wood,
Alstonia

(kushtha)
of

(dsphotd), red sandal ( mdlati ), bark of Aganosma caryopJiyllata

dichotoma and ), madder (saptaparna cow's urine each four tolas, should oil and be beaten cow's
into
a

flowers

leaves
sixteen

Scholaris, of Vitex Negundo (nirgundi )? The solid ingredients seers.

with

"pastewith water, and then boiled

the

urine

tillthe

is evaporated. This oil watery portion

is said to be useful in

leucoderma boils, psoriasis, prurigo,

and other

skin diseases.

ACONITUM
Sans. 3!ntf%

HETEROPHYLLUM

A'tivisha. Vern. A'tis. A'taicha, grfTrfair,

roots of this
are

THE and stomach

tuberous

plantare

considered

gent astrintonic,

and stomachic, and

used in
is also

cough.

Atis

of fever, diarrhoea, irritability regarded as an antidote to

poisons.

following compound decoction2 is much used in practice.Take of dtis, ginger, kurchi bark, tubers of Cyperus rotundus and root of Tinospora cordifolia (mustaka), water (gulanclia}, equal parts, in all two tolas, thirty-twotoUs.
Boil
till the
water

In fever with diarrhoea

the

is reduced

to one-fourth

or

eighttola's.

This

102

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MADICA.

quantityis given in two of the day. Chakradatta

rddi1
in similar
case?.

or

three divided doses the

duringthe

course

recommends Take
of

called following

Hrwe-

dried beta, root dtis,

of Pavonia der, corian-

odorata

and Cyperusrotundus (mustaka), (bald) gingerand all two

equal parts, in
usual way. In the
/

tolas and

prepare

decoction in the

fever, diarrhoea, cough,and

or

of stomach irritability combination. the

rt

of

dtis is used alone infants, of tubers dtis,

of

in the

following

Take
crescence ex-

Cyperus rotundus
succedanea

and (mustaka)

horny

of Rhus and mix. This

(karkatasringi), equal parts, powder

compound powder is given in suitable doses with the addition of honey Sometimes long pepper is added to the above ingredients, when the powder is called Bdla-cMturbhadra.

kap

from its beingcomposed of four

ingredients.

NIGELLA
Sans.

SATIVA.

Vern. Kdldjird, 9R"f3ftT% Beng. Mugrela,Hind. KrishnajiraTca.

THE

seeds of

stomachic of

sativa are Nigella and and digestive,

native regardedas aromatic,carmiare

used

in

loss indigestion,

diseases diarrhoea puerperal appetite, fever,

etc.

They
a

are

also

said to increase

the secretion

of
in

milk, and
combination

are

therefore with

given to
other
woolen
use

recentlydelivered females medicines. Nigellaseeds are

the seeds appears
to be
common

few

scattered between from

of layers

shawls etc.,to preserve them clothes, all

over

insects.

This

of

India.
are commended re-

In intermittent
to be
an

fever

roasted nigellaseeds slightly

two

given in

drachm

doses with the

addition

of

of equalquantity

treacle.3

"i?wj

fn
i

STFPHANIi

HERNANDIFOLIA.

103

In

loss

of

appetite
cumin

and

distaste black

for
pepper,

food

confecti

on

made

of

Nigella

seeds,

seeds,
and

raisins,
treacle and

tamarind

pulp,
is said

pomegranate
to

juice
useful.1

sonchal

salt,

with

honey

be

very

Chakradatta with after

the

recommends of

the
pepper,
2

administration
sonchal In salt and

of

nigella
wine in

seeds the
as

addition
of

long

pains
loss

puerperal
appetite
and

women.

puerperal
secretions,

diseases,
after
of

such

fever,

of

disordered

delivery,

the

following
cumin Anethum

called

Panchajiraka
ajowan,
and

pdkcfi
seeds

is used. of

Take

nigella seeds,

seeds, aniseeds,
Sowa

Carum

sativum

(ajamodd)
(methi)
root,

(sulpha)
long

Trigonella long
dried
pepper

Fcenum-grcecum
root,
of the

coriander,
habushd

ginger,
aromatic

pepper,

plumbago
fruit

(an

substance)
root
one

pulp

Ziziphus
and

Jujuba
kamala
one

(vadari phala), powder,

each

of

Aplotaxis
treacle tolas.
one

auriculata

(kushtha) tolas, together morning.

tola,
four about

hundred
them

milk and

seerj
a

clarified confection.

butter Dose

Boil

prepare

drachm

every

NAT.

ORDER.
STEPHANIA

MENISPERMACE^.
HERNANDIFOLIA.

JSyn.
Sans. 3"*5TtfT,

Cissampelos
TJT7T,

hexandra.

Rox.

Ambashthd.

Pdthd.

Vern.

A'kanddi,
that

Nemuka.

IN

the

Pharmacopoeia
Wall,

of

India

it is

stated Pareira

the

Cissamand is

pelos hernandifolia,

is identical

with

Brava,

104

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

common

throughout
Brava is

India. derived
in

Other
from

authorities Chondodendron under the

say,

that

the

true

Pareira

tomentosum.

The
of

plant
identical The useful

used

by
with
of

Kavirajas
that

Bengal
by Roxburgh
as

name

pdthd
hcxandra. and

is

figured
is

as

Cissampelos bitter, dyspepsia compound

root

this

plant

regarded urinary
the

light,

astringent
etc.

in In

fever,
fever

diarrhoea,

diseases, following
Take
rotundus

with

diarrhoea,
Chakradatta.
of

decoction1

is

recommended

by
tubers

of

pdthd

root,

indrajava Hedyotis
in all
two

seeds,

chiretta,
( parpati
water

Cyperus
and and

(mustafaa), equal
till reduced

liflora tolas,
In

), gulancha,
tolas
;

ginger,
boil and

parts,
to

thirty-two
caused
bilious

one-fourth.

diarrhoea

by

indigestion
the

attended
is

with used. and

to

pain
Take

and

slimy pdthd
half
a

or

stools,

following
chebulic tolas.

decoction

of each

root,

indrajava
water

seeds,

myrobalan
Boil down

ginger,

tola,

thirty-two
or

one-fourth.

In

internal the
root

deep
this

seated
to

inflammation,
be taken with

Chakradatta

mends recom-

of has

plant

honey

and

water

in

which In

rice urine of

been

macerated.2 salts aloes-wood

the

depositing pdthd
and
micturition of

or

white
is used.3

flocculent

substance,

decoction In
useful.

painful
Take

following

decoction4

is

considered

pdthd

root,

Hedysarum

lagopodioides

(prisniparni)9

106

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

consistence

divide
is

the

mass

into every

boluses

of about

drachm fever

each. with
larged en-

One

of

these

taken

morning, appetite,etc.

in chronic

spleen,cough,
Gulancha
enters

loss of
into

the skin

composition
diseases.
or

of

large

number

of
or

for prescriptions its decoction bdellium.1 various these for used other
is

chronic

The the

juice of
addition with

the of

plant

given alone,

with

guggulu
addition
are

or

Numerous

compound
such
as as

decoctions

the

of
in

drugs

nim, turmeric, catechu, etc.

gout and
rheumatism.2

used

as diseases,

well

in

Several
are

oils,
much

external
in skin

applicationare

prepared with
affections of fresh
to

gulancha and
and
nervous

diseases, rheumatic
taila$ boil Take

complaints.

Guduchyddi
sixty-four
the strained
seers,

gulancha^ eight seers, water,

one-fourth and strain.
seers,

till reduced

To
and

decoction,add prepared sesamum

to
a

oil, four
one

gulancha
the water

beaten is

paste with
This

water,
a

seer, boil

together till

evaporated.
diseases from

oil is

favourite The of
a

application in
Vrihat

eruptive skin
ddi taila
is

impure
the

blood.

guduchyof other and taila half of

prepared by

addition
to

number of

medicines the is

in the form

of paste,

the

decoction Vdta

gulancha

oil.
thus

Another

compound
Take
of

oil

called

guduchyddi
seers,

prepared. sixty-fourseers.

gulancha^

twelve
to
one

and

water

Boil tillreduced Vasica mustard

seer.

fourth. of datura
seers^

Take

the each in

fresh

juice of
seers,

Adhatoda

(vdsaka)and oil, four

Boil

leaves,
aromatics

four the form

prepared
paste
one

of

together
and

the decoction the

of

gulancha

with

the

vegetable juices, oil

paste, in

usual

?rerT9RT%
5J:

UTpfllTUfa^' *?T3

SRTO:

iftift

BBRBERIS

ASIATICA.

107

manner.

This with

oil is recommended
as itching,

by

Charaka

in

skin eruptive of
nervous

diseases

troublesome

also

in diseases

origin.
NAT.
BERBERIS
Sans.

OEDER.
ASIATICA

BERBERIDEJS.
AND OTHER SPECIES.

"^TTT^T,

Ddruharidrd.
Hind.

Ddrvi. ^ia?f,

Vern. Ddruhaldi.

THE used
are

wood,

root-bark Medicine

and from
to

extract
a

of Indian
remote

Barberry have
The

been

in Hindu said to be

very

period.Its properties
extract, called
to be

analogous

those Rasot'm

of turmeric. the

Rasdnjana*

in Sanskrit

and

is directed vernacular,

preparedby boilingtogetherequal parts of a decoction of Indian barberry and milk, tillreduced to the consistence of an extract, f The extract thus prepared,is said to be particularly useful in affections
of the eyes.
as

Indian

barberry

and

its extract
are

rasot

are

garded re-

alterative and

and deobstruent,

used
in all,

in skin

diseases,

jaundice and menorrhagia, diarrhoea,

eyes.

above

affections of the

Rasdnjanddi churna,1
o" rasot, dtis, the flowers of bark and

or

compound
seeds of

powder
and

of rasot.
sent antidy

Take erica %

Holarrhena

( dhdtaki) Woodfordia floribunda

and
the

ginger,in equal
with rice water
in krit, Sans-

part?.
*

Powder
or

mix.

Dose, about
ore

drachm,
called
ore

Galena and
some

sulphide

of lead

is sometimes

rasanjana

physicians in Bengal
in
a

use

the

lead

for

rasanjana, whenever
however, rasanjana doubt,
is the correct occurred of

this

term

occurs

prescription.
rasot
on

In

the

Upper

Provinces

is

invariablytranslated
mistake

in the

vernacular. of the

This,

no

practice. The
from their
not

the

part

Bengali physicians, probably

is the

being acquainted
the

with

rasot, which

produce

plants

indigenous to

Himalayan

range.

t TT"?Nrre ^*N.*'

i?T^wTffT zr"rre*nrj

wsii*

108

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEBICA,

( tanduldmbu

and

honey.

This

powder

is said

to

be useful in

bilious diarrhoea.

Ddrvyddikvdtha^ or compound
Take of the root bark of Indian Vasica
rotundus (vdsaka), Cyperus

barberry. Adhatoda barberry, rasot,chiretta,

bela (mustaka),
a

decoction of Indian

fruit and

ing mark-

nuts, equal parts, and prepare

This is administered
from

decoction in the usual way. charges copiousdis-

with womb.

honey in menorrhagia and

Another
as

the

combination Take of rasot

said to be very and the

root

useful in

menorrhagiais

follows.

of Amaranthus with

water, and

beat into a paste ( tanduliya ) equal parts, spinosus in which rice administer with haney and water

has been

steeped.
a

S^rangadhara recommends berry

In of A
to

simpledecoction
of

of Indian
in

bap-

be

given

with

the

addition

honey

jaundice.

micturition from bilious or acrid urine, a decoction painful Indian barberry2and emblic myrobalan is given with honey. decoction3 of the root bark is said to In the
is used
as a

wash

for and

unhealthy
promote

ulcers,and
cicatrization.
to be

improve

their appearance

of infants, rasot intertrigo administered

is recommended

with

Rasot mixed internally.4 to aphthoussores. honey,is said to be an useful application in which is in eye-diseases, The principal of rasot however use

and externally applied

it is

employed in

of forms. great variety of rasot,chebulic

The

are following

few illustrations. Take red

myrobalan,rock
a

salt and

rub them ochre,equalparts,

into together

paste with water,

NELtJMBIUM

SPECIOSUM.

109 of the eyes.

way.
*

and

applyround
mixed of with
rasot
or

the orbit in

inflammatoryaffections
also be used in the milk is recommended
same

Rasot

honey may
made with
a as

An

emulsion

to

bo

poured

into the eyes,

used

for relieving collyrium pain, burning and

lachrymatiou.2

NAT.

OEDEE.
NELUMBIUM
NYMPHCEA

NYMPH.EACE^.
SPECIOSUM. LOTUS
ETC. attracted the and period, attention of obtained
a

THESE the ancient

beautiful Hindus

had plants aquatic from

a

very

remote

placein

their

ceremonies religious

and

fables ; mythological

hence

they are

described in great detail by Sanskrit writers. The flowers

called speciosum^ wealth Padma and
or

of Neliunbium

Kamala, are

sacred to

Lakshmi, the goddessof

of this

plant is
The

called entire

ty prosperity.The white varieand the Pundarika, the red, Kokanada

Indivara. blue, called Padmini. and Karnikdra, filaments round

plantincluding root,stem
or

and flower is seed called is, The of

The the

torus

for receptacle in the

the

honey

formed

Makaranda. flowers, the The

name

the base of the

receptacle, pass by
of Mrindla.

Kwjalka and the leaf-stalk by that follows : are as Nymphcea described,

"

of species

Nymphcea

Lotus.

Kumuda,

Sans. Sdluka.

Beng. Koi. Hind.

Nymphcea
The and in
are

stellata.Nilotpala, Sans.

NympJwearubra.
root-stocks of
eaten

Nilsaphald, Beng. Sans. Raktakambal, Raktotpala, Beng. these water plants contain a sort of starch,
classes.

by

the poorer much

During

the famine

of 1866

Orissa, they were

sought after by
|

the

starvingpeople.

fi"Wrtfa"if%":

110

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

The of

seeds

of

Nelumbium

speciosum
called

are

eaten

raw.

The sand

small and

seeds used called and

Nymph"a
a

Lotus, easily
is

bheta,
food. also

are

fried seeds
in

in of

heated

as

light

digestible
are

The used food

Euryale

ferox

maJclidnna

Sanskrit,

the

same

manner, sick

are

regarded
The

as

light, invigorating
of

suited

for

people.

filaments

these

plants
and

are

used and

medicinally.
useful
in

They
burning

are

considered the the

astringent bleeding
of the In the

cooling,
and

of

body,
filaments with

piles
lotus

menorrhagia. given
the of

In

bleeding
and fresh

piles
butter stellata

are

with

honey
of

or

sugar.*

menorrhagia
addition and

filaments

Nymphcea
seeds,

are

given

with curdled

sonchal A

salt, nigella

liquorice
is thus

powder, prepared.

milk

honey.2

compound

decoction

Utpalddi
stellata
and and N.

sritam?

Take of
the

of the white
in

filaments

ofNt/mphcea
of Nelumbium

Lotus,
speciosum prepare

N.

rubra,
root,

variety all,
two

liquorice
in

equal

parts,

tolas,
is said

and
to

decoction

the

usual of the and

way.

This

decoction

be

useful from

in

thirst, burning
the

body,

fainting,
from external of and thin

vomiting,
the womb is

hemorrhage during prepared

internal
A

organs,

bleeding
for

gestation.
as

coolins*
the

application4
and

use

follows.

Take

of

filaments

leaf-stalks Lotus
into
a

Nelumbium
of

speciosum,
sandal with cold made

Nymequal
This emblic

phcea stellata,
parts,
is and
rub
to

and them the

Nymphcea together
in

red

wood,
water.

paste
A

applied

forehead

cephalalgia.

paste

of

PAPAVER

SOMNIFEERUM.

Ill

myrobalans
purpose.

and

the

filaments

of the lotus is also used

are

for the external

same

Similar

compositions

recommended

for

flammation in-

erysipelas etc.
The

large leaves
fever

of Nelumbium

speciosum are
and

used

as

cool skin.1

bed-

sheets,in high

with

much

heat

burning

of the

NAT.

OEDEE.
PAPAVER

PAPAVEEACE^.
SOMNIFERUM.
Vern.

Sans.

Slf^Tff "T, Ahiphena.

to

A'phim.
mans, by the Mussulthe Arabic

OPIUM
as

appears its Sanskrit

as

have

been
is

brought

into India

name

evidentlyderived by
are

from Sanskrit and

Afyun,

and

it is not

mentioned the poppy The and in

the older

writers.

The

capsules of

called

Khdkhas,
bland seeds

the

seeds,
is used
are

in Sanskrit. KJiasatildj

seeds

yield a
The

which oil, themselves

with
are

for

culinary

purposes used
as

lamps.
They
are

innocuous oil and balls

are

and

food.
as a

boiled,mixed
or rice,

little into seeds

salt,and
formed

taken with
some

curry

with into
an

they
curry.

made

and

tamarind,
sorts

acid

Poppy

sprinkled over
Sanskrit and

of native poppy and

sweetmeats.

writers useful
in

describe

seeds asthma.

as

demulcent The and

and
of

tritive, nu-

cough
as

capsules
narcotic.

the

poppy

are

regarded

light, astringent, destroy

said
as or

They
power, of

promote
The

talkativeness

and
are

diminish

the sexual
to

propertiesof opium

to
an

be

analogous

those

the
in

capsules.
bowel

Opium

is

used

astringent

and

narcotic

complaints, cough,
diseases and

external

inflammations, urinary diseases,

fractures, skin
In diarrheea

etc.

cholera

the

called following,

A'

maraksliasi? is
and

used.

Take

of

opium,

nutmeg,

cloves, cinnabar

camphor,

SANSCRIT

MAfERIA

MEDIC

A.

equal parts.
In Graham

Beat

them

into

mass

with

water,

and

make

into

four-grainpills.
chronic diarrhoea and

dysentery, the following

Take
one

called

kapdta rasa,1is
and
datura

recommended.

of

nutmeg, borax,
two

prepared talc
and make

seeds,each
with the

part, opium

parts"

into

with two-grain pills In much diarrhoea used Take

ten

the
anasarca

juice

of

Pcederia

fcetida

( prasdrani ).
is Dugdliavati)

the

called following,

by
of

Kavirajas.
and

Dugdhavati2 each,prepared iron

them
is pill

opium
and

twenty-four grains aconite,

into

grains, preparedtalc
milk make

into

mass

with

grains.Beat four-grainpills* One

The diet is restricted fever with
as

twelve

to be

given every
and
is used

morning
salt

with milk.

to milk

alone,water

In being prohibited. with

hoea, diarr-

opium
in the

in combination

arsenic,

for

example

followingpreparation.
rasa.3 Take of and

Sambhundtha white

orpiment, realgar,cinnabar,
alum

arsenic,borax, aconite

each, one

part, mercury,

TT?:T i

grcri

w:frwrn

114

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

NAT.

ORDER.
SINAPIS.

CRUCIFER^.

Sans,

fafdl,Siddhdrtha.
Rdi Sarislid, mustard white and
are

;rjf 5T^T,

Edjikd.

Vern. Two varieties siddhdrtha

of
or

Sarishd, Beng. by Sanskrit

of

mentioned

writers,

namely,
Brassica
ramosa

mustard, (Sinapis glauca rdjikd or

dark brown

Roxburgh,

campestris,L.)
of

variety,(Sinapis

Roxburgh,
more

Brassica

juncea. Hooker, fil^ et preferred for

is

Thomson).
application
natives

The
as a

latter is

pungent
Mustard
as

and oil
as

external

rubefacient.
purposes

largely
is said

used

by
the

the

for

culinary bathing.
and the

well

for

anointing
to

body
the and

before

Mustard skin

oil anointment

keep
of hair

body
to

cool,

soft,to
scurf.

promote
The

the

growth
of

remove

prurigo, lice and

as a

leaves

the mustard and stomachic. of emetic of mustard

racemosa

plant

are

used

pot-herb,and
Mustard
enters

considered
into

pungent

the

composition
Take

mixtures, of
seeds, Acorus

which Calamus

the

following
root

is

an

example.
of

bark (vacha), Powder

Symplocos
and of
mix.1

(lodhra),and

rock

salt,equal parts.
Mustard forms
an

ingredient
Thus and

several

prescriptions
mustard

for

loss

of

etc. appetite, indigestion,

take
rock with

of

seeds, cumin
Powder

seeds, fried assafoetida,ginger

and mix. Mustard other medicines

salt,equal parts.
butter-milk.
or

Dose, grains twenty-two

is

used
in
a

externally, alone,
great

in

combination

with
in

variety

of

diseases, and

notably

caria sciatica,paraplegia, gout, inflammatory swellings,urtiparotitis, etc.

S^rangadhara
Take the of

recommends mustard
of

the

following application2

in

urticaria. and

seed, turmeric,
Tor
a

pdtchuk root,

sesamuin

seeds

Cassia

(chakramardaka), equal

CRATJKVA

RELIGIOSA.

115

parts,and

rub

them

togetherinto

paste with

mustard

oil.

In

etc, simple mustard gout, sciatica,

the affections,

are plasters

used.1

matory In inflamS6ran-

is prescribed by followingpoultice
root

gadhara.
wood of

Take

of the

of Boerhaavia

difusa (punarnavd),

Berberis

Asiatica

( ddruharidrd
fermented The

),

root

of

Moringa

ginger and mustard pteryi/osperma (soblidnjana),

and
rub them into
a

seeds, equal parts, Lepidium Sativum, Hindi, are

said
to be

paste with

rice water.2

LEPIDIUM
called
as

SATIVUM.
sura

seeds of Hdlim
in in

Chandra tonic and

in

and Sanskrit,

ed describ-

alterative, and
from
in

useful blood. which

are

hiccup, diarrhoea,and
It
is
a

skin

diseases

disordered

very

efficaceous the

remedy
of

hiccup, for
Hdlim
;

the

Bh"vaprak"sa gives
in

following formula.

seeds the

macerated
are

eight times they

doses
are

their rubbed This

weight
in

water

when the

seeds

softened

the

water,

and

emulsion
to

strained

through

cloth. of

emulsion
an ounce

is recommended

be

in given frequently

about

for the relief of obstinate

hiccup.3

NAT.

ORDER.
CRAT^VA

CAPPARIDACE.E.
RELIGIOSA.

Rox. Syn. Capparis trifoliata. Sans.

TW,

Varuna. Vern.

Sfl^f^r, Asmarighna.
Beng. Hind.
of this

Barun,
root

THE

bark of the stem of the Hindu

and

plant constitutes
calculous

the

cipal prin-

medicine It is said
act bile,
as

Pharmacopoeia,for appetite,increase
disorders
of

affections.
of the

to
a

promote
laxative

the

the secretion the

and

remove

urinary organs.

fa"m

fa^^i

ft5T5m?:*n%f

3%?

5T%

116

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MBDICA.

In
a

calculous

affections

it is used

in

great variety of forms.

Thus of

simple decoction
A

of the bark decoction

may is

be

given

with

the

addition

treacle.1 of Tribulus with called ashes

water
varuna

compound
terrestris of

prepared along with equal parts ginger,

and A
is

and (gokshura)

administered

the addition

yavakshdra and honey.2

is
as

compound
A

powder
of the

Varunddya
of
varuna

churncfi is made

prepared
directed solution

as

follows, under

solution

the head with

the

of alkaline addition of
of

(KsMrodaka
bark
in

).

This and

is boiled

powder

yavakshdra(impure carbonate
abdominal

potash) ,
is

till the water Jn

is

evaporated. The resultingpowder entirely

and A confection

given

ascites, calculus, enlargements of the

of the bladder
uterus.

viscera, and

affections

called Varunddya
of the

guda
and
a

is

prepared by adding
of diuretic

to the fluid extract

bark,treacle
bark
till add

number

and Take

aromatic of

substances.
varuna

Varunddya ghrita^
twelve reduced four
seers seers

coarsely powdered
boil the strained tolas each
varuna

and

half, water
and

sixty-fourseers,
To
two

together

to

one-fourth of clarified the form

strain.

decoction,
of the

butter,and
of
a

following

libstances in
s
-

paste, namely,

bark, unripe

wqiiq'-e?HT |

i
i

MORINGA

PTERYGOSPERMA.

117

plantains,

bela

fruit,

the

five leaves

roots

called Coitus

trinaja pancha
aromaticus

mulnka

(see Sugar
cucumber Sesamum
root

cane), gulancha,
seeds,
Indicum Acorns

of

(asmabheda\
the ashes and
of

Calamus
of

root, bamboo-manna,
BnUa

and (tila), auriculatum

in

frondosa
Boil
may

(paldsa)
them

the
and

of

Jasminum
a

(juthikd ).
way.

together
in

prepare
one

ghrita

the

usual
to

It

he

given
the

doses

of

to

two

tol"s, according
is

the

constitution

of

patient. After
he
varuna

this

medicine

digested,
taila.1

hutter-milk This
is
an

and oil Take

treacle

should with

taken.

Varunddya
for the
water

prepared
of

hark,
and of

injection
entire

into
of

the

bladder.

varuna

bark

plant

Tribulus
boil

terrestris

( gokshura
till reduced with the above
to

), two
to

seers

each,
and

sixty-four
Boil
this

seers,

together
decoction

one-fourth
of

strain.
sesamum

strained half
a

four

seers

prepared
drugs
into in

oil and

seer

each,

of

mentioned
be

the

form

of paste.

This

oil is recommended

injected
and

the

bladder, for the relief of painful micturition,

In scrofulous decoction2 said
to
cure

calculus

gravel.
the lower writers.
or

enlargement
of
varuna

of is

the

glands

under several
internal

jaw,
It is

barfc
old

prescribed by
cases.

even

standing
a

In of

deep
Boer-

$eated
haavia

suppurative

inflammation,
is

decoction

varuna

and

diffusa (punarnavd)

given internally.3

NAT.
MORINGA
Sans.

ORDER

MORINGACE^.
PTERYGOSPERMA.

'jptHT^*!', Sobhdnjana.
all
over

fo^i
,

Sigru.
for the the sake natives of

THIS it's

plant

is cultivated

the which

country
are

leaves, flowers, and

seed

vessels

used

by

118

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

in

their

curries.

The

root

is

described
it

as

acrid, pungent,
as a

stimulant The

and
seeds

diuretic.

Applied
as

externally
acrid and

acts

rubefacient. used that of

are

described

pungent
Sveta
two

and

are

externally
is white

as

stimulant The white

They Bh"vaprak"sa
and
red.

are

called describes

maricha varieties

pepper.

sobhdnjana,
is
said
to

namely,
be
a

The

root

of

the
of

white the and

variety red, acting

is

stronger
use,

rubefacient,
for

while the

that

preferred
the
tions. excre-

for

internal

promoting

appetite

on

In of

ascites

and

enlarged

spleen,
and
the

decoction* leaves
of

of of Rumex

the

root-bark vesicarius black

Moringa

pterygosperma

(amlalonikd
and rock of addition of of Butea of
the

is

given
in

with

the In

addition

long spleen
to

pepper, and

per pepa

salt

powder.
is

enlarged

liver,
with of the

coction dethe ashes

root-bark

recommended
salt

be

given
or

plumbago
frondosa

root, rock

and

long

pepper,

(paldsa

),

or

of

yavahshdra

(impure

carbonate

potash):*
In internal decoction of
is salt.4

and of

deep
the

seated

inflammation
is

and
to

abscess be

(vidro*
with

din the of

root-bark
and in

recommended salt.3 The

with

given

addition the root-bark rock and

assafoetida
also

rock these
is is

expressed
the addition
in the

juice
of

given
The

cases,

honey
ol

or

root-bark

used

externally
with
its

shape

plaster,

the

inflamed

part

fomented

decoction.5

MESUA

FERREA.

119

In calculous

affections the decoction

of the root-bark

is

given

internally.1
The of
some

seeds of stimulant

Moringa pterygosperma

enter

into the
an

composition
illustration.
seeds

applications.The following is Moringa pterygosperma,

and dried this is used The fresh rock reduce
as a

Take and

of the seeds of

mustard salt,
to
a

putchuk root, equal parts,

When

them

paste with
tose coma-

goat'surine.
or

snuff for of the

rousing
root

drowsy persons.2
to be

juice

bark

is

recommended The
same

poured

into the

ears, for the relief of

otalgia.
for the

gum

of the tree mixed

with

sesamum

is oil,

also used

purpose.3
NAT.
ORDER.
MESUA
Sans.

GUTTIFER2E.
FERREA.

TTOlNT,

Ndgalcesara. Vern. Ndgkesar. Beng. Hind.

THE

dried flowers decoctions

ofMesuaferrea are
oils.

much

used

as as

fragrant

adjunct to
and

and

They

are

regarded

astringent

stomachic

and useful in
A

of the stomach, excesthirst, irritability sive

etc. perspiration

paste of the flowers with the addition of

butter

and
in

sugar

is recommended

by
The

most

of the later flowers

to writers,

be taken

bleeding piles.4
that butter,
an

powdered
a

mixed
in

with

old clarified
are

has been

washed

hundred

times

water,

said to be

effectual

in burning application

of the feet.5

forar*r^tsr:

"rTn%^^rni

120

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

NAT.

ORDER.
SHOREA
Sans. UT*F,

DIPTEROCARPE.E,
ROBUSTA. Sdla, 3[SjpR?g, Asvakarna.

THE

resin
or

of the
in

Shorea

robusta,

called

Rdla
as

in

Sanskrit

and gent deter-

Dhund

rdl,in
is used

vernacular, is regarded dysentery, and

the used for
out

astringent and

and The
resin

fumigations,
thick
rooms

plasters, etc.
of

thrown
is much
a

over

gives fire,

volumes

fragrant
the
some

smoke, and
sick.

for

fumigating practice
with

occupied by
to

It is also
rooms

common

natives
time

burn

rdl in their

every

evening, during
children

about the

the

that

chirags

or

lamps

are

as lighted,

also of

worship

of idols. to

In
in
or

the

dysentery

rdl is recommended
an

be of

given
sugar

doses

of about

twenty grains, with

equal quantity

treacle.1 Rdl
enters into

the

composition
is
an

of

some

plasters and
of rdl, rock clarified
an

ments. oint-

The

following

illustration. ochre

Take and

salt,
in

treacle,wax,

honey, bdellium, red

them

butter,

equal parts, boil

together and
ORDER.
SIDA

prepare

ointment.2

NAT.

MALVACEAE.
CORDIFOLIA.
WITTT^*,

Sans. Vern.

*SIT, Bald.

Bdtydlaka.
Hind.

Berela, Beng.
of 'bald
are

Khareti,

FOUR

varietes

mentioned

by

Sanskrit

writers,

namely, "Batyalaka, (Sida cordifolia).Mahdbald.(Sidarhomboidea.)*

Ndgabald, (Sida alba). The Atibald, (Sida rhombifolia).

these
*

roots

of all

are species,

regarded
variety
of

as

cooling,astringent, tonic
rhombifolia,
L.

and

useful

This

is

only

Sida

122

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

BOMBAX
Sans.

MALABAR1CUM.

HT^riT^, Sctlmali, *fHi, Mochd.

Simul, Ealcta Simul. Beng.
of largest
our

Vern.
"

THIS is

one

of the

Indian and

often about trees,

ramous

one

hundred

feet high and the trunk

the end

thick

in proportion.

Floweringtime
destitute of leaves. The

of

when winter, of very make thick

the tree is

totally-

great numbers
covered The

largebright red
are

flowers with
at
a

which
very

it is then

it remarkably conspicuous stems

great distance."

used for

making large boats called kondas, from their being made by Some of these boats are large enough out the trunks. hollowing to carry a freight of a thousand maunds. The smaller floats are
in very fields
common use

in

Eastern Bengal, for crossing over

rice

In fact during the rains these during the rainy season. littlefloats, constitute the only mode of conveyance from village
to in village

low alluvial tracts.

are

The

thick

beds

and

of pillows

the

natives

stuffed with the Cotton

attached to the interior of thin and quilts stuffed

the seed vessels of this plant, while for winter, are clothing made with

the

of Gossypium (cotton kdrpdsa

herbaceum).
The gum It is considered of this called mocharasa tree, is used
in

medicine.* in in

tonic and and is used astringent, alterative, dysentery and menorrhagia. Mocharasa with sugar diarrhoea,

equal parts, is given

used. Take
*

in

doses

of twenty

diarrhoea of children. In the

of dysentery

in the fortygrains, is the following children,

to

of mocharasa, flowers of
Pharmacopoeia of
which the India

Woodfordiafloribunda(dhdtaki\
stated. "To
two

In

the

it is

this tree

(Bombox
hold
a

Malabaricum)^

is common
Native

in some Materia

parts of

India,
been

drugs

which

prominent place in
referred.
1. An
source

Medica, have

usually (Hind)
as

but

erroneously
Its

astringentgummy
is unknown. Mocharasa of the

exudation, Mucherus
Dried roots well known

botanical
The the

2,

Safed
is of
a

Musli

(Hind)."

Sanskrit

term

of which Mocha Hence

the Hindi Mocha be

no

Mucherus
is
error one

means corruption,

juiceor exudation
Bombax
the

tree, and
there
can

the

Sanskrit

names

of Bombax of Mucherus

Malabaricum.
to

in

the attributing

origin

Malabaricum.

Safed

Musli

is the

Talamuli

of

Sanskrit

Materia

Medica,

Hypoxis

orchioidet

of Botanists.

PTEROSPERM

STJ7BERIFOLIUM.

123 of the

and the pudica (lajjdlu), in all one equal parts, toU, powdered rice and boil together tolas, to the consistence the of dysentery the adults
a

root of Mimosa

filaments
one

lotus,
eleven

water tola",
a

of

In gruel (yavdgu}J-

decoction of lela fruit in of

goat'smilk, is
and

givenwith
seeds.2

addition

powdered

mocharasa

indrajava

HIBISCUS

MOSCHATUS.
Latakasturi used in

'Sans.

wruf^fw
scented seeds

Latdof this

Vern. kasturikdy

Beng.

The

plantare
into the

much

perfuming medicinal oils. They also enter of some garded compound prescriptions, composition being retonic cooling, ODORATA. and carminative.
Sans.

as

PAVONIA Vern.
are

The bdldt Hind. Sugandlia considered aromatic, cooling and with other medicines
from

Bdld, ^*" fragrantroots of

*;*TT

Hrivera.
this much

plant
used

stomachic

and

are

in combination

of the sort in
etc.

inflamtrafever,
enters

hemorrhage tion,
of composition
a

internal organs fever drink

Bdld

into the

well-known

called

shadanga pdniya,

(seeAndropogon muricatum).

NAT.
PTEROSPERMUM The flower

OEDER
SUBERTFOLIUM.

STERCULIACE^.
Sans,
into
a

^pff*^,

Muchukunda.

of this tree, rubbed well known many writers

paste with
hemicrania.
at the

kdnjikais
It is

an

ancient and

for application

tioned men-

by
a

and

is used

even

present day,as

domestic

remedy.3

fra*

VJ

124

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

NAT.

ORDER
OXALIS

GERANIACE^E.
CORNICULATA. AmlaloniJcd.

Sans.

^^"fal3?T,
Vern.

^lK^

Chdngeri.

A'mrulsdk,
are

Beng.
used
as a

THE
are

leaves

of

Oxalis

corniculata

pot-herb. They
and stomachic. from of the

considered fresh

cooling, refrigerant, appetizing

of the
to

The

juice

leaves be

is

given
in

to

relieve and

intoxication

datura, and
rectum,
datta this
for

is said

useful

dysentery by
for

prolapsus
writers.
a

which the

it

is recommended

most

Chakra-

gives
medicine.

following

formula

preparing

ghrita

with

Chdngeri ghrita.^ Take juice

sixteen of Oxalis
seers

of clarified
seers,

butter, four
curdled milk

seers,

the

fresh

corniculata^ four
and the Boil leaves them of

called reduced

dadhi,
to
a

Oxalis
in

corniculata

paste,
a

one

seer.

together
is said
to

the

usual in

way

and

prepare

ghrita.

This

preparation
of the

be useful

diarrhoea, dysentery,
and difficult
process of

prolapsus
micturition. The
a

rectum,

tympanites, gives
Take fruits each the
rectum.

piles

Bh"vaprakasa ghrita.^
of

the

following
fresh

for

preparing

compound

of the
and

juice

Oxalis
water

corniculata^decoction
(see Alkalies), and
four
seers, for

jujube

ginger,
seers, way.

alkaline

curdled
a

milk,
in

four usual

clarified It
is

butter
mended recom-

and
use

prepare in

ghrita
of

prolapse

the

AVERRHOA Vern.

CARAMBOLA.

.Sans.
Hind. The and
are

w*fop,Karmaranga.
fruits
as

Kdmrdngd,
contain
an

Beng.
acid

and

five-angled
eaten
raw

of
as

this
in

plant

watery
into

pulp,

well

curries.

They

enter

the

composition

of

some

cooling

cines medi-

for fever

and

other

diseases.

TRIBULUS

TERRESTRIS.

125

NAT.

ORDER
TRIBULUS

ZYGOPHYLLACE^.
TERRESTRIS.
^na^T,
**

Sans.

Gokslmri. *ft^rt,
vj

Ilcshugandhd.
Hind.

Vern.

Gokhuru, Seng.

THIS from the

plant is
resemblance
their

also called Sthala of its fruits to armed with

are

and Trikantaka, sringdtaka those of

Trapa bispinosa
The
entire

tind from but

more

being

three used and

spines.
in

plant
are

the particularly

fruits

medicine.

They
are

tonic diuretic, regarded as cooling, in

and aphrodisiac

used

calculous affections, micturition, urinary disorders and painful impotence. The fruits constitute an ingredientof Dasamula (see Desmodium gangeticurn). of the fruits is given with A decoction the addition of yavain of carbonate kshdra micturition.1 A (impure potash), painful of the entire decoction nous plant is given with sildjatu(a bitumiaffection. Equal parts and honey, in the same substance) taken with goat's milk and honey, of gokhuru and sesamum seeds,
is said to
cure

from impotencearising
or

bad

practices.2
as

Gokslmrddyavaleha5
follows. Take of the

electuaryof gokshuriis prepared plant of

Tribulus

entire

twelve terrestris,

'rfiwrfw

%i|j jg

126
and

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

seers

half, water, sixty-four seers

To

and six

boil tillreduced
seers

to

one-fourth.
of sugar
an

the strained

add decoction,
to the

and

quarter

and

again boil tillreduced

add the

proper

consistence for
in fine

electuary ; then
of

substances following
black pepper,
,

namely, ginger, long pepper,

flowers Mesua
of

cardamom cinnamon,
called

powder,

ferrea (ndgalcesara} leaves

Terminalia

tejapatra,

nutmeg, bark
sixteen It

each seeds, bamboo-manna half a seer, and tolas, prepare an electuary. is given in doses of two in painful tolas, micturition, sion suppresof urine, calculous affectionsetc. bloody urine,

Arjuna,and

cucumber

NAT.

OKDEK

EUTACE^.

CITRUS.
The
are as

differentspecies of Citrus described follows.

Jambira.
,

by Sanskrit

writers

Vern.

Gordnebu, Beng.

Citrus acida. Roxb. do. do.

do.

Far. 3 do.
do. do. 1 2 7 9

Limpdka.
Nimbuka.

Vern. Vern.

Pdtinebu, Beng.

Kdgujinebu, Beng. Tabdnebu,Beng.

Vern. Vijapura.
,

Vern. Mithdnebu, Modhukarkafikd, Beng. do.

do.
medica.

Matulunga. Vern. Chholonganebu, Beng. Citrus

Karund,
,

Sans, and

Beng.

Citrus medica, variety of. Aurantium.

Ndgaranga. Vern. Kamldnebu, Beng. C.

Citrus acida* called
or

The

of variety
in

the Jambira, yields

is much

lemon
as a

juice used
sauce

medicine. natives. fresh

Limpdka
The
fruits

pdtinebu
cut

used

by

the the

are

into vertically with

two

and pieces,
on sprinkled

soup,

juice,squeezedout ddl, curry etc. to which

A
a

the

is fingers,

acid taste and

own

flavour. agreeable

and juice,
*

salt is

and popular
varietyof
and
the

pleasant in its pickle of pdtinebu, effectual medicine for indigesmedica

are

it imparts a

Citrus acida is itself

Citrus

of

Linnaeus

to

which

speciesC. Limonum,

C. Limetta

C.

Lumia

also reduced.

CITRUS.

127

tion

brought on by
The fruits little so from
are

excess

in

articles or by undigestible eating,

over a are

of

diet.

first rubbed
as

stone,
then

or

their

rind

scrapeda
obtained
a

to thin it.

They

in juice steeped the

sun

other fruits of the sort,and the addition

of
common

exposed to
salt.

for

few
a

days with
brown This

of

colour, they are

is preparation

in preserved

crispand vessels or glass porcelain

When nebu

jars.

called Jdrak

(thatis digestive
has

lemon) in
The

the vernacular.

variety of
that of

Citrus acida

called

kdgujinebu
as
sauce

larger
its

fruits than but latter, rind is not Citrus of the kamld

pdtinebu, and
the

is also used

like the

its flavour and

so

fragranceof

the essential oil in

delicious. the sweet

orange,
comes

Aurantium,or
Hills and
in

from

the

valleys

Khasia nebu

of the eastern

Himalaya.
the

It is called has plains

an

acid taste and The

Bengali. The varietygrown in is called ndrengd in the vernacular.

term

Sanskrit

karund Wilson

nimbu in

different authorities. Citrus decumana. Citrus the while medica,

his

variouslytranslated by -Sanskrit dictionary calls it

into make
not

is

In the Hortus

it is translated Bengalensis

Drury
Limonum.
or

and

other The

Madras

authorities

variety Citrus
any synonym
to say, what

Sabdakalpadruma
term

does

give
term

vernacular
it
a

for In

it,so that
the

it is difficult

form

reallymeant.
of variety
no

vernacular

the

karund

is

to applied

Citrus medico,. Sanskrit

its
name.

Citrus decumana

has I believe

In the
been

nacular ver-

it is called Bdtdvi

nebu,
now

from

having

originally
varieties
no

broughtfrom
is
one

Batavia.
common

It is

much

cultivated in

gardens and
littleor

of the
fruit

edible fruits of the country.

a

Some
with

of the

have

pleasanttaste
This of variety
as

and

aroma,

acidity.
Madhukarkatikd.
one

Citrus medica

is probablythe is sweet

described

by Roxburgh
Citrus which

Mithd has

nebu, that

lemon.

The

varietyof

very

almost largeoblong fruits,

equal in

size to the

shaddock, and the thick spongy

the
was fruit,

rind of
to
me

which

constitutes the

portionof largest

shewn

by

128

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

gardener in Malda,
of this
taste

under

the

name

of madhukarkati.

The bland

pulp

varietyis
without

very any

limited
aroma or

in

quantity, of

sweetish

and

acidity. cooling, refrigerant stomachic

of

Lemon and
useful

juice
in

is considered

indigestion, dyspepsia, vomiting body, intoxication

juice
from
is recommended
to be

meals, thirst,
or

burning
etc.

of the

drinks spiritious

narcotics,
ing, even-

Fresh

lemon

taken

in the

for the relief of into the

dyspepsiawith vomiting
several carminative

of meals.1 for

It enters

of composition the

medicines

dyspepsia?
etc.

Such

as

Hingvdshtaka (see Assafoetida), Kravyddicliurna

affections such
as

In rheumatic

bago, lumpleurodynia,sciatica,

pain in
carbonate of

the

hipjoints etc.,Sarangadhara recommends juicewith

the addition

the administrati

of lemon

ofyavakshdra(impure

and honey.2 potash)

of long pepper, Take black Rasdyandmritalaulia^ pepper, and nigella ginger,the three myrobalans, bdberung seeds, cumin seeds, ajowan and the seeds of Cnidium diffusum (vanajamdni\
root trivrit, chiretta,

of
two

Baliospermum
three

montanum

mm (danti),

bark,
two

and

rock

each salt,

prepared iron tolas, myrobalans

clarified

sixteen four

tolas, sugar
seers,

seers,

decoction
seers.

of the

and

lemon

juicetwo

Boil all these

ingredients togethertill the watery

butter, half
a seer

lastlyadd portionis evaporated,

:

and

tlfT:

3
-^

sf

^'^ft^f ^f T^^^iasr^ rtfty

i

$w*

i?if^^f
|

fs"r

sRT^T^ri xrr^in^

^rTw

offa^T^m

130

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

The

dried with

pulp

of

the

fruit
in

is the

given
loins

with and

treacle,
costiveness.1

in

recent

dysentery

griping,
is

pain

pound com-

powder2 Cyperus taki),

It
is
root

prepared

with

equal
of

parts

of

dried

bela,

tubers

of

rotundus

(mustaka),
Stephania
doses of In

flowers

Woodfordia

floribunda
and

(dhd-

of
in

hernandifolia
twenty-two
the
to

(pdthd) ginger
forty
of

mocharasa. with milk butterand

given
and

-four

grains
a

treacle. of the

dysentery drugs
is

children,

decoction

an

electuary
Pothos of

following

used, namely
of Pavonia and

dried

bela, fruits

of

qfficinalis (gajapippuli),
Woodfordia

root

odorata

(bald),

flowers
racemosa

floribunda equal
the for

(dhdtaki),

bark

of

Symplocos

(lodhra),
A and decoction fried

in

parts.3
root

of

of

^Egle
diarrhoea

Marmelos^ and

is

given

with

sugar in

rice,

checking

gastric

irritability

infants. The fresh

juice
in
anasarca

of

the

leaves with

is

given,

with and
is

the

addition In

of
ternal ex-

black

pepper,

costiveness of the of Take leaves the

jaundice.5 given

inflammations,
remove

the

juice

internally,

to

the Vilva and

supposed
taila
is

derangement

humours.
of dried of bela

thus and

prepared.6
boil
in

fruits, twelve
till

,seers

half

sixty-four

seers

water,

reduced

I
2

ft^is

wrft

*nsr

^ssf

*fNr*T!

SIT:

ift?rT

FERONIA.

ELBPHANTUM.

131

to

one-fourth.
sesamum

To

the

strained
six

decoction,
toUs each of

add the

four

Seers

of
tances, subs-

prepared
in

oil and form of

following

the

paste, namely,

Vanda

Roxburghii (rdsnd).
auriculata

Boerhaavia

diffusa ( punarnavd ), Aplotaxis

dried Pinus

(kushta),

ginger,
wood of

bela,

flowers

of

Woodfordia ),bark

floribunda (dhdtaki),
of

deodara of
gum

( devaddru
rotundus

Symplocos
Acorus

racemosa

tubers (lodhra),

Cyperus
of

(mustaka),

Calamus

(vachd),
prepare

and

Bombax usual way.

Malabaricum This

and (sdlmaliveshta) , oil is used

an

oil in the

externally

in

chronic

bowel

complaints.

FERONIA

ELEPHANTUM.

Sans.

*fTO
wood

Kapittha.
apple
sake of
tree

Vern.

Kdthbel, Beng. Kaith,

with

Hind. and
is

THE cultivated A

is met

throughout
of

India

is

for the

of
the

the

fruits, the pulp

with ma*y.
in

which

edible.

chdtni, made
and
as

ripe pulp
esteemed
is used

the

addition The

of

oil,salt,
fruit is bela and

tamarind described other

to be

spices,is

by

unripe
with

astringent and
in diarrhoea

combination The

medicines useful and

in

and

dysentery.
of the

ripe fruit
The

is said
are

hiccup

and

affections

throat.

leaves

aromatic

carminative.

Kapitthdshtaka
apples eight parts,
TO*

churna.1
sugar

Take

of

the

pulp

of

unripe

wood

six

parts, pomegranate

juice, tamarind

132

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

flowers pulp, bela fruit, and

of

Woodfordia floribunda (dJidtaki), djmad,

parts, black
root

long

pepper,

each pepper

three

pepper,

cumin

seeds, (bald),
of
one

coriander, long
sonchal Mesua

root,

of

Pavonia

odorata

djowan, cardamoms, salt,

cinnamon,
and and

flowers tejapatra,

ferrea (ndgakesara),ginger
the

plumbago
mix.

root, each

part, powder
drachm. This with

ingredients finely
used
in in

Dose, about
diarrhoea and the throat.

one

preparation is

chronic

sentery dy-

loss of

appetiteand

affections

of

XANTHOXYLUM
Vern.

HOSTILE. Hind.

Sana.
The

"3*V*,
and and
in

Tumburu.

Nepali dhanid, Tumri,

plant,resemble

aromatic

pungent
are

fruits of this
as

coriander

in appearance

used

aromatic

adjuncts,in compound
oils.

prescriptionsand

perfuming

medicinal

NAT.

ORDER

BURSEEACE^E.
MUKUL.

BALSAMODENDRON

Syn.
Sans"

Balsamodendron Vern.

Agallocha.

^J^^[, Guggulu.
or

Guggul. Beng.

Hind.

Guggulu
in the Sanskrit

Indian

bdellium
the

is obtained
gum resin

by making
exudes.

incisions
to

tree, through which

According
is

writers,new
of
a

or

recently exuded
colour. emulsion
or

guggulu
in

moist, viscid,

fragrant and
the is
sun

golden
a

It burns with
;

the

fire,melts
Old
not

in

and and

forms without

milky

hot water. should

guggulu
used
in

dry

flavour

colour

it

be

medicine.

Guggulu
of purifier

\" said

to

be

demulcent, aperient,alterative
in

and

the blood.

It is used

rheumatism,

nervous

diseases,
In

scrofulous rheumatism called

affections, urinary disorders, and

it is used in
a

skin

diseases.

great variety of forms.

a

The

following

Yogardjaguggulu

is

favourite

preparation.

BALSAMODENDRON

MUKUL.

133

guggulu.1 Take Yogardja

seeds djowan, of

of

plumbago root,long

pepper

root

sativa (kdldjird), bdberang seeds, seeds of Nigella cumin Deodara Carum seeds, Pinus Roxburgliianum (ajamodd), Chavica cardamoms, rock salt, (chavya), officinarum (devaddru)) of Vanda auriculata (kushtha), root root of Aplotaxis Roxburghii terrestris (gokshura), fruits of Tribulus coriander, the (rdsnd), three pepper,
muricatus

myrobalans,
black

tubers

of

Cyperus

rotundus
root

(mustaka), long
of

pepper,
,

ginger, cinnamon,

Andropogon

(impure carbonate (usira)yavakshdra

Webbiana
in

of

leaves potash),
one tejapatra,

of Pinus

and (tdlisapatra)

the leaves called

in

part each,
above
preserve

fine

powder,

bdellium

quantity, equal to
pot smeared
It is with

all the

ingredients. Rub
the Dose from

them
an one

togetherwith
earthen tola.

clarified butter and clarified

preparation in
a

butter.

half to

given

in rheumatic

affections and
in

other diseases

supposed to

be caused

by deranged
Another

air

unhealthy ulcerations,affections
called It is made is recommended
sacrum.

of the

etc. joints

paration pre-

Trayodasdngaguggulu is
with for
use

similar in

composition to

the above.
name,

thirteen aromatic
in rheumatism

and the

hence its adjuncts, the loins affecting bones Take

and the

In

rheumatism

called preparation following

the joints and affecting A'dityapdka guggulu2 is used.

II

"sr

134

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

of and
soak

the

three

myrobalans
four tolas
in

and

long
each;

pepper

each
the of the

eight

toUs,

cinnamon

cardamoms

powder

ingredients
ten

finely
called of

and

for

seven

days

decoction

drugs,
tolas

dasa-

mula and

(see
beat

Desmodium

gangeticum).
into
l
a

Then

add

forty
half

guggulu
tola.

together
rasa

uniform

mass.

Dose,
is used
in

to

one

Vatdri
diseases.

This

preparation
it

paralysis
one

and

vous ner-

To the and three

prepare,

take

of three

mercury

part,

sulphur
root

two

parts, parts
oil

myrobalans, guggulu hours,

five then

parts
Rub
to

in

all, plumbago
them

four
castor

pure

parts.
add

together
the

with

for called

twelve

the

mass

compound equal
hours.
to

powder,
all the

Hingvastaka ingredients,
half
a

(see
and

Assafoetida),
rub

in

weight
for twelve

above about

again

together

Dose,

drachm. Take
two

Kaisara three boil is fluid reduced

guggulu.2
each and

of

pure
water

bdellium,

gulancha
seers.

and

the First

myrobalans,
the reduced add the the

seers,

ninety-six
in

gulancha
to

the
and and

myrobalans
strain

the

water

till
to

the

latter

one-half,
bdellium consistence

the

decoction
iron

the

strained whole
is

boil
of

in

an

vessel add

till

the the

to

treacle.

Now

to

it

following

BOSWELLIA

THURIFERA.

135

substances sixteen
pepper,

in

fine

powder,

namely,

the

three

myrobalans,
pepper

each black Balio-

tolas,gulancha eight tolas,ginger, long

each
six

and of

tolas, bdberang seeds

four

tolas,root

spermum
two
a

montanum

(danti) and
them

Ipomcea
into
a

Turpethum
uniform decoction be useful
mass.

each (trivrit),

tolas,and
to
one

beat

together
be taken

Dose

from

quarter
or

tola,to
This

with

of
in

madder, tepid
various to act
as

milk

water.

medicine
or

is said

to

skin
an

diseases alterative

from

deranged
and
to

vitiated the

blood.
nutrition

It is said of
eyes

tonic

improve
In

the

body.
pain,
ing swellis
commended re-

Sadanga
and

guggulu.1

affections

of

the

with

inflammation,
to

(rheumatic
with
a

ophthalmia ?)
of the

bdellium

be

given

decoction nim

three
and is

myrobalans,
the leaves of

root

of

Momordica
vasica

dioica

(patala),
A

bark,

Adhatoda for

(vdsaka).

similar

preparation
In

recommended

secondary syphiliticulcerations.
Amrita

unhealthy

ulcerations,the
Take
of

following, called
root

guggulu^

is recommended.

gulancha, long
parts,
beat

of

Momordica

dioica

(patala],
and
to

the

three

myrobalans,
in

pepper,

black
in

pepper,

ginger, equal
mass.

baberung
all the
about

seeds

equal
and

guggulU)
them

quantity
into
a

above
a

ingredients
every of

together
OLIBANUM.

Dose
gum

drachm
tree

morning.

The

of the

Salai

India

(Boswellia

\ i

f*m

136

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

called thurifera),is and

as
a

Kunduru
to

in

Sanskrit.

It is used

as

an

incense

local

application
is

buboes.1
in

MYRRH article
an

called
in

Vola the

Sanskrit

and

is described

as

an

to

be

had

beniatis
to

shop, thereby implying

be used useful
in in

it to be

imported

drug.

It

is said

fever,epilepsy

and

uterine

but affections,

is not

much

practice.

NAT.

ORDER
AZADIRACHTA

MELIACE^.
INDICA.

Sans.

Nimba. fi*"l,

Vern.

Nim,
to

Beng.
and

Hind.

THIS
over

useful

tree

is

indigenous
of
its

India leaves
a

is cultivated

all

the

country
used
is

for in

the

sake

bark,

and

fruits.
remote

These

have The

been bark

Hindu
as

medicine

from

very

period.
useful in

regarded

bitter, tonic, astringent

and skin diseases.
soup
or

and

fever,thirst, nausea,
are

vomiting

The
curry
taste

bitter with which

leaves other

used

as

pot-herb being
slightly
thus
an

made

into

vegetables. impart
leaves
to
are

The

aromatic

and
is much

bitter

they
The

the

curries

prepared,
and
as

relished
for

by

some.

moreover

old

popular

remedy
and

skin and

diseases. useful

The

fruits

are

described

purgative

emollient The

in intestinal
from

worms,

urinary
in in

diseases, piles etc.

oil obtained

the The

seeds bark

is used

skin fever

diseases,and
in in combination

ulcers. with other medicines tion decocroot

is used
as

for this disease called Picrorrldza

taka

for

example,

the
of

following
nim

compound

Amritdshtaka.2
Kurroa

Take tubers

bark, gulancha,

of

(katuki),

of

Cyperus

rotundus

(musleaves of

), seeds

of HolarrJiena

antidysenterica ( indrayava ),

138

SANSKRIT

MATERTA

MRDTHA.

and

sesamum

seeds

is recommended

by

Chakradatta

for

unhealthy

ulcerations.1 The writers

numerous

following
for

preparation
to

of

nim

oil is

prescribed by glands
four

several with
seers

application openings.

suppurating
of the
oil

scrofulous of
nim

Take

seeds,
aloes

orpiment, realgar, marking

wood,
leaves of Jasminum

nut,

cardamoms,

wood,
and of the and

sandal
Lim-

grandiflorum

(jdtipatra ),

nanthenum of
a

cristatum
water

(tagarapddukd),
sixteen
seers.

each Boil

eight tolas, in
them

form
pare pre-

paste, and
an

together

oil in the

usual

way.2

NAT.

OEDER
VITIS

AMPELIDE.E.

VINIFERA,
Drdkshd.

Linn.

Sans. Vern. GRAPES and

are

^T,

*fl*T,. Mridvikd
Beng.
a

A'ngurphal,
have been

Kismis, ManakJcd,
in and India from

Hind.
remote

known Susruta

very

period
called

mentioned
are

by
in

Charaka.
are

The described useful

dried
as

fruits

raisins,

used

medicine.

They

demulcent,
of

laxative, sweet,

cooling, agreeable
and the

and

in

thirst, heat

body, cough,
Raisins and of

hoarseness
enter

consumption. composition
The of
numerous

into

demulcent illustration.
and

expectorant

medicines.

following

is

an

Take
pepper

raisins, emblic
parts, rub
as

myrobalans,
them

dates, long
with

pepper

black

equal

together

honey

and

clarified

butter

and

administer Drdkshd Take

linctus.3 This and

is
a

arishta. six
seers

medicinal

wine
water

prepared
one

as

follows. and

of raisins

quarter,

hundred

CARDIOSPERMUM

HALICACABUM.

139

twenty-eight seers,
and
strain.

boil them strained

To the

reduced to one-fourth, till together of decoction add twenty-five seers

in fine substances eight toUs each of the following flowers of Mesua powder,namely, cinnamon,cardamoms, tejpatra, fruit of Aglaia Roxburghiana (priyangu), ferrea (ndgakesara) black pepper, long pepper and bdberangseeds, and set aside for treacle and
,

fermentation. and

This
in

is liquor

considered

and invigorating

ing nourish-

is used

and consumption,cough, difficult breathing

hoarseness.1

NAT.
CARDIOSPERMUM

OEDER

SAPINDACE^E.

HALICACABUM,

Linn.

Sans. Vern. THE stomachic remedies leaves of

root

5ZjTfrfW"TV, Jyautishmati. Beng. LatdpJiatkari, Naydphatki,

as

of this climbingplant is described

emetic., laxative,

and is used in combination with other rubefacient, in rheumatism, nervous pilesetc. The fried diseases, Cardiospermum Halicacdbum are said to bring on the for amenorrhoaa prescription of yautishmati carbonate leaves, sarjikd, (impure Calamus
root

and

secretion of the menses.2

is
as

Another

follows. Take

of

potash)Acorus
tomentosa

(vachd )

and

the

root-bark
to
a

of

Terminalia with milk.

This

drachm

for three

in equalparts and reduce (asana) medicine, should be taken in doses days-3

I sr^

paste
a

of about

fof*T tffrft :fa^cT I 2r*rri ft^

%f?r

\
'
N

140

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

NAT.

ORDER
RHUS
Sans.

ANACARDIACEJE.

SUCCEDANEA,

Linn.

^Z^F^I', Karkatasringi.
Kakarsing, by
insects Hind. the
are

Vern. THE of Rims horn-like

Succedanea

Kdkrdsringi, Beng.
excrescences

caused

on
"

branches
low, large, holmity." extrein

are

called

karkatasringi. They

thin-walled,

generally cylindrical, tapering

considered

to

either
and

They

are

tonic, expectorant
want

useful

cough, phthisis, asthma,

of

fever,
twenty

of

appetite
This

and

irritability
is

stomach.
in

Dose,
in is

about

grains.
with other Take
of

medicine for the

much

used

cough,

combination
an

drugs

disease.
root

The

following

example.1

karkatasringi
9

of

Clerodendron pepper and about

Siphonanthus ( brahmayashti
Curcuma Zedoaria with

), raisins, ginger, long

parts, powder
in

(sati),equal
treacle
or

and

mix.

Dose,

thirty grains
with

honey, powder

dry cough.
of

In

catarrhal

fever

difficult

breathing

composed

equal

parts of karkatasringi, bark

pepper with is recommended
to

of be

Myrica sapida ( katphala), given

in

and
a

long

doses

of

about churna of

drachm,
is

honey.2
as

The

following
linctus

called

Sringyddi
Take and

much

esteemed

cough
pepper,

for

children,

karkatasringi
into
a

dtis,and
with

long

equal parts;

powder

make

linctus

honey.3

MANGIFERA
Sans.

INDICA,
Vern. A'm.
most

Linn.

3fT*3? A'mra.
is well fruit is known somewhat

Beng.

Hind.
of
to

THE fruits.

Mango
The

as

the

delicious and useful

Indian
persons

ripe

laxative

SEMECARPUS

ANACARDIUM.

141 kernel

of

constipatedhabits.
useful in

The

bark

and

are

regarded
and

as

and astringent

diarrhoea haemorrhages,

other

charges. dis-

In

decoction a diarrhoea, with bela and

of

the kernel In
to

is

given alone
In

or

in
nose

combination the

ginger.1
cold infusion

from bleeding be snuffed. barks

is

the

juiceof
from

the kernel

is recommended
a

ing bleed-

internal organs,

of the

of

Mangifera

Indica,) Eugenia Jambolana, and

This infusion
a

Terminalia
in

Arjuna
The

2 prescribed.

is

also

used made
use as

diarrhoea.

Bh"vaprak"sa
ripe
mango

recommends sugar and

confection

of the
a

juice of

the

for arornatics,

restorative tonic.

SEMECARPUS
Sans.

ANACARDIDM,

Linn.

*sTTH3i,BhalldtaJca. ^"fiT,
Vern. BMd.

Arushkara.

Beng.
nuts

Hind.
a

THE often

acrid

juiceof marking
the
natives

is

powerful vesicant

and

is

employed by
These
a can

bruises. blows with

stick

producing fictitious marks of be distinguished from actual bruises caused by other weapon, or by their deep bluish-black
small presenting vesicles
or

for

colour and
on

from

their

minute

blisters

their surface. The of causing blisters by practice

nuts

the

of application
to

the

juice
one or

of

marking
very

among

the
our

Hindus ancient

appears

have works

been
a

at

time

common,

for in

medical

section

of ulcer ations thus devoted to the treatment paragraphis generally produced. The ripe fruits are regarded as acrid,heating,stimulant, nervine digestive, and and escharotic,
are

used

in

dyspepsia, piles

ff*

fl^i

firearm:

142

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

skin
use

diseases,nervous by being
water.
sesamum

etc. debility,

They
and

are

prepared

for internal
with

boiled

with

cow-dung
of

afterwards

washed

cold and

Equal seeds,
in doses

parts
are

marking
into
a

nuts, chebulic
with

myrobalaus
treacle and

made

confection

administered
Amrita

of

forty to sixty grains.1

Take
in of

J3halldtaki.2
seers, to

ripe marking
seers

nuts

divided
water

into

halves, eight

boil them one-fourth

with

thirty-two
and strain.

of

till the
nuts

latter is reduced
in

Again
seers

boil the

sixteen

seers

of milk
to
a

the

addition

of four

of clarified
sugar
two

butter, till reduced

seers

thick
seven

consistence.

Then the

add

and for

set
use.

aside

for

days,
as

when
a

prepartion
restorative and

will

be

ready
which

It is described the
so

powerful

tonic,

increases life and of the of

appetite, promotes
forth. It is used about
one

nutrition

strength,
and other

prolongs
diseases confection of and
aromatic

in haemorrhoids
to two

rectum.

Dose,

scruples.
of
a

Another number diseases

marking

nuts, made

with

the addition for

use

substances, is

recommended

in

skin

leprosy. Marking
nuts

enter

into

the

composition
form
an

of

some

caustic of
a

applications
liniment which
see

for warts rheumatic

and

piles. They
affections

ingredient

for

called

Saindhavddyataila^for

Ginger.

fart

GLYCYRRIHIZA

GLABRA.

143

NAT.

ORDER
SARACA

LEGUMINOS,E.

INDICA,
Asoca,
Vern.

Linn.
Roxb.

Syn. Jonesia
Sans. DR.
not

Asoka. ^3^rt^?
""'

Asok,

Bind.

Beng.
I do

ROXBURGH whole

says,

when

this tree

is in full blossom
a more

think, the

vegetable kingdom
in Hindu

affords
from

beautiful

object.'1 It
of Sita in
a

is famed

mythology
bark

the circumstance

the wife of
of asoka

Ramchandra, having
trees.

been

confined used

by
native

Havana

grove

The and

is much

by

cians physiA

in

uterine of

affections
in

especiallyin menorrhagia.
and

coction1 deof

the bark

milk,is prepared by boilingeight tolas

of milk

the

bark

in

eight tolas

thirty-twotolas
is

of
two

water
or

till three
A

the latter is divided

doses

evaporated. during
Asoka the

This
course

quantity
of the

given
in

in

day,
a

menorrhagia.

called gJirita

ghrita is prepared with

with

decoction number

of the bark

and

clarified butter
in

the
a

addition

of

of aromatic

substances

the form

of

paste.

GLYCYRRHIZA

GLABRA,

Linn.

Sans. Vern.

lf**re,Yashti madhu,
Jashti

*TO*t, Madhuka.
Mulhatti.
Hind.

madhu,
not

Beng.

LIQUORICE
in Hindu

root, though
from
a

indigenous to India,has"been
remote

used

Medicine

very
as

period, and

is

mentioned
ful use-

by
much

Susrutn.
in

It is described

sweet, demulcent, cooling and

etc.

cough, hoarseness,thirst inflammatory affections,

used
for

It is

flavouring

medicinal
numerous

oils decoctions,

and

ghritas.

It enters

into

the with

composition of
red
sandal

external

coolingapplications
muricatus

along

wood, madder, Andropogon

144

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

etc.

have
extract

not

met

with

any

notice

in Sanskrit in the

works,

of

the

watery

of

sold liquorice,
sus

in the bazars

shape of

black

and pencils,

called Rubas

in

Hindustani.

TRIGONELLA
Sans,

FCENUM-GILECUM,
Vern.

Linn.

^fa,Methi.

Methi, Hind.

Beng.
in its

THE
many aromatic

cultivated Trigonella Fcenum-grcecumis extensively Its seeds

are

parts of India.
as leaves, a

used

as

condiment
are

and

pot-herb. Fenugreek aphrodisiac.Several

under the
names

seeds

considered
made with

tonic carminative,

and

confections

this article methi modaka loss of

are

described

of Methi for
use

modaka, Svalpa

etc.,and

are

recommended of

in

dyspepsiawith
and in rheumatism.

in appetite,

the diarrhoea

puerperalwomen
of
a

All these
one substances,

preparationsconsist

number

of aromatic

part each, and fenugreekseed equal in quantityto

is an illustration. The following ingredients. Take of the three myrobalans,ginger,long Methi modaka.1 and black pepper, tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka ), pepper

all the other

and nigella

cumin

bark coriander, seeds,

Rhus succedanea

of

Myrica sapida(katpha-

la), pdtchakroot,

( karkatasringi ),ajowan, rock

flowers of Mesua (tdlisa), tejpatra, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmegs, mace, ferrea(ndgakesara), in cloves,sandal wood and camphor one part each; fenugreekseed,
black salt, leaves salt, of Pinus

Webbiana

quantity equal
prepare
to
a

to all the above with

ingredients; powder Dose, one

and

them

all and drachms

confection
in the

old treacle.

to two

be taken

morning

with clarified butter

honey.

=a?!

146 The mula

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

first five in the above

or

are list,

called collectively the

last five A
are

krasvapancha
called vrihat

the
mula

five minor
or

plants, and

pancha
pancha

the

five

major plants.

decoction and The

to

of the hrasva other vrihat be diseases

mula
to

is used he caused

in catarrhai

fever,cough

supposed
mula is

by
and

deranged
other

phlegm.
used

pancha"
by

used air.

in fever The
ten

diseases

supposed
within the
to

caused

deranged

drugs together are

affections

in remittent

fever,

puerperal fever,inflammatory
of the brain and of
many

chest,affections
be caused

other

diseases

supposed
Another

by

derangement

all

the humours.1
consists

combination above

called

Ashtddasdnga pdchana
with the addition tubers of of

of the ten

drugs

mentioned,

the

devaddru, eight following,namely, chiretd,

rotundus
root (mustaka),

ginger,
Kurroa

Cyperus

of Picrorrliiza of Pothos of

(katuH), indrajava seeds, coriander,

decoction of these

and

fruits is used

A qfficinalis.
a severe

eighteen drugs

in fevers

type with

drowsiness, delirium,picking breathing.

with
A

of bed

clothe?,
and

and insensibility, arsenic

is

difficult

preparation of

aconite

generallygiven along
taila. This is
an

it.2
a

Dasamula
ten

oil

prepared with
used To
a as

decoction

of the

drugs
in

above

mentioned,
and other

and

is much

cooling application
it take
of

headache
in

diseases. and strain.

seers

prepare

the

ten

drugs,
down four
a seer

all twelve
seers

seers

half,water
To of

sixty four

seers.

Boil add

to sixteen
seers

and

the strained

decoction
sesamum

of lemon

juice,four
aromatics

prepared

oil

and of
a

of the usual boil them

and

colouring agents

in the form

paste and

together.

?**

^'i;

*^

WRIT

MUCUNA

PRURIENS.

147

URARIA
Roxb. gopodioides

LAGOPODIOTDES,
Sans.

DC.
,

Edgew.Syn.Doodia

la-

^fc"Wt

Vern. Prisniparni.

Chdkulid,

of the dasamula Beng. Pitvan,Hind. This plantis an ingredient and is thus much used in native medicine. It is above described, tonic and anti-catarrhal, but is seldom used considered alterative, alono.
ft

CLITOREA
Sans.

TERNATEA,

Linn.

WtTfsmT, Apardjitd, ff^T^T, Vishnukrdntd.

Vern. Hind. Apardjitd, Beng. Aprdjit, Clitorea ternatea is

THE

root is

of

regarded as

laxative and

and diuretic, of the sort

a

used generally

in combination

with other medicines

in

etc. ascites, fever,

The

is an example of following

of the roots of Take root. containingapardjitd prescription Pladera decmsata (sankhini), apardjitd) Baliospermum rnontanum and Indigofera tinctoria (nilini), in equal parts, rub them (danti)

into together urine. This

an

emulsion

with

water

and

administer

with cow's

in is given preparation

ascites and

of enlargements

the

abdominal

viscera.1

MUCUNA

PRURIENS,

DC.

Sans "*T"W3TrT, Vdnari. *T"nft, Atmaguptd. ^ft^, Kapikachchhu

.

Vern. THE Hindi

A'lkusi, Beng. Kiwach,Hind. Cownge or Cowitch are plant is indigenous to

from
a

Englishnames
The medicine
as
a

derived

from

the

Kiwach.

India and has been

used in Hindu the seeds

cribes period. Susruta desand givesthe following powerfulaphrodisiac,

very

ancient

formula for their

use.

Take

of the seeds of Mucuna

and pruriens

the

fruits Tribulus terrestris (go^sJiura) equal parts and doses

of about
a

administer in The

drachm

with sugar

and

milk.2 tepid

Bh"va-

H
2
^

148

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

prakdsa
Take four

recommends seeds cow's be made

mass

the
of

following preparation
pruriens thirty two
latter becomes

called

Vdnari them

vati.
in.

of the
seers

Mucuna milk

tol"s,boil
thick. The in

of
now

till the

seeds clarified of

fchould butter sugar. be

to

decorticated into
a

and

pounded,
with divided
a

then

fried their

and The

confection then be

double into This

weight

should

balls

which

should
is said

steeped in honey.
be the The best
root

Dose,

about

told.

preparation

of

aphrodisiacs.!
Mucuna

of

pruriens

is considered
as

tonic

and

useful

in

diseases
etc.

of the

nervous

system, such
in

facial with

paralysis,hemiplogia
other medicines
of its

It is

generally used
for
see

combination

class,as
for which

example

in the

compound

decoction

called

Mdshbalddi,

Assafoetida.

BUTEA
Sans.

FRONDOSA,

TOTTI, Paldsa.
HOOKER
states
"

f^^,
that

Kimuka.

Vern.

Dlidk.

Hind.
tree

DR.
a

when

in full flower

the Dhdk sheets

is

gorgeous

sight ;

the

masses

of flowers

resembling

of flame*

their

bright orange
black

red

petalscontrasting brilliantlyagainst
These Hindu beautiful
women

the
as

jet

velvety calyx." by
The the seeds and
for
are

flowera and

were

used admired

ear-ornaments

ancient
of Butea

much
to

by
and

the

poets.

frondosa
both alone

are

said

be

laxative with fresh with

anthelmintic

used,

and
worms.

in combination

other

medicines,
of the

expelling
or

intestinal beaten the

Thus

the

juice

seeds,

the

seeds

to

paste

are

given
for

honey.2

BirangacHrafa gives
I

following

recipe

worms.

"n"nfa

1 frfe^r

PHASEOLUS

ROXBURGH!!.

149

of Ipomaa Turpetlmm root frondosa, seeds of Hyoscyamus niger(pdrasika (trivrit), yamdni),kamald seeds and treacle, bdberang equalparts,boat them together powder, into
a

Take

of the seeds of Butea

paste with

water

ard administer with butter-mil k.l

used as a substitute for kino, now frondosa, was employed by the ancient Hindus,externally only,as for example in the following.Take of red sandal wood one part,rock salt two parts,chebulic myrobalans three parts, and the gum of Butea frondosafour parts,powder and mix. This powder is recommended to be and opacities to pterygiutn the on applied
of Butea cornea.2

The gum

The alkaline ashes of this caustic pastes, and class. diuretic

are plant

used in the

of preparation others of their

medicines, alongwith

PHASEOLUS
The

ROXBURGHII,

W.

"

A.

ETC.
mentioned

varieties of leguminous are following pulses

by

Sanskrit writers. Mudaa. fJlf, Mdsha.

, ,

Phaseolus Phaseolus

Mungo, Linn.

Vern.

Mug, P. Urid,H*

W. # Roxburghii, Vern.

A. Vern.

P. trilobus, Aif. Mudgaparni.

Mugdni,B.

Makuslitha. P.

aconitifoliits, Jacq.Vern. Mot, H*

Vern. Vern.

Lamark. T,Kulattha. DolicJios uniftorus,

,

Kulthi,H.B*
B. Barbati, Dolichos.

Linn. VignaSinensis, Rdjamdslia.

common name

Simli. A

for several

of species

naka. Cicer arietinum, Linn.

,

Vern.But, Beng.Chend,H. Masur, H. B.

Matar.

Masura.
?

Vicia Lens, Benth. Vern.

Sat lid. Pisum

Linn. Vern. sativum,

H. B.

2 |

150

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

A'dkaki. Ca janusIndicus, Arar,B. Sprengel.

,

Tor,HB.

Linn. Khesdri, H. Triputi. Latliyrus sativus,

Q

i^

Linn. Vern.Mdshdni, H,Bt ,Mds1iaparni.Glycine labialis,

have several varieties.For exampleseven pulses sorts of mudga are mentioned,namely,krisJma or black,mahd harita or green; pitaor yellow, sveta or or large, gaura or palered, Some of those white and rakta
or

red.
as

known Mudga, ordinarily is considered green variety,

moong

Jed ddl, and and

its especially suited to sick

most

wholesome

A soup made of this pulse is often the first article of persons. after recovery from acute illness. The following diet prescribed varieties are also considered wholesome and suited for
use

by

valescent con-

kulattha and makushtha. namely, masura^chanaka^ Vicia Lens or lentils, which take rank first among the pulsesas of flesh-forming garded containing the largest proportion matter, are reand useful in bowel by the Hindus as highly nutritive, is an made of this pulse effectual domestic complaints.A poultice tension medicine for checking secretion of milk and reducingdisthe of the mammary glands* Cicer arietinum is perhaps and is used as an article of most favourite pulsewith ttie natives,
persons,

diet in green
as

of ways. great variety

It is taken

raw,

or

cooked in its and

state. Gram is made ripe in many groundinto meal and is prepared exuded from the hairs The acid liquid

well

as

into

is roasted ddl,

other ways.
of the stem

and

leaves

of Cicer arietinum is called chanikdmla

a by spreading

in Sanskrit. It is collected

duringthe night and rinsing plants is described as acid, the fluid absorbed by it. Chanakdmla refrigerand costiveness. and useful in dyspepsia, indigestion ent, saltish, medicines for dyspepsia of some It enters into the composition acids. alongwith other vegetable is used medicinally external Dolichos uniflorus as an chiefly in the shapeof poultices and pastes. Its soup is said to application and urinary disorders. be useful in gravel is much used in medicine The Phaseolus Roxburghii or mdsha in paralysis, tions and externally rheumatism and affecboth internally of of the nervous system. It enters- into the composition
cloth
over

the

ABRUS

PRECATOBIUS.

151 is following

eeveral decoctions illustration. Take

castor

used

in these

diseases. The
Phaseolus

an

of the Mucuna

pulse of

root Roxlurghii.

of

oil

of plant,
a

and pruriens (dtmaguptd)

a

Sida

cordifolia

half (bald),

and prepare tola each,

This decoction is

given
the

with

decoction in the usual way. the addition of rock salt and assain the application

foetida.1Several oils for external diseases have

nhove mentioned

for their basis pulseof Phaswlus Roxbnrghii as for example the following. or ingredient, principal mdsha taila.2 Take of the pulse of Phaseolus RoxburSvalpa to sixteen seers, sixty-four gJiii eight seers, boil down seers, water

and strain.
mum

Boil
one

the strained decoction of rock salt tillthe

water

with

four

seers

of

sesa-

and oil,

is evaporated.This oil

is said to be useful m
etc. joint,

contracted rheumatism,

knee

stiff der shouljoint,

ABRUS

PRECATORIUS,
Sans. 3^"r,Gwyd.

Linn.

Vern.
"

Hind. Kuch,Bcng. Chirmiti, remarkable for its small

THIS
are

plantis
a

which the

of

where place
two

egg-shaped seeds, brilliantscarlet colour with a black scar indicating they were attached to the pods." Sanskrit writers
and The

mention

namely,white varieties,
are

red seeded. seeds

are

The

perties proas

of both

said to be identical.

described

in affections of the nervous and are used internally tem syspoisonous, in skin diseases, affections of the hair, and externally ulcers, etc. The root of the plant is described as emetic and useful in The seeds constitute the ratti weight used by Hindu poisoning. rattis make one tola or rupee. and druggists. Ninety-six jewellers

152

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Gunjd bhadra
six parts, mercury

rasaA

Take of the seeds of Abrus

sulphur twelve Cannabis sativa leaves and croton seeds,each one part. Rub and soak for one day in each of the following them together fluids, of juice of the leaves of Cannabis sativa, namely, lemon juice,
datura leaves and of the leaves This medicine
is of Solarium

three parts,

precatorius nim parts, seeds,

givenin doses of about

are

salt and reduced

in paraplegia. The assafcotida,

to
a

paste

recommended

nigrum (Jcdkamdchi). with rock eightgrains, seeds of Abrus precatorius in to be appliedlocally

nervous

and other stiffnessof the shoulder joint, paralysis sciatica, diseases.2 In white

plumbago root a paste of gunjdseed

scalp.3

a leprosy, paste composed of gunjd seed and is applied In alopecia stimulant dressing. as a

is recommended

to be

rubbed

on

the

bare

tailam.* Gunjddya of the leaves of juice

eeers,

Take

of

Wedelia

oil four seers, sesamum prepared calendulacea (bhringardja] sixteen

to a
one paste,

seeds of Abrus
in together

reduced precatorius the usual way.

seer, and
as a

boil them

This oil is used

local

in scurf application

of the

and prurigo scalp,

other skin diseases.

f5f 8

^(

154

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

illBengali, said to resemble those of are ranja Their antiperiodic mia glabra. virtues were not writers.

the seeds of Pongaknown

to Sanskrit

PTEROCARPUS

SANTALINUS.

Linn.

Sans. ^ffi^f*^T" Raktacliandana. Vern. THE Hind. Raktachandan, Beng. Ldlchandan,

sula Santalinus is indigenous to the Indian PeninPterocarpus of importance from its yielding the red dye-wood and is chiefly red saunders, of which are known as annually large quantities from exported sandal
or

India.

Sanskrit writers describe several varieties of Of these srikhanda

or or or white, pitachandana are

chandana.

and yellow,

raktachandana

sandal red,
on

wood

best known.

The

firsttwo varieties are colour of the wood however how

founded

the difference in the shades of the album. It has been

a

of Santalum of

question
is nearly in

the wood
to be

which santalinus, Pterocarpus

came inodorous,

called

by

the

name

of raktachandana
am uses

Sanskrit and the vernaculars of India.

the
name

inclined to think that

to which the Hindus

is owing to the

in the similarity

put both these articles. Both sandal wood

are

and

red

sandal

wood

pieceof stone with water, and the emulsions are the body after bathing used for painting and in religious services. Red sandal wood is described as an astringent tonic. It of numerous enters into the composition of an astringent prescriptions character and of cooling for inflamexternal applications mation, but is seldom used alone. It is also much etc.,1 headache, of medicated oils. used as a coloring agent in the preparation ed The Pterocarpus marsupium or Indian kino tree is translatinto peet sdlf Beng. by Roxburgh. The Sanskrit term Pitasdla is however of Asana a ( Terminalia tomentosa). synonym
rubbed
on a
"

I have not works. It

found any
was

notice of the Indian

kino

tree in

Sanskrit

unknown probably

to the ancients.

TO

CASSIA

ALATA.

155

CASSIA

FISTULA,
i

Linn.

Sans. ^TTflJVjA'ragbadha.U*iHf, Suvarnaka.

Vern.

A'multds,Hind.

Beng. Sondhdli,
is
an

is indigenous to India and Cassia fistula

old medicine

of the Hindu

ful uncommonly beautiwhen few surpassing in flower, it in the elegance of its numerous of largebright intermixed long pendulousracemes yellow flowers,
tree

Materia

Medica.

"c

The

is

with its Sanskrit

the
name

young of
as a

lively green

Rdjataruor

the

Hence I believe foliage.*' The pulp of king of trees. The

root

the fruit is used and laxative,

mild
in

cathartic.

is also described

as

useful

retained fever,heart diseases,

excretions,

etc. biliousness,

Aragbadhddi.1 The compound

name

decoction

which native

passes

by

this

is

very

commonly
of the

used

purgativein

practice. To

prepare

take it,

( katuJci ),
of

chebulic

rotundus Cyperus and tol"s, thirty-two

or

Picrorrhiza Kurroa pulp of Cassia fistula, root and the tubers myrobalans,long pepper -four grainseach, water about sixty (mustaka), tol"s. Half of this quantity, boil down to eight of
is given for it,
a

in

strong constitutions the whole

of Cassia
enters fistula

dose.

The
pound com-

root

into the

of composition

numerous

prescriptions.
CASSIA

SOPHORA,

Linn. Hind.

Sans. *T*,

Kdsamarda.

Vern.

Kdlkdsundd,Beng. Kdsundd,
CASSIA TOR

A,

Linn.

Sans. Hind. Sans.

^3TOf,

Chakramarda.

Vern.

Chdkundia, Beng. Chakaund,

CASSIA mardan. THE

ALATA,
and

Linn.

^T, Dadrughna.
plantsare
numerous

Vern. Dad-

Beng.

Hind. and seeds of these three used in skin

leaves

and diseases, for them.

as

enter

into the

compositionof
in

prescriptions
cribed It is des-

Kdsamarda

signifies destroyerof cough.

cough
and be much used in these diseases.

expectorant and useful

appear
to

hoarseness,but it

does not

156

SANSKKIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

The and

seeds

of

Cassia

Sopliora, Raphanus
rubbed
into
a

sativus

( mulaka
water

sulphur, in equal parts, are

paste with
seeds

and Cassia

and applied to patches of pityriasis Tora

are

psoriasis-1 The
of

of

steeped
rubbed

in the

milky juice
a

and Euphorbia neriifolia, urine of for

afterwards keloid

into

paste with parts of

a

cow's

application to
Tora of and

tumours.2

Equal

the seeds

Cassia
root
a

Pongamia
pora

glabra ( Jcaranja ) with

are

fourth

part of the

Tinos-

cordifolia (gulancha)

rubbed
or

together

into

paste and

applied in ringworm.3 DadrugJma

of

Dddamardana

curer signifies

ringworm.

Its leaves

are

used

in this disease.

BAUHINIA
Sans.
Vern.

VARIEGATA,
Kdncliandra.

Linn. Koviddra.

^r^TTTj

^f^TT,

Kaclindr, Hind.
of

RaJcta

Kdnchan, Beng.
purple
noticed and white flowered

Two

species

Bauliinia,namely

(Bauliiniavariegataand acuminata] ,are

under of both described diseases the
are names

in the

Bh"vaprakasa
the

of
to be

Koviddra identical.

and

Kdncliandra bark

and

properties variegata is

said
as

The

of Bauhinia useful in

alterative, tonic,astringent and

ulcers. recommends emulsion with
in

scrofula,skin

and

Chakradatta rubbed the the

same

the
rice

bark
water

of the and

red

variety

to

be

into

an

administered, with
of

addition neck.4

of

ginger,

scrofulous

enlargement

the

glands of
for the

Sarangadhara

gives the following preparation

affection.

tfwr'ff

TAMARINDUS

INDICA.

157

Kdncliandra

gugguln.l
three

Take

of the bark

of Bauhinia

variegata,
popper,

eighty tolas,the

myrobalans sixtytolas, ginger, black

of

long
tolas

pepper

and

the bark

Cratceva
and

religiosa ( varuna

), eight
t\vo

each, cardamoms,
them
all

cinnamon,
and rub

each tejpatra leaves, with half

tol"s, powder

together

guggulu^ equal
a

in

weight
every
or

to

all the other with

a

ingredients. Dose,
decoction of is

tola

to

be

taken

morning
catechu.
of

mollis Sphceranthits said

to

( mundi

of

This

medicine

be useful

in scrofulous

enlargement

skin diseases, glands,tumours, ulcers, etc.

TAMARINDUS Sans.

INDICA,

Linn.

f?rfaf\ Tintifc. ^fruiT, Amlikd.

Tentul,Beng.
is met

Vern. THE known

seem

Imli, Hind.
has

tamarind
from
a

tree

with

throughout India,and
"

been

very fruit

remote

period.
known
last
to

From

the Hindus
who

it would

that

the

became

the
the

Arabians
word

called

it

Tamare-hindi Tamarinds

:"
form

from
an

which

tamarind native

is derived.

important ingredient in
acid when and
cooked possesses with
a

cookery.

The

unripe

fruit is very

peculiararoma
The and

for which

it is much
as

relished

curry.

ripe

fruit is

garded re-

carminative digestive, refrigerant,

and laxative,
as

ful use-

in diseases

supposed to
The
as

be caused

such by deranged bile, from

are

ing burn-

of the

body, costiveness,intoxication
shells of the
an

spirituousliquorsor burnt, and

with their ashes other cines medi-

datura,
used

etc.

ripe fruit

in medicine of the

alkaline

substance,along
in the

sort, as

for

example

preparation called
of

Abhaydwell
as

lavana, (see Alkaline

ashes).
I

The

pulp

the

as ripe fruit,

qlf

158 of poultice the

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MED

1C A.

is recommended leaves,

to

be

to applied

matory inflam-

swellings.
Amlikd

pdna.1Macerate
sugar,

some

tamarind

pulp in

water; strain,

and add black pepper,

taste.

is preparation in loss of appetite and disinclination for food. In intoxication draught the following mixture is recommended from spirituous liquors Take of dates, tamarind by Chakradatta. raisins, pulp,pomegranate fruitsof Grewia Asiatica (parushaka) and ripeemblic seeds, each one and make an tola,pound them together, myrobalans,

This

camphor and cardamoms to cloves, as an prescribed agreeeable cooling

emulsion

with

tolds of thirty-two

water.

Dose,about
Linn.

two

ounces.

ACACIA
Sans,

CATECHU,
Vern.

^ff^,Khadira.
or

Kat, Hind.

Khaer,Beng.
wood of Acacia

Khadira

catechu is obtained and

the by boiling

the decoction. The Bhavaprakasa inspissating mentions two varieties of catechu, namely,khadira or the ordinary and kadara or pale catechu. This last is known dark brown catechu, or catechu havinga laminated structure. as pdpri khaer, Fluckiger of pale catechu in and Hanbury thus describe the preparation catechu in water the decoction to the condition evaporating is stopped the inspissation of an extract, at a certain point and crystallize allowed to cool, coagulate," and the liquor over twigsand leaves thrown into the pots for the purpose.'*3Pale catechu is a porous, opaque, earthylooking substance with a broken. and easily laminated texture, light is as an ingredient of the The chief use of catechu in India, of betle leaf chewed by the natives. For this purpose it is packet The aromatized in various ways. sometimes packets of betle Northern India.
(i

"

Instead of

Pharmacographia, page

260.

ACACIA

CATECHU.

159

leaf sold in all the Indian

bazars dissolved

under
in

the
rose

name

of

are goldbi khili,

prepared
is

with

catechu

water.

Again,
with mixture

catechu

softened

with
as

the addition

of water, and

mixed

powdered
is
closed en-

such spices, within and (ketaM), into small

cardamoms, nutmeg, cloves, etc., the

the

fragrant floral
The leaves for
as use

leaves adhere with

of

Pandanus

odoratissimus
is cut

dried.

to the

catechu,which

piecessuitable
is

the betle leaf.

Catechu useful skin with in the

in

described

and astringent,cooling,digestive, of the mouth it is sometimes and used

gums,

hoarseness,diseases
In diarrhoea of
its

cough

and

diseases. other

in combination
a

medicines

class,as

for

example jn
of other

prescriplion
which
tains con-

Bhaisajya Ratn"vali,called
catechu

Graham

kapdtarasa,

along
an

with

large number
rubbed In diseases
is

drugs, but
recommended and
gums

it is

not

regarded as
In be

important medicine

for this disease. with

hoarseness, catechu kept in

the mouth.1

oil,is

to

of the mouth
a

the To

vatikd followingcalled SvalpakJiadira prepare four

favourite and add

a

medicine.

it, take
boil and

of down

catechu
to

twelve

seers

water half,

sixty-

seers,

eightseers,
half made
a

then
seer

nutmeg, camphor,

betle-nuts
a mass

kakkola, each
fit for

in fine
or

powder,

and

pare preare

being
the

into

balls

boluses.

They

directed to be

kept in

mouth,

in

affections of the

teeth, gums,
forms used

palateand tongue.2
In skin both
as a

catechu diseases,

is much

used

in

variety of
catechu
in which is

externallyand
wash

internally. A
to be

decoction Water
a

of

for inflamed

parts and ulcers.3

used
as

catechu and bath.

is dissolved

is recommended

drink,wash
is

The

following
writers

decoction

called
use

khadirdshtaka

prescribedby
and other

several

for internal

in

boils, prurigo,measles

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA,

skin
leaves

diseases.!
of

Take

of

catechu, the
dioica

three

myrobalans,
and

nim

bark,
Justicia
usual

Trichosanthes

(patala),gulancha
prepare
a

Adhatoda
way

(ttfcofc*), equal parts, and

describes diseases.
a

decoction

in the

Sarangadhara
use

fermented
is

liquor c"lhd
with

Miadirdrishta
and

for
wood

in of Pinus

skin

It
some

prepared
other

catechu in

the

r"eodara,and

ingredients

smaller

proportions.2
ACACIA

ARABICA,
The

Willd.
tender

Sans,

vn,
into of the
met
a

Vabbula.

Vern.

Babul, Beng. Hind.

in diarrhoea
an
as

leaves
A

beaten

pulp, are
bark
is any

given
as

an

astringent.
and

decoction I have
not

used

astringent gargle
gum acacia in

wash. works.

with

notice

of

Sanskrit

NAT.

OEDER

COMBRETACE.E.

TERMINALLY Sans. frtcPfi Haritaki.

CHEBULA,
W^TT,
Hind.
was

Retz.

Abhayd. VW,
Ilaritaki,Beng. highly
tonic.
or

Pathyd.

Vern. THE Hindus

names
as

Har.

chebulic
a

myrobalan
alterative

extolled It has

by

the

ancient the
or

powerful
or

and

received

of

Prdnadd,

Sudhd life-giver,
and
so

nectar, Bhishakpriya
esteemed
was

physician's favourite plant by

attributed
in

forth.

So
a

highly

this been
nectar

the
to
a

ancient
it.

Hindus,
It

that

mythological origin
Indra
earth
are was

has

is said that

when
on

drinking

heaven,

drop

of

the fluid
varieties

fell of

the

and

produced by

the

haritaki

plant.

Seven

haritaki

described
the

krit Sans-

writers, the distinctions

and marks
on

being

founded
of the

upon

shape, colour
At
the

the
two

outer

covering
only
the
are

fruits.

present

day, however,
ripe
fruit

varieties

recognised, namely,
dried fruit

the

large jangi

called

haritaki,and

unripe

called

162

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

derangedin
native

the different seasons.

This old device for

prolonging

believed lifeis still

and in,

acted upon,

by

some

ly eldersuperstitious

gentlemen.1

of haritaki for special diseases are preparations described in books,such as the Amrita haritaJcifor dyspepsia, Danti haritaki for enlargementsin the abdomen called gulma, Dasa Bhrigu haritaki in cough,Agasti haritaki in consumption, muli haritaki in anasarca, Amrita chebulic
etc.

Numerous

haritaki2 is thus

prepared.One

hundred

largesized

and their seeds are butter-milk, taken out. Four tolas each of long pepper, black pepper, ginger, the cinnamon, plumbago root, root of Piper Chaba (chavikd), and the seeds of Seseli Indicum, five salts, djowan, (vanayamdni), are duced reborax, assafcetida and cloves, yavakshdra, sarjikdkshdra, to powder, and soaked for three days respectively coction in a deof tamarind and in lemon juice.This mixture is introduced within the seedless myrobalans, which are then exposed to the sun and dried. One of these prepared myrobalans is directed to be taken every morning for the relief of various sorts of dyspepsia and indigestion. Danti haritaki will be described under BaliosperThe other preparations montanum. of chebulic myrobalan mum
are

myrobalansare

boiled in

not

much

in vogue

at

present.

TERMINALIA
Sans.

BELLERICA,
Vern.

Boa*". Sena.

VibhitakL ftfkflsfy

Hind. Balierd,

BELLERIC and useful in

described as astringent and laxative are myrobalans etc. As a constituent cough,hoarseness, eye diseases,

SITi

"

^T^H^Wfii

^55rr"ft^f^TTf^^ i

TERMINALLY

ARJUNA.

163

of

or triphald

tho three kernel

is used
as

myrobalans, they are

the external

used

in almost and

al
tringent, as-

diseases.

The and

of
an

fruits is said to be narcotic

l to inflamed parts. application

In

belleric myrobalans, rock hoarseness,

into
a

salt and

long pepper,
to be

rubbed
as a

paste with butter-milk,are

Another for prescription
sore

recommended throat and

used

linctus.2 follows.
are

hoarseness
;

is

as

Belleric covered

myrobalans
a

are

fried in clarified butter and

they

then
on a

with

paste of wheat-flour

slightly
prepared,

roasted

fire.

The

cortical

portionof

the fruits thus

is recommended

to be

kept in

the mouth

for the relief of

sore

throat,

cough

and

catarrh.3

TERMINALTA Sans.
^TST

ARJUNA,

Bedd. Kukubha.

Arjuna. $3*,

Vern. THE and bark of

Hind. Arjuna, Beng. KaJnij

tree

this timber
is

is considered

tonic, astringent
'

and cooling,

used

in

heart

diseases, contusions, fractures,

it is used

etc. ulcers,

In diseases

of the heart

in

varietyof
a

ways.

Thus The
is

decoction

of the bark
is

with with

milk

is given
or

as

nourishment.
A

powdered

bark

given

milk, treacle

water.4

ghrita

preparedwith

the decoction

and

paste of the bark

for internal

use.5

\ 3

?T"T:

: |
4

"H*f5f^l
I

164

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

In

fractures

and

contusions
is

with

extensive
to

ecchymosis, powdered
internally with
in ulcers

arjuna
milk.1 chancres. A

bark

recommended the bark

be
as

taken
a

decoction

of

is used

wash

and

NAT.
EUGENIA

OEDER

MYRTACE^. JAMBOLANA,
Lam.

W. Syn. Syzygium Jarribolanunij Sans. THIS fruits the egg

fy A.
Hind.
edible all
a over

^^)

Janibu.

Vern.
an

Kdlajdm, Beng. Jdmun,

abundant and
crop

tree, which
the In of

yields
of

of
is

sub-acid

during

months
some

July

August,

common

country.
and
are

places the

fruits attain A

the size of

pigeon's
from the

superior quality.
an

vinegar prepared
and

juice

of the

is ripe fruit,
as a

agreable stomachic
in

carminative. urine. A
sort

It is also used of

diuretic

scanty

or

suppressed

spirituousliquor called
as

Jdmbava

is described

in recent the

Sanskrit

works The other

prepared by
is

distillation
is

from

the alone

juice of
or

ripe fruitswith

bark

astringent, and
of its and
in is

used,

in combination

medicines

class,in

the The

preparation
fresh

of

tions, astringent decocbark

is

gargles
with of

washes. the

juice

of the

given

goat'smilk
leaves
in

diarrhoea alone
or

of children.2
in

The

expressed juice
other gents astrinin

the

used with

combination

with for

dysentery

bloody
Take

discharge, as
of the fresh about

example
of the

the
of

following prescription.
jambu,
mango

juice
a

leaves

and

emblic milk

myrobalan
and

drachm

each,

and

administer

with

goat's

honey.3

CARYOPHYLLUS
vanga.

AROMATICUS, might
be

Linn.
are

Sans. used

wiff,
in

Cloves, as

expected,

much

Hindu

WOODFORDIA

FLORIBUNDA.

165

aromatic as an Medicine, adjunct. They are regarded as light, and useful in thirst, cooling, stomachic, digestive lence, vomiting,flatuetc. colic,

An

infusion of cloves is Chatuhsama

given to

appease

thirst.1 used
in

The

called pill, following of

is commonly vali,

Take indigestion. and make parts,

into

cloves, ginger, djowanand pills. eight-grain

OKDER

rock

salt, equal

NAT.
WOODFORDIA

LYTHRACE^.

FLORIBUNDA,
Grislea tomentosa,Roxb.

Salisl.

Syn.
Sans. Vern. THE describe Sanskrit
some

^TH^? Dhdtaki. ^lfaram*r, Agnijvdla.

Beng. Dhdi, Hind. Dhdiphul}
of this beautiful characters. of its shrub flowering well
synonyms

pushpior
and calyx,

red

bright red permanent or on count acGuchchhapusJipi having clusters of blossoms,

the which give it a gaudy appearflowers, ance. its in of circumstance mountainous being common
name

prominent account on flowered,

small

of its

It is called Tdmra-

of its numerous From

it has got the tracts,

of Pdrvati

or

hill-born.

The stimulant other Two

dried flowers of and

Woodfordia floribundaare
are

regarded

as

and astringent

much

used,in

combination

with

in medicines, astringent

bowel

drachms

of the

dried flowers

and haemorrhages. complaints are given with curdled milk in

In the dysentery of and with honey in menorrhagia.2 dysentery, is recommended combination the following to be given children, decoction with the addition of honey. in the form of powder or

Take

bel fruits, bark of Woodfordia flombunda, of Pavonia odorata root and (lodhra), (bald), Symplocosracemosa in equalparts,two the fruits of Pathos officinalis tolas (gajapipul\ in all, and prepare a decoction in the usual way.3

of the

flowers

of

TO:

""

166 The

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

ulcers flower is sprinkled over powdered and promoting their discharge granulation.1

for

diminishing

NAT.

ORDER

HAMAMELIDEJE.

LIQUIDAMBAH
Vern.

Hind. Sildras, a as product of Turkey. It is considered useful in affections of and skin diseases, but is chiefly the throat, perspiration copious used in medicinal perfuming oils.

Silhaka. ORIENTALS, Miller. Sans. ft*w, storax is described in Sanskrit works Liquid

NAT.
PUNICA
Sans, THE

ORDER,

GRANATE^E.
Linn. Hind. A'ndr,

GRANATUM,
Vern.

^rff *f,Dddima.
is

indigenousto North Western India. The best sweet juice and very small seeds come Cabul. The fresh juice of the fruits is much used as an from and refrigerent mixtures and of some of cooling cines mediingredient for dyspepsia. The rind of the fruit is used as an astringent pomegranate having fruits,
in diarrhoea. the root-bark of Buchanan In the
as an

it is stated Pharmacographia

that the

use

of

anthelmintic Calcutta

by

the Hindus

attracted the notice This

about the year 1805. of the root-bark which was out the efficacy pointed
at

physician
shown notice

further

by Fleming and
of

pomegranate
two

I have not been able to find any root-bark in Sanskrit works. Take of

others.

Dddimdshtaka.2
manna

pomegranate rind

one

seer, bamboo-

and flowers of cardamom, cinnamon,tejapdtra, tolas, each four toUs, cumin djowan, coriander, Mesuaferrea(ndgalcesara\ each seeds, long pepper root,long pepper, black pepper and ginger, Powder the ingredients and mix. one seer. eight tol"s, sugar Dose, about one drachm in chronic bowel complaints.

wi:

I u:

^TOTS^^wT

3i*u*^:

BENINCASA

CEKIFERA.

i67

NAT.

ORDER

CUCURBIT

ACE.E.
Sam.

BENINCASA

CERIFERA,
Cucurbita Vern.

Syn.
Sans.

Pepo, Roxb.
Kumrd, Beng. Pethd, Hind.
is eaten cerifera all over
a

SfWT*^, Kuslimdnda.

THE
natives

large fruit
in their

or

gourd
is

of Benincasa

by the
India.

and curries,

cultivated extensively and and diuretic, from

It is considered

tonic, nutritive
other

for specific
organs.

haemoptysis and
would with
appear

haamorrrhages
the

internal
were

It

that the older Sanskrit

on

writers

not

acquainted
it

its

action peculiar
a

circulatory system by
from the

which The

ly rapidNirof

puts

check

to

haemorrhage
on

lungs.

Raja
account

ghantn,
its Neither of

the oldest work

not

therapeutics, gives a
use

long
the

but does virtues, does Susruta and

more

allude to its

in

or phthisis haemoptysis.

mention

it in his

chapterson plant is

treatment
to

haemorrhage
The

phthisis, though
recent

the

alluded
as

by

him

elsewhere.

such compilations,
numerous

Chakradatta
the

Sangraha,S"rangadhara etc. give

article and Khanda this
year two
or

preparations of
of

detail its uses.

kushmdndakaj-or
not

confection

squash.
Those

In

preparing
at

medicine, old ripe gourds are old,are

halves

selected.
are

not

least

approved. They
the

divided longitudinally

into comb

and

pulp scraped out

in thin flakes
oozes

by

an

iron

scratcher.

The

watery juice that

out

abundantly during

wire

fTf^"?f

168

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

The pulp is being rejected. tillsoftened. It is then tied up boiled in the above mentioned juice, in a cloth, and the fluid portion allowed to strain through tightly and it. The softened and drained pulp is dried in the sun the for future use. preserved Fifty tolas of the prewatery portion pared and again pulp are fried in sixteen tolas of clarified butter, of the fruit, till reduced to the consistence of boiled in the juice tolas of refined sugar, and the whole honey. To this are added fifty till the mass such a consistence is heated over assumes a gentle fire,
as

the this process is preserved,

seeds

to adhere

to the ladle.

The

pot

is

now

removed

from

the fire,

each namely,longpepper and ginger, substances, following leaves called tejapatra, cumin seeds, two tolas, cardamoms,cinnamon, each half a tola in fine powder, and coriander, black pepper with a ladle, till the mass aded to the syrup and stirred briskly are and the is cool. which

Eight tolas in a is preserved

one

of
new

honey

are

now

added

to

the confection

earthen

cine pot. The dose of this medi-

of to the age and strength according tolas, the patient.It is useful in haemoptysis, phthisis, cough, marasmus, etc. hoarseness, asthma,ulceration of the lungs,
is from
to two

Vdsd Jcushmdnda khanda.l Take of the root of Justicia Adhatoda

one (vdsaka),

togethertill reduced to one-fourth and strain. Then take of the pulp of JBenincasa cerifera above described, tolas tolas; fryit in thirty-two as fifty prepared
seer, water

eightseers;

boil

of

clarified

butter,and
and tolas,

boil in the decoction of vdsaka

till the it sugar,

whole
one

is reduced

to the consistence

of

honey.

Add

to

hundred

apply

heat tillthe the

mass

thickens to the

proper

consistence. in fine

Remove

from

fire,add

powder, namely,tubers of bamboo dried emblic myrobalan, root of (mustaka), manna, dendron SiplionantJius a fragrantsubstance (bralimayasti),
substances

following rotundus, Cyperus

Clerocalled

the

vrtf ^m*
i

ff^rf*;?fifW

170

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

enter

into The of

the

composition
called

of

several

compound
kvdtha
root is
an

decoctions

for

fever. Take

following

Patolddi

illustration.

patola leaves,red
Kurroa
one

sandal

wood,

of Sanseviera

Zeylanica

(murvd)yPicrorrhiza
and

(pdthd) Stephaniahernandifolia (Jcatuki),

drachm,
water

gulancha,

each

half

seer,

boil

together

till reduced Patola

to one-fourth.1 enters into

the

composition
skin The diseases

of

several

compound
it is

coctions de-

for boils
a

and

other

for which
an

considered Take

very

efficacious

remedy.
Adhatoda in

following is

illustration.

of

patola leaves, gulancha, mustaka, chiretd, mm

of Justicia and (vdsaka), all two
is

bark,

catechu,
herbacea
in

root-bark

Oldenlandia
prepare
a

equal parts, (parpata),

the usual and way. This

toUs,

and
as

decoction

decoction

regarded
with in

valuable

alterative,

tonic

febrifuge.2
root

The
other cites. Take

is used
as a

in combination

Ipomcea TurpetJium
and

and
as-

adjuncts
The of the kamald and

drastic

purgative

jaundice,anasarca
churna is
an

following
root

called

Patolddya
dioica three the

illustration.

of Trichosanthes and
the

(patola), turmeric, bdberany myrobalans,

two

seeds,

powder,
the

tol"s toUs

each,
each,

cinnamon,

root

of

indigo plant,
tol"s drachm
;

three the

Ipomcea Turpethum finelyand

the
use

four (trivrit) about

one

powder
with

ingredients
urine. After be should

mix. this

Dose,

cow's
as

of

medicine, light food only (such

gruel)

taken.3

3RTT2?t

3
'

COCCINIA

INDICA.

171

The

fresh

juice

of

the

leaves
to

of be

Trichosanthes

dioica the bald

is

mended recom-

by alopecia.1

several

writers,

applied

to

patches

of

CUCUMIS

MELO,

Linn.

Syn.
Sans. THE

Cucumis

Roxb. utilissimus,
Vern.

**zV,
seeds

Karkafi.

Kdnkur,
of

Beng. Kdkri,
Cucumis
are

Hind.

of this useful and

species

are

described
in

as

cooling, edible, nutritive

and
into
a

diuretic,and
Two alone

used

painful

turition mic-

suppression
with

of urine.

drachms
or

of the seeds

rubbed
salt

pulp

water,

are

given

in combination

with

and

kdnjika?
The seeds of and

Cucumis
of Benincasa like

sativa, (Sans. 7*3*,

Trapusha.

Vern.
are

Khird, Hind)
also used
as

cerifera (Sans. Kushmdn(fa.)

of Cucumis utilissimus? Momordica

diuretics

those W.

COCCINIA
Roxb. Sans, of the

INDICA,

fy A.

Syn.

monodelpha^
The ed express-

fTO,
thick of

Vimba,
tap-root

Vern.

Teldkuchd, Beng. plant

is used
to

juice
native

of this
as an

by

the

leading
parations prethis

Kavir"jas

Calcutta,
them
in any

adjunct

the

metallic
not

prescribed by
use

in

diabetes.

I have but

found

of

the who

plant
have
rasa

noticed taken and

written

work,

I know with
use

several

patients
or

the who
to

juice
were

of the root benefi that

in

along

Vangesvara
of

Somandtha I
am

tted the

by

the

these
root

medies. re-

inclined
acts

think

juice
way.

of

the It

of

this

plant

probably
that
its is

beneficially
action be taken

some

is The

very
pressed ex-

desirable

therapeutic
directed
to

should

be

tested. of
one

juice
with
a

in doses

tola

along

pill, every

morning.

172

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

CITRULLUS

COLOCYNTHIS,
Cucumis

Schrad.

Syn.
Sans.

Linn. Colocynthis,
Vern.

Indravdruni. ^^ST^Ft,
is common colocynth
on

Hind. Indrdyan.

INDIAN

of the Western the lower slopes

It of the drier parts of India. Himalaya and also on the plains in the bazars of the North- West Provinces under is procurable the

indrdyan. The pulpof the fruit is described as bitter, and useful in biliousness, fever and cathartic, constipation, acrid,
name

of

worms.

The root

of the

is considered plant the

cathartic and useful

ascites,enlargementsof jaundice, etc. rheumatism, urinarydiseases,

in

abdominal

viscera,

Take gujikd.1 Jvaraghni

of mercury pepper,

one

colocynth part ; sulphur,

pulp,cardamoms, long
root,each pellitory
four

chebulic these

parts. Rub

myrobalan, and with the ingredients

of indravdruni root and make into pills about twenty juice weighing administered with the fresh juice are of grains each. These pills the bowels and reduce the in recent fever. They move gulancha fever. An from the seeds of Indian oil prepared hairs. A of poultice is used colocynth, for

blackening grey

the root is said to be useful

in inflammation of the breasts. 2

NAT.

ORDER

UMBELLIFER^E3.

aromatic fruitsbelonging to this natural The following

are

order,
or as

noticed by Sanskrit writers

and

are

used in medicine

condiments by the natives.

Yamdni.

DC. Vern. A'jowan Hind. A'jowan,* Ptychotis W.fyA. Vern.Banjodn,B.

Now

included

in the genus

Carum

by

Hooker

and

Bentham.

CUMINUM

CYMINUM.

173

Ajamodd. Carum

Benth. Roxburghianum,

Vern.

A'jmad,

Hind.

Rdndhuni,Beng.
i,Jiraka. Cuminum
,

Cyminum, Linn.
Linn. Carui, Vern.

Vern.

Jird,Beng.

Sushavi. Carum
,

Hind. Shidjird,

Madhurikd. Fceniculum

Gartn. Mauri, Beng. vulgare,

Hind. Sonfy
,

Anethum Misreyd.

Sowa*

Roxb. Vern.

B. Sowd9H. Sulpha,

Dhanydka. Coriandrum
AJOWAN.
warm

Linn. sativum, The seeds of

taste.

PTYCHOTIS
have for
an

aromatic smell and

as

pungent
A

Dhanid,H* Ptychotis Ajowan They are used

and
pan

Vern.

culinary purposes,
as a

along with spices

medicine.
tea

betel nuts

of djowan spoonful is a common domestic remedy for indigestion rock salt, with a little diet. The following from irregular compound powder is used in Take of djowan, rock salt, of colic or pain in the bowels. cases and chebulic myrobalan, sonchal salt, assafoetida, equal yavakshdra, and mix. Dose,grains ten to twenty, parts; powderthe ingredients taken daily with treacle, is said to be taken with wine.1 A'jowan, urticaria within a week.2 A'jowan,as well as the seeds of to cure Seseli Indicum in
are (canajamdni)
,

and leaves,

carminative

much

used

as

aromatic

juncts ad-

compound prescriptions.
ROXBURGHIANUM.
The seeds of Carum Box-

CARUM

essential ingredient of native cookery, are an lurghianum(ajamodd) vomitingand painin the They are said to be useful in hiccup, of severa^ regionof the bladder. They enter into the composition and stimulant preparations, such as the Ajamodddi carminative etc. churna (see speciosa] Argyreia Cumin seeds form an ingredient CYMINUM. CUMINUM and pickles used by the natives. They of some curry powders and useful are regarded as stomachic,carminative, astringent
,

Anethum

is reduced

by Drs, Hooker

and]Benthamto

Peuccdanvm.

174

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

in

etc. diarrhoea, dyspepsia,

as

confection

of cumin

seeds

is

pared pre-

follows

Jirakddi

modaka.

Take

of the three
extract

myrobalans,
of called

tubers

of

Cyperus rotundus
flowers talc, of

(mustaka)^ watery

gulancha,prepared tejapatra,
01-

Mesuafema

leaves (ndgakesara),

cinnamon, cardamoms, cloves, coriander, ginger,long

denlandia
herbacea

pepper,

root of Andropogon muricatum (parpati), " (usira) and Plumbago Zeylanica Pavonia odorata (bald}, each one (chitraka)^ part, cumin seed,nineteen parts or equal in weight to all the other

ingredients ; powder
to
one

them and

all and make

mix. into
a

Add

two

parts of
with

sugar

honey and clarified butter. This medicine is prescribed Dose, one drachm. in chronic diarrhoea and dyspepsia with loss of appetite. Jirakddyataila.1 Take of powdered cumin seeds,eighttoUs, red lead, oil three seers, four toUs, prepared mustard minium or
water

of

the

powder

confection

twelve

seers, boil them

togetherin seeds, with

the

usual
eczema.

way

for

the

preparationof
A salt and

medicinal

oils.

This oil is used in

made poultice

of cumin

the addition
to be

of

honey,
pion scor-

clarified butter, is recommended

applied to

bites.2

FOENICULUM
used
as a

VULGARE.
In medicine other articles. the
name

Fennel

seeds

are

largely
as an

condiment.

they

are

chieflyused
A'rak

aromatic and used

as a

adjunct to
sold in domestic

Distilled fennel water

of

is prepared is

India,under
carminative. The
to

bddian,and

CARUM
do not

CARUL appear

fruits

called shid

jird

in

the

nacular, ver-

differ from the

but
"

European
in the
a

caraway. of

The in

plant grows
the Western
a

wild

largelyin

high alpineregion
is
rare as

Lahul

Himalaya,"
are

plains. The
like

fruits cumin

contain

volatile oil and

used

carminative

seeds.

TO

FERULA

ASSAF(ETIDA.

175
is largely used

CORIANDRUM
the natives leaves. and
as a

SATIVUM. condiment
as

Coriander

by

It is described

A aphrodisiac.

cold

along with betel nuts and pan tonic carminative, refrigerent, diuretic, infusion of coriander is givenwith sugar
decoction of coriander

and

for the reliefof internal heat and thirst.1 A and

and indigestion. Coriander ginger is given in dyspepsia of numerous enters into the composition coolingand carminative medicines. The fresh leaves of the plantare pungent and aromatic. They are used for preparinga sauce or cMtni, in the same way as the leaves of spearmint (pudind)2

FERULA
SansSANSKRIT the root Khorasan and

ASSAFCETIDA,

Linn.

f^jp, Hingu. Vern. Hing, Beng. Hind.

o

writers describe assafoetida

as

an

exudation

from

of the

assafoetida plant which

and

and Multan.*

carminative

to Persia, indigenous Assafoetida is regardedas a stimulant is much used in dyspepsia, colic, flatulence,

is

and diseases of the Raw internally.

or

nervous

system. It is fried before being used

cause

vomiting. churna$ Take of fried assafoetida, Hingvashtaka ginger, long seeds and rock nigella pepper, black pepper, ajowan, cumin seeds, parts; reduce them to powder and mix. Dose,ten to salt, equal to be taken with the firstmorsel of rice and clarified twenty grains,
butter taken at increase the Some with breakfast. Thus it is administered, said to and digestive and to cure flatulence. appetite powers the above powder to be made into pills writers recommend lemon juice.

unfried assafoetida is said to

2 I
'

'

?rr?nct"rhr f ^iq
*

i
G. K.

Not

now

found

at Multan,

176

SANSKRIT

"

MATERIA

MEDIC

A.

In the flatulence of infants rock

powder composed
the root

of

assafoatida,
Sipho-

salt, cardamoms,

ginger,and

of Clerodendron

nanthus

in equalparts, is prescribed (blidrgi), by several writers.l In

a made costiveness, suppository

flatulent colic with rock salt and

of

assafoetida,

honey,and

smeared
2

over

with clarified

is introduced butter,

into the rectum. In

facial palsy, hemiplegia, stiff-neck, sciatica and

nervous

other diseases

of the
a

system, fried assafcetida is given along with

compound decoction called Mdshabalddi, (see Phaseolus Roxburghii}. A bit of warm of a carious assafcetida, placedin the cavity
is said tooth,
to relieve

pain.3
ManThe

HYDROCOTYLE

dukaparni.Vern.
of properties this

ASIATICA, Linn. Sans, mrwtf, Thalkuri, Beng. Brdhmamanduki, Hind.

plant
are

said to resemble
as

those

of Brdhmi

both being regarded (Herpestes Monniera), and useful in diseases of the

tonic, alterative, system and

blood.

skin, nervous

The fresh juiceof the leaves is given with

as an

milk and

liquorice powder,

alterative tonic.4

NAT.
OLDENLANDIA

ORDER

RUBIACE^.

HERBAOEA,
Oldenlandia

DC.

Syn.
Sans,
ififj,

Roxb. biflora, Parpata. Vern. Khetpdprd. Beng.

a
"

THE

Oldenlandia herbacea is
the

cate delismall,weak, straggling in fieldsand low

appearingin plant,

rainy season"

ground

|
*T

fat

2 l i I

178
in
water all,

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

seer

eightseers;
is

boil them

tillreduced together the addition of the

to

one-four

th.

This decoction for

of Randia

dumetorum

given with causingemesis.

pulp

KUBIA

CORDIFOLIA,
Rubia

Linn.

Syn.
Sans.

Roxb. Manjista,

tffafffT, Vern. Manjishthd,

Manjit, Beng. dye, is

used oils are

Hind.
in medicine

Indian
as chiefly a

madder, well

known

as

red

colouring agent.
in external

All medicated It is

firstprepared

for and

use

by beingboiled
and

with madder.

regarded as astringent
and skin diseases
is kdnjika, swelling.

useful

ulcers inflammations! into

a

Madder

root, rubbed liquorice

paste with

appliedover
Madder be rubbed
to applied

to reduce inflammation and fractures, with honey, is recommended by several

writers to

brown

spotson the face (pityriasis versicolor).1

Manjishthddya ghritafis preparedwith clarified butter and a paste composedof equalparts of madder, red sandal wood, and the root of Sanseviera Zeylanica and applied to ulcers from (murvd),
burns.

P^EDERIA Sans. Vern. THE

over

FCETIDA,

Linn.

VWifft) Prasdrani.

Gandhabhdduli, Beng. Gandhdli,Hind.

when

is a long climbingplant, fcetida twiningup and trees.' All parts of the plantgiveoff a most offensive odour into soup^ are boiled and made bruised. The leaves, sidered con-

Pcederia

wholesome The entire

and

suitable for

the

sick and

convalescent. used which

plant includingstem, leaves and root,is much both internally affections for in rheumatic and externally it is regardedas a specific. Take Prasdrani of Pcederia fcetida. leha,or electuary
leaves,root and
stem

of the

of Pcederia

two fcetida, I

seers,

water, thirty-

*rfinyi

TJSDERIA

FOETIDA.

179

wo

seers,

boil
two

till reduced of

to

one-fourth. and

To

the

Strained till reduced

tion decocto

add,
consistence

seers

treacle,

again
add and

boil

the

of black

thick

syrup.

Lastly
root

powdered
the
root

ginger,
of

long
Chdba

pepper,

pepper,

plumbago
in

Piper
one

( cJiavikd), equal
acute

parts,

all

half

seer.

Dose,

about

toU

in

rheumatism.1 Several oils liniments The native for external called Take

or

application Kubja
of boil in

are

prepared tailaf plant

seers

with

this used

plant. by

following, physicians.
hundred sixteen

prasdrani
the entire

is of of

argely
Pcederia
water

fcetida
till reduced add

eight
to

toUs,
seers, sixteen

sixty-four
To

and

strain.

the

strained

decoction,

sesamum

oil, paddy

seers,

milk,
each

thirty-two
sixteen
seers,

seers,

whey
the

and

fermented

water

(kdnjika),
root

and

following
root,

substances,
pepper bark of

namely,

of rock

Pcederia

fatida,

bago plum-

long
seeds,

root,
Cedrus

liquorice, Deodara,

salt, Acorus
of
Vanda

Calamus

root, dill

root

Roxburghii
root

(rdsnd)y
marking
the

Scindapsus
nuts,
the each

qfficinalis (gajapippali),
two

jatdmdnsi
of
a

and boil

tol"s of boil

in

the

form

paste.
the
water

First
is

oil with

decoction then

Pcederia the oil the used the be

fcetida successively
aromatic

till

ly near-

evaporated,
milk,
process contraction the

with

the

addition

of last with of

whey
of

and

kdnjika,
This stiffness

adding
oil of should
is

paste
in

during
rheumatism the

the

boiling.
and

externally joints.
fomented After

application
heat.

oil,

the

affected

parts

with

dry

180

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDIC

A.

NAT.

ORDER

VALERIANACE^l.

NARDOSTACHYS

JATAMANSI,

DC.

Syn.
Sant.

Valeriana Jatamansi,Jones.
Vern. Hind. Jatdmdnsi, Seng. Bdluchar,
is
a

Jatdmdnsi. sremffaj
THE

Jatamansi Nardostacliys India and has The

as

native in

of the

mountains from

of
a

Northern very

been

used

Hindu

medicine
a

ancient

period.

root fragrant
an

is considered

nervine

tonic,and is much

used

aromatic

adjunctin
appear

the

preparation
to

of medicinal oils and been used In

enters

It gliritas.
as an

does not

however

have

internally except
the

of complex prescripingredient tions. India it is stated that

Pharmacopoeia of compositionof
of
a

jatdmdnsi
in

into the

nostrum

highlyrecommended
I do not

the treatment

epilepsy by
which

Susruta.

find in Susruta's

work

any

for epilepsy, cept prescription containing jatdmdnsi,exin following, however it

can

the
an

hardlybe
Phaseolus

said to be

active

ingredient. Take

of the

pulse of

Roxburghii
dasamula
;

seeds barley jujube fruit, (Jculattha), "

of Crotolaria

juncea (sana),

jatdmdnsiroot,the bdellium, (seeDesmodium

and prepare
a

ten

called drugs collectively chebulic

way.

m) gangeticu
decoction

and
,

myrobalan,equalparts
This decoction
is

in the usual

commended re-

to be administered

with the addition of clarified butter

and

urine.1 goat's

NAT.
SAUSSUREA

ORDER

COMPOSITE.
Bth. et

AURICULATA,

Hf.

DC. Syn. Aplotaxisauriculata,

Sans.

!"*,Kushtha.

Vern. is
a

Kur, PdchaJc.

Hind.

Beng.
around
an

THE

auriculata Aplotaxis and has been

native of the
in Hindu

mountains from and

Cashmere,
age.

used
as

medicine

early
in

Its root

is described

aromatic, stimulant
skin diseases.

useful

dyspepsiaand cough, asthma,fever,

into the of composition
some

It enters

also

for fumigation. pastiles

WEDELIA

CALENDULACEA.

181

Agnimukha (vachd)
ajowan
seven

churna.1

Take

of

assafoetida, one
three

part, Acorus

mus Cala-

two

parts, long

pepper,

parts,
six

ginger,

four

parts,
root,
der Powa

five

parts, chebulic
the
root mix

myrobalan,
of

parts,

plumbago

parts, and
the

Aplotaxis auriculata,
pass with the
or

eight parts. through

in

ingredients,
twenty
to

and

powder
wine

cloth.
with

Dose,
loss of A and
o

forty grains

whey

dyspepsia

appetite.
liniment

composed

of the

root

of

Aplotaxis auriculata, kdnjika

writers
to

castor in

oil is recommended

by
The

several

be

applied
mustard the

to the

rehead

cephalalgia.2
the

fried

root, mixed

with of

oil,

is

applied
and

to

scalp

in

porrigo.
with
on

Equal
mustard

parts
oil and with

powdered
paddy
disease.3

root water

of rock

salt, mixed
rubbed

fermented chronic

(kdnjika), are

joints

affected

WEDELIA

CALENDULACEA,
Verbesina

Less. Roxb.

Syn.
Sans.

calendulacea,

^USf,
Vern.

Bhringardja.

%*TCT3fJ Kesardja.
Bhdnrd,
the Hind. and vernacular Both the
as

Kesardja) Beng.
confusion between and

THERE
names

is

some

Sanskrit

of
are

Wedelia

calendulacea,
kesarcy
or

Eclipta prostrata.
in

these
krit Sans-

plants
names

called
of

kesurid and

Bengali,
are

and

two

Wiringardja
term

kesardja
derived
to at

used the

synonyms.

The

Hindustani
is however

bhdngrd,

from Wedelia

Sanskrit

bhrinand

gardja
this have
is
a

generally applied
used
in

calendulacea,
The

the

plant

medicine

present.
considered

leaves,

which

slight camphoraceous

taste,

are

tonic, alterative,

182 and useful in

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MED1CA.

alopecia.The in and juiceof the leaves is much used as a snuff in cephalalgia, "In soaking various sorts of powders for the preparationof pills.1 tattooingthe natives after puncturing the skin, rub the juicy leaves of Eclipta the part ; which prostrata over givesthe green desired indelible colour, The leaves namely a deep bluish black." in various of both these plants are used for th e purpose of ways dyeing grey hair and for promoting the growth of hair. Take of nutmeg, baberangseeds, cliurna? Jdtiplialddya bago plumroot, flowers of
leaves seeds,
cumin cloves,

skin cough, cephalalgia,

diseases and

Tdbernoemontana Webbiana

coronaria

sesamum (tagard)
,

of Pinus

red (tdlisa), chebulic and

sandal emblic

wood, ginger,

seeds, camphor,

myrobalans,
two-

black

pepper,

long pepper, bamboo-manna, cinnamon, cardamom,

of Mesua of Wedelia all the each ferrea (ndgakesara),

and the flowers tejapatra, tolas,powdered leaves sugar,

mix. in

quantityequal to
a

calendulacea, fiftysix tol"s, above ingredients. Powder and

is said preparation
to be useful

Dose, about
Shadbindu

drachm. catarrh.

This

in

cough phthisis,
four seers,
an

and

taila.s Take

of

sesamum

oil,four

seers,

goat's^

milk

oil with

and presixteen seers leaves, juiceof bhringardja pare a paste composed of the following substances, and oil plant, of Taberncemontana Vanda (jivanti),
coronaria

namely, root

of castor

dill seeds, Codogyne (tagara), rock salt, Wedelia (rdsnd),

ovalis

Roafburglm

calendulacm

a)^baberangseeds (bhringardj

-'

VERNONIA

ANTHELMINTICA.

183

liquoriceroot,
drawn
other
in

and

ginger,
tho the

in all

ono

seer.

Six

drops

of

this

oil,
and

through
of

nostrils,

are

said

to relieve

headache

affections

head. Take
of
sesamum

Bhringardja

taila.l

oil four

seers,

juice

of

lliringardja leaves,
and

sixteen

Seers, iron

rust, tho

three

myrobalans
to
a

tho

root
one

of

Iclmocarpus
seer,
and

frutescens (sydmalatd),reduced
an

paste,

in all
to

prepare

oil in

the

usual grey

way.

This black

oil is said and

cure

remove

scurf

from

the

head,

turn

hairs

alopecia.
fresh

The the

juice

of

the

leaves

of of

Eclipta pros
promoting

trata, is rubbed the

on

shaven

scalp for

the

purpose

growth

of hair.

VERNONIA

ANTHELMINTICA,
Serratula

Willd. Roxb.

Syn.
Sans.

anthelmintica,
wwgw,

"tW*,
Vern. The seeds'of Materia and other but

Somardji.

Avalguja.

irs^ft,VdkucU.

Hdkucli, Somraj, Beng.

Vemonia Medica skin anthelmintica
as a

Bdkcld, Hind.
are

of

great

repute

in

Sanskrit

medicine It
as

for white mentioned

leprosy (leucoalso
in
as an an-

derma),

diseases. used

is

thelmintic,
with
a

is not

much

such, except

combination

number chronic with

of other skin other

as

medicines.
the seeds
In
are

In

diseases

taken
severer

alone

or

in

bination com-

medicines.

the

forms
is

of

skin

diseases, such
to to

psoriasis and daily

The for
one

lepra, the
year,

medicine
a

recommended
cure

be
be

continued effected. of vdhichi

when

complete
in

is said
cases.

following
and

combination black
to

is used

these
;

Take and

seeds,
a

sesamum,

equal parts
in

powder
with

mix.

Dose, about

drachm

be

taken

the

morning,

184

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

tepid
been consist

water.

The

medicine
exercise
or

should
exposure

be
to

taken the
a

after
sun.

perspiration
The diet of of

has

induced of milk

by

should emblic

and

rice.
is

In

leucoderma

decoction addition

myrobalan
vdkuchi

and seeds.1

catechu

given

with

the

powdered

Externally
such very
as

it is used

in The

skin

diseases

in

variety
is

of said of

forms
to

paste,
in

oil,

etc.

following
with

combination

be

useful seeds

eruptions
of Cassia turmeric into
a

attended

itching.

Take and

vakuch* Tora rub

water

seeds,

Sophora
and with the
are common

(kdsamarda)
sea

Cassia

(chakramarda),
them

salt, equal
fermented

parts;

together
and

paste
over

whey

and

paddy
seeds four with leucoderma.3
seers

(kdnjika),
and

apply
one

eruptions.2
rubbed of into white

Vdkuchi
an

parts,
cow's

orpiment
and

part
to

emulsion
or

urine,

applied

the Take

patches
of and

leprosy seeds,
to

Somardji

taila.

vdkuchi boil down

twelve sixteen
seers

and Take
a

half,
of the

water

sixty
of four

four

seers,

seers.

seeds

Cassia
seers

Tora and

(chakramarda)
boil down
seers

twelve

and

half,
these

water two

sixty

to

sixteen cow's
in

seers.

Boil sixteen
seers

decoctions oil
root

with and of the

sixteen

of

urine,
the of of of

of

mustard

following
rosea

substances

form

of

paste,

namely

Plumbago

(raktachitrdka),
root, seeds

Gloriosa

superba glabra
odorum
scho-

(Idnguli), ginger, (karanja), (karavira)

laris
root

turmeric,

pdtchak

Pongamia
Nerium of Alstonia of

Clitoria of

ternatea

(apardjitd), (arka),
catechu bark

and

Calotropis gigantea
wood of Acacia

(saptaparni),

(khadira),

symplocos

186

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

bination

called

trimada of

seeds and the tubers It enters The rock

consisting of plumbago root, bdberang Cyperus rotundus (mustaka).

numerous

into the

compositionof
an

medicines
Take of

for

pepsia. dys-

is following

illustration. and

plumbago root, equal parts ;

chebulic salt, and mix.

myrobalan,
old

long

pepper,

powder

Dose, about fortygrains.1A

of prescription of Susruta

favourite medicine called Shatfdharana the stances, subfollowing of

for flatulence is an yoga. It is

a

powder composed

equal parts of
Kurroa

root namely, plumbago root, indrayavaseeds,

Stephania

of (pdthd), hernandifolia chebulic The

PicrorrJiiza
a

(katuki), dtis,and

myrobalan. Dose, about

root
on

drachm.2

of

effect

One
earthen

is said to exercise ficial benePlumbago Zeylanica a in which disease it is given in various compiles, binations. of administering mode it,is as follows. An

jar

or

pot is lined in its interior with

paste of the root,

is preparedin this pot,and taken or kdnjika (dadhi) and prurigo. by persons affected with haemorrhoids, Plumbago root reduced to a paste is appliedto abscesses with It enters also into the composition the objectof opening them. used as caustics. The following of several preparations is an of plumbago root, root of Baliospermum monillustration. Take the milkyjuiceof Euphorbianeriifolia and tanum (danti), (snuhi), Hamiltonii (arka), of Calotropis of or marking nut, sulphate procwa treacle and rock salt, equalparts ; mix them togetherand iron,

and curdled milk

make

into

paste.3 EOSEA,
The Linn.

PLUMBAGO
Vern.
are

Sans.

TSifa^, Raktachitraka.
Plumbago
a rosea

Ldlchitd, Beng.

of properties

the root of

said to be like those of P.

Zeylanica.

It has besides

specific

2 II

EMBELIA

RISES.

187 taken
or

action will
root
enters

on

the uterus.*

The root of

Plumbago rosea
whether dead

internally

expelthe
is
a more

foetus from the

womb,

alive.1 This

into

rubefacient

and powerfulvesicant than that of P. Zelanica" the compositionof caustic pastes, and stimulant and applications.

NAT.

ORDER
EMBELIA

MYRSINACE.E.

RIBES,

Burm.

Sans.

Hind. fr'flF, Vidanga.Vern. Bdberang, describes the seeds of Enibelia Ribes their
use as

SUSRUTA

anthelmintio,

alterative and tonic and recommends

root for the purpose

along with liquorice

effects of

age.

the body and preventing the strengthening Later carminative writers regard labwang as of and useful in intestinal worms,

anthelmintic stomachic,
and skin diseases. For

dyspepsia,
is

givenin are A compound powder and a glirita of various other drugs.2

*

intestinal worms, expelling drachm doses with honey, or

the with also

powder
an

of the seeds

infusion of the seeds. addition

prepared by the

It is

known generally

that

the

scraped

root of of

Plumbago
is

rosea

is introduced

into the

mouth

of the
to

womb,

for the purpose

a

procuring abortion.
likelyto
under be of my I had

The

root

is

sometimes
in
a

put

another

use,

knowledge

of which ago and

importance
.a

medico-legal pointof view. female,

third who had

Many

years

treatment

married On the

accidental

abortion
was

copious haemorrhage
to fever. On round
a

after it.

day

after the

accident, she

brought

sufferingfrom hospital,
tion examina-

severe

pain in the
I found
a

pelvicregion,purulent
the

discharge and
a

high

piece of
the

lalchitrd root, with

from with had the the
a

littlerag
I
was

wrapped
told that

it, prohad after the

jesting into
introduced abortion.
If

vagina

cervix

uteri. of and

midwife

it into the womb this if

on woman

object
widow dead the

checking
had died

haemorrhage
from

been

the effects of the lalchitra had

abortion,and
found that it in the
was

examination

of the

body,

the root

of the

been

mentioned position
for the

above,
purpose

inevitable

conclusion

would

have

been,

introduced

of

procuring abortion.
n

it

188

SANSKBIT

MATERU

MEDICA.

Bdberangenters
for

into the

compositionof
The

several

applications

is an following ple. examTake of bdberang, rock salt, chebulic myrobalan, bakuchi, and turmeric the seeds of mustard, Pongamia gldbra(karary'a), equalpartsand make them into a thin paste with cow's urine.1

ringworm

and other skin diseases.

NAT.

OKDEE

SAPOTACE^E.

BASSIA Sans.
THE
TS35

LATIFOLIA,
Vern.

Madhuka.

Maud,Beng. Hind.

which is a distilled yield latifolia spirit tonic and appetizing. described by Susruta as heating, astringent, The flowers are tonic and nutritive. They regardedas cooling, mulcent composionof several mixtures of a coolingand deis an The following character. example. Take of the bark of Gmelina arborea (gambhari), flowers of Bassia latifolia^ red sandal wood, root of Andropogonmuricatum coriander and (ushira), and prepare raisins, equal parts, This infusion is
an

flowers of Bassia

enter into the

infusion

in

the

usual

way.

givenwith
the

thirst, burning of
The seeds of oil which

body Bassia latifolia crete yield by expressiona thick conis used in lamps, and by the poorer classes, for
This oil called madhuka
to applied

the addition of sugar for the reliefof and giddiness.2

culinary purposes.
recommended
to be

the head

in

is Sanskrit, cephalalgia.3

sdra

in

MIMUSOPS
Sans.

ELENGI,

Linn.

5f^, Vakula. Vern. Maulsamu, Hind.

tree is

THIS ornamental sake of its The

reared generally
from

in

gardens for
The

the

fragrantflowers ripe fruits

are

which

distilledwater edible.

is prepared.

sweetish

and

unripe

I
"

ScT

NYCTANTHES

ARBOR

TRISTIS.

189

fruits purpose A and

are

astringent
of

and

are

recommended The
as a

to

be

chewed
as

for

the

fixing
of the

loose bark

teeth.1 is used

bark

is described

astringent.
of the gums

decoction teeth.2

gargle

in diseases

NAT.
SYMPLOCOS

ORDER

STYRACE^E.

RACEMOSA,

Eoxb.

Sans.

l?t*
THE bark

Lodhra. of this

frl^,
tree, used
in

Tillaka.
in

Vern.

Lodh,

Beng.

Hind.

dyeing red, complaints,

of
numerous

is considered eye

cooling,

astringent
etc.

and

useful
into

bowel

diseases, ulcers, prescriptions

for

It enters

the

composition
with

bowel of the

complaints,
wood
is used

along
as a

bela, and
for

kurchi

bark.
to

decoction and

gargle

giving
the
gums,

firmness
a

spongy

bleeding gums.3
lodhra

In

bleeding
tubers of

from

paste

composed

of
and

bark,
is

rasot,
to

Cyperus
4

rotundus

(mustaka)
recommends lodhra and rub

honey,
the

applied

the

gums.

The

Ainritasdgara
Take of

following application
burnt This alum
is

for

ophthalmia.
and

bark into
a

liquorice root,
paste with
water.

rasot,
round

equal parts,
the eyes.

applied

NAT.
NYCTANTHES
Sans.

ORDER

JASMINACE^.
ARBOR

TRISTIS,

Linn.

*taTfe*RT, SepMlikd.
Vern.

^sr^tTW,
Harsingdr,

Rajanihdsd.

Siuli, Beng.
in

Hind. sake the of

its flowers.

THIS These open

plant
at

is cultivated

gardens morning

for the
strew

sunset, and

before

ground

thick-

190 with

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

ly

their fallen corollas.

Native

women

and children collect

tubes

the and,separating dry them in the petals, them clothes

a

orange
sun

coloured

from for

the white

and preserve them colour.

dyeingtheir

beautiful buff
are

or

orange

The leaves in fever

used in medicine. rheumatism. The

and

given with honey in chronic fever.1 also generally given along with it. A fire is recommended over a gentle prepared for obstinate sciatica.2 a specific
JASMINUM
Sans. The

ful regarded as usefresh juiceof the leaves is Some of iron is preparation are

They

decoction

of the leaves
as

by

several writers

GRANDIFLORUM,
Vern.

Linn.

Jdti. SfTcft,

Hind. Chdmeli,

flowers of Jasminum used forare fragrant grandiflorum which is considered cooling, and is much preparinga scented oil, used by the richer natives for anointingtheir bodies before in skin bathing.The leaves of this plantare used medicinally ulcers in the mouth, otorrhoea, etc. and enter into the diseases, for these diseases. of numerous prescriptions composition of the leaves is applied between to soft corns The fresh juice in the mucous the toes.3 In ulcerations or eruptions membrane of the mouth, the leaves are recommended to be chewed.4 An oil prepared with the juiceof the leaves is poured into the ear in otorrhoea.5

JASMINUM

Beng. Hind. Bel,

those of Jasminum

Willd. Sans. *lf*tf, Vdrshiki. Vern. SAMBAC, The properties of this plant said to resemble are grandiflorum.

"S^ITT% f^r%^:

fane?

tf frqcircf n irfawftr?^

ALSTONIA

SCHOLARIS.

191

NAT.
NERIUM
Sans,

ORDER

APOCYNE/E.
Solander.

ODORUM,
Karavira.

^rtr,
Vern.

^^TK^,

Asvamdraka.

Karabi, Beng. Kaner,Hind.

are

Two

varieties of Karavira

described in the The

Bhavaprak"sa,

namely,white
and useful in

and red flowered.

as beingregarded

their roots

of both are identical, properties when taken internally poisonous

skin

diseases

and

affections. inflammatory
in Sanskrit the

The

Nerium

odorum\\"$

several synonyms
seem

killer. It would used for

from

that this,

horsesignifying roots were poisonous

horses. destroying taila.1 Take Karavirddya

of

sesamum

oil four seers, decoction

of the root of Nerium

odorum, eightseers, cow's urine, eight seers,

and
each half a seeds, bdberang them together and prepare an
eczema,
seer, in the

Plumbago
form of
a

rosea

root

paste; boil

oil in the other skin

usual way. diseases.

This oilis used in

impetigo and
a

The root of Nerium recommended The fresh

to be

odorum

beaten into chancres and

paste with
ulcers
on

water

is

to applied

the

penis.2

juiceof the young leaves is poured into with copious .3 ophthalmia lachrymation
ALSTONIA Sans.

the eyes in

SCHOLARIS,

R.Br.

*flW
,

Saptaparna.frai^m*,

Visdlatvak.

Vern.

Hind. Chlidtin, Beng. Chhdtidn, scholaris is very

names

The hence the

bark
tree

of Alstonia

thick and

spongy,

has recieved the

of

Vrihattvak9 Visdlatvak,

192

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MED

1C A.

etc.

It is described diseases. fever. and and

as

tonic, alterative gives

of the of
a

and

useful formula

in

fever for
use

and
in

skin

Susruta Take the

the

following
of Alstonia

catarrhal
nim
two

bark Betula

scholaris,gulancliai
in

bark tolas the

bark

Bhojpattra, equal parts,

in

all

prepare

decoction several

the

usual

way.1

It

enters

into

composition
is
an

of

formulae

for skin

diseases.

The

following

illustration.

AmritdshtaJca

pdchana.
of

Take

of the

bark

of Alstonia and

scholaris,

gulanchdj
dioica

leaves

Justicia of and

Adhatoda

(vdsaka)
rotundus

Trichosanthes

(patola),tubers
catechu (vetra), usual
way.

Oypsnu
nim

(mustaka),
and prepare
a

Calamus decoction

Rotang
in

leaves,

the

HOLARRHENA Sans.
Vern.

ANTIDYSENTERICA,
^^,

R.Br.

Kutaja, ^if^W, Kdlinga.

Hind. the

Kurchi, Beng. Kureyd, Kaureyd,

The

bark

of Holarrhena for of which

antidysenterica constitutes
in the

cipal prinBefore

medicine the

dysentery
the

Hindu

Pharmacopaeia.
in

discovery
cases

efficacy of ipecacuana
not

this

disease, many
medical

chronic

did be

get

well

under

European
their

treatment,
of

used

to

cured

by
called also

the

Kavirajes, by
in

preparations
and Indragarded re-

this bark.
in

The

seeds
are

Indrayava
in

Sanskrit

jav

the
as

vernacular,

used

medicine,
useful in

they being

astringent, febrifuge
intestinal of
worms.

and

fever, dysentery,

diarrhoea, and
The bark of ways. A
and

Holarrhena The

antidysentericais
of is the

administered bark with

is

in with

variety honey.2 ginger

expressed juice
of

given

fluid

extract A

the

bark

given

the

addition

of is

dtis.%

compound

decoction

called

Kutajdslitaka

194

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

to

all the
one

above
to

ingredients
two

powder
taken

them with

finely and
rice-water

mix. and
is

Dose,
honey.
of lar simi-

about Another

scruples powder
the

to be

compound
to

called with

Gangddhara
a

churna,

composition

above,
fermented and
a

few of

additional

substances. Take and Gmelina

in
two
a

or KutajdrislitaJ-

liquor

kutaja.
seers

of

kutaja

root-bark,
flowers

twelve

seers

half, raisins,six
and them bark

quarter,
arborea dred hunseers,

of Bassia

(madhuka), latifolia
toUs each of
;

of

(gambhdri), eighty
and
and
two

boil

together
to

seers fifty-six

water,
of twelve

till reduced

sixty-four

strain.
seers

Then

add

flowers

Woodfordict floribunda
seers

(dhdtaki),
let for the
use.

and

half, treacle
for
a

and

half,
be

and

mixture

ferment
one

month,

after

which

it will

ready

Dose,
An

to

three

ounces.

oil for external with

sesasum

application
oil,decoction

called of

Grahanimihira
and
a

taila

is

prepared
of

kutaja bark
in small

number

astringent
Pradardri

and

aromatic lauha.%
a

substances Take of
as

quantities.
twelve
seers

kutaja
in the

bark,

and kutain

half and

prepare

fluid extract Then

of

preparation

called

above y'aleha,

described.
gum

add

the

following substances
(mocharasa),

fine

powder, namely,
madder,
of
root

Borribax

Malabarlcum

Indian

of

Stephania hwnandifolia,(pdtha), bela fruit, tubers

Cyperus

rotundus

(mustaka), flowers
talc and

of

Woodfordia floribunda eight toUs,

mix

(dhdtaki), dtis,prepared

iron, each

them

"

^T^ZTW
|

BEMIDESMTJS

INDICUS.

195

intimately and
preparation
the
uterus.

prepare

confection.

Dose,
and

about

drachm.

This

is

given

in

menorrhagia

other

discharges from

The

seeds of
a

of Holarrhena
many

antidysentericaenter

into

tho

position com-

good

prescriptions for fever, bowel

etc.

complaints,
illustrations

piles,intestinal
Take
of

worms,

The the

following
tubers
a

are

few

indrayava
four of

seeds

and them

of

Cyperus

rotundus

(musta'
boil in

ka),each
one seer

tolas,rub
water,
is

into latter

paste with
is reduced
a

water to

and

till the

one-fourth.
to
one

This with

boiled

emulsion

given

in doses

of about

half

ounce

honey.1 Laghu
of
mosa

gangddhara

churna.2

Take

of

indrayava seeds, tubers..

of

Cyperus rotundus, (mustaka), bela fruit,bark

Symplocos

race-

(lodhra),gum
of

of

Bombax

Malabaricum

(mocharasa},
;

and

flowers and

Woodfordia
Dose, about
of bowel

floribunda (dhdtaJd) equal parts

a

powder

mix.
sorts

drachm

with

butter-milk

and

treacle,in

various

complaints.
FRUTESCENS.
The with
in

ICHNOOARPUS
Vern. said

Sans. the
roots

*nfw,
of this

Sdrivd.

Shydmalatd.
to be
are

properties of
those

plant
These

are

identical often

of Hemidesmus under

Indicus. the

two

drugs

used

combination

designation of

Sdrivddvaya, (seenext
NAT.

article).
OEDER

ASCLEPIADEJE.

HEMIDESMUS
Sans.
"HTT?Wigr"

INDICUS,
Anantamula, Beng.

R.

Br.

^nftTr,
Hind.

Sdrivd.

Vern. In

Anantamul,
Hemidesmus and

Sanskrit
both

Medicine,
called

Indicus
are

and nnder

Ichnocarpus
the
name

frutescens are

sdrivd

described

196

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

of

or sdrivddvaya

the two

sdrivds.
in
as

They

are

often used

together.
it is the

When
usual

however

sdrivd is used

the

singular number

practiceto
The
.

interpretit
of these

sydmalatd (Ichnocarpus frutes-

said to be sweet, demulcent, are plants alterative and useful in loss of appetite, disinclination for food, fever, skin diseases, syphilisand leucorrhoea. They are generally
roots

cens)

used

in combination
a

with

number

of

other medicines. of

The of

following are
Pavonia and
two odorata

few

illustrations. Take
of

anantamula,root

tubors (bald),

Cyperus rotundus
kurroa

the root

of Picrorrhiza them
to
a

(mustaka), ginger, (Jcatuki), equal parts,in all

water.

and tolas,

reduce
warm

paste with
in

This

dose to

minister adclear

with the bowels and

water

the

morning,

is said

relieve fever.1 of the

roots

A and

decoction

of

anantamula, colocynth,
the usual of

sdrivd is

Hedyotis biftora(parparta), prepared in

with

way,

administered
bdellium sensation

the
skin

addition

in chronic

powdered long pepper and loss of diseases, elephantiasis, syphilis,

and

hemiplegia.3

CALOTROPIS

GIGANTEA

AND

PKOCERA,

E. Br.

Roxb. Syn. Asclepias gigantea, Sans. Vern.

5!^*

Arka,

*$^"

Alarka. Hind.
pass

A'kanda, Beng. Mdddr,

and
"

Calotropis procera
native
name

C.

both gigantea,

by

the

native

of mdddr. climate and

C. procera

the smaller the

of the two, prefers Provinces of the

the

drier

of the Scinde
;

Deccan,
C.

Upper

Bengal, the Punjab

lower gigantea,

Bengal,

firt^

CALOTROPIS

GIGANTEA

AND

PROCERA.

197 Sanskrit of the The writers

Madras
mention

and
two

and Ceylon." Malayan Peninsulas, varieties founded

upon

the

colour

flowers, milky
The
skin in

namely, white, called alarka, and

root-bark juice,flowers, root-bark
is said to

red,
are

called arka.

and leaves

all used in medicine. and

to be useful

promote the secretions

of the abdominal
etc. caustic

enlargements diseases,
drastic

intestinal viscera,

worms,
a

cough, ascites, anasarca, purgative and

with the considered combination flowers
are

The and
is

milkyjuice is regardedas
of

milky juice
loss of

such in used as generally The Euphorbia neriifolia.

digestive, stomachic,tonic appetite.

salt
are

and

useful in

cough, asthma,
The
so vessels, are

catarrh and mixed

leaves

with
may

rock
not

roasted within closed The ashes thus

duced pro-

that the fumes

escape.

given with
viscera.*

whey

in

ascites and

enlargementsof cough.
Soak

the

abdominal The

inhalation following root-bark of

for is prescribed in its

own

the

powdered
The

drka this
a

milky juice and dry.

their fumes congee, The is

with Bougiesare prepared reduced root-bark, the

to

powder
scrotum.3

and
sour

inhaled.2
to applied

paste with

of elephantiasis

legs

and

milky juices of
made
into tents

Calotropis gigantea and

with the

are Euphorbia neriifolia

powdered wood
fistula in

of Berberis ano.4 The

for Asiatica,

introduction into carious

sinuses and

to milkyjuiceis applied

teeth for relief of

pain.5

198

SANSKRIT

MATEfclA

MEDICA.

Arka
of arJca
seer

taila.1 Take

of

prepared sesamum
turmeric
way.

oil,four
reduced
to
a

seers,

juice
one

sixteen leaves, boil

in

seers, and

paste,

them
eczema,

togetherin
and

the usual

This oil is said to be diseases.

useful

other

eruptiveskin
is this

Sometimes

orpiment is substituted

for turmeric

preparation.

NAT.

ORDER
NUX

LOGANIACE^E.

STRYCHNOS
Sans,
f

VOMICA,

Linn.

iJte, Kupilu, 1^^,

Vern.

Kulaka, fa*B^, VisliamusJitl.

Hind.
Hindu Medicine
at
name a

Kuchild, Beng.
introduced
no

Nux
recent

vomica

has been There

recent
name

into

period.
In
some

is

generally recognized Sanskrit

compilations it
term is

for

it.

Sanskrit
a kuchild,

mentioned found writers

tinder its vernacular in standard

which

is not

to be

Sanskrit dictionaries.

Sarangadhara and
a

other

give
which seeds

some

containg prescriptions
mean

drug
the

named

vishamushti,
vomica has
an

to is generally interpretted
;

in these to

nux places,

but

visTiamushti

according
its synonyms,

BhavapraHsa
In this work

edible fruit and

term

is called Karerud

in Hindi.

the Sanskrit

kupilu

with
is

kulaJca, marvishatinduTca,
synonyms for kuchildHindi

Tcatatinduka, etc.,

said to be the Sanskrit

is followed
on

and this translation

for

in

some

medical

books,

as

example

in the treatise

the

of drugs, properties compiled by of the in

Pundit

Keshava

Prasdda
is

Dvivedi
not

Agra

however interpretation Wilson

nor

accepted
Deva

College. This Bengal, for neither

Tcuchild
as

Sir for

Raj"

Rddh"kunta

has
or

given
any

the

Vernacular
above
our

nor hupilu, occur

does this term

in any
we

of

its synonyms

mentioned,
of this

Sanskrit

medical

prescription. In practiceof
ous

account

drug

will

according to

the

kuchild. in Bengal interpretvishamushti as kavirdjas is indigenousto most vomica The Strychnosnux parts of I found it to
be
common

India. The

in

the

jungles

about

Manbhom.

STRYCHNOS

NUXYOMICA.

199

ripe
contain

fruits
a

of the bitter

size

of

apples,

have

beautiful which

orange the flat

colour and

and ously curi-

gelatinous pulp,
seeds seeds
are

within

umbilicated
Nux vomica

found
a

imbedded.
sort

produce
taken

of

intoxication,
as
an

for

which

they
Those that

are

habitually
do often
so

by
become
one

some

natives
so

aphrodisiac.
to

who

gradually
to

far

accustomed

this into

poison
small

they
and
are

come

take
a

seed
of

daily,
betel
of

which leaf.

is cut

pieces
seeds

chewed used
in

with

packet
and

Medicinally
system.
and

the

dyspepsia
Jcesari.

diseases of
nux

the

nervous

Samiragaja
pepper

Take make betel

vomica,

opium pills.
of

black
are

equal
with the

parts,

and of

into

two-grain
in diseases

These
nervous

given

juice

leaves

the

system.

SulharanayogaJblack
pepper,

Take
nux

of

chebulic

myrobalan,
assafoetida,

long

pepper,

ginger,
and
in

vomica,
into

sulphur
These and
in
are

and

rock

salt, equal parts

with
warm

make

four-grain
with

pills.
after

given
in

water

dyspepsia gives
the

pain

meals,

hoea. diarrthe Take

Sarangadhara
term vishamushti mercury,

following

prescription
to
mean nux

which

is

usually

understood

vomica.

of

sulphur, aconite, ajowan;

carbonate rock of

the

three

myrobalans,

saryikd
of

(impure potash),

soda), yavakshdra
root,
cumin

(impure

carbonate

salt, plumbago
black
pepper, vomica

seeds, sonchal
and
in

salt, seaparts,
above
corns

salt, bdberang,
vishamusJiti

long seeds) pills of pills

pepper

ginger, weight
to

equal
all the

(nux
and

equal
the
are

ingredients
with and
lemon increase

make

into These

size

of
to

black

pepper the

juice.
the

given

promote

appetite

digestive power.2

200

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

STRYCHNOS
Sans.

POTATORUM,

Linn.

fil.

^ra^, Kataka, ^^WST^,

use as

Ambuprasdda. Vern. Nirmali^B.

the purpose of

The
water

of these
old
as

seeds

for

clearing muddy chapteron

water.

is

Susruta,who
used chiefly rubbed with in
as

mentions
a

it in his

Medicinallyit
The
seeds
are

is

local

in eye-diseases." application
a

honey
with

and

little camphor, and

or

the

mixture

appliedto
from

the eyes

lachrymation
water

copious watery
rock salt also ulcer

discharge

them.

Rubbed

and

they
into

are

appliedto

chemosis

in the

conjunctiva. They

enter

the the

composition
cornea,

of several

complex preparations for

of

etc.1

NAT.

ORDER

GENTIANACE^.

OPHELIA

CHIRATA,
Gentiana

Grisebach.

Syn.
Sans.

Roxb. Chirayita, Blmnimba.

faTCTrrfrrffi, ^^, Kirdtatikta,

Vern.

Chiretd, Beng.
is

Hind. the
"

The

Ophelia Chirata
India district in
"

indigenous to
from Simla

mountainous Kumaon Sanskrit

gions re-

of Northern

through
Its of the

to the
name

Morung
of

South-Eastern the bitter

in

Nepal.*'
of India.

means kirdtatikta, race

plant
north

Kirdtas, an
'*

outcast

mountaineers

the

It is also called The of Bhava-

Andryatikta or prakasa mentions

that

the bitter
a

plant of

the Non-

Aryans.
the
name

used etc.

Naipdlay is,produced in Nepal, and describes it as a febrifuge. and laxative, Chiretd is regarded as tonic,febrifuge and is in fever, skin diseases, burning of the body, intestinal worms,
It is much used
with in fevers of ail sorts in
a

under varietyof chiretd,

varietyof
The

forms

and

in combination
are a

other

medicines of

of

its class.

following
decoction

few

illustrations.
and

Take

emblic chiretd, gulancha,raisins,

prepare
a

myrobalan

zedoary root, equal parts and

202 and about

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA,

nervous an

debility.The
ounce, is

fresh

juice

of the

plant,in doses

of

root, in all sorts

given, with the addition of honey and pdchak of insanity.1 A paste made of the entire plant,
is flowers,

includingroots
milk
as a

and

recommended

to

be

taken

with

nervine
in

and

alterative tonic.2 The

cases.

powder
aspera

is used

similar

Take

of

following compound Achyrantlies gulancha,

pdchak root, root of Asparagus (apdmdrga), Idberang, chebulic myrobalan, racemosus (satamuli ),Acorus Calamus (vachd), and It is in equal parts; powder and mix. Canscora^ decussata,
said that the
to learn
use a

of this

powder for three days will enable

of poetry.3 couplets

student

by

rote

thousand

NAT.

OEDER

BIGNONIACE,E.

CALOSANTHES

INDICA,

BL

Linn. Syn. Bignonia Indica, Sans, Vern. THIS root-bark and

ssft3"^ Syondka. ^^

Aralu.

Ndsond,Beng. Arlu,Hind. largepart of India. The considered astringent, tonic,

a

is a small tree,growing over is used in medicine. It is

useful in diarrhoea and Desmodium (see

dysentery.

It is also is thus

dasamula

and gangeticum),

of ingredient used in a largely

an as

of diseases. The tender fruits are great variety carminative and stomachic.

described

ful, grate-

SCHREBERA

SWIETENIOIDES.

203 leaves and

a

The

root-bark roasted.

is enclosed

within

some

of layer bark

clay and ( gum

The

is givenin diarrhoea and of Bombax

from this juiceexpressed with the addition dysentery

roasted

of mocharasa

Malabarium).1 In otorrhcea, Sarangadhararecommends over a gentle sesamum prepared by boiling, fire,

of the root-bark of Calosanthes Indica?

the

use

of
a

an

oil

oil with

paste

made

STEREOSPERMUM

SUAVEOLENS,

DC.

Roxb. suaveolens, Syn. Bignonia Sans. ^TZ^rr, Pdtald. THIS The

is
a are

Vern.

Pdrul, Beng.Pad, Hind.

native of

middle

sized
a

a floweringtree,

Bengal.

flowers

large,of

dark crimson

colour and

Steeped in water they impart their are givento check hiccup. The rootRubbed up with honey they of dasamula ( see Desmodium bark is an ingredient ), gangeticum It is regardedas and is thus largelyused in native medicine. used in combination cooling,diuretic and tonic,and is generally The ashes of this plant are used in the with other medicines.
fragrant.

exquisitely fragranceto it.

of alkaline preparation

water

and caustic pastes.

NAT.

ORDER.

CONVOLVULACEJE.

IPOMCEA

TURPETHUM,

E.

Br.

Roxb. Syn. Convolvulus Turpethum,

Sans.

faW,

Trivrit. ffilJZT, Triputd.

Vern. Two
sveta
or

Hind. Tarbud, Beng. Nisoth, Teori,

described black.

varieties of trivritare white and krishna

or

by

most

The white

ly, namewriters, is prevariety

ft'mfsriT

T5

204

SANSKRIT

MATEBIA

MEDICA.

ferred black

for

medicinal

use
a

as

moderate

or

mild and
to

cathartic.
cause

The

variety is
and

said to be

powerful
Trivrit

drastic been
as

vomiting?
a

faintness from time

giddiness.

has

used such

as

purgative tioners, practi-

immemorial
as

and
as

is still used
in

by

native In

alone,
medicine is the
among

well

various
in

combinations.
use

fact this
as

ordinary

cathartic The

amongst
mode of

natives, just

jalap
is
as

is

Europeans.
About and and
two

usual

administering it
are

follows. with
or

scruples
with

of the root

rubbed rock

into

pulp

water

taken

the

addition

of

salt and

ginger
A Take

sugar

black

pepper.

compound
of

powder
two

called

NdrdcJia

clmrnaj- is thus prepared*

pepper
a

trivrit root

tol"s, long
mix.

two

toUs,

sugar is

eight tolas; powder

recommended
faeces.
to

and taken

About meals

scruple of the
in

powder

be

before

constipationwith
fruits

hard

Tuniburddya
hostile

churna.2

Take and

of

the

of

Xanthoxylum

( tumburu

},rock, vit

soncTial

salts, ajowan, pdchak root,

and

yavakshdra,chebulic
part Dose,

myrobalan,
parts
warm

assafoetida
;

babvrang seeds, one

mix.

each,
about

trivrit three
a

powder

the

ingredients and

drachm

with

water, in painful dyspepsiawith

costiveness In of
to

and

flatulence.

anasarca

supposed

to be

caused

by deranged bile, a myrobalans

tion decoc-

trivrit} gulancha, and

taken. Milk diet

the three be

is recommended

be

should

prescribed along

with

this

medicine.3

i 2

BATATAS

PANICULATUS.

205

BATATAS

PANICULATUS,
Convolvulus

Choisy.

Syn.
Sans.

Roxb. paniculatusj

fr^rct, Bhumikushmdnda. Viddri, ^fff^T^f,

Vern. BJiui kumrd,Beng, Bilai

hand.Hind.

largetuberous root of this handsome climber is considered demulcent and lactagogue. The alterative, aphrodisiac, tonic, powdered root-stock is given with wine, for the purpose of
the secretion increasing with debility and want recommended. and make parts, Take into
a

THE

of milk.1 of of

In

the emaciation the

of children

digestive power, wheat-flour viddri,

diet is following and barley equal

clarifiedbutter, milk, sugar and honey.2 Susruta gives several prescriptions for its use as an is as follows. Macerate the powder The simplest aphrodisiac. of the root in its own and administer with honey and clarified juice butter.3 Viddri enters into the composition of several diuretic and demulcent mixtures. The following is an illustration. Mutrdkrichchlidntaka, rasa.* Take of fruits of viddri, Tribulus

confection with

liquorice terrestrisj (gokshura), root, and flowers of Mesua ferrea equalparts and prepare a decoction with water. This (ndgakesara), oi mercury decoction is givenwith the preparation called rasasinto promote this secretion. in scanty or acrid urine, dura,
PHARBITIS

NIL, Choisy. The

now

seeds of this used

plant,called
a

kdldddnd in the vernacular and

commonly

as

purgative

206 all over

name were India,

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

unknown

to the ancient Hindus.

There

is no

for them

in Sanskrit.

ARGYREIA

SPECIOSA,
nervosa,

Sweet. Roxb.

Syn. Lettsomia
Sans.

^sT^T^,
of this

Vriddhaddraka.

Vern.

Bijtarkd, Beng.

THE useful As
an

root

in rheumatic

tonic and plant is regarded as alterative, and diseases of the nervous affections, system.

in the following prescribed The times during manner. seven powdered root is soaked, seven days, in the juiceof the tubers of Asparagusracemosus ( satamuli ) and dried. The resulting powder is given in doses of a quarter
to to

alterative and nervine tonic it is

half

for about with clarified butter, tola", the

month.

It is said

improve

effects of

intellect, strengthen the body and prevent the the powdered root is given with milk.2 age.l In synovitis
Take of

Ajamodddi churna.3

pepper

rock salt, ajowdn,bdberang, plumbago root, Cedrus deodara, long pepper root,long pepper, black chebulic myrobalan ten tolas, and dill seeds each two tolsa,

root of

and

Argyreiaspeciosa gingertwenty tolas ; twenty tolas, mix. drachms with treacle. Dose, about two
said
to

der pow-

This

preparation is

be

useful

in

rheumatic

affections and

hemiplegia.

I
*

DATURA

ALBA.

207

NAT.
DATURA
Sans.

OKDER

SOLANACE^.
and

ALBA, "^^5,
Vern.

Rumph.

FASTUOSA,
T%
and

Linn.

Dhustura,

^1

Unmatta.

Dhuturd,
do not
make

Hind,
any in

Beng.
in the
are

SANSKRIT of the two

writers

distinction

properties
minately indiscri-

varieties used.

of

Datura,

and

practice both
flowered

Sometimes
in
a

the

white

variety is specified,
below. and the

as

for

example
are

prescription for
in

insanity, quoted
debauched seeds
are

Dhaturd others

leaves accustomed

used
use

smoking by gdnja.
The

devotees added
to

to the

of

preparations of bhang (leavesof

for

Cannabis

sativa)used
The
use

by natives, powdered
of

increasing their intoxicatingpowers.

in

of the

seeds

sweet-meats, curry
and then and
in

powder, etc., for

the purpose known.

in

stupi-

fying

travellers

robbing them,
roots
are

is well

The
are

seeds, leaves
useful

all

used

medicine. and

They
cerebral

considered

insanity,fever

with

catarrhal

etc. lice, complications,diarrhoea,skin diseases,

Take Svalpajvardnkusa.1

of mercury, each
lemon
one

sulphur, aconite,ginger?
part, dhaturd
make with seeds
two

long
parts

pepper
;

and them

black

pepper, with used

rub

together
pillsare
other under

juice and
attended

into fourcatarrh
or

grain pills. These cough.

above,
are

in fever

Several
in
use

preparations of composition
the
names

similar

to the

of

Nava

jvardnkusa, Kdldri,

Jvardnkusa,
The this milk
in root

etc.

of Datura

alba

is (svetonmatta) the addition

boiled

in

milk

and and

is administered

with metallic

of

clarified butter called and Unmddankura

treacle
rasa

insanity.2 A

preparation
mercury

and
a

composed

of the

sulphides of
and

copper

together
also used

with

number

of other

substances

dhaturd

seeds,is

*WTfmn

ft*!*

208

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

in this disease.

The

fresh

juice of the leaves alone, mixed or

to application

with

opium,
In and
in

is

common

domestic of the

inflamed

parts.
of
oil turmeric

inflammation

a paste composed breasts,

dhatura the usual

fruits is recommended
manner

to be

applied.1An juice of
An
an

prepared
is leaves,

with for

the paste and

dhatura

appliedto

the head

lice.2 destroying
sesamum

oil

prepared by
water in

ing boilmade

dhatura from

seeds, and

with oil,

alkaline is used

the ashes In the

of Colocasia

Indica

(mdnaka),

psoriasis.3
that
"

Bengal Dispensatory(page 469) it

to

is stated

we

are

indebted

the
in

native

of practitioners

India is

for

method

of

using
of

stramonium

spasmodic asthma,
cases.

which

certainly found
to the

great

benefit

in

numerous
or

"We
The

allude

of practice leaves

smoking
is in

the leaves

dried both

stems/'

smoking
and with

of dhatura

at present prescribed

by English
not met

native
any

practitioners tion prescripdoes the

spasmodic asthma, but

for
it in Sanskrit

I have
or

written
nor

vernacular

medical
known
use

works,
to

Taleef hakims.
recent

Shereef

allude
seem

to the

practiceas

the the

Mussulman

It would

therefore

that this

of

drug

is of

origin.

SOLANUM

XANTHOCARPUM,
Syn.
Sans. Solanum

VAB.

JACQUINIS,

Schrad.

Linn. Jacquinii,

3RTS*TT\ Kantakdri, W?5f"wnr, Nidigdhikd.

Kantakdri, Beng. Kateli, Ratal, Hind.
is Jacguinii much esteemed fever
as an

Vern.

THE

root

of Solanum used
in

torant expec-

and the chest.

is

cough, asthma,
used
in

catarrhal

and

pain

in

It is an
is

ingredientof largely

dasamula
a

(seeDesmodium
to those

gange-*

ticum\
The and

and
are

thus

great variety of diseases.

of the roots

fruits
are

said to possess
as a

similar properties

eaten

vegetable.

210

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

KantaJcdri with the fresh

in

ghrita.l
the form

This

is

prepared in

the usual and

proportions
the

clarified juice of kantakdri, of

a

butter

following Roxburghii

substances

paste, namely, Vanda

pepper,

(rdsnd),Sida cordifolid, ginger,long (bald),

and
same

black is used

pepper in the

the fruits
cases as

of the

Tribulus

terrestris

(gokshura).It

electuary.
NIGRUM,
Linn. Hind. useful Sans. The
in

SOLANUM
Vern.

SiT^T,

Kdkamdchi,

Kdkmdchi, Beng. Makoy. tonic, diuretic

For the mode of and

berries of this
anasarca

plant are
heart

considered disease.

and

Hridaydrnava rasa, ( page

SOLANUM Sans.
Vern. 5f

them administering 66 ).

in heart

see disease,

INDICUM,

Linn. BhantdkL

Vrihati. V ^T^V, "ft,

Hind. Bydkura, Beng. JBarJiantd, Indicum is

is thus
an

THE

root

of Solanum

ingredient of dasamula
used
in
a

(see Desmodium
diseases. It is

gangeticum ) and regarded

The
as

great varietyof

expectorant and

useful in of
a

cough

and

catarrhal
decoction

affections.

containing this
Adhatoda

is an example following drug. Take of Solanum

compound

Indicum

(vri-

Solanum hati), Justicia

a

Jacquinii (kantaMri), Sida (vdsaka) and

way.

cordifolid(bald),
and prepare
is

raisins,equal parts
decoction

decoction

in the usual

This

given in

bronchitis

with fever.2 WITHANIA

SOMNIFERA,

Don.

Roxb. Syn. Physalis flexuosa,

Sans.

Beng. Asgand, Hind. ^I^JT^T, Asvagandhd. Vern. Asvagandlid,

THE
root

of this
of
a

plant is long,smooth, rounded, whitish

colour

brown

and externally

fine white

internally. It

is said that the

"erf

WITHANIA

SOMNIFEBA.

211

root smells like

horse my

whence

the Sanskrit

name

asvangandhd.

The
or

specimen
taste.

in

It is

however has scarcely possession any odour alterative and aphrodisiac regardedas tonic, and
of

is used in

emaciation consumption,

from children, debility

old

age,

rheumatism, etc.
In

consumption
is

decoction

of of

asvagandhd root
clarified butter and
root

and

pepper For
to
a

given with

the addition

long honey.l

the improving

nutrition of
to

the weakly children, be taken with milk

reduced

is recommended paste,
a

and

clarified

butter for

fortnight.2
of the decoction of
one

Take Asvagandhd ghrita.%

one

root asvagandhd gether to-

milk part, and

ten

clarified butter parts,

a

part; boil them promote

the

prepare

ghrita. It

is said

to

nutrition

and

of strength In

children.
a

preparedwith rheumatism, a ghrita

an

decoction and
a

paste
of

of the of
a

and is used internally root,

root

oil prepared with

decoction

the

and

number

of aromatic

substances in the form

is used externally. paste, of asvagandhdroot,taken About half a drachm butter is said to act as an aphrodisiac and clarified old
men.

with

milk

or

restorative

to

Asvagandhd
intended for

enters
as

medicines

use

compositionof aphrodisiacs.4
Linn. under
stimulant

into

the

several

HYOSCYAMUS
are niger

NIGER,
medicine

The

seeds of
name

Hyoscyamus
of khordsdni

used in Hindu
are

the
or

yamdni. They

considered

heating,narcotic,

3
i 4

"gzfj^i: \
TasT q^r

srrarfWT

T I

ifwntHiW

Wftflf

212

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

astringent and
medicines

and digestive,

are

used

in

combination

with

other

of their class.

NICOTIANA
tobacco the
even

TABACUM,
introduced the

Linn. into

According

to

Royle, the
towards

plant was
of

India

(A.D. 1605)
It is not
as

end

reign

of

Jelaludeen medical

Akbar.
such

described

in the latest Sanskrit

or

works

tho

Bhavaprait

kasa the
use

Raja
of

Vallava.
HTOTO
a

The

Sabdakalpadruma
and

mentions
as

under the it is

name

Tdmrakuta,
passage

quotes

authority for
Tantra

of the

word,
one

from

the Kula"n"va

where

Btated to be

of

eight intoxicatingagents. FRUTESCENS,

name.

CAPSICUM
have
over no

Linn,

and

MINIMUM,
now

Roteb.
all

Sanskrit and
not

Although they are

essential in
any

cultivated

India
are

form

an

of ingredient

all curry work

powders,
and
are

they

mentioned

Sanskrit

medical

evidently of

recent

introduction

into this

country.

NAT.

ORDER
PICRORRHIZA

SCROPHULAEIACE^E.

KURROA,

Royle.
Vern.

Sans. THE and used

Katurohini. *5*T, Kafukd, *2fttf^*ft,

root

KatM,
as

fl. B.

of Piororrhiza and and

in

Kurroct doses
as

is described
a an

acrid bitter, It is gative pur-

stomachic
in

larger

moderate

cathartic. various
root

fever

dyspepsia
About
two

and

ingredientof
of the
as a

medicines.
with
sugar

drachms

powdered
mild

given

and

warm

water, is said

to act is

purgative.1 In
recommended..
a

bilious Take

fever of

the

following

decoction

highly
nim

katuki

and root, liquorice,raisins, boil till reduced

bark, half

tola"

each, water following is

in

thirty-two tolas;
an

to one-fourth.2 katuki

The

example
Take of

of

powder containing
Calamus
;

root, used
chebulic and
mix.

dyspepsia.
and

katuki, Acorus

(vacM),
powder

myrobalans

plumbago

root, equal parts

HBBPBSTIS

MONNIERA.

213

Dose, about
pain.

drachm

with

cow's

urine

in

dyspepsia with

severe

HERPESTIS

MONNIERA,

ff. B. K.

Syn.
Sans.

Gratiola Mbnniera, Eoxb. Vern.

3^fr, Brahmi, **",$*, Manduki,

herb
used

Brahmi, Peng. Hind.

of

THE the
name

by

the

native

physicians
somalatd

Calcutta

under

of brahmi and
one

is the

Monniera. Herpestis

Roxburgh
as me

however for

gives brahmi
Ruta of the

of its synonyms

the Sanskrit
to

graveolens. This plant

from under

descrepancy induced
parties,but
name

get specimens
I

different the

every

where
This

got the
sidered con-

Monniera Herpestis
a

of brahmi.

plant is

nervine

useful in tonic,

and hoarseness. insanity, epilepsy the with leaves,

to be two

Half

told of the fresh

root

juice of

scruples of
in

pdchak
The A

and

honey,

is recommended
are

given

insanity.

leaves fried in clarified butter

taken

to relieve hoarseness.1

powder

composed

Calamus

chebulic (vachd), pepper,

equal parts of brahmi, Acorus myrobalan, root of Justicia Adhatoda

given
with

of

(vdsaka)and long
and various

is

honey
with

in the

hoarseness of

of

Several ghritas are phthisis.2 leaves used

in other

prepared

the

juice

brahmi
are
an

substances

in the form

of paste. The

They

insanity,epilepsy and ghrita$

four Take seers, of

hoarseness.

followingis

example.
Brahmi old clarified Calamus butter four seers, fresh

juiceof
and

brahmi

Acorus

the root

of Canscora
in the

decussata form of
a

(vachd), pdchak root, equal parts,in all (sankhapushpi),

paste and boil them
till together

thirty-twotoUs,
the watery

portion is evaporated.

See

note

1 page

202.

214

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEJDICA.

NAT.

ORDER

ACANTHACE.E.

JUSTICIA

ADHATODA,

Roxb.

Syn. Adhatoda
Sans.

Nees. Vasica,

Vdsaka, ^2"^, Atarusha. *TH*T,

THIS
is
a

Vern.
in most

B. Arushd, H. Bdkas,

bushy shrub
fences.

common

parts of India
of this

and

used in

making

The

leaves

and

roots

plant are

considered
a

expectorant and
forms
in

varietyof
was

and are much used in antispasmodic cough, consumption,catarrhal fever and

was

asthma. that it
as

This medicine said

no man

considered

so

serviceable in need

phthisis

from suffering

this disease

despair
one

long as
The

the vdsaka fresh

plantexists.
decoction of the leaves in doses of of

juiceor

is A

given with
same

the addition

honey and

long

pepper

in

tol", cough.
in

decoction of vdsaka
cases.

root,chebulic myrobalan and raisins is used

in the

Another
as

compound
Take

decoction of vdsaka

much

used

fever with

cough,is

follows.

root, gulancha,
This is

and the root of Solanum tolis in all and prepare

a

in equalparts, two (JcantaJcdri) Jacquinii decoction in the usual

A way.

given
in

with the addition of

a butter,

honey.1

is preparedwith glirita
a

clarified taken

decoction

of the

plantand

paste of the

root

the usual

and is used in phthisis. proportions VdsdvaleJia2 or electuaryof vdsaka. Take leaves

four seers,

of

the

juice of
pepper

vdsaka sixteen reduced

white
sixteen
an

sugar

one

seer,

long

clarified butter tol"s,

to the consistence

boil tolas,

them

of

extract.

"When

together till cool add honey

"RT^

HYGROPHILA

SPINOSA.

215

one

seer,

and stirwith

ladle till mixed. intimately the

Dose,one

to

two

tolas in

cough with painin phthisis,

taila*

and sides, haemoptysis

asthma. Vdsdchandanddi
a

Take
;

of vdsalca plant, twelve boil till reduced

to

seers

and

half,water
of lao

seers sixty-four

one-fourth.

to seers sixty-four ; boil down root of CleroTake of red sandal wood, gulancha, sixteen seers. the ten drugs called dasamudendron Siphonanthus (brahmayashti), each two seers and a half, la and Solanum (nidigdhikd), Jacquinii to sixteen To these decoctions water sixty-four seers. seers; boil down add of whey and prepared oil sixteen seers each sesamum and the following substances in the form of a paste,namely, red wood of Berberis Asiatica, sandal wood, liquorice, long pepper, black pepper, pdchakroot, emblic myrobalans, ginger,turmeric, mom, wood of Cedrus Deodara, cinnamon, and cardaleaves, tejapatra seeds called renuka, pouch of civet cat, root of Withania Vanda Rox(asvagandhd)Pcederia fcetida (prasdrani), somnifera zedoaryroot, and the saileya burghii(rdsnd), (a sort of lichen), toUs ; and boil each eight fruit of AglaiaRoxburghiana (priangu), the body in the usual way. This oil is rubbed on them together

Take

eightseers,

water

in affections of the chest and

in phthisis. especially

HYGROPHILA
Nees. longifolia,
,

SPINOSA,
Ruellia

T. Anders.

Syn.

Asteracantha

Roxb. Sans. ^Ttfa^TTW, Kokildksha, longifolia, Hind. Vern. Kulidkhard, Beng. Tdlmakhdna, Ikshugandhd.

Trf?r^^nrx
TT^TT

irtftfalf I

216 annual This little The leaves and

anasarca.

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

is met
are

with

in
as

described

placesall over coolingand useful

low

the
in

try. coun-

jaundice

dered They are used as a pot herb. The root is consiand is used in rheumatism, tonic and diuretic, bitter, cooling, also The ashes^of the plant and anasarca. are urinaryaffections,

used

as

diuretic in

dropsy.1

This bitter Nees. PANICULATA, of kdlmegand shrub is well-known in Bengalunder the name is of a domestic medicine for infants called the principal ingredient its Sanskrit name. doubt regarding A'lui. There is some A with synonyms of mohdtiktd, sankhini, etc., plantcalled yavatiktd

ANDROGRAPHIS

this shrub but the term mohdtiktd when to mean by some is usually as Melia interpreted occuring in Sanskrit prescriptions has not been noted by me Sw. and yavatikta as sempervirens, inclined to think so that I am having occurred in any prescription, not used in Sanskrit medicine. The was paniculata Andrographis dlui above referred to is made of the expressed of the leaves juice with the addition of powderedcardamoms, cloves, cinnamon etc., and is givento infants for the reliefof griping, stools irregular and loss of appetite.
is said

NAT.

ORDER.

SESAMES.
Linn. Hind.

SESAMUM
Sans.

INDICUM,

Vern. Tily ^Tw^T, ftn?T, Snehaphala. Beng.and Tila,

cultivated in India for the sake of plant is extensively both of which articles are in the seeds and their expressed oil, and medicinal for various economic, religious great demand is derived frem the Sanskrit for oil, The word taila, purposes. of the was one oil, tila;it would therefore seem, that sesamum from oil-seeds by the ancient if not the first oil manufactured first, The Hindus. Bh"vaprakasa describes three varieties of til seeds, namely, black,white and red. Of these the black is regardedas the best,suited for medicinal use-. It yieldsalso THIS

218

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

medicine. and tonic

various

The

root

of

Vitex The Their

Negundo
leaves
are

is considered aromatic

fuge febritonic,

expectorant.

and used

regarded as
for

and

vermifuge.
of

juice
leaves

is

much
the

soaking
of

metallic decoction

powders, before making nirgundi pillow

for
is

latter into

pills.
and
ness dull-

given with the addition

of head of

long

pepper

in

catarrhal A

fever with stuffed

heaviness with

of

hearing.1
under
is

the leaves The

worms

nirgundi is juice of
the ulcers.
sinuses

placed
leaves An and
oil

the

head
remove

relief of headache.

said to

foetid the

dischargesand
the

from

prepared

with

juice of

leaves is

appliedto

scrofulous

sores.2

GMELINA
Sans.

ARBOREA,

Linn.

T'WT^V, Kdsmari. ^RITJP^, Ghambhdrij ^fa*8f, Sriparni,

Vern.

Gdmdri, Beng. Gdmbhdr,

Hind.

THE

root

of

this

plantis (see

described

as

bitter, tonic, stomachic,

etc.

laxative,and
of ingredient much used
root in

useful in dasamula
a

anasarca fever, indigestion,

It
is

is

an

Desmodiun diseases.

gangeticum ), and

thus

varietyof
with The

Bangasena
and
sugar

says

that gamthe

bhdri

taken of milk.

liquorice, honey
fruits of Gmelina the
into

increases
are

secretion bitter and

arborea

sweetish several

cooling; they enter

is

composition -of burning

fruits the
of

decoctions coolingor refrigerent The

for fever and Take

of

of the

body.
sandal

following
and the
two

an

example.
of

Gmelina

Grewia arborect,

Asiatica
root

(parushaka),liquoriceroot,red
Andropogon
is used muricatum

wood,
to

( usliira,), equal
boil till reduced
in bilious fever.3

parts, in all
one

water tolas,

and thirty-two tolas,

as
a

half.

This decoction

drink

fftf fa^WTT

ST^irsf
i

f*r?r%i#f
f? *

fal* stf 5-^r "TrfH**wvfTr

OCIMUM

SANCTUM.

219

CLERODENDRON

SIPHONANTHUS,
Sans,

R.

Br.

Syn.
root

Si,

plionanthusIndica^ }Lam. Bhdrgi.

Vern.

winf ^H^fe*^ Brahmayashtikdi

Clerodendron
and scrofulous

Bdmanhdti, Beng. Siphonanthus is considered

affections.
water

Bhdrangi, Hind.
useful in
to
a

The

of

asthma, cough composition

A
fection con-

The

root beaten

pulp is given with lungs.

ginger and
of

warm

in asthma.1

It enters

into the

several

compound

decoctions

for diseases of the

and the

Bhdrgiguda is prepared with a decoction of this root the ten drugs called dasamula, chebulic myrobalan, treacle and usual aromatic It is used in asthma. An substances.^ oil, pared prewith
a

called

decoction the usual the

and

paste of

the

root

of

Clerodendron
for external

Siphonanthus in

is proportions,

recommended

in application

marasmus

of children.

PREMNA Roxb. Sans.

SERRATIFOLIA,

Linn.

Syn.

Premna

spinosa,
cribed des-

Tf^ifw,

^faw^r, Agnimantha. Vern. Ganikdrikd,

The and
root

Ganidriy Beng. Ami,

as

Hind.

of
in

Premna

spinosa is
A and made

stomachic bitter, The leaves

are

useful

fever,anasarca,
soup

ria, urtica-

etc.

bitter and
as
a

carminative. stomachic

of

the leaves is The

root

used occasionally
an

carminative.
gan-

forms

of ingredient

dasamula in
a

(see Desmodium
affections.
water

geticum),and
The be taken
root

is thus rubbed

largelyused
into
a

of variety

paste with

is recommended

to

with clarified butter in urticaria

and

for roseola,

week.2

NAT.
OCIMUM
Sans.

ORDER

LABIATE.

SANCTUM,
Parndsa.
two

Linn. Vern.

cJST^, WHJ, Tulasi,

writers make

Tulsi, Beng.

Hind.

SANSKRIT
upon
some

varieties of this their

plant(founded
white of the Vishnu

difference in the colour of The Ocimum

t
sanctum

leaves) namely,
to

and

black.

is held sacred

Sfa^T^^lf^T fr%IT*ff

It

220

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Hindu

trinity, and
watered beads of
or

is

reared

in

every all the

hindu members natives

are

house

where

it is

daily
The number of this

and

worshipped by
used of their

of the for

family.
the

rosaries

by

orthodox

counting
of the

recitations

deity'sname,

made

stems

plant.
leaves
in is
are

The
are

regarded

as

anti-catarrhal

or

expectorant
The
in

and of

used leaves It
are

catarrh, cough given

often with used the
as

and

pain

in

the

sides.
pepper

juice
catarrhal

the

addition
an

of black
to

fever.1 which leaves for

is

adjunct
thin

metallic then

preparations,
licked
up.

rubbed
into

with the

it into

paste and
of
some

The

enter

composition
of the of

compound

decoctions
an ple. exam-

cough
Take

and of

affections the leaves

chest.

The

following is

Ocimum

sanctum,

gulancha, ginger,
and
a

root

of

Clerodendron

Siphonanthus,
and
are

( bhdrgi)
prepare used
as

Solanum decoction
in

Jacthe

quinii (kantakdri), equal parts

usual also used with

way.2
enter in
a

The
into

dried
the

leaves

snuff

in

ozasna.

They
medicines

composition
for leaves

of of

some

compound
oil which
roots

this

disease, as
of the

example
of Ocimum

an

is

prepared

paste

sanctum,
montanum

of Solanum

Jacquinii
Calamus black

( kantakdri ( vachd

), Baliospermum

( danti}% Acorus
pepper,

), Moringa ginger.3

pterygosperma

( sigru ), long

pepper,

and

OCIMUM
flans.

BASILICUM,
Varvara.

Linn. Bdbui

Syn.

Ocimum The

pilosum,
seeds and

Willd.
this

sit,

Vern.
in
water

tulsi.
are

Beng.

of

plant,

called

rehdn
in

the

vernacular,
swell into

demulcent

ing. nourish-

Steeped
is

they

mucilaginous jelly which

and

taken

with

the

addition

of sugar

in

dysentery, gonorrhoea

cough.

BOERHAAVIA

DIFFUSA.

221

NAT.
AMARANTHUS

ORDER

AMARANTACE.E.
Linn. Sans,

SPINOSUS.

a^,",

Tanduis

Vern. Kantdnatid9 Beng. CJwldi, Hind. liya.

This

thornyweed
medicine
and

considered

and light, cooling

root

promoter of the alvine and urinary

to

discharges. Its menorrhagia, in

It enters
as disease,

is said

be

an

efficaceous
rasot

for

which the

disease it is

also into
for

given with compositionof other

the called preparation

boney.i
for this

medicines Asoka

example in

ghrita.

ACHYRANTIIES
Sans.

Linn.* ASPERA, ^rTTTnr, Apdmdrga. ^T^url1, Kharamanjari.

Hind. chirchird, A'pdng, Beng. Latjird, THIS weed troublesome is chieflyvalued on account of potash. These are ashes which contain a largequantity
Vern. of preparation Alkaline ashes ). The

of its used

in the

alkaline medicines ashes mixed with other

and

caustic pastes,

( see

caustic to warts

on

the

penisand

as orpimentare applied partsof the body.

oil four seers, the alkaline Apdmdrga taila.2 Take of sesamum water preparedfrom the ashes of Achyrantlies aspera sixteen seers,

the ashes

of

the

plant one

seer, and

boil them
in

in together of noise

the usual way.

in the
ears

This oil is

poured into
as

the meatus

cases

and deafness. weed itself is described laxative heatinglike fire, combination with and

The
a

promoter

of secretions; it is used in

other

medicines

of its class in ascites and anasarca,

(seeCedrus Deodara).

NAT.

ORDER

NYCTAGINACE^.

BOERHAAVIA
Sans.

DIFFUSA,

Linn.

S'WT,

Sothaghni. Punarnavd, ^ft^lfft,

white varieties of this

Vern. BOTH the red

Beng. Sdnt,Hind. Svetapunarnabd,

and

plant are
use.

noticed
is

by

Sanskrit

writers

but the white is

for preferred

Its root

as

* The closelyallied this. G. K.

A. bidentata,Bl. species

is

probably

used

as

frequently

222

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

diuretic regardedas laxative,

and

stomachic; it is used in jaundice,

One

ascites, anasarca,
of its Sanskrit A decoction of

scanty urine and internal inflammations.

means namely, sothagni cure

synonyms,

for

dropsy.
A

the addition of decoction

punarnavd root is recommended powdered chiretd and ginger in

much used in this disease is Take of Punarnavd

to be

given with
pound com-

anasarca.1

preparedas
Kurroa

follows.

Punarnavdshtaka.2 of Trichosanthes dioica chebulic

root,nim

bark, leaves

Picrorrhiza (patola\ ginger, the wood

water

(katuki),
;

myrobalan, gulancha,and ), quarter

reduced with of
a

of Berberis Asiatica tolas thirty-two

is

( ddruharidrd
boil in

tola

each,

till together general anasarca

etc.

to

one-fourth.

This decoction

given

difficultbreathing, cough,jaundice, ascites,

a

An

oil,preparedwith general ansarca

taila?
an

decoction of
a

of the

root

and
on

number the

of the usual aromatics

in

in the form

paste,is rubbed

body
The

with jaundice. complicated

It is

called Punarnavd

Bh"vaprak"sa gives
It is
a

electuaryunder
a

the

name

of
of

Punarnavdvaleha. Boerliaama in

prepared with
number of other

decoction

of the root

diffusaand

and ingredients,

is used

strangury or scanty urine.

NAT.
CINNAMOMUM
Sans,
^re

ORDER

LAURACEJE.
Nees
et

CAMPHORA,
^, Karpura, ^^Ip

Ebermaier.

Chandrdhba.

Vern. Two varieties of and

Kdpur, Hind. camphor

are

Karpur. Beng. mentioned by Sanskrit writers,

is

namely, pakva

apakva, that

preparedwith

the aid of heat

H
I ^
\

CINNAMOMUM

CAMPHORA.

223

and

without
seem

it.

The

latter is considered

superiorto
obtained

the former.

It would

from

the above
meant

that by description the

the term
in

apakva
Borneo

karpura, was
from the trunk

probably
of the term from

camphor

Dryobalanops aromatica, (Shorea Camphorifera, pakva karpura, the

the wood
of
an

Roxb). and by by
of The

China

camphor
under

ed obtain-

sublimation

Cinnamomum
oil of

Camphora.
the
name

Rdjanirghantudescribes
taila.
to

camphor
in

karpura

It is said to loose teeth.

be

useful

rheumatism

and

in

giving firmness by
the native the
on

This

oil is not

recognized or
but
it most

used

of practitioners

the present

day,

probably
by making
and

meant

camphor
the

oil

or

liquidcamphor
tree.

obtained

incisions

Borneo
is

camphor

Camphor
it is
etc. diseases,

regarded as
in

carminative, stimulant

disiac; aphroeye-

used

fever, diarrhoea, impotence, cough,

used
in the

It is also much

preparationof
well
as

medicinal

oils for nation

imparting fragrance to them, singly as

with other aromatic
of
numerous an

in combina-

substances. medicines for

Camphor
the

enters

into the

composition
above. The

diseases

mentioned

followingis
rasa.1 Take

illustration. of

Karpura
Cyperus roiundus parts
with
;

cinnabar,opium, camphor, tubers

seeds make and into

of

(mustaka],indrajava
the

nutmegs,

equal

powder

ingredients,and
are pills

pills four-grain
is Bengalensis,

water.

These

used the

in diarrhoea.

Camphor,
recommended also into

rubbed
to be

with

milky juice of
the
A collyria.2

Ficus
cornea.

on applied to opacities

It made

enters

compositionof

several

small tent

with

?Tm"ftST'rjr?rf*T"" i

224

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

camphor
of the

is introduced

into

the urethra

for the

relief

of

irritability

bladder

and

frequent micturition.1

CINNAMOMUM Gudatvak. Cinnamon

is

ZEYLANICUM,
largely used
combination
as an

Breyn.
aromatic of

Sans.

Sf

w"

adjunct
cardamoms

in

compound
and

A prescriptions.

cinnamon,
of

tejapatra leaves, passes

by

the

name

these trijdtaka,

three

aromatics

being

often

used

together.
Nees. and other nish species, furthe
cular. verna-

CINNAMOMUM
the leaves

TAMALA,
called
are an

tejapatra in
essential

in Sanskrit,and tejpdt

They
remarks
on

ingredient of
see

Indian

cookery.

For

their

uses

in medicine

Cinnamomum

Zeylanicum.

NAT.
MYRISTICA
enter into

ORDER

MYRISTICE^.
Linn.
numerous

OFFICINALIS, composition
is
no

Both

nutmegs
as

and

mace

the

of

medicines their
use

aromatic

adjuncts,but
consideration several writers

there here.
as

in peculiarity

that

need

special by
cholera

An
a

infusion

of

nutmegs
in the

is recommended

serviceable

drink

thirst

of

patients.2

NAT.

ORDER

SANTALE^E.

SANTALUM
Sans. Vern. SANSKRIT
some

ALBUM,

Linn. Srikhanda.

*^*,

Chandana,

*R^W,

Chandan,
writers

Beng. Sapliedchandan, Hind.

several varieties Santalinus
this of
or

describe of

of chandana

and

include

the woods

Pterocarpus

(raktachandana)
tion. denominawood sandal
are

and

CcesalpiniaSappan Excluding
these

under (pattanga)

common

last, two

varieties

sandal white

generally recognised, namely,

srikhanda

wood

226

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

with

the

two

other with

myrobalans.

The

fresh A

fruits

are

glolular,
of the of

six-striated,
fruits and made

fleshy,
is of

acidulous considered The

pulp.
a

preserve

ripe
diet of

with

sugar,

wholesome dried fruits

article

preservative
grey

health.
and have

are

wrinkled,
taste.

blackish
The

colour,
of The The It is

an

acidulous,
are

astringent
to

properties

emblic fresh dried said

myrobalan juice
fruits that the is
are

said

resemble

those diuretic useful made in

of
and

the

chebulic. laxative.

cooling,

refrigerant,
and

astringent
from

haemorrhages.
on

exudation

incisions

the
recent

fruits

while

on

the
of

tree, is
the eye. is

very It
is

useful
also

external
used
as a

application collyrium.1
stomachic

in

inflammation

The drink in

following

preparation
of the

used

as

cooling
of
water

and

irritability
and

stomach. tolas cloth

Take

emblic half

myrobalan,
a seer

raisins,
them

sugar

honey,
strain doses.2 drachms

eight through

each,
and

rub

together,
in suitable
two

administer

the

strained

fluid

About
to

of of and

emblic

myrobalan
with the of addition blood

is

recommended
of

be

given

in

the

form

paste,

honey
the

for

checking
The A of fresh

menorrhagia
juice
of the of the is

discharge
fruits
is

from

uterus.

ripe

given
the

with

honey
region

as

diuretic.3

paste
the

fruits

applied

over

pubic

in

irritability

bladder,4

Kkanddmalatip
the

or

confection of

of

emblic

myrobalan.

Take

of four

pulp

of

an

old

gourd

Benincasa

cerifera, (kushmdn(fa}

PHYLLANTHUS

EMBLICA.

227

hundred fresh
casa

clarified tola's, emblic

butter four
;

two seers,

seers,

sugar

four the

hundred

tola's,
Beninand

mjrobalans
seers

juice
the

of

gourd

of

cerifera,four
the clarified and boil and

first

dry

pulp
of

of the the

gourd
emblic of the sugar.

fry

it in

butter. the fried

Express
pulp
with the seeds

the
in

juice
mixed

myro-

balans

the

juices
of the aromatic each leaves

emblic When

myrobalan
the
syrup

the

pumpkin,
add

the

addition

is thick

enough,

following
and

substances,
sixteen called

namely,
black

long

pepper,

uigella

ginger,

tola's, tejapaof

pepper

eight tolas, coriander, cinnamon,

flowers
of Mesua and fine the

tra,

cardamoms,
rotundus
two

ferrea (ndgakesara),
leaves and of Pinus
a

tubers Webbiana ladle till

Cyperus

(must oka),
tola's, (allin
Then of add
a

each (tdlisa),

powder)
one

stir with and

stir

till
duced re-

intimately
to to

mixed.

honey

seer

well

the

consistence
in

confection.

This and

preparation
after
etc.

is said

be

useful

dyspepsia

with

pain

vomiting

meals,
It promotes

"disinclination for food, pain in the

the Dhdtri four

precordial region,

appetite and
lauha.1

acts

as

tonic. emblic

Take iron

of

powdered

myrobalan,

sixtysixteen for

prepared tola's,
them

liquorice powder thirty-two tola's,

and This soak in the

tola's,mix
seven

together

juice
is

of

gulancJia
in

times
to

successively. forty grains

in

preparation

given

doses

of

twenty

anaemia, jaundice

and

dyspepsia.

228

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDIG'A,

Dhdtri Take the fresh

arishta*

or

fermented thousand of the and mixture

liquor
emblic

of

emblic

myrobalan. honey
pepper in

juice
to

of two

myrobalans,

quantity equal
sixteen

one-eighth
six
seers

juice, powdered
a

long
them
an

tol"s, sugar
a

quarter;
to

mix in

together,
earthen

boil This

for

while

and used

leave
in

the

ferment

jar.
etc.

liquor is

jaundice, dyspepsia, indigestion^ cough, TIGLIUM,

Linn.

CROTON Sans,

wsrem,
Vern.

Jayapdla. ^fWfi^,

KanakapJiala
Hind.

Jaypdl, Beng.
Croton

Jamdlgotd,
are

THE and the milk useful

seeds
in

of

Tiglium

considered
worms, etc.

heating, drastic, enlargements

of in

fever, constipation,

intestinal

abdominal and their

viscera, ascites, anasarca,

outer

They
before
any

are

boiled

skin

and

embryo
not

are

removed

being

used

internally.
and into
was

Croton

oil is
to

mentioned Hindus.
many
are a

by

Sanskrit seeds for the

writer enter

unknown

the of
a

ancient

Croton

the

composition
above. The

great

medicines few

diseases

mentioned

following
Take

illustrations. borax seeds and

nine

Ichchhdvedivatikd.2 pepper, rub

are one

of mercury, three and

sulphur,
croton

black

part each, ginger

parts,
make
as

parts

them

together
in fever

with with

water

into also in

two-grain
ascites five and

These pills.
anasarca.

given
Rukkesa

constipation
of chebulic

rasa.%

Take

myrobalan

parts,

croton

TTIR

oftqf f^rffaffTC'n
i

BALIOSPERMUM

MONTANUM.

229

seeds

one

part, soak
and of make the

them
into

in the

milky juice of Euphorbia neriifolia

These
are

( snuhi
decoction permum

),

four-grainpills.
),
drastic

given with

root

of

Ipomcea Turpethum
as a

( trivrit ), or

Balios-

montanum

( danti

purgative

in obstinate

constipation.
Mahdndrdcha
rasa.1

Take
root

chebulic of

myrobalan, pulp
montanum

of Cassia

Fistula,emblic
Picrorrhiza

myrobalan,

Baliospermum
of

(danti),

Kurroa
root

(tiktd
Ipomcea

), milky juice

Euphorbia neriifolia
and them the tubers
to
a coarse

snuhi

),

of

Turpethum

( trivrit )
pound
till the

of

Cyperus powder

rotundus

each onetoU; (mustaka),

seers

and

boil in four Then of thin

take

of water of

latter is reduced

to

one-eighth.
in
a

tola and

husked

croton in the

seeds, tie
above of

them

piece

cloth

boil them
to

mentioned
a

decoction To

till the this

latter is reduced
extract

the consistence of

fluid

tract. ex-

add three

powder composed ginger

eight parts
two to

of

purified
pepper,

croton

seeds,
and them

parts of
in

and

of black make
a

mercury rub

sulphur,

quantity
twelve with

sufficient and
in

pill-mass; two-grain

together
are

for

hours,
cold
water

make

into

pills. These
a

given

tympanitis, operation
of

colic, ascites, etc., as

this

drastic be

purgative.
with

After

the milk

medicine,

rice should

given

curdled

and

sugar.

BALIOSPERMUM
Sans.

MONTANUM,
Vern.

Mull.
Hind.

^*ft)Danti.
of

Danti,

Beng.
as

THE Like the

seeds

Baliospermum they
are

montanum

are

described
use.

drastic.
root

croton

seeds

boiled

in

milk

before
are

The
in

of

plant is

considered
are

cathartic. indicated. these

Both The

much

used
a

diseases

where of

purgatives

following are

few

examples

prescriptionscontaining
\

medicines.

230

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Ndrdcha

rasa.1

Take

of mercury,

borax pepper

and
two

black

pepper,

one

part each, sulphur, ginger and

of
and

long
nino

parts
the
are

each,

seeds

Baliospermum
make
into

montanum

parts

powder
These

ingredients given
in

two-grain

pills with

water.

constipation and
Danti
and enclose

tympanites.

haritaJci.2 Take them

montanum

twenty-five large
piece
and of cloth
;

chebulic
take

myrobalans
of the roots of
two

in

then

Baliospermum
hundred
water

each Ipomcsa Turpethum (trivrit)^

seers,

tolas,
is reduced

water to

sixty-four

boil the

them

together

till the
out
sesa-

eight

seers.

Strain
them in

decoction, take
tolas

the
mum

chebulic oil.

myrobalans
To the

and

fry

thirty-two
add
two

of

strained boil

decoction
to

hundred
consistence

toUs for

of
a

old

treacle; then
Now
root

till reduced the

mass

the

proper

confection.

add of

to

the

following substances, namely (trivrit) thirty-two tolas,long

stir them

powdered
pepper cool called add

Ipom"a
each

Turpethum

and

ginger,

eight tolas,and
of

well

when leaves

thirty-two tolas
the

honey,

cinnamon,

cardamom,

tejapatra, and

flowers

of Mesua

ferrea (ndaakesara)each

sr^r^Ttw

RICINIS

COMMUNIS.

231

eight tolas, and

should confection be

prepare imbedded of the

confection.
in

The medicine.

chebulic Two
are

mjrobalans
toUs taken of the

kept
and
one

the

chebulic

myrobalans

to be

every

morning.
GuddshtaJca.l pepper, in and fine Take of

danti, trivrit
and in tola

and

plumbago
root,
other

roots, black

long

pepper,

ginger

long
weight
every

pepper
to

equal

parts

powder;

treacle, equal
about
a

all the

ingredients
and

mix.

Dose,

morning
etc.

in flatulence

retained

secretions, anasarca,

jaundice,

RICINIS

COMMUNIS,
Eranda.

Linn.

Sans. Vern.

T"C^,

^J*"
Erend.
the the

Ruvuka.

Bherendd,
Communis
in

Beng.
and

Hind.

THE 9eeds

root

of Ricinis been used

are

oil

obtained from Two Their

as

from
a

the
mote re-

have

medicine

by by

Hindus

very

period.
the
are

They

mentioned red

Susruta. white.

varieties

of

plant
said
in

are

described, namely
identical.

and oil is

properties
and It is
in

to be

Castor

regarded

purgative
etc.

useful
much which vdtdri

costiveness,
for its

tympanitis, fever, inflammation, efficacy

in

praised
it is used
or

chronic

rheumatic One of

affections
its synonyms

in various

combinations. The the local sciatica. oil is recommended of

root of

is
to be
as

anti-rheumatic.
useful
in

the

plant

is also

said

particularly lumbago,
As cow's
a

varieties

of rheumatism

such

pleurodynia,
purgative,
or an

and

castor

to
a

be

taken of the

wkh
bination com-

urine,
called

infusion-

ginger

or

decoction

dasamula

(see

Desmodium

gangeticum) .2

232

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

The boiled and the

seeds, freed
and In

from

impurities and
the
or

rubbed
is

into

paste,

are

in milk

water, and

decoction

given sides,a

in

lumbago
of nate carboposition com-

sciatica.1
root

pleurodynia,
with the

pain
of

in the

decoction

is

given

addition

yavaksJidra,(impure
enters

of

potash) .2
of various

The

root

of Ricinis

communis

into the

compound
nervous

prescriptionsfor
system.
castor

rheumatic

affections

and

diseases In

of the

affections of
most

of the eyes, forms writers. and A

oil leaves

and

root

are

used them and

use

in
are

variety

several

prescriptionscontaining
of the

given by
of the wash

decoction and
water

bark,

leaves for

root
as a

plant, in goat's milk

in recent

is recommended

ophthalmia.3

MALLOTUS

PHILIPPENSIS,
Rottlera Roxb. tinctoria,

Mull.

Syn.
Sans.
Vern.

3"f**^, Kampilla,

T^"TC?, Reclianaka.
Hind. for this

Kamild, Beng. Kambild, Kamald,

and
as

ROXBURGH

Brandis

give Punndga
goes,
tree

as

the Sanskrit
is

plant.
for with

As

far

my

information
a

Punndga
of the
numerous

the

Sanskrit
Coast
ranged ar-

Calopliylluminophyllum,
beautiful
in
rows.

large

Coromandel
stamens

white

fragrant flowers
is the red

and

Kampilla

mealy

powder covering
as

the and

capsules of
anthelmintic

Mallotus and
is

Philippensis. chieflyused
of
one

It is described

cathartic

to

expel intestinal

worms.

Kampilla
kill and of

powder given expel

in doses

told with It enters

treacle, is
into the

said to

all intestinal

worms.4

composition

234

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

is recommended neriifolia in the above mentioned The

to be

to piles.1 Thread applied

steeped (ddruhari-

mixture wood

is used

in

external ligaturing

haemorrhoids.2

powdered
into
tents

of Berberis snuhi and of introduction

Asiatica

drd) is steepedin
and (arka), made and

the

milky juiceof
for

Calotropis gigantea
into the tracks of

fistulain

ano

other sinuses.3

NAT.
Ml
Sans.

ORDER
RICA

MYBICEJE. SAPIDA,
Wall.

TOTJR^ Katphala. Vern. Kdephal,Hind.

of

THE valuable
or

bark

Myrica sapida(a Himalayan

is

is tree),

its most

and product, grey, with and

exportedto largely
vertical

the

plans.

It is dark

browish

deep

wrinkles,and supposed to

is considered

stimulant heating,

useful in diseases
as

be caused

by

deranged phlegm, such

the throat. It enters The for these diseases.

catarrhal

and fever, cougli,

numerous

affections of formulae

into the

compositionof
an

is following

example.
tubers Myrica sapida, Kurroa

KatphalddiChurna.*
of
Curcuma

Take

of the bark of

root of Picrorrhiza Cyperus rotundus (mustaka),

(katuki),
and

Zedoaria of

Rhus (sati),

succedanea

and (karkarta sringi),

the root
mix.

auriculata (Jcushta), Aplotaxis equal parts ; powder

This of

powder
asthma.

addition

given in doses of about a drachm with the and honey in affections of the throat, ginger-juice
is

cough and
used
as a

In catarrh with headache snuff.

the

powdered

bark

is

occasionally

CANNABIS

SATIVA, ORDER
Linn. Sans.

VAR.

INDICA.

235

NAT. FICITS

URTICE.E.
^ST,
Asvattha. Vern.

RELIGIOSA,
Hind.

Pipal,
Hind.
Vern.

FICUS FICUS

BENGALENSIS,
GLOMERATA,

Linn. Willd.

San*-

??, Vata.

Vern.

Bar.

Sans.

^*TC,
Hind.

Udumbara.

Jagnodumar,
FICUS

Beng. Gular,
Sans.

INFECTORIA,

Roxb.

nwfar, Parkaji.
Hind. of Ficus of A

Vern.

Pdkur,

Beng. Pdkri,
THE that the root-barks of these Indica
are

four

species
the
name

together

with
or

of Azadarachta five

pass

by

panchavalkala
decoction used
as a

barks, and
called
a

used valkala for

in combination.

of these

barks,

pancha
wash

kashdya
as

is much
an

gargle

in

salivation, as
The

ulcers,and
of of Ficus

injectionin

leucorrhoea.l

powdered
to

root-bark
sores

rubbed religiosa It is also and

with

honey
over

is

applied

aphthous
ulcers
to

children.2 their

sprinkled

unhealthy
The and

improve

condition

promote

tion.3 granula-

figs of

Ficus

glonierataare
and
are

considered
in

astringent,
and

chic stoma-

carminative of
one

given
dried
is

menorrhagia
with
as an

sis haemoptyhoney.4
metallic Vrihat

in doses

tola of the the

fruits

sugar

and
a

The

fresh

juice of

ripe fruit
and other

given

adjunct to

medicine vangesvara

for diabetes
rasa,

urinary complaints,

called

(see Tin). SATIVA,

Linn. VAR.

CANNABIS
Sans.

INDICA.
**5[TS*
,

fWOT, Vijayd, *^,

Vern. THE Cannabis and

Bhangd, TWr,

Ganjd,

Indrdsana.

Siddhi, Bhang, Beng. Bhang.

sativa
as

Hind.
very A
remote

has

been

used

from

period

both

in medicine

an

intoxicating agent.

mythological

23(5 has been origin in the shapeof

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDlCfA.

invented for it. It is said to have been

nectar

while

the

gods

were

produced the ocean churning

of

with the mountain Indra the

called Mandara.

It is the favourite drink

because it gives vijayd, to its votaries. The gods through compassion on the success human that mankind sent it to this earth so race by using it attain delight, loose all fear, and have their sexual habitually may desires excited.1 On the last day of the Durga pooja, after the idols
see are

kingof gods, and

is called

thrown

into

water, it is customary for the Hindus

embrace
on

to

their friends and

relatives and

them.
owner

After

this

it is incumbent is over ceremony to offer to his visitors a cup of tiffin. An but be

the

of the house
sweet-meats

bhang

and

for

intoxicating agent

with

such

recommendations

cannot

popularand so we find it in general use amongst all in the North- West provinces and classes especially Behar. Tn become the fashion to substitute brandy, Bengalit has latterly but I well remember having seen in the days of my boyhood
people have shunned who would as a pariah any one of their society addicted to the use of the forbidden spirituous liquor. At the durwans rich baboos, Hindustani could be seen doors of many rubbing the bhang in a stone mortar with a long wooden pestle, not solely intended for the use of and the pasteso prepared was
use

the free

of

bhang

among

the

better classes of

the

servants.

I do

not
or

mean were

to say

that all classes of Hindoos

to

without Some

exceptionare
among

addicted
men

the
some

use

of

bhang.

castes

the

up-country
as

and

classes of

people amongst
habits and do not orthodox

Bengalis are
use

rule very temperate in their of run ordinary littleexcitements, use

any

narcotic

at all ; but the

Hindus,accustomed

to have

their

ff a^wsT

fafaflir ITTHT

lh %fjnn

CANNABIS

SATIVA,

VAR.

1KDICA.

237

Widngfor
would The in India

the

purpose

without
use

result from the three

are,
"

of

incurring any opprobiumsuch liquors. spirituous

in which

as

flowering topsof the female from which the resin has not been removed. the plant, 2, Charas, stems and flowers. resinous exudation from the leaves, 3, Bhang, the larger leaves and seed vessels without the stalks. has so well described the preparaSir William O'Shaughnessy tions and his name of Indian hemp in use amongst the natives, is associated with the history of this drug,that I cannot so intimately
do better than
"

forms principal 1, Gdnjd, the

Indian

hemp

i? met

with

dried

quote his

account

of them. used with

water

and Bhang (synonymous) are Snbjee Sidhee,

: prepared
"

as

drink which is thus

About

three tol"s'weight(540
to

are troy grains)

well washed with black

with

cold water, then rubbed cucumber and melon

powder,

mixed

pepper,

seeds,
This Half

equalquantityof water. sugar, half a pintof milk and an habituated person. is considered sufficientto intoxicate an
the used

is chiefly quantityis enough for a novice. This composition of the better classes. by the Mahomedans " is as follows: Another recipe The same quantityof Siddhi is washed and ground,mixed
"

with black pepper, drank

at
one

and

quart of cold

water

added.

This

is

This is the favourite beverage of sitting. this vice, the Birjobassies who practice and especially Rajpootanasoldiery.
"

the Hindus
many

of the

From hour.

either of these Almost

intoxication beverages

will ensue

in

half

the inebriation is of the most invariably cheerful kind, causing the person to singand dance, to eat food with great relish, and to seek aphrodisiac enjoyments. In persons it occasions, of a quarrelsomedisposition as pected, mightbe exof their natural tendency. The tion intoxicaan exasperation lasts about three hours, when No nausea sleepsupervenes. the bowels at all affected; sickness of stomach succeeds, are nor or and vascularity next day there is slight of the eyes, but giddiness other symptom worth recording. no " Gdnja is used for smoking alone: one rupee weight, (180 dried tobacco are rubbed together and a little in the palm grains)
an

238 of the
persons.

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

band,
A

with

few

little tobacco

dropsof water. This sufficesfor three in the pipefirst, then a layer js placed

then more tobacco and the fire above all. prepared gdnga, Four five persons usually The hookah is or joinin this debauch. tion passedround,and each person takes a singledraught. Intoxicaalmost instantly and from one draught to the unensues accustomed hour, and after four or five inspira; within half an tions to those more in the vice. The effectsdiffer from practised those occasioned by the siddhi. Heaviness, and agreeable laziness, reveries ensue, but the person can be readily roused and is able to discharge routine occupations, such as pulling the pankah, etc. waitingat table, " The Mdjoon or hemp confection, is a compound of sugar, butter, flour, milk,and siddhi or bhang. The process has been of a repeatedly performed before us by Ameer, the proprietor celebrated place of resort for hemp devotees in Calcutta and who Four ounces of js considered the best artist in his profession. siddhi and an equalquantity of ghee are placed in an earthen or of water added, well-tinned vessel, and the whole warmed a pint stirred until the mixture is constantly over a charcoal fire. The noise of the water all boils away, which is known by the crackling melted removed
an

of the

butter

on

the sides of the vessel

The

mixture

is then

from the

throughcloth fire, squeezed

the active

while

hot,by which

solution of oleaginous

matter and colouring principles

of the
on

hemp

is obtained ; and
are
a

the

the

cloth into

thrown

away.

concretes

mass buttery so

and

etc., remaining fibres, leaves, The green oilysolution soon is then well washed by the
as

hand The

with

soft water,

long
an

the water

becomes
are

coloured. thus
moved re-

matter colouring

and

extractive substance

palegreen mass, of the consistence of simple thrown The washings are ; Ameer ointment,remains. away and produce constriction of the intoxicating, says that these are and dangerous symptoms. throat, great pain and very disagreeable "The operator then takes two poundsof sugar, and adding a
and
a

very

little water,

placesit

in

over pipkin

the fire. When

are a

the sugar thick

are scum

dissolvesand froths, two

rises and
is removed
;

ounces more

of milk milk

added

; a

and

little water

added

CANNABIS

SATIVA,

VAR.

INDICA.

239

from

time

to

time, and

the

boiling continued
until
it becomes

about
an

an

hour,

the clear

solution
syrup,

being carefully ready

to

stirred
on
a

adhesive
ounces

solidify
before the the

cold
in

surface fine of

four
are

of

tyre

(new in,

milk and

dried

sun)

powder hemp
A the
mass

now

stirred brisk
"ttar

lastly

prepared
for
a

butter few

is

introduced,

stirring being
of the
roses are

continued

minutes.

few

drops

of

then
on
a

quickly sprinkled in, and

flat cold thick A
seer

mixture

poured

from
diately imme-

pipkin

dish

or

slab.
is

The

concretes

into

cake,
thus

which

divided for
;

into four three and

small
rupees.

lozenge"
One
one

shaped pieces.
drachm

prepared
a

sells

by weight
in Ameer introduces of
its

will
use.

intoxicate The that

beginner
is
sweet

drachms,
the odour of

experienced

taste

very
tomers cus-

agreeable.
he

states

sometimes

by special
but lower
consume never

order
nux

stramonium

seeds,
the

vomica
or

that

all classes and

persons

including
their

Portugese
the
extatic

Kala
;

Feringhees
it
a

especially

females,

drug

that

is

most

fascinating
of

in its
a

effects,producing
of

happiness,
appetite

persuasion
intense

high rank,

sensation

flying, voracious

and

aphrodisiac
leaves
use.

desire."*
sativa
are

The milk

of Cannabis

purified by being
as

boiled

in

before and

They

are

regarded
intoxication

gent, heating, digestive, astrin-

narcotic.

The

produced
promote
the
fried

by bhang

is said

to

be

of In

pleasant description

and

to

talkativeness. leaves is

sleeplessness, the
doses for

powder sleep
T.ike
682.

of and of

given

in

suitable

inducing
diurnal

removing
nutmeg,

pain.1
cloves,

JdtiplLolddya
*

cinnamon,

Bengal

Dispensatory,

p.
0.

if

*nfaf*i

240

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MED1CA.

cardamon,

tejapatraleaves,flowers
sandal

of

Mesua

ferrea(iidgakesam\
manna,

camphor,

wood,

sesamum

bamboo seeds, chebulic (tagara),

pepper,

flowers emblic of Pinus

mvro-

of

Taberncemontana

coronaria pepper,

and

balans, long
biana

black

ginger,leaves

Web-

Eibes above and is

plumbago root, cumin seeds and the seeds of Embelia (tdlisa), equal parts, (viranga), purified bhdngequal in weight to all the and sugar twice as much the bhang. Powder ingredients, as Dose, about
rasa.1

mix.

twenty
Take

to

forty grains.
loss of

This

preparation

and given in diarrhoea, indigestion Jvdldnala carbonates of

appetite.

of

potash and Piper

of

and sarjikdkshdra, yavakshdra, pure (imsoda)borax,mercury, sulphur,long Chaba

pepper,

black

pepper,

(chavya)and
equal
to

ginger,equal
all the the above

parts, fried leaves

root ingredients,

Cannabis

sativa

weight of mix soak the mixed and bhdng ; powder the ingredients, powder for three days in each of the following fluids, namely a decoction fresh juiceof the leaves of Cannabis ga or Indica, the roots of Morinpterygosperma, and Plumbago rosea, and dry in the
roast
sun.

of

Moringa pterygosperma

half

Then the

the

mass

lightly and
Wedelia with

make

into

mass pill

with
.

juice

of the leaves of half and

a

calendulacea This

drachm

honey.
nausea

(bhringardja) Dose, about medicine is given in indigestion

vomiting.
such
as

loss of

with appetite

and

Numerous Madana books. and Most

are

confections

of

bhang,

Kdmesvara

modalca,
in

modaka, Bdlyasakrdsana modaJca, etc., are

These,
used
as

described

their

names

imply,
bowel

are

considered
nervous

aphrodisiac debility.
of
posed sup-

in
are

chronic

complaints and
of
a

of them tonic

prepared with equal parts aphrodisiac substances

in

number

and in

small

and quantities

bhdng equal

weight to

all the other

ingredients, togetherwith

t:

"m$H

fftf^T^

?r?rr

sre^i

^5

242

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

tion

with

long

pepper In

and

ginger, under
any reader few and who

the h
as

name

of trikatu

or

the these free

to

three pages from be

acrids.
must

fact,as

gone

through

have three often Black and

noticed,very myrobalans,
without pepper useful

compound
the and
as

prescriptionsare acrids, which

for the
seem

the added

three

reason,

sometimes

sake

of

rhyme.
carminative

is described

acrid, pungent,

hot, dry?
and and

in

intermittent
as
a

fever, haemorrhoids
rubefacient in

dyspepsia. Externally
skin diseases. In intermittent is recommended
sanctum

it is used

alopecia

fever, black

pepper the

in doses

of about leaves

drachm,

to be

given

with

juice of

the

of Ocimum
enters

or (tulasi),

Leucas
numerous

linifolia (dronapushpi).1It

into

the

composition
The

of

for dyspepsia, pilesand prescriptions

an

indigestion.
Prdnadd

followingis
Take

example.
pepper

gudikd?

of black

ginger thirty-two tol"s,

Chaba

twenty-four toUs, long

leaves eight tol"s, of of

pepper

sixteen

tolis,Piper

(chavya}
sixteen

Pinus

Webbiana

flowers (tdlisa) eight tol"s, pepper

root

Mesuaferrea, (ndgdkesara) four

called of

tolds, long
one

leaves tolds, and the

root two two

tejapatra and

cinnamon

tol"

each,cardamoms
toUs

two Andropogon muricatus, (usira)

each,

old

treacle about

hundred drachms.

and

forty
and

tol"s

rub
is

them

together.
in

Dose,

This

confection
a sense

given
of

hsemorrhoids. myro-

When
balan

there

is costiveness

heat,

chebulic

is substituted

for the

ginger

in the

above

prescription.
to be rubbed

The

bald

patches of alopeciaare

recommended

^
*

PIPER

LONGUM.

243 and (sdkhota) then

with

some

roughleaves as
with

of Strellu* asper

over sprinkled

powderedblack pepper.1

LONGUM, Linn. Syn. Ohavica Roxburgh", Miq.

Sans.

PIPER

fmnrrf^ ^"OT, Kand, *W, Pippali.

Vern.

KrisJind.

Hind. Pipuly Beng. Pipal, THE dried catkins and the root of Piperlonpum are used in medicine. They are considered heating, carminative, stimulant, laxative and useful in cough, hoarseness, alterative, asthma, etc. Old longpepper is said to be more dyspepsia, cacious effiparalysis,
than acrids in the fresh article. In the form of triJcatuor the three used
as an

it is much (see Pipernigrum),

aromatic

adjunct

Powdered long pepper, administered compound prescriptions. with honey,is said to relieve cough, hoarseness, asthma, hiccup
A mixture sleeplessness.2 pepper
as an a

and

of

long pepper, long pepper root,

several

black writers As

and

is prescribed by gingerin equalparts,

useful combination

for catarrh and hoarseness.3 for use in

a

alterativetonic, longpepper is recommended An

manner. peculiar with honey on

infusion of three

long peppers

is to be taken

the firstday, then for ten successive

days the

dose

is to be increased

day
be

three peppers erery day,so that on the tenth dose. Then the dose is to at one will take thirty the patient

by

reduced gradually

by

three

the and finally daily

to

medicine is
a

to be

omitted.

Thus

administered it is said

act

as

valuable the

alterative tonic in and spleen other

chronic cough, of paraplegia, enlargements etc.* abdominal viscera,

244

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA,

Long
several

pepper

and black pepper

enter

into tliecomposition of

snuffs. The following is an example. Take of irritating black pepper, long pepper, seeds of Moringapterygosperma (sveta and ginger equal parts; powder the ingredients and marietta) of the root of Agatigrandiflora rub them with the juice together This preparation is used as a snuff in coma and drowsiness. (vdka).

Ashtakatvara sixteen

taila* Take

of

ginger and

long

pepper

each

mustard tolas,
seers

oil four seers, butter-milk and boil them

in together

thiriy-two seers,
the usual way.

curdled uailk four This oil is rubbed

in sciatica and paraplegia. externally

PIPER

CHABA,

Hunter. Sans. The

Chavikd. ^fa^RT,

Vern.
are are

Chai,
dered consimuch

Seng. Chdb, Hind.

used
to adjuncts

fruits of this and

of Piper species carminative and

anti-catarrhal stimulant,
as

medicines

for

cold cough,

and hoarseness.

PIPER

BETLE,
Vern. are,
as

Linn.

Sans. 1TWM", Tdmbula. THE leaves of this creeper India. The

Pdny Beng. Hind.

is well

known,

masticated

by
add

the natives of

poorer classes make

their

packet of
The rich

betle with the addition of

catechu lime,

and betle-nuts.

cardamoms, nutmegs, cloves, camphor and other aromatics. stimulant and exhilarant. Betle-leaf thus chewed acts as a gentle of langourwhen deprived Those accustomed to its use feel a sense
of it. The be taken ancient Hindu writers recommend that betler-leaf should and
at

early in

the

morning,

after meals

bedtime.

^ ff'f

STZWg-Gf

I "3ftTtaFCft*TW*J

T?f?ri
:

PIKUS

WEBBIANA.

245

to Susruta, it is aromatic, carminative stimulant, and According

It sweetens astringent. all foulness

acts
as an

the

the breath, improves

voice and other

removes

from

the

mouth.

Accordingto

writers it

aphrodisiac.

it is said to be useful in diseases supposedto be Medicinally caused by derangedphlegmand itsjuice is much used as an adjunct administered in these diseases ; that is, to pills the pills are rubbed
up. into
an

emulsion

with the

of juice leaves

the betle-leafand
are

licked

Being always at hand, pan

various ways.
in

used

as

domestic
with oilis

remedy in

The stalk of the leaf smeared the

introduced into the rectum with children, to are applied and swollen with glands leaves
are

and tympanitis of constipation

the bowels to act. The leaves of inducing object the temples to painful in headache for relieving pain, and to the mammary for promotingabsorption, glands the of checking the secretion of milk. Pan object for foul ulcers which seem to as a readydressing

the

used

improveunder

them.

NAT.
PINUS

ORDER

CONIFERS.
Wall.

WEBBIANA,

Lindl. Syn.Abies Webbiana, Sans. THE Vern. TdlispatraBeng. Hind. HT^h^lW, Tdlisapatra, under by Kavirajas of the the
name

dried leaves used

patra, of tdlisaBotanic

were

identified at the herbarium be the leaves of Pinus round the

Royal
are

Garden

to

Webbiana.

They

all arranged spirally

one

to three inches

one long,

branchlets, flat, narrow, into a line broad,narrowed

single, linear,
short

terete

furrows on either under side with two longitudinal petiole, side of the raised midrib, upper side shining. The Sanskrit term has been hitherto translated by most writers on Botany tdlisapatra The error nated origiand Materia Medica, as Flacourtia cataphracta. and has dictionary probablyin Wilson's Sanskrit-English garded writers. This medicine is resince been repeated by subsequent and useful in phthisis, cough as carminative, expectorant

and asthma. The

powdered leaves

are

given with

the

juiceof

Justicia

246

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

Adhatoda confection black

(vdsaka) and
called

honey

in

cough,

asthma

and

haemoptysis.1 A
with

Tdlisddya, cliurna
pepper, and
enter

is

prepared

tdlisapatra,
cardamoms,
mentioned of
numerous

pepper,

long
and

ginger,
is used

bamboo-manna,
in

cinnamon,
diseases.2

sugar, leaves

the

above

These

into

the

composition

complex prescriptions.

PINUS

LONQIFOLIA,
Sarala,
Vern.

K0xb.

Sans. THE The and kshira Dr.

a

^^^,
wood

Chir, Saral,
used sarala

Hind. in Hindu cine. medisrivdsa

aromatic
tree

of Pinus
an

longifoliais
called

yields
Sanskrit,

oleo-resin in the

drava,

in

vernacular chir This is is

it is called exudes
or

gandhayields by
to

birozd. incisions natives the

Royle
very

remarked,

"The

fine

turpentine.
as

chiefly
obtained

valued

the

for its

resin, and
to

the

latter
more

only

by exposing
is pated dissi-

turpentine
to procure
was

heat,
the

the resin
as

oil,the
;

valuable
a

product
very

but
as

by adopting
ever

simple still,
of
was

the

resin

obtained the oil

sent

good

for

the

purposes
over

the
nounced pro-

natives,

while
on

of
to

turpentine
the General

which

distilled of

being

Hospital
is
now

Calcutta, by

to

be
tives na-

of very
in

superior quality."
the

Turpentine
distilled

distilled mentioned

the

Panjab

but

the

oil is not

by

krit Sans-

writers, The and wood useful of Pinus

in

longifoliais
of the
in

considered

stimulant, diaphoretic
ulce-

burning

body, cough, fainting, and

with other

rations; it is generally used fcr:

combination

medicines.

COCUS

NUCIFERA.

247
used in the

The

oleo-resin

or

crude

is turpentine

preparation of
It is

plasters,ointments,
buboes
an

and for

lor fumigation. pastiles

appliedto

and

abscesses of
a

promoting absorption.
of make

The

followingis
of crude

example

pastile containing crude turpentine. Take

and robusta,

wood turpentine, bdellium,

resin

Aquilaria Agallocha (aguru),and

into

of Shorea,

These pastiles.

are

used

for

ulcers.1 fumigatingunhealthy and painful

CEDRUS
Pinus Sans. THE aromatic

DEODARA,
Deodara,
Roxb.

Loud.

^^T^
wood

Devaddru.
y

Vern.

Deodar

Hind.
minative, car-

of

this

elegant pine
and useful
in

is considered

diuretic diaphoretic,

fever, flatulence,
used chiefly
an

etc. inflammation, dropsy,urinary diseases,

It is

in

combination of
a

with

other

medicines.

The this

following is drug.
reduce Take and (sigru),
to
a

example

diuretic
root

mixture

containing
drachm each

of devaddru

wood,
aspera

of

Moringa

pterygospewna
and

Achyranthes
paste with

(apdmdrga),one
urine.

cow's

This composition is given in ascites.2

NAT.

ORDER

PALMACEJE.
Linn.

COCUS
Sans. THE
*

NUCIFERA,

lfc%^,Ndrikela, Vern. Ndrial, Hind.

numerous

Ndrikel,Beng.
tree
are

economical
works.

uses

of this valuable

fully
as ripe un-

detailed in standard
are

I will refer medical

only

to such

of of

them

mentioned fruit is

in Sanskrit

works.

The

water

the

described
in

as

refrigerent cooling, fine-flavoured,

and

drink

useful

fever thirst,

urinary disorders.

The

tender diuretic.

pulp of the fruit is said to be nourishing,cooling and but is The pulp of the ripe fruit is hard and indigestible
The terminal bud of the tree
is esteemed
as a

used

dicinally. me-

nourish-

248

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA,

and agreeable The same remark ing, strengthening vegetable. to the topsof the tdl palm and date trees. The root of the applies
cocoa-nut

is used

as

diureticas also in uterine diseases.

It is much

Cocoa*
used
as

nut oil is said to

a

promote the growth of hair.

women.

hair-oilby the lower classes of native in by steeping under packets leaves

are

For this purpose of

it is scented

it

substances sold in The ashes of the

the used

vegetable fragrant of Mdtlidghasd. name Bengali in medicine. They contain a

tree

number

great deal of potash. The fresh juice of the

is considered

of and diuretic. The fermented juice constitutes one refrigerent the spirituous described by the ancient writers. The cleared liquors shell of the nut or portions of it are burnt in a fire and while terior in the inred hot, covered by a stone cup. The fluid deposited of the cup is rubefacient and is an effectualdomestic remedy for ringworm. Narikelakhanda.1 Take of the pounded pulp of cocoa-nut, half a seer,fry it in eight tolasof clarified butter, and afterwards boil in four seers of cocoa-nut add
water

till reduced to

syrupy

sistence. con-

cumin coriander, long manna, pepper, bamboo the tubers of seeds, seeds, nigella cardamoms,cinnamon, tejapatra, rotundus (mustaka)) and the flowers of Mesuaferrea Cyperus (ndgatol" epch in fine powder and prepare a confection. one kesara) in dyspepsia two to four tolas, and consumption. Dose,

Now

BORASSUS

FLABELLIFORMIS,

Linn.

Sans. *T*r, Tola,*W"r, THE of the properties

Vern. Tdl,Beng.Hind, Trinawja,

various

partsof this noble palm are

The
root is

described in detail in Sanskrit restorative.

or spadix
"

works.

and cooling

The saccharine

young

obtained by the excision of the juice is when freshly branch," drawn,cooling, flowering

fa 5^

250

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

betel-nuts Medicinally The aphrodisiac. Rativallava pugapdka.

an

urinary disorders and as Bhavaprakasagives a preparationcalled

are

used in

It is

a a

confection made number

of betel-nuts boiled and stimulant

in

milk,with
seeds

the addition of have

of aromatic

substances datura

to supposed

aphrodisiac properties.Sometimes
Cannabis
sativa
are

and

the

leaves of

added

to this

confection when

it is called Kdmesvara

modaka.

PHCENIX Vern India

SYLVESTRIS,
The is cultivated
into gur
or

Roxb.

Sans.

*,

Kharjura.
is

Kejur,Beng. Hind.
and

Ph"nix sake

is indigenous to sylvestris

for the

of its sweet

sap which

manufactured
are dactylifera

used

jagari. The importedfruits of Phoenix and expectorants. as demulcents medicinally

OEDEE HYPOXIDE.E.
ORCHIOIDES.

NAT.

HYPOXIS

Gaertn. Syn. Curculigo orchioides,

Sans. THE

ms^ft, Tdlamuli. ***ft, Mushali,

tuberous
roots

Vern.

Mushali,Hind.

of this plantare

considered

alterative, impotence.
to

restorative and useful in piles, and tonic, debility of several medicines They enter into the composition
act as

intended
an

example. Take of the root of Asparagusracemosus (satdvari), Sphceranthus seeds of Butea frondosa (hastikarna mollis (munditikd), gulancha, ) and the tuberous roots of musJiali, equalparts ; powder and mix. in the debility Dose, about a drachm with honey or clarified butter,
,

and aphrodisiacs

restoratives. The

in following

mentions two varieties of mushali, age.1The Raja nirghantu of the white variety are namely, white and black. The properties for use said to be inferior to those of the black which is preferred

of old

as

an

alterative tonic.
racemosus are

The

roots

of Bomlax sold

Malalaricum the native

and

Asparagus

sometimes

by

druggists

fiwrfa

AMORPHOPHALLUS

CAMPANULATUS.

251

of

Calcutta

under

the
names

name

of
are

su/ed
not

musli.

These

articles the
name

have of white in

however

separate
musli in any

and

designated by
On the

su/ed

native
or

medical

work.

contrary

variety of
the when

tdlamuli

musali

is,as
tubers

already noticed, mentioned

of

Rdja nirghantu.1 dry, trans

a

The

Curculigo orcJiioides
The dried roots
were

become

lucent

like ambar.

probably

considered

separate variety,namely, NAT.

ACORUS

the white

by

the ancients.

ORDER

AROIDEJE.
Linn.

CALAMUS,

Sans. THE considered nervine As

S'ST, Vachd, ^.^l^T,

aromatic emetic in rhizome

ShadgrantM.
or

Vern.
of

Bach,

B.

H. is and

root-stock

Acorus

Calamus

large doses,and

stomachic, carminative

in smaller
an

doses. it is
a seer

emetic half
a

administered

in

doses The

of about

eighty
is
an

grains example
Take

with of

of

tepid salt-water.2

following
this

prescription for dyspepsia containing

Calamus

drug.
black

of Acorus

"to,long pepper, root, assafcetida, myrobalan

about

pepper,

ginger, chebulic
and mix.

and
a

sonchal drachm.3 other

salt As

equal parts;
a

powder
or

Dose,

half

stimulant in low

nervine

it is used

in combination

with

medicines

fevers,epilepsyand insanity.
AMORPHOPHALLUS

CAMPANULATUS,
Arum

Blume.

Syn.
Sans. THE of its
or

campanulatum,

Roxb.

"3^,

Surana,

^W,

Olla.

Vern.

ol,Beng.

Hind. the sake

Amorplwphallus campanulatus is
are

cultivated

for

tubers,which
The

cooked

and
an

eaten

by

the natives which

like yams should the be

potatoes.

tubers

contain

acrid

juice

got rid off by thorough boilingand washing, otherwise

TffjfiT

vege-

252

SANSKRIT

MATEKIA

MEDICA.

table fauces.

is

apt

to

cause

troublesome

irritation

in

the

mouth
in

and

surana Medicinally,

is considered
synonyms

serviceable

rhoids; haemorcurer

in fact

one

of its Sanskrit

is arsoghnaor the
a

of The

piles.

It is administered with
a

in this disease in

variety'of
in
a

forms.

tuber is covered

layerof

earth and

roasted

fire; the

roasted

is given with vegetable

are

the addition
as

of oil and

salt.1 Several VriJiat

are

confections
surana

described
Surana

such

the

Laghusurana modaka,
modaka
etc.

modoka,

pindi,KdnMyana
of the tubers of
various

These

all confections with

made

Amorphophallus campanulatus
aroinatics and is thus acrids. Take of

the addition

of treacle and
surana

Svalpa or Laghu
black tuber pepper of
surana one

modaka2

prepared.
root

part,ginger two

parts,plumbago
tola every

four parts,

prepare and

eightparts,treacle confection. Dose, about

sixteen parts, mix

a

togetherand piles

morning, in

dyspepsia.
SCINDAPSUS

OFFICINAL1S,

Schott.

Syn.

Roxb. naliSj Hind. The

are

Sans.

Vern. TOfTTflrah1, Gajapippali.

officiGajapipul, Bengof and be

Pothos

sliced fruits of this considered

plant pass by

the

name

gajapipul
.

They

stimulant aromatic, carminative, other affections

are

useful in

asthma diarrhoea,

and

supposed
as an

to

caused

by

deranged phlegm. They

to other

used chiefly

aromatic

adjunct

medicines.

ALOCASIA

INDICA,

Schott.

Syn. Arum
Sans. THE and

Indicum, Roxb.

WTO*,

MdnaJca, Vern. Mdnkachu, Beng. Mdnkanda} Hind.

of Alocasia
of

underground stems

Indica

constitute The

able valustems

important vegetable

native

dietary.

I
2

^rawa^*:

"rfic*^VnifapiTO TKvrf*rr*i?NrK ft-

ZINGIBEK

OFFICINALE.

253
six to

sometimes and
can

grow

to

an

immense

from size,

fur a considerable time. preserved in jaildietary when fresh great importance in the bazar or jail scarce garden.They thrive the
eaves

be

feet in length eight Hence theyare of become vegetables best in shade under

of huts

or

and buildings

beside fences.
which

mdnaka Medicinally disease it is used in the meal

water
water
as

is said to be useful in anasarca, in

manner. following

powdered of Alocasia Indica eight tol"s, powdered rice sixteen tolis, and milk, tol"s each, boil them togethertill the forty-eight is evaporated.This preparation called Mdnamanda, is given
other article is allowed in addition to it ordered to be made with
a

Take

of the

diet.i No

except milk.
and

is also ghrita

decoction

pasteof

mdnaka

but itis not in vogue.

NAT.

ORDER

SCITAMINE.E.

ZINGIBER
Sans. W% Vern.

OFFICINALE,

Eoscoe.

*5l^t, ^, A'rdraka, Sringavera.

Hind. A'dd,Beng.A'draJc, GINGER carminative and useful is described as acrid, heating, affections of the throat, head and chest, in dyspepsia, rheumatism, piles, It is much used as a carminative etc. dropsy, urticaria, alongwith black pepper and long pepper under the name adjunct of trikatu or the three acrids. The dried root is called Ndgara, the In addition to possessing Sunti and MaJiaushadha in Sanskrit. of gingerit is said to be laxative. properties as a Ginger with salt taken before meals,is highlypraised the tongue and throat,increase It is said to purify carminative. and produce sensation. Ginger forms the appetite an agreeable the active of ingredient several medicines for and dyspepsia

haemorrhoids.
Samasarkara

churna.% Take

of cardamoms

one

part, cinna-

am

fa i

C
~

254

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

mon

two

three parts, parts,flowers of Mesuaferrea (ndgakesara)

four in

black pepper

parts,long pepper

five parts,dried

ginger

six

parts, sugar
and
mix.

quantityequal to
a

all the other

in

ingredients; powder
of and appetite

Dose, about

drachm

loss dyspepsia,

piles.

Saulhdgyasunti. l
four seers, sugar boil them coriander
six

Take

of clarified
a

milk butter,sixteen tol"s,

one seer

seers as

and
to

quarter, dry ginger

make
an

together so

twenty-fourtoUs,
of

fennel

seeds

electuary. Then add forty tol"s,bdberang

pepper,

seeds, cumin ginger,tubers

of Mesua

seeds,nigellaseeds, long
leaves Cyperus rotundus,

black

pepper,

called and
a

flowers tejapatra" cardamoms each This

cinnamon ferrea (ndgakesara), fine

eight
and

tolas in

powder,
used
as

and
a

stir with

ladle tillcold.
tonic

confection
in

is much of

carminative

in

dyspepsia
after
finement. con-

disorders

the

alimentary canal
is

in females

Sunti
a

ghrita.%
and

This

preparationof ginger made

and

with

decoction

paste of the root,clarified butter

This
sugar is

kdnjika in
with
a

the usual

proportions. It
khanda. milk and butter,
in small

is said to be useful in rheumatism.

a

A'rdraka clarified
aromatics

confection

made of

ginger,
of

with the

addition

number

quantities.It

is used in urticaria.

In

and cephalalgia

other affections of the

head, ginger juice

nf%*r?r

CURCUMA

LONGA.

mixed taken

with with

milk

is used relieves
taila.*

as

snuff.1

The and

fresh

juice

of

ginger

honey

catarrh, cough
Take of

loss of

appetite.2

Saindhavddya long
nuts
mum

dry ginger forty toUs, rock-salt,

toUs

pepper

root

and

plumbago
fermented

root, sixteen
rice
water

each, marking
seers,
an sesa-

twenty
oil four way.

in

number,

sixteen
prepare

seers,

boil them

together

and

oil and

in

the

usual

This

oil is rubbed

externally

in

sciatica

other

forms

of rheumatism.

ZINGIBER

ZERUMBET,
Mahd bari

Roxb.

Sans.

*W*fw,

Sthular

granthi,

Vern.

bach, Bind.

Beng.
Roxb. Sans,

ZINGIBER

CASSUMUNAR,
Bandda, Beng.

W*X

Vandr-

draJca, Vern.
ALPINIA Vern.

GALANGA,
Hind. of these

Linn.

Sans.

f%UT*r,

Kulinjdna.

Kulinjdn, Beng.
THE aromatic carminative have

tubers
or

three

species
in

are

occasionally prescriptions,
action.

used but

as

fragrant adjuncts
their

Complex

they

nothing peculiar in

properties or

CURCUMA
Sans. THE
its tubers

LONGA,
Nisd. Vern.

Roxb.

Tfr*% Haridrd, f**T,

turmeric

Halud,

B. for

Haldi,
the curry

H. of

plant
are an

is

extensively

cultivated
of

sake

which

essential into
a

ingredient
paste and
and
an

native

ders. pow-

Turmeric
on

pounded improve

mixed

with

oil,is rubbed
skin
of

the

skin

to

its appearance and

as

prevent part

diseases. Hindu Medici-

The

rubbing

of turmeric
as

oil is of
some

essential

the

marriage

festival

well

religious ceremonies.
I

256

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

nally

turmeric

is used

chiefly
paste

in

skin

diseases the addition

A

both of

externally
a

and
is
a

internally. popular

Turmeric
to

with and

little lime
of

application
is

sprains

bruises.
in A

decoction
;

meric tur-

used

as

cooling
an

wash

ophthalmia
paste
with

cloth

steeped
and the
on

in

it is

employed
of Justicia
in

as

eye-shade.

of

turmeric urine

leaves the skin

Adhatoda Several and

(vdsaka),
other nim

cow's

is rubbed

prurigo.1
as

combinations turmeric

of and

the

sort

are

in

vogue, the urine

such

turmeric

leaves,
is also

the

ashes

of

plantain
in

tree,

etc.

Turmeric

given

internally

with

cow's

prurigo

and

eczema.2 Take milk

a

Haridrdklianda.z
butter boil add

of

turmeric
seers, in

sixty-four tolas, clarified

sugar
an

forty-eight tolas,
them black

sixteen fire

twelve

tolas, and pot.

Then

together
pepper,

over

gentle
pepper,
root

earthern

long

ginger,

cinnamon, Turpethum

cardamom, (trivrit),
tubers tolas
every to

tejapatra, Idberang seeds,

three

of
Mesua

Ipomcea

the of in

myrobalans,
rotundus

flowers

of

ferrea (nagakesara),
iron, each

Cyperus
fine

(mustaka)
prepare

and
a

prepared
confection.
etc.

eight
one

powder,
in in

and

Dose,
A
cure

tola said

morning
effected
The and
in

prurigo,
seven

boils, urticaria,

is

be

days.
haridrddve,
of
or

term

the

two

turmerics,

signifies
used

turmeric

the

wood

Berberis

Asiatica. both be for

They
external

are

often and

together
use

compound

prescriptions
are

internal

and

their

properties

said

to

analogous.

vfrvi;

258

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

The which

leaves
can

and

leaf-stalks instead of In burnt the

to

when

burnt
soap

yield
or

alkaline

ashes

be used clothes. and

country
ashes.

fuller's old leaves

earth, in
are on

washing pieceof
obtained As

the Noakhally jail, The ashes

lected, cola

dried cloth them

being placed
to

supportedon
into
an

four

posts, water
vessel.

is made

percolate
thus washed. fruit is stalks

through

earthen

The

alkaline water
to

is used of the is

for

steeping clothes
cut

intended
soon

be the and be

the stems

plantainare always
a

down

after leaves
can

gathered, there
available in all economised
in the
or

largequantityof
it is cultivated.

gardens where

They

readily

simplemethod
paper.

if not manufactured above described,

into cloth

The

called unripefruit,

mochaka

in

Sanskrit, is
in diabetes in

considered the

coolingand astringent ;
of
a

it is much
:^"

used

form

ghritaprepared as
JKadalyddi ghrita

follows Take

of

plantainflowers
of the reduced four
to

twelve

seers

and

half, watery juice

seers

of the root-stock

tree sixtyplantain

four

boil the

them
strained the

together till
decoction

one-fourth of

and

strain.

To

add

seers

prepared
of
a

clarified butter and

substances following

in the form red sandal three

paste,

cardamoms, namely, unripeplantains, cloves,

of Pinus
,

wood,wood myrobalans, elepJiantum

(sa rala)jatdmdnsiroot, the longifolia,

sativus

Raphanus
usual

and (mulalca),
seer

the
in

fruit of Feronia
a

in equal parts, one (Jcapittha) way.

all,and prepare
in

ghritain

the

This

medicine
or

is

generally given along with

diabetes.

some

preparationof
.about two

tin

other metallic medicine

Dose,

tolas.

NAT.
VANDA

ORDER

ORCHIDACE.E.
R.

ROXBURGHII,

Br.

Syn. CynMdium
Sam.

Roxb. tessaloides,

TT^T, Rdsnd,
UNDER the
name

TORTf^,
of

Gandhanakuli.
roots

Vern.
of

B. fidsnd,

H.

rdsnd,the
both

and

Acampe

papillosa, are

Moxburghii indiscriminatelyused by

Vanda

ALOE

INDICA.

259

native their and both

physicians.
roots

They

are

very

similar differ much I

in

the
in

appearance their flowers

of

and One

leaves, though
native
to

they

fruits. these

physician
be rdsnd of
;

whom when
two

consulted, pronounced
I showed he
was

plants
and

however

him

the

different He
and

flowers
never

fruits
to

the

species,
but

puzzled.
the
roots

had

looked These
root

the

flowers
are

before,
very
common

only
on

knew
mango

leaves. Rdsnd and

epiphytes
to

trees.

is said

be

fragrant,
in which

bitter
it is

and

useful
in
a

in

matism rheu-

allied

disorders,

prescribed

variety

of

forms.

Rdsndpanchaka
and the
root

.1

Take
castor

of oil

rdsnd, gulancha,
plant
is in

devaddru, gingor,
and
prepare
a

of

the usual

equal parts,
a

decoction
for

in the

way.

This mentioned

apparently by
most

popular prescription

rheumatism, guggulu?
a

being Eight
mass

writers.
ten

Rdsnd

parts
with

of rdsnd clarified

and butter.

of

bdellium about

are

beaten

into
in

uniform

Dose,

drachm,
Rdsnd

sciatica.
enters

into

the
in

composition
rheumatism

of

several diseases

medicated
of

oils
nervous

for external

application
as

and

the

system,

such

the

Mahdmdsha

taila, Madhyama

Nardyana

taila,etc.

NAT.

ORDER
ALOE

LILIACE^.

INDICA,

Royle.
*WT"

Sans.
Vern.

fcaflTC^
Ghritakumdri

Ghritakumdri,
,

Kanyd.
Hind.
now

Beng.
the
to

Ghikumdri,

ALOES in
native

(called
medicine,

mushabbar
was

in

vernacular), though
the Sanskrit
writers.

used

unknown

They

260

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

of the leaves which is regardedas only the fresh juice tonic and useful in fevers, cathartic, cooling, enlarged lymphatic and etc. The fresh juice is much glands/spleen liver, eye diseases, mention used in

making up
a

various sorts of

and pill-masses

more

larly particu-

those of
called Taruna

the preparation as forjexample purgative character, under jvardri Mercury (see page rasa, described

32).
the

and spleendisease, the juice of glandular enlargements leaves is given with the addition of powdered turmeric.1 ASPARAGUS Sans.

In

RACEMOSUS,

Willd.

^13^, Satdvari, *HW'"

satamuli
numerous

Satamuli.

Vern.

Hind. Satamuli, Beng.Satdvari,

is possessing a hundred (that

THE

Sanskrit

name

roots),

is in allusion to the
are

fusiform tubers

of this

and

tonic demulcent, diuretic, regardedas cooling, used both internally and in the preparation of are oils. The

plant. These and aphrodisiac,

several
a

medicated This

tubers

are

candied

and taken

as

sweet-meat.

however preparation

has

besides that of the sugar.

scarcelyany other taste or flavour The fresh juice of the root is given with

honey as a demulcent in bilious dyspepsia or diarrhoea.3 As an A ghrita of forms. is pretonic,it is used in a variety aphrodisiac pared
as

follows.

"

fSatdvari ghrita.% Take

of clarified butter four

seers,

four seers, milk forty Asparagus racemosus seers, boil them and prepare a ghrita. This is given with the addition of

juice of together
sugar,

honey,and
and butter, and cow's
in

long pepper.
is sixteen
seers

Phalaghrita. This

of clarified prepared with four seers each of the juice of Asparagus racemosus
a

milk,with the addition of

in quantities,

number
a

of other medicines
use women

small

the

form
to

of
cure

paste. Its
in

is said to

increase
to
remove

the secretion of semen,

barrenness

and

disorders of the female

genitals.
I

2
3

ASPARAGUS

RACEMOSUS.

261

As
medicines the roots Poa

it diuretic, of its class.

is

in prescribed

combination with other

illustration.

The

is an following

Take

of

of

Asparagus

racemosus,

SaccJiarum

spontaneum

(kdsa),

called sdlidhdnya) Oryza saliva (variety cynosuroides (kusa), Batatus and Saccharum (viddri), paniculatus (iksfai), officinarum and Tribulus terrestris (gokshura) equal Scirpus Kysoor(kaseruka),
prepare
a

parts,and
is

decoction in the usual way. the addition of sugar and

This decoction

honey,in scanty ever urine with heat and ardor urinae.1 The chief use of the drug howof several popular cooling and consists in the preparation
with administered, emollient the
nervous

medicated

oils for external

system, rheumatic

in disorders application affections and urinarydiseases.

of

taila known as Ndrdyana tailaf popularly Madhyama ndrdijana Premna is made by takingof the bark of ^Egle Marmelos (vika), Calosanthes Indica (syondka), Stereospermwn (agnimantlia), spinosa Pcederia fostida Indica (pdribhadra) suaveolens (pdtald), Erytlirina Solarium Jacquinii Withania somnifera (asvagandhd^ (prasdrani), Sida cordifolia Sida Solanum Indicum (bald), (vrihati), (kantakdri),
,

and JBoerJiaavia Tribulus terrestris(danshtrd) (atibald)^ rhombifolia each twenty toUs, water sixty-four seers, and di/usa(punarnavd), till reduced to one-fourth and down straining.To the boiling

?T5ft

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MED

1C A.

strained
racemosus

decoction and and

add

four

seers sesamum

each

of

the

juice
seers

of

Asparagus
or

prepared
the Deodar

oil,sixteen

of cow's fennel

goat'smilk
Wood Acorus
of

following substance?, namely,

a

seeds,

Cedrus

Calamus

jdtdmdnsi root, liquid (devaddru), storax, sandal cristatum (vachd), wood, Limnanthemum

(tagarapddukd\Aplotaxisauriculata(kushtha),c"Yd"moms,Desmodi
Uraria gangeticum (sdlaparni)
,

Phaseolus lagopodioides (prisniparni), labialis

trilobus

(mudgaparni) Glycine
, 9

(mdshaparni),Witliania
"

somnifera (asvagandhd) diffusa (punarnavd) and

paste and
prepare
an

Vanda

Roxburghii (rdsnd),Boerhaavia
four salt, tolas each
way. in in the form of

rock

oil in

the
as

usual

When
the

ready, boil
introduction

again
under

with

fragrant substances
of Medicated
in

directed This

the head

oils. diseases

oil is much

used

by

native

physicians

rheumatism,
diseases This
sesamum

of the

stiff neck, hemijoints,

plegiaand
It is

other

of the
an

nervous

system.
used
or

Vishnutaila.

is

oil much

in

nervous

diseases. and the of

prepared
of

with

oil, cow's
with

goats' milk,
of
a

juice

Asparagus
in small

racemosus, in quantities taila.

sesasum

the addition of
a

number

substances Prameha of

the form
oil is

paste.
with the

mihira
racemosus,

This

prepared
of

juice
and

Asparagus
with

oil,decoction
a on

lac, whey

milk,
of
over a

the It

addition
is

of

number the

of substances and
more

in the form

paste.
the

rubbed
in

body

particularly
stricture of the

pubic region
other

chronic of the

gonorrhoea,

urethra,and

diseases

urinary organs.
Linn.

ALLIUM
Sans,

SATIVUM,
Rasuna,

^'f,

^PS5*, Lasuna.
Hind.

Vern. GARLIC and

etc.

Rasun, Seng. Lasun,

as

is described

tonic carminative, stomachic,alterative,

nervous

useful in affections of the

system, flatulence, hysteria,

consist of

During

its use, the diet should

wine,

meat

and

acids*

Decoction

of garlic.1 Take

of

water garlicthirty-two tola's,

GLORIOSA

SUPERBA.

263

four seers, milk four seers, boil and strain.

in

togethertill the

water in

is evaporated small doses

This decoction in milk is

given

sciatica and heart disease. hysteria, flatulence, twelve tol"s, assafoetida, Svalparasuna pinda.1Take of garlic cumin seeds,rock salt, sonchal salt, ginger,long pepper and black pepper, each one-eighth of a toU; powder them finelyand mix. Dose, about twenty-two grains every morning with a

decoction

of

the

root

of the castor

in facial paralysis, oil plant,

sciatica, paraplegiaand hemiplegia,

medicine should be continued for
a

convulsive affections. This

month.
is used
as a

in

warmed juice slightly otalgia. A bulb of garlicis for relief of

Garlic

local

application
into the

sometimes

introduced

meatus

pain in

the internal ear.2

GLORIOSA
Sans.

SUPERBA,

Linn.

WTIT'^taT, Kalikdri. "3fafTOT, ^fa^lft, Ldngalikd, Agnisikhd,

Vern.
"i

Bishaldnguli, Beng. Karihdri, Hind.

Superba is a native of the forests of India. It appears in Bengal, and is one of during the rainy season ornamental the most boast of.*' Its plants any country can of the seven minor poisons of Sanskrit writers (see bulb is one is Garbhaghdtini the or page 7). One of its Sanskrit synonyms but I am of its beingused as not aware abortion, .drugthat causes The root,powderedand reduced abortive for criminal purposes. an is applied to the navel,supra-pubic to a paste, regionand vagina with the objectof promoting labour pains.3In retained placenta

THE

Gloriosa

I i

frwra:

*".

26*4

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

appliedto the palms and soles while seeds and long pepper are given internally with powderednigella wine.1 This root enters also into the composition of some plex comfor internal use, as for examplethe Ldngali prescriptions described in the Bhavaprakasa. gutikd
a

paste of the

root

is

NAT.

ORDER

SMILACE.E.

SMILAX
Sans, FLUCKIGER

CHINA,

Linn. Chobchini. Hind:

use

Chobachini. Vern. *TfaW"T,

and

Hanbury state that

made A.D. known 1535."

"the

of this drug as Goa

was remedy for syphilis

to the

at Portuguese

by

Chinese

traders about

If this statement, which is

of Garcia d'orta, is correct,the history of given on the authority this

drug will enable us to fix the approximate age of the latest and most comprehensive the treatise on Sanskrit Medicine, namely, Bhavaprakasa. In this work China root is described under its vernacular name of chobchini, root like Acorus Calamus, as a from a foreign brought epilepsy, countryand useful in rheumatism, and particularly in syphilis.2 It is used in modern Hindu insanity medicine as an alterative along with anantamul and other drugs of reputedefficacy in syphilis and rheumatism.
NAT. ORDER CYPERACE^E.

CYPERUS
Sans.

ROTUNDUS,
Vern.

Linn.

'B^, Mustaka.
CYPERUS

Muthd,Beng.Mothd,Hind. PERTENUIS, Zoxb*

Sans.

Vern. Ndgarmuthd, TT'HCfjJH^Ndgaramustaka, Beng.Hind.

THE tubers of these two of Cyperus are species is the most

much

used

in

Hindu

medicine.

rotundus Cyperus

common

variety

* of Roxburgh can The hardly be maintained Cyperus pertenuis rotundus of the Linnaeus. GK K. of it is 6. a variety ;

as

cies spe-

266 Sanskrit

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

but these can writers, The products of or preparations Sanskrit writers, as follows: are
"

not

all be identified at sugar-cane,

as

present.

the

described by

1. 2. fourth. 3.

W^tf,

Ikshu

rasa or

or

sugar-cane

juice.
to
one-

Phdnita tfiifaitf, It
can

sugar-cane

juiceboiled down
to
a

be drawn
or

out in threads.

!Tf, Guda

sugar-cane

juiceboiled

thick consistence,

that is treacle. boiled down to is sugar-cane juice ^c^rf^^Tj Matsyandikd solid consistence but which still fluid on drawing. exudes a little 4. 5.

^^,

Khanda

is treacle

dried or candied partially

in white

sand-like grains.
6.

"WT, Sarkara Gau"}i *ft"f^,

Sidhu ^t^J,
or

or

white sugar. sugar

7.
8. 9.

or faflfa^TT, Sitopald or

candy.

fermented

fermented

obtained from treacle. liquor obtained from sugar-cane liquor

juice.
The but it of these preparations described separately, are properties is scarcely worth while to reproduce these details here.
cane

The root of the sugar

is considered demulcent

and diuretic. Old

used in Hindu Medicine. Sugar and treacle are very largely treacle is preferred for medicinal purposes. to new the roots of five mulal Under this name Trinapancha of grasses 1.
2.
are

sorts

used in combination.

They

are

as

follows

" .

*s^, Ikshu. Saccharwn

*TC,Sara. Saccharum 'TO, Kdsa. Saccharum

Linn. qfficinarum,

Sara,Linn.
spontaneum, Linn.

3. 4. 5.

Linn. Kusa. Poa cynosuroides. fTO, Beauv. Some practitioners ^w, JDarva. Imperatacylindrica,
root

substitute the

of

Andropogonmuricatus

for that of

Imperata

A decoction of these roots is considered demulcent cylindrica. to metallic as an adjunct prescribed and diuretic and is largely of urine. The medicines in gonorrhoea, strangury and suppression following

confection is also much

used in these diseases.

s)

ORYZA

SATIVA,

267 above

Kusdvaleha.i Take
tol"s

of

the

five roots

each,water sixty-four seers,

Then
add sugar

boil down reduce from

mentioned,eighty to eight seers and

to the

strain. of
a

four seers, and the syrup

consistence add
to

thick syrup.

Remove

the

fire and

it the

substances,namely, liquorice following root,cucumber

of Cucumis melo

seeds,

(karkati)) bamboo-manna, emblic myrobalan,tejapatra leaves, cardamoms, cinnamon,bark of Cratceva reliseeds of Aglaia Roxlurghiana(priyangu), gulancha, (varuna), gwsa and the flowers of Mesua ferrea(ndgakesara), two toUs each in fine powder; stir them well with a ladle and prepare an electuary.
Dose
one

the seeds

to two

toUs.

ORYZA
THE

SATIVA,

Linn.

ETC.

varieties of food grainsbelongingto this important following mentioned natural order, are by Sanskrit writers: Vern. Dhdn, Beng. Hind. Linn. T,Dhdnya. Oryza sativa, Linn. Gam, B. Genhu, H. Triticum Godhuma. vulgare, Linn. Jab, Beng. Jow, Hind. hexastichum, 3f^, Yava. Hordeum following These three are considered the best of grains. The inferior grains of f^T^, Kudlidnya or varieties pass by the name and ^ ^"ST^ Kshudra dhdnya or minor grains.
"

Ydvandla. Holchus
,

"
,

Kangu.
China.

Sctaria
Panicum

Sorghum, Linn. Jodr,Hind. Beng. Kunth. Vern. Kdngni}B. ford, H. Italica,

miliaceum, Linn.
China

ghds,B.

Roxb. Shydmddhdn, B. Sydmdka.Panicum frumentaceum, Linn. Kododdhdn, Beng. Kodrava. Paspalum scrobkulatum, Linn. UridUn, B. Nivdra. Wild varietyof Oryza saliva,
,

\ I

wmf

ira J

W*T**TfH*lM3

TT^^f^^f^s'

TT^T^ ffafrf

268

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICI.

Gavedhukd.

Some

of Coias, species Gargaredhdn, Beng.

Rdgi.
,

Beng. Dewdhdnyct, Andropogon SaccJiaratus^Linn. Deodhdn^B.H.

,

Eleusine corocana,

Gaertner. Mania

Venuja. Seeds
Chdruka.
,

of Bambusa of Saccharum Bice

amndinacea, Willd.
B. Sara, Roxb. Sardbij,

Seeds

ORYZA

SATIVA. of the
name

is the

principaland
supporter
of wealth

often

the the of On

only food
Sanskrit

great mass
of

of the Indian the emblem Pausha

population. Dhdyna
or or

mankind.
a

It

paddy,means the is regarded as

the has month been of

nourisher fortune.

thursday
new

in

(December, January)after
rattan-made

the

paddy
copper

reaped,a
new some

grain measure

called rek in silver and

is filled with Bengali,

paddy, goddess of

piecesof gold,
fortune. This

coins, and

shells called cauries, and the

as worshipped

the

of representative
a

in apparatus is preserved

clean earthen

pot and brought out for

Hindu worshipon one thursdayin each of the following months, namely, Chaitra,Srdvana,and Kdrtika. Such is the form of the domestic goddessof wealth of an agricultural living chiefly people
on

rice.1 The three classes principal Vrihi

or

of rice

are

Sdli the

or

that

reaped
and

in

the cold season,

or

that

ripeningin sowing.
numerous

rainy season,

Shashtika
is

that grown

in the hot weather

in low

lands. This last varieties of each

reapedwithin sixtydays
classes of sdli

of its
are

The

of these three
EcJcta

rice
as

and
is the

confounding. by
sick

popularlyknown
to superior

Ddudkhdni

variety of rice
use

that is considered persons.

in

all others and

suited for

The

of preparations medical
or

rice used in sick diet and

as

described

Sanskrit snn^,

works

are

follows

"

Yavdgu

powdered
and and

rice

boiled

with of

water

for the

use

of the sick and with

convalescent.

It is made nineteen Manda. herbs

three

strengths,

namely,
water,

nine, eleven

parts of water, called

Vilepi, Peyd respectively

a

decoction

of medicinal
TO!

Sometimes, instead of is used in preparing yavdgu.

"scV

ORYZA

SATIVA.

269

Thus with it is as

for exampleif it is ordered to givethe patient yavdgu made

ginger
in

and

long
of
seers or

pepper,

the process

follows.

Take

dry ginger and

of water nineteen

in preparing adopted long pepper, one toU

to two

each, boil
Now take and

four

tillreduced

and strain.

eleven nine,
one

parts of this strained decoction

part of powdered rice for making yai-dgu of the

sand bath.

ordered. strength is paddy fried in 3TTSTT, Ldj'd, (Vern. Khai), husks

open
out
a

The

and the
a

rice swells into

light spongy

body.

It is considered

lightarticle of

diet suited to invalids and

dyspeptics.
WfTO^r,
sand bath. sick persons Bhrishta This is also
as a

tandula, (Vern. Muri) is rice a light of rice and preparation

fried in

is givento used

substitute for boiled rice.

It is also much

breakfast. early To prepare this, (Vern. Churd). 2*WT, Frithukd, paddyis mois, fried. It is then flattened and husked. tened and lightly This of rice is givenwith curdled milk (dadhi) in dysentry. preparation
It is well washed and softened in water
of preparation is water
or

by

the poorer classes for tiffin and

boiled before
nine

use.

trra'fr, Pdyasais a

rice with
in

parts of milk.
rice has

been
as a

TKS^TT^, Tanduldmbu steeped.This sort

vehicle for The
some

which

unboiled

of

rice-water

is sometimes

prescribed
other

powders and
the acetous

confections. fermentation of rice and

of products been

described in the introduction. already Linn. Three varieties of wheat are TRITICUM VULGARE, in the Bh"vaprak"sa,namely Mahdgodhuma or large mentioned and Nihsuki or beardless, that Madlndi or small grained1 grained, from the west The firstvariety is said to come is without awn. to the middle region comprising and the second to be indigenous the modern provincesof Allahabad, Agra, Delhi, Oudh, etc.

grainshave

Wheat
less

is

considered

the

most

nutritive of the

but food-grains,

easilydigested than rice. HORDEUM HEXASTICHUM,

than

esteemed It is

wheat

is more
in

used chiefly

the

Barley though less of the sick. employed in the dietary form of saktu or powder of the parched
Linn.

270 Gruel

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

grains.
ZEA

with prepared

saktu is said to

be easilydigested

and to be useful in

painful dyspepsia.
Linn, called makkdi
in the

MAYS,
name.

vernacular has
but is
now

no

Sanskrit

It is indigenous to America and

largely

cultivated in Behar
The minor

Upper They

India.
not of any

food

grains are
are

point of
classes
or

view.

used

as

in a medicinal importance food by the poorer

for cattle. rice is

to preferred
new

Old

new

but easily digested,

to

wheat

and

and more being lighter barleyare considered superior

as

old.

These

are

said to

loose in

flavour

and

taste

by long
dition adfor

keeping.
Poultices of oil made
or

of

or rice,barley

wheat

with the flour, abscesses

clarified

are butter,

appliedto

suppuration.1 hastening
ANDROPOGON Sans,
Vern.

MURICATUS,

Retz.

^refk, Util, Virana, Usira,

The which

root

tdtisor

Bend,Beng. Khas, Hind. is well known of this plant as the khas kJias root of made for watering during the hot door screens are
as

stomachic and refrigerent, cooling, of stomach, etc. useful in pyrexia, irritability inflammation, thirst, of several cooling as for medicines, It enters into the composition called Shadanga pdniya, (see Cypems example the preparation

weather.

It is described

A weak rotundus). drink. febrifuge

infusion of the root

is sometimes

used

as

it is used Externally
root

in

varietyof

ways.

paste of the
or

is rubbed

on

the skin to relieve

use

heat oppressive
to have

of the with

body.
to

This

of the

drug appears
in

been

burning popular

the

ancients. it
as

Kalidassa

his drama the passage

called SakuntaU

alludes

will appear
ST

from

quoted below.2

*r*nr

BAMBUSA

ARUNDINACEA.

271

An the

aromatic

bath cooling

is

substances in of Andropofollowing Pavonia odorata (bald), red sandal muricatus, gon wood, and a wood called padma kdsJitha.1 The same fragrant medicines are duced reto
a

prepared by adding to a fine powder, namely, root

tub of

water

thin emulsion

with water

and

appliedto

the skin .2

Linn. Sans. SCHCENANTHUS, Vern. Gandha Bhustrina, bend,Beng. ANDROPOGON Roxl. Sans. IWARANOUSA, Vern. Ldmjak, Hind. Karankusd,Beng. LdmajjaJca. These two fragantgrasses are occasionally used as aromatics and like refrigerants is
common

ANDROPOGON

the roots of

nanthus sake

in

A. schceAndropogon muricatus. Bengal,beingcultivated in gardens for the A. Iwarancusa of India ."

is
"

of its

fragrant leaves.
Northern
roots larger

native of the
seem

skirts of the reside in the

mountains marked

Its virtues cicatrices.

to

with annular

BAMBUSA
Sans. The bamboo

ARUNDINACEA,
Vern. Bans, found

Willd.

^T, Vansa.
3H

Beng.Hind. joints of the female

in

siliceous concretion is called

as

in the

^t^T,Bansa

rochana

Sanskrit,and
the

is described

and useful in cough, tonic,aphrodisiac sweet, cooling, It enters

into

etc. consumption,asthma, fever,

composition

of The

numerous

for affections of the lungs. compound prescriptions is an illustration. following Take of bamboo-manna churna* eightparts,long Sitopalddi

272
four sixteen
a

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDIC

pepper
sugar

parts, cardamoms, parts; powder

with

two

parts, cinnamon

one

part,

the

and ingredients clarifiedbutter. the and

mix.

Dose,

about
in

drachm

honey and

This preparation

of

with pain in given in phthisis and burning of the hands appetite

loss sides^ haemoptysis, feet. Sans, Durvd. ^rf, Vern.

CYNODON

DACTYLON,
This
other useful

Pers.

Durbd, Beng. Dub, Hind.

like
many

and elegant
a

most

valuable grass,

has vegetables, fresh

niche in the

temple
leaves

of the Hindu is considered

the religion. Medicinally and astringent, is used

as a

juice of

the

snuff in

The epistaxis.1

bruised grass is a

to bleedingwounds. application popular

PRODUCTS

OF

FERMENATION

AND

DISTILLATION.
WINES
All fermented called and AND

SPIRITS.

distilledliquorscausing intoxication, are in Sanskrit. The

Madya

or

Madird

followingvarietiesare

mentioned

by the later writers.

from distilled spirit do. do. do. do. do. do. do. grapes.

*rrfif or *r?Mdddliika,

Khdrjura,
Gaudi,

dates. treacle. sugar-cane rice.

Sidhu,

juice.

do. Surd, do. Kohala, Madhulikd, do.

do.
do.

barley.
wheat. different sorts of the flowers of

Paishti,
MadJiuka
,

do.

do. from

grain.

do. pushpottJia,

do.

and treacle. latifolia fruitsof Eugenia Jambolana. Jdmbava, do. do. ripe flowers of Anthocephalus do. Kddanibari, do.
Bassia
j

Cadamba.

Valkali,
,

do.

do.

belleric myrobalan and treacle. of the palm and juice

I

Vdruni is the fermented

date trees-

274

SAKSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

addition of various

medicinal
The

and

aromatic

substances

are

used

in different diseases.

surd.* Mritasanjivani and

is an example. following Take of new treacle eighthundred

water.

las to-

times itsweight of steep it in thirty

Add

to

the

substances in the form of a paste, following namely, sixteen tolas, bark of Acacia Arabica two seers, of Ziziphus ginger half a seer, two seers, of Symplocos Jujuba (kola) racemosa (lodhra) betle-nuts as many desired ; stir in a large earthen vesas sel, and keep the mixture for twenty days in a covered jar. After this period remove the fermented fluid to a distilling apparatus, and add to it, the following aromatic substances, namely, betleblack pepper, gindjowan, seeds, ger, fennel seeds, leaves, nutmegs, cardamoms,cinnamon,tejapatra substances called elavdluka, the fragrant padma-kdshnigella seeds, devaddru wood, khas Jchas root, zedoaryroot, jha and granthiparni, sandal wood, cumin nuts, cloves,

mixture

the

jatdmdnsi root and the tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka\ in coarse each eighttol"s, powder, and distil. This distilled
is used liquor
as a

drink. and invigorating tonic, astringent

hni f f

| -mfA

*?"
i

^T

'ft^^mT
srm

TH^'^T: I ^1

^Ws^

Wnfrf i ^nrtfi|^
I

I
I
V*

3WT i

ZRT'

^*

I "

ftFrfifa "
|
**TT

^itq
'

ftft^VCt

THE

MATERIA
OP THE

MEDICA
HINDUS
III,

PART
ANIMAL

MATEUIA

MEDICA.

THE

LEECH.

LEECHES

have been

employedby

the Hindus

from

very

mote re-

givesa of application, mode etc. habits, translated in full by Dr. Wise.

had also furnished
a

period. Susruta

detailed account His account Pnndit

of their varieties of leeches has been

Madhu

Sudan

Gupta
the Bengal

note

on

the

for publication in subject

Dispensatory.I
but will

will not therefore

attempt a
w

new

translation
are

givean extract from six of varieties of leeches,

venomous

Dr. Wise's work. which

near

There

twelve

are

venomous,

and six useful.

or

The foul

leeches

are

found

putrid fish
are

animals

in

water. stagnantand putrescent

Such leeches
found
are

to be

avoided. The
which

good leeches
middle
a

are

in

consequently clear and deep pools

with sweefc best. the

of water

contain water

and lilies,

surrounded
are

plants.The smelling
leeches
are

sized leeches

These

of leather or cloth, and placed piece water pot in which some clayand pure water has been in a new to be placed are plants in put. Some grass or leaves of aquatic
to be

caughton

the

pot for them

are

to lie upon,

and the roots of water

liliesand

given them for food. The water is to be and the water pot every seventh day. every third day, apply a drop or two of milk or leeches do not fix quickly,
flesh
to

be

dry changed
If the

blood

276
to

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

the

part, or make
to
are

one

or

two

very

which slight scarifications,

more

will induce them

fix themselves

readily. When
cold water
upon

the their

leeches bodies. of

a few dropsof sprinkle sucking,

When

the leeches have removed

the necessary

quantity

small quantityof salt upon their heads to a blood,sprinkle make them drop off. Put the gorged leeches upon some dry bran, put a littleoil and salt upon their mouths and then strip them. Put them next in fresh water and, if they are lively, they will live and may be used again ; but if they are languid, they will soon die and they should therefore be at once thrown away. The

part

upon

which

the leeches have been is to be smeared

with
cases

honey,cold
poultices may

water

and

substances. astringent

In

other

be

applied/'
LAC.

Sans. 3TOT, Ldkshd

THE from
taru
a or

Vern.

Lakh, Hind. Gdld, Beng.

been known
to the Hindus

lac insect
very

has (Coccus lacca),

ancient

period. The

lac

plant in
crushed

which

lac is said to

is called Ldkshd frondosa tree in Sanskrit,this being the principal obtained by be produced. The fluid lac-dye

Butea

the dissolving us"ed in

stick-lac in water

is called A'ldkta.

It is

silk. Cotton coloured with this dye and pressed colouring of A'ltd into flatcircular pieces is sold in the bazars under the name and is used in painting the hands and feet of Hindu females. varnish for Shell-lac is used in the preparation of sealing wax,

carpentersand ornaments
much used in the Ldkshddi

for

women.

decoction

of shell-lac is
as

such of several medicinal oils, preparation etc. Chandanddi taila, Angdrakataila, taila, of shell-lac two
seers,
water

LaJcshdditaila.1Take

sixteen

HONEY

AND

WAX.

277 To this decoction

seers, boil tillreduced

to four
seers

seers

and strain.

sixteen seers sesamum prepared oil, of whey, and two tolas each of the following substance.5', namely, Withania devaddru wood, root turmeric, somnifera(asvagandhd), of Sanseviera Zeylanica (murvd), Pandanus odoratissimus (ketaki), dill seeds and liquorice Vanda root in the Roxburghu (rdsna), form of a pasteand prepare an oil in the usual way ; lastly add

of shell-lac add

four

of

four

tol"s of

camphor.
a

This

oil is much other

used for inunction in oils lac containing of various

dicinal me-

chronic fever and

are

consumption. The

in prepared

similar way, with the addition substances in the form of paste.

HONEY
Sans. Vern.

AND

WAX.

V*, Madhu, llf^, Mdkshika.

Madhu, Beng. Shahad, Hind.
are

Eight sorts
1.

of

honey
or

Mdkshika

the

namely by Susruta, honey collected by the common

described

bee

called madhumakshikd.
2.

Bhrdmara, or

the

honey collected by

back large

bee

called bhramara.

Kshaudra,or honey collected by a sort of small bee of called Kshudra. tawny colour, sembling 4. or honey collected by a small black bee rePauttika, a gnat, and called puttika. wasps 5. Chhatra,or honey formed by tawny or yellow which make their hives in the shape of umbrellas. 6. Argha or wild honey collected by a sort of yellow bee
3.

like the bhramara.

7.

Auddlaka

is

bitter and

acrid substance

like

honey

found

in the nests 8.

of white ants.

Ddla

or

honey found unprepared

first alone

on

flowers.

Of these varieties the first four writers and the

only are Honey

described
New than
a

by

recent is

is used in medicine.
more

honey

considered demulcent
is said to be

and

laxative.

year old

and demulcent. astringent

Old

honey.is preferred

278

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

to

new.

It is much
as an

used

in

the

preparation of confections and

and electuaries,

adjunct to decoctions, and powders. pills is used in the preparation Wax, called sifaha in Sanskrit,
and for ghritas external

of

ointments

application,

SERPENT Sans.

POISON,
Garala. Medicine since
more

S^fa*,Sarpavisha, *TC^,
been the
not

Serpentpoisonhas recent periodonly.Even

three centuries
it
are

used

in Hindu

very

Bh"vaprakasawhich
mention
it.

is not

than

old does in such

ing containPrescriptions

found

modern
etc.

compilationsas

the

Bhaishajya
Keute

ratndbali, S"rkaumudi,
The
sap,
on a

poisonof the
is used. stick
a or

black It

cobra

Vern. (Naga tripudians.

Beng^

is collected when the

by making poison
to

the

bite reptile
out

pieceof
on

wood of

is

poured
and

and
two

received ways. cup

out
or

piece
with

plantain leaf.
is allowed

It is

preservedin dry
oil and
it

The

liquidpoison
a

congeal

in

it is rubbed
a

fourth

part of mustard
Thus treated of
a

spread

on

pieceof plantain leaf.

a

rapidly coagulates yellowish-brown

It

into

granular agglutinated mass

allowed
to

colour.

When

dry spontaneously,serpent poison

in combination

coagulates into
is used and
are

white granules. shining, crystalline yellowish with

in

complicatedfever
in
recent

arsenic, aconite

other medicines.

Numerous

formulae

containing this poison

a

given
Suchikd

are compilations. The following

couple of

examples.

sulphur,prepared them cobra poison, equal parts, mix aconite and together tin, and soak the mixed powder in the bile of rohitaka fish (Cyprinits
bharana mercury, wild Rokita), make into
a

rasa.1 Take

of

boar, peacock, buffalo pill-mass. This

medicine

and

and goat successively

in

is administered

doses

MUSK.

279

that

can

be taken

up It

by
is

the

point of
in

needle, hence
fever

it is with

called

tuchMbharana.

given
of

remittent

cerebral

complications.
Kdldnala rasa.1

Take

black

cobra

poison, sulphur, white

cury, ginger,borax, mer-

arsenic, aconite, prepared

kinds of bile the

black and

pepper, copper above

root.

long
and

pepper,
;

iron

equal parts
make
are

soak into

them

in the five

mentioned datura

one-grain pills
with coma,

with

juice of
and

These

given

in fever

delirium

drowsiness.

MUSK.
Sans. THE

Wnfa,

Mrigandbhi, TO

#, Kasturi.
^\

Bh"vaprak"sa
and black colour musk and

describes three varieties of musk,

musk. the

namely,
is said to

Kdmrupa, Nepdla
be
of

Kdshmira

Kdmrupa
others.

musk It is

superior to
via

probably
is described

China

or

Thibet
as

brought
colour

Kamroop. Nepdla

musk

of bluish

and

intermediate

quality.

Kdshmira

musk

is of inferior Musk is

quality.
as

regarded

stimulant

and

and aphrodisiac

is used

in

ow

fevers,chronic
with

and cough, general delibity

impotence.
with
two

In low

Ifevers

two prostration,

grains of
hours Take black of

musk

of Makaof

radhvaja are
Svalpa
nutmeg,

given every
kasturi

three

with

the addition

honey.

bhairava.2
pepper,

cinnabar, aconite, borax,

and

mace,

long

pepper

musk,

equal parts

280

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

and

make

into

pills. These four-grain

of

are

given in

remittent

fever

of low

type.
namon cinmusk, cardamoms, cloves, into
a

Take Mrigandvyddyavaleha.l and and

dates,equal parts
rasa.'2' Take

and

make

linctus with and loss of

honey speech.

clarified butter. This is Vasantatilaka

given in
of

hoarseness

prepared gold one

part,talc and

tin two

parts each,iron three

and calcined for

parts, the preparation of mercury

four parts each; pearls and coral,

called rasasindurct
mix

them

soak together,

seven

days
in

in the

juice of
of other

sugar-cane,

of the fruits Tribulus

terrestris the

and (gokshura)
a

ing strengthenand
roast

vegetables.
it in
a

Enclose

mass

covered

crucible
to it four

sand-bath
and

for three hours.

Lastly add
into

parts of

camphor
are

four of musk
an

and

make
a

four-grainpills. These
more

given as

alterative tonic in

but variety of diseases,

in chronic affections especially by deranged phlegm.

of the

lungs supposedto

be caused

CIVET
Sans.

CAT.

wawsrfr, Gandha

mdrjdra. Vern.

Khdtdsi,Beng. The
an

pouch
odorous

of the civet cat

contains (Viverra Zibetha,Linn.) is extracted

unctuous

secretion which

and

used

in

perfumery.

The

| i

282

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

ascites and urinary complaints, diarrhoea,

anasarca.

A pure milksalt

diet to the exclusion of every other article (not even excepting and

water) is

often

in prescribed

the

later

stages of

anasarca,

ascites and chronic bowel

some

Mdna

diet, Along complaints. such as Dugdha vati, sort of medicine, or Svarnaparpati" manda, is usually prescribed.
or

with this milk

cf5ff lakra

butter-milk.
pure

Four

sorts

of

butter-milk

are

or described, namely gJiola

butter-milk

without

admixture

of
or

water,takra
that mixed

or

butter-milk with one-fourth

part of water, udasi

or

with

half itsbulk of water, and chhachchhikd The second form

very

dilute butter-milk.

called takra is used in medicine It is

and

as

an

article of sick diet.

regardedas

gent, astrin-

etc.

arrhoea, and useful in dinutritive, tonic, light, cooling, appetizing, dyspepsia, ascites, poisoning, diseases, dysentery, urinary It is not suited to the weak,or consumptive to those suffernor fever and
nervousness.

from

The
a

habitual

use

of butter-milk

is

said to be conducive to health and

preservative againstdisease,
to milk

^fa
or a

Dadhi

or

curdled milk is prepared by

as a

curdled milk little

course

ferment

addingsome acid boiled. In previously

thus acted upon It

the

of twelve hours the whole

a more or

of the milk

is changedinto is considered

less

mass. thick, acidulous, jelly-like

and cooling, and is much used agreeable, digestive it aricleof diet by all classes of natives. Taken to excess as an It is useful in fever, diarrhoea biliousness and catarrh. causes disorders and disinclination for food. urinary dysentery, similar to those *T^J Mastu or whey is said to have properties of curdled milk.

"

In

it is said to particular

favour the

circulation

of the animal fluids and to be useful in fa^ri^l Kildtaka

of
or

constipation.
ishard chhend, (Vern. Peng.) suited to persons with

curd of milk

but digestion, TOTf"W

tonic and is nourishing,

strong digestive powers.

SantdnM
or cream

is also hard of

but digestion

and nourishing, agreeable

demulcent. butter is

"rq"fta Navanita
stomachic
agrees

or

tonic, astringent, invigorating

It

and

useful

in

facialparalysis, etc. phthisis, piles,

best with the old and young.

MILK

AND

ITS

PRODUCTS.

283

war

Ghrita
in

or

clarified butter

is much butter

used

both

as

an

article cow's of

of diet milk the

is

and

pharmacy.
is

Clarified
to

obtained from

from

considered and

superior preferred

that

prepared
use.

the milk

buffalo

for

medicinal and

Clarified It increases

butter the and

is considered

emollient cooling, and and mental is useful

powers,

stomachic.

fatty

tissues

improves

the

voice,beauty

complexion

in

eye

diseases, retained

secretions,
etc.

insanity, tympanites, painful dyspepsia,ulcers, wounds,

is the basis of
a

It

form

of

medicinal

preparation called gliritapdka

already described
HTT*ire"f

in the

introduction, (see page

butter It has

14).
more

Purdna

ghrita. Clarified
a

than odour the

ten

years the cacious effi-

old, passes
colour

by

this name.1 The said

strong

pungent
is

and

of lac. it
is

longer
to prove

this old butter

as an

kept

more

external heard this

as

application.
of. The richer

Clarified natives

butter

hundred
a

years stock
care

old is often

always
preserve

have

of old

ghrita of
own use

descriptionwhich
well
some as

they
to

with
poorer

for their I

for distribution

their

neighbours.
which
more were

have

seen

specimens
and

of

old

clarified

butter

quite dry
like
some

and of

hard

nearly
than It
an

ous. inodoranimal
peatedly re-

They
substance.

looked Old

sort

earth

clarified butter with

soapy

is used

externally.
rubbed
as

is first

washed reduced
is
to
a

cold

water, and

then

with
a

it till it is

frothy
and
as

fluid which and

is used is

liniment. used
in
vous ner-

It

regarded

as

cooling
such

emollient

much

diseases

insanity, epilepsy, neuralgia, paralysis,

in
or

cephalalgia burning
The of

and the

asthma,

rheumatic

affections, stiff joints,

of the eyes, for The wood
etc.2

body,

hands

feet,affections
is

following
of the

treatment

recommended
fever. of sandal
a

reducing

the

temperature
should be

skin
an

in

strong

patient'sbody
and times of old
in cold

anointed butter

with that

emulsion been

clarified

has

washed

hundred

284 He

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA,

water.

should

then be

enter

tepid bath
of the

for

short

while,

His

bedding

should

made
-

leaves

of

Nelumbium

1 (kamala). speciosum

BILE.
Sans.

fTO? Pitta.
and rohitaka

The fish

bile of the

wild boar, goat, peacock buffalo,

.

either singlyor in Rohita)^is used in medicine, (Cyprinus under the designation of Pancha combination pittaor the five biles. Bile is considered for laxative and
into

is

used chiefly

in

soaking

powders intended borax, and

rohitaka and make black

being made
Take
each
;

pill-masses.
mercury,

rasa.2 UdaTcamanjari pepper

of
one

sulphur, calcined
and the bile of

part

; sugar

four partseach fish, into

rub them
are

together for three days

six-grain pills.These
fever.
it.

in recent

bilious remittent should be

If

given with ginger juice there is much heat of headr

other
278.
taining preparationscon-

cold water

appliedto

For

see bile,

under

serpentpoison, page
aromatic cooling,

tftct^llTGorochand, or the concretions

der

found in the and

gall-blad
tion abor-

of the ox,

are

considered
to supposed

useful in

and diseases sometimes into the

be caused

by

Gorocliana is evil spirits.

a

given to

infants in small doses

some

as

laxative,It

enters

of composition

medicines

for skin diseases.

URINE.
THE
cow,

Sans. **"
urine

Mutra.

of properties

the

of various

animals,such
and
camel
are

as

the
nutely mi-

ass, buffalo, goat, sheep,horse,elephant,-

described. and

Of

these,cow's

urine

is much

used both internally

metals
and

of various in the purification externally,

in the

URINET.

285

preparation
diuretic anasarca, is sometimes and

of

oils, decoctions,etc.
in

It is described
of

as

laxative,

useful

constipation, suppression
and other for skin diseases.
in

urine, colic,
Goat's
urino

jaundice, leprosy

given internally as

example
In
an

the

prescription
fever fresh It is with and
times some-

quoted

under

Nardostachys jatamansi.
face
is and
as

congestive
ounce

constipation, flushed
warm

headache,
a

of

cow's

urine
as

given
for

domestic

medicine.
castor

given

the

vehicle
is

administering
the and

oil,(see
various

page

231).

Cow's for

urine

used

in

preparation
allied

of

cines medi-

jaundice,

anasarca

diseases.

The

following

is

an

illustration.

Punarnavd

mandura.l

Take

of

Boerliaama

diffusa(punarnavd)
pepper, black pepper,

Ipomcea

Turpethum

(trivrit), ginger, long wood,

wood

bdberang seeds,
three
root

devaddru

plumbago
ofBerberis

root, pdtchak root, the

my

robalans, turmeric, Baliospermwn seeds,

the in
root

Asiatica, (ddruharidrd)
Chaba

of

montanum,
of Picrorrhiza

(danti),Piper
Kurroa

(chavikd),
pepper
;

indrajava
root

(katuki), long

and
rust

tubers

of

Cyperus
to

rotundus

(mustaka), equal parts

of all the other
in

iron
mix

weight equal
and urine

twice the

that

ingredients; eight
times

them

together
of cow's

boil

mixed

powder

its

weight

till the
in

watery

part is evaporated.
anasarca,
etc. seers,

Dose,

about

twenty-two
of the

grains,

jaundice, ascites,

ments enlarge-

abdominial
taila.

viscera,painful dyspepsia,
Take of mustard oil

Marichddya
urine pepper,
odorum sixteen
seers,

four

cow's black

aconite of

eight tol"s, orpiment,

realgar,
of

milky

juice

Calotropis gigantea (arka), root

of

Neinum

(karavira),root Aplotaxis

Ipomcea Turpethum

colocynth (trwrit),
wood sandal of
Berberis

root,

auriculata

(kushtha),turmeric,
wood,
and red

Asiatica

devaddru (ddruharidrd),

wood,

each

286

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEDICA.

four

tolas,and

prepare

an

oil in the

usual

way. and

This

oil is said to skin

be useful in diseases.1

leucoderma, chronic prurigo

_

other

obstinate

ANIMAL In
Sanskrit
or

FLESH.
the flesh of various
srif^

describingthe properties of
writers and divide them into two
or

animals,

classes, namely
animals
as :

Jdngala Jdngala

land,
are

*Q^V

Anitpa
into

water

Animals
:"

living on

land
or

sub-divided

eight orders
wilderness
as

follows

STTfWT

animals

livingin the
,

deers,antelopes,etc.
holes under

fa^W

VilastMy or

animals

in living

ground,

as

serpents, liz ards, porcupines, etc. SfFTsn:,

Guhdsaydor
Parnamrigd
or

animals

living in living on
take

caverns,

as

tigers

lions, etc. bears,

tWETT:,
etc, Bqirrels, animals

trees, as

monkeystearing

VishMrd ftfarCT:,
or

or

birds

which

their food

after

as peacocks, quails,partridges,etc. it, scattering

**?J^!) Pratudd

or

birds

which

strike

with

their

beaks,

as-

pigeons,wag-tails,cuckoos,
W*?

etc, of prey,
as

T.'JPrasahd
or

or

birds

the

hawk, falcon,etc.

Grdmyd *TT"TT:,
Animals five classes
as

domestic
water
:
"

animals,

as

sheep,etc. ox,goat,horse,
are

livingin
follows

or

marshy

lands

sub-divided

into

fi%W:,

Kulechard,
birds

or

animals

grazing

in

marshes,

as

buffalos, yak, rhinoceras,etc.

""TTTn,Pldvd,
cranes,
or

which

swim

in

water,

as

geese,

ducks

etc.

3?fWn,

Kosasthd)

or

animals

enclosed

in

as shells,

conch-

etc. bivalve-shells, shells,

ittf^T: Pddina,
etc. porpoise,

or

footed

aquatic animals

as

crocodile tortoise,

INTRODUCTION.

287

Matsyaor
and
Vishkira
or

fishes.
in living

Of these classes, animals or Jdngald birds which

the wilderness,
are

scatter their food

considered The
ferent dif-

of to the others in an alimentary superior point of the meat of various animals properties Sanskrit writers in

view.
are

desribed

by

greatdetail. The flesh of the goat, domestic

suited of the

and partridge is said to be easily and fowl, peacock digested

to the

hare, deer, sambar, and partridge is recommended for habitual use. quail, Fish,beef and porkare considered hard to digest and unsuited for daily use. The fleshof various animals is used in medicine chiefly in the form of ghrita taila pdka. The following is a list of the or and oils made with more importantand commonly used ghritas
the flesh of different animals. Hansddi with ghrita, prepared
nervous

sick and convalescent. The meat

the fleshof geese, and used in and used fowls,

and cephalalgia Kukkutddi

in chronic

diseases. the flesh of

with ghrita, prepared

cough. Siva ghrita, with jackal's flesh and used in insanity. prepared with goat'smeat, and used in Chhdgalddi ghrita, prepared
diseases.
is an Sdnibukdditaila,

nervous

with the flesh of snails and oil prepared

used

in ear diseases. externally is prepared with ghrita Nakulddya,

nervous

the flesh of the mungoosa

and used in

diseases.
two

The flesh.

are following

illustrations of

with preparations
six seers
a

animal

Take Chhdgalddyaghrita.^ the quarter,

ten

of

goat'smeat
six
seers

and

drugscalled dasamula

and

quarterin

:
N"

238

SANSKRIT

MATERIA

MEBICA

all, water
fourth and

four sixtystrain.
racemosus

seers;

boil

till the

latter

is reduced

to

one-

Take

of

clarified

butter, milk
seers

and and

the the

juice

of

Asparagus
substances

four (satamuli), form of

a

each

following

in the

paste,

namely, somnifera kdkoli,

Tinospora cordifolia, (asvagandhd), Hemibulbs

of

(guruclii), bamboo-manna,
desmus

Withania

Indicus

berries (sdrivd), of Phaseolus

called

called

kshiradebilis
seer

kdkali,pulse

trilobus

(mugdni), and

Glycine

(masMni),
in

and Ccelogyne ovalis, (jivanti),

liquorice root ghrita.

This

(one

all);
is

boil them

together
facial

and

prepare

tion preparaor

given

in

paralysis,deafness, loss

of voice

tinct indisother

speech, convulsions, hysteria, sciatica,paralysis

diseases of the
nervous

and

system.
of

Mdshatailal
seers

Take

goat's

meat

eight

seers,

water

sixty-four
seers.

boil

together

till the

latter is reduced
,

to sixteen

Take
root

of the of

pulse

of Phaseolus
Priorities

Roxburghii (mdslia) linseed, barley,

Barleria

(kurantaka), of

Solanum of
Mucuna

Jacquinii, (kantaCalosanthes
'

Mri),

Tribulus

terrestris

(gokshura),bark
seeds
water

Indica

syondka], jatdmdnsi
pikvachchku),
sixteen
seers.

root,
seer,

of

pruriens
boil

(kato

each Take

one

sixty-four seers;
of Crotolaria

down

of cotton

seeds, seeds

juncea (sana),

pulse of

Dolichos
two

dried uniflorus(kulattha),
seers,
water

pulp

of

Ziziphus
down
to

Jujuba
sixteen

(kola),each
seers.

sixty-four seers
pepper,

; boil

Take

of

ginger, long
Bcerhaavia

dill

seeds, root

of

Ricinus

communis

(eranda), of

diffusa(punarnavd),Poederia

foetida

Vanda (prasdrani),

pora TinosSida cordifolia (bereld), Roxburghii (rdsnd), and Picrorrhiza them

to
a

cordifolia(gulancha)
parts;
mentioned oil in the
in

Kurroa

(katuki)equal
the above of
in

all

one

seer,

and and This

reduce the

paste. Boil
four
seers

decoctions usual
way.

paste with

sesamum

oil is rubbed and other

externally
of the

convulsions,
system^

paralysis,wasting

of limbs

diseases

nervous

290

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

SANSKRIT.

VERNACULAR.

SCIENTIFIC

NAMES.

Akarakarabha

B. Ukarkari,

H.

Pyrethrum,DC. acyclus
root. llitory small varietyof Jatamansi
to

said Kedar

be

produced in

the

mountain,

l, B.
H. marbeli,

Linn. assythafiliformis,

"khukarni
"w

ee

Mushikaparni.

"kshota

H. B. JAkhrot,

Linn. Juglans regia,

AUbn

Lau, B. Lauk", H
Mithi

Sering. vulgaris, Lagenaria

Willd. Syn. Cucurbita lagenaria%
Br. or procera,R. gigantea, Calotropis

tumbi,H.
B.

Alarka

SveUkand, Mddar,
H.

?he varieties with white flowers.

^malaki

|imU, B,
H.

^yllanthusEmblica
Syn. Emblica

Linn.

Gaert. officinalis,

Ambashthd

See Pithd.

Ambuvetasa

Barabet,B.

Calamus

Roxb. fasciculatus,

?*

Amlalonikd

"mruls"k, B.

Oxalis

Linn. corniculata,

Ami

ana

L 41 gulm akh

al,

Linn. Gomphrena globosa,

Amlavetasa

See Chukra.

ambuvetasa
in woods been

Roxburgh givesambuvetasa as rattan means growing

and
not

the in

Sanskrit

for

Calamus
Calamus

but fasciculatus, fasciculatus grows I have nut

water, while

in marshes. the

The

translation is therefore

doubtful.

able to procure

plant.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

291

292

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

This is

collectivename

for
as

eightmedicines, six
and
"

of

which

are

not

available
are

at

present.

Their

names

the articlessubstitutedfor

those that

not

are procurable,

follows:

Meda, *T^T. Asvagandhais used in stead. Mahameda, **f T*r?T. Sariva", ^\^^i. Guduchi, Jivaka, j, ^w^. Vansalochana, Rishabhaka, ^f^. Bala, Riddhi, 5f". Mahabala, Viiddhi,
" " " "

^1^1"^. See Kakoli,

Kshirakakoli-

under this name. Do. Do,

^k^T^^

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

293

294

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

295

296

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

298

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

Custard apple. Sharifa", Sit"phal,

B. Gandharaja Gandharaj,

Gardenia

Linn. florida,

Gandhatrina

See Bhustrina.

B. aniari,

Premna

Linn. serratifolia,

Ami, H.

Roxb. Syn. P. spinosa, Corr. populnea, Thespasia S yn. Hibiscus Daucus Roxb. populneoides,

Gardhabhanda1 B. Parespipal,
H. Gajahanda,

Garjara,
Gavedhuka

H. |Gajary
B. Gargaredh"n,

Carota,Linn.

Some

of species

Coix.

B. H. Ghantapatali Ghantapanil,

Schrebera

Roxb. swietenioides,

Ghantarav^L

B. Jhanjhania,

Retz. Crotalariasericea,

B. Ghritakumari Ghritakumdri,

Aloe Indica,Royle.

Ghikumar, H.

Syn. Aloe

Roxb. per foliata,

Godhipadi

B. Goalilata,

Vahl. itispedata, Lamk, yn. Cissus pedatus,

Godhuma

Gam,
Genhu

B.

'riticum vulgar e, Linn. Common Cueumis

yn,

H.

wheat.

Godumbd

Gomuk, B.

Melo, Linn,

[Roxb,

Gojihba

Gobhi, H.
B. Gojialatd,

madraspatanus, scaber,Linn. lephantopus

ribulus

Cueumis

Gokshura

Gokshura,B.
Gokhuru,
H.

Linn, terrestris,

Linn. Syn, T. lanuginosus, A

sort
on

Granthiparna

B.

of
some

gall caused by
tree.

an

sect in-

dyan,H.

GLOSSARY

OP

INDIAN

PLANTS.

299

300

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

301

302

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

303

304

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

30G

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

307

308

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

SANSKRIT.

VERNACULAR.

SCIENTIFIC

NAMES.

Lodhra

Lodh, B. H.

Symplocos racemosa,

Roxb.

Loni

B. Chhotalunia, B. Baralunia, H.

H. Portulaca Also p. Randia

Linn. oleracea,

L. quadrifida,

Madana

Madan, B. Mayin, H.
Madhavilata, B.

dumetorum, Lamk.
Roxb.

n^i Madhavi

dumetorum. \Synt Posoqueria

H.JHiptage Gaertn. Madhablota,

Syn. Oaertnera
racemosa,

Roxb.

Madhuka

Maua, B.

H.

IBassialatifolia, Roxb.

Madhurikd

Mauri, B. Souf,H.

Fceniculum Fennel

Gaertn. vulgare,

seeds.

Madhvalu

Maualn, B.

Roxb. aculeata, pioscorea

Mahabafa* vet
Mahakala *?f T^T^T

B. bereld,

Sida

Roxb. rhomboidea,

ahadebi,H.
B. lakal,

Trichosanthes

palmata,Roxb.

ndrayan H. "horanim, B.
H. Sakain, B. Vlakhana,
H.

Mahdnimba

Melia

Linn. Azedarach,

^TfW
Makhdnna

Melia sempervirens, Stv. \Syn. Salisb. ferox, jEuryale Roxb. tyn.Anneslea spinosa,

Makushtaka
1|N Malati

Mat, H.

iPhaseolus aconitifolius, Jacq.

B.

Banmudga,

Malati,H.B.

G. Don. Aganosma caryophyllata,

Echites caryophyllata, \Syn. Roxb.

Mallika"

B. Mallika,

Jasminum

Sambac,Ait.

Bel,H.
Manaka Man
Man

B.

kachu, B. kand, H.

Colocasia Indica,Schott.
Arum \Syn.

Indicum, Roxb.

Mandara

See

Parijata.

GLOSSAB7

Of

INDIAN

PLANTS.

309

310

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

311

312

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

314

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

315

316

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

317

318

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

319

320

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

Some

use Bengaliphysicians

the Amaranthus

Linn, spinosus,

under the

name

of Tandulia.

322

GLOSSARY

OP

INDIAN

PLANTS.

SANSKBIT.

VERNACULAR.

SCIENTIFIC

NAMES.

Utpala
See

Nilotpala.
Linn* Calamus,

Vacha

Bach,H.

B.

Acorus

Vajri
Vaka

B. Tekdtasij,

Linn. Euphorbia antiquorum,

Bak,B. H.
H. Agasti,

Sesbania grandiflora, Pers.

Syn.Aeschynomene Roxb. grandiftora,

See

Vakuchi

Somaraji.

Vakula

B. Bakul, H. Maulsari, B. Banhalud,

Linn. Mimusops Elengi,

Vanaharidra

Curcuma

Salisb. aromatica,

Syn.Curcuma Zedoaria, JRoxb. Vanak"rpasa

,B.
Hibiscus

Linn. vitifolius,

Vanamallika

B. H. Banmallika*,

Jasminum The

Sambac,Ait.

B. H. Vana methika"Banmethi,

flowered variety. single Melilotus parviflora, Desf.

Van drdraka

B. H. Banad",

Syn.Trifolium Indicum,Willd. Roxb. Zingiber Cassumunar,

SeseliIndicum, W.

B. VanayamdniBonjoin,

A.

DC. Syn.Cnidiwn diffusum,

Vanddka

See Easna.

Vansa

Bans, B. H.

Bambusa

Retz. arundinacea,

VansarochanaBansa lochan, B.
H. sir, Varahakrdntd Lajak, B. Taba*

Bamboo

manna.

Mimosa

Linn pudica,

H. jj" vati,

The sensitive plant.

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

323

SCIENTIFIC

NAMES.

Jasminum Also
a name

Sambac, Ait.
for

[see.

which Triyamana',

Solanum

Linn. Melongena,

Crataeva

Forst. religiosa,

Roxb. \Si/n. Capparis trifoliata,

Linn. Basilicum, |0cimum Willd. 0. pilosum, tyn. I Willd. Acacia Arabica,

Vavula

Vasaka
3TS35

Justicia Adhatoda,Roxb. Adhatoda \ffyn. Nees. Vasica,

Vasphika
zrifaW
Vastuka

involucrata, Wight. Pimpinella

Roxb. Apium involucratum, \Syn.

album,Linn. Chenopodium

ST^5*
Vata
*Z

Ficus

Linn. Bengalensis,

Roxb. F. Indica, \Syn.

Vetra Bet, B. H. Vetasa,

Rotang, Linn. [Calamus

%**J fa Vibhitaka H. B. |Bahera,

Grif. C. Roxburghii, fyn. Roxb. iTerminalia Bellerica,

ftfafl* Vidanga
B. |Biranga,

Embelia Ribes,Burm.

ft^lF
Vid"ri

Baberang, H.
kumra, [Bhumi
Bildi kand, H. B. B.

Wight. E. glandulifera, \Syn.

Batatas

Choisy. paniculata,

f^^T^t
^^f^3R
Vijaya
f^^2?T
Vikankata

Linn. paniculatus, Convolvulus \Syn. Citrus Medica, Linn.

var.

Vijapuraka Tabinebu,

See

Bhanga.

B. Bainch,
H. 'Kantai,

FlacourtiaRamontchi,L'Hert.
Rod. Flacourtia sapida, \Syn,

ftn"

324

GLOSSARY

OF

INDIAN

PLANTS.

INDEX.

The

Sanskrit

terms
as

in the

have glossary

not been included in

this index

in alphabetical order. theyare already

3"6

INDEX,

328

INDEX.

330
Calamus C. C. fasciculatus

INDEX.

290 323
323

Celsia Coromandelina minuta Centipeda

306 295
244 295

Rotang Roxburgh!!

Ch"b Chachenda
Chai

Calophylluminophyllum 232, 314 202, 320 gigantea196,290, 291 Calotropis

C. procera Canna Indica saliva decussata Calosanthes Indica

244, 295 155,294

xi

Chakaund
Chakra Chakra datta marda

196, 290
317

155

Cannabis Canscora

235, 293 201,296, 316

115 303 303

Chakulia Chakundia" Chalta

Chameli

147, 314

155,294
294

Capparidacese Capparis aphylla

C. Sodada
C. C.

190, 300
294

Champi

sepiaria

289, 301

Champ"
Ghana" Chanaka

natia

320 295 149

trifoliata; Capsicumfrutescens
C. minimum of

115,323
212 212

Chanaka'inla Chandana Chandan"di taila

150

Carbonate

potash

87 88

224, 295
276 48

Carbonate of soda
Cordia

Myxa

293
293

Chandanddyalauha
Chandesvara
rasa

C. latifolia

40, 44
320 317 222

Cha"ndni Halicacabuml39,301 Cardiospermum Carissa Carandas C.

303

handra Chandrahba

congesta pruriens Carpopogon

tinctorius Carui

303

293, 303
307

Chandramrita

rasa

81 45
115 60 124 124 vi 268

Carthamus Carum

varti handraprabh" Chandra

sura

173,319

173 Roxburghianum aromaticus 164, 307 Caryophyllus

C.

lhandrodaya makaradhvaja
h"ngeri Uha'ngeri ghrita
Oharaka Ch"ruka Chatuhsama Uhaturmukha Chaturthakari vati
rasa

Cassia alata

155, 295

C. fistula C.

155, 291 155,304 155, 294

290 291 21

Sophora

C. Tora

164

Cassythafiliformis fistula Cathartocarpus of Caustics, preparation

CedrelaToona Cedrus Deodara

35
67

Chaupatte
Chavi havica Betle havica officinarum

319
295

311, 321
247, 296
309

310,320
295

Celosia cristata

INDEX.

331
309

Chavica
Chaviki Chena

Roxburghii

243, 313
244

Cicer lens

Cinnamomum
C. Tamala C.

Camphora 222t 304

224, 820

149, 295
323

album 'Chenopodium Chhagaladighrita Chharila

Zeylanicum

224,321
103 298

287 315
316

hernandifolia Cissampelos 103,313 hexandra Cissampelos

Cissus

Chhatian Chliatm
Chhikura Chholi

pedatus

191,316
316 295
309

CitrullusColocynthis
Citrullus vulgaris

172,300
320 126

Citrus Citrus acida

Citrus Aurantianum Citrus decumana Citrus medica Civet cat Cleome

Chholanganebu
Chhota elachi
Chhotalunia'

297 308
295
,

126, 300 126,310

127

Chichinga'
Chin China

126,309, 811,323
280

295 267

pentaphylla

292,319
319 289 293

Chinaghas
Chini Chintamani chaturmukha

267, 295
314 35

C. felina C. viscosa

Clerodendron infortunatum
C.

Chir Chirchira" Chireti

Chirmiti Chita

246, 316
221 200

Siphonanthus
diffusum

219,294 147,291
322

Clitorea Ternatea Cnidium

151, 299 185, 295

185
90

Coccinia Indica
Coccus lacca Cocos nucifera Coleus Amboinicus C. aromaticus Colocasia

171, 324
276 31 1^247 318
313

Chitraka Chloride of ammonium Chloride of sodium

Chobchini Chok Cholai

84

264, 295
319

antiquorum

301 308 160 303

300

Colocasia Indica

221, 320
tomentosum 104

Combretaceae

Chondodendron
Chorkante Chos

Commelyna Bengalensis

295 319 295

295 313 269

Commelyna salicifolia Composite

Conifer"
latifolia Conocarpus

180
245

Chukapalang
ChukeU sak

297
203

Chuprialu
Chura" Churna

Convolvulaceae Convolvulus C. repens C.

205,294, paniculatus
302

82

Cicer arietinum

149, 295

Turpethum

203,321

332

IN7DEX.

INDEX.

D. bulbosus D. sinensis D. uniflorus Bond Doodia

31 c

312

149,306
296

lagopodioides

147,314
293 138

Dopohoria
Drdksha" Dnikshi arishta

138

aromatica Dryobalanops Dub

223

272, 297
297
1 12 vati

Dudhidlata"

Dugdha
Durba

Duralabhd

145, 297
297
272 304

Durva, Durb*
alba Eclipta"
E. prostrata E. erecta

181, 304
304

Echites E.

antidysentcrica caryophyllata

307
308

E. dichotoma
E. Frutescens E. schokris

293

317, 320
316

Ela Elachi Ganitrus Elseocarpus Elephantopusscaber Elettaria cardamomum Eleusine Elua Embelia
Embelia Emblica
corocaua

257 257
815 298

257, 297 268, 314

291

Ribes

187, 323
323

glandulifera
officiualis Heloncha

225, 290 185, 300 297, 231 231, 297

312

Enhydra
Erend

Erand, Eranda
Indica Erythrina

Eugenia acutangula
E. Jambolana

164, 300
225 23.".

Euphorbiacea? Euphorbia antiquorum

334

INDEX.

Gandha
Gandha

marjara
uakuli

280

258, 317
298 26 299

Gandharaj
Gandha taila

Gandpater Gangadhara Ganja

Ganiari

churna

194

235, 237
219, 289, 298
219 298
rasa rasa

Ganikarika Gantiala
Garbhavilasa Garbhavinoda Gardenia

68 56 298

florida

Gargaredhan
Garlic

268, 298
262
268

Gavedhuka Genhu Gentianace"

Gentiaua

267, 298
200 200 124

Chirayta

Geraniaceae

Ghantaparul
Ghiatorai Ghikumar Ghikumari

298, 310

297, 315
298 259 302 308 305

Ghinalita
Ghoranim Ghosh

alata

Ghritakumari

259, 298
299

Gimasak
Gloriosa

superba

263, 307
150 309

Glycinelabialis Glycinedebilis glabra Glycyrrhiza

Gmelina Goalilata Gobhi Godhuma alata Goji Gokshura arborea

143, 324 218, 297

298 298

267
298 298 125 125

Gokshuradyavaleha
Gokshuri

INDEX.

336

INDEX,

Monnieria Herpestis Hibiscus cannabinus

H. H.

213,

294 311 321 321 123 319 319

frutescens!95,317,320 Ichnocarpus
Ikshu

265,

266

esculentus

Ikshugandha
Imli

125, 215 157, 321 266, 296

311 300 235

longrfolia
mutabilis

H. moschatus H H. H H.

Imperata cylindrica tinetoria Indigofera

phoeniceus Populneoides
Rosa-sinensis-

Indrajab
Indrasana Indravaruni

298,

312 300 322 299

172

H. vitifolius

Indrayan Indrayava
Indurkani

172, 300, 308

192 310 300 302 302

Hilamochika Hincha

185

185,

300

King Hingan Hingtsha repens Hingu Hingulesvara Hingvastaka chunia Hiptage Madhablota
Hiraka

175, 300
300

Tngua Ipomoea Quamoclit

I. reptans I.

185, 300
175 31 175 308 92 297

Turpethum
pyrites corylifolia

203, 321
46 56

Iron Iron

Ishermul Isora Jab Jaba

Jafran

291, 319
293

267, 325
300
306

Hogla
Holarrbena Holchus

antidysenterica 192,307 sorghum 267, 324

277
hexastichum

Jagnadumar
Jalkumbhi

235, 321
306 300

Honey
Hordeum

267,

324 146 66 123 102 319 289

Hrasvapanchamula Hridayarnava rasa

Hrivera Hriveradi Hulhul Hurhur Hurhuria Hutasana
rasa

Jalpipari Jamalgota
Jaman Jambava Janibira Jambir Jambu nebu

228, 301
300

164
126 300 164 164

289, 176, 215, 211,

319 100 309 305 312 318 250

Jamun

Jangi haritaki
Jarak nebu
Jaramla

160 127
294 324 189

Asiatica Hydrocotyle

Hygropbilaspinosa Hyoscyamus niger Hyperanthera moringa Hypoxidese Hypoxis orchioides

lohchhavedi vatika

Jashtimadhu
Jasminaceae Jasminum J. J.

auriculatum

324 319

250,

320 228

chrysanthenum
graudiflorum

190, 300

338

INDEX.

INDEX.

340

INDEX.

INDEX.

341

Leeches

Leguminosse
sativum Lepidium

Lettsomia Leucas

nervosa

linifolia

Liquidambar orientale Ligusticum Ajowan

Liliacese Lime Limonia scandens
cristatum

Limnanthenum

Limpaka
Linum
usitatissimum

Litharge
Lobia Lodh Lodhra

Logauiaceas
Lona
Luffa Luffa Luffa

acutangula
amara

cylindrica Luffa pentandra Luvunga scandens

Lycopodium imbricatum
Lythracese
Madana Madana modaka

Madar
Madhavilata Madhu

196, 290, 291,

Madhuka Madhukarkatika Madhurika

Madhyama Magrela Majoon

Mahabala Mahabari

narayana

taila

bach
rasa rasa

Mahagandha

Mahalakshibilas

342

INDEX.

Marsilea Mania Marwa Masha

qnadrifolia

319

Metals,calcination
Methi Metbi Mica

of

24

268, 314
296 149

144, 309
modaka
144

76

Mashabaladi Mashani

kvatha

121

Micbelia
Milk and

Champaca
its

294 281 304 291

160, 309
150 288 309 309 292 taila

preparations

Mashaparni
Masha

Mimosa
M. M.

Catechu

Farnesiana Indica ISirisa

Suma

Mashkalai
Mashoni

307. 322
318 316

M.
M.

Masina
Masur

149, 309
149 308

Mimusops Elengi
M. M.

188, 322
314 314 12

Masnra
Mat Matar

hexandra
Indica acids

149, 302, 317

classification of objects,
1 126

Mineral

Material

Minerals,classificationof
Mirabilis

21,23
305

Matulunga
Maua

Jalapa

188, 308
308

Misreya
Mithabish Mitha
Mithi Mocha Mocharasa nebu tumbi

173 97
126 290 122 122 299

Maualu Maulsarau
Mauri

188, 322 173, 308

177, 308

Mayin
Medicated
action Medicines,
,

oils, preparationof
of of

13 5 9 2

Mollugo Spergula
Momordica M. M. M. mixta muricata

administration classification of
forms
rasa

charantia

303, 319
303

-,

of

9,17
53

303, 319

Mehamudga
Melia Melia

monodelpha
citrifolia

171,

324 309 289 289

Azadirachta

308, 311
308 136

Moong
Morinda M. tinctoria.

sempervirens parvifolia

Meliaceae Melilottis Mendi

322 309 103 299 319

Moringaceai Moringa pterygosperma Morus M. Mot Moth

a

117

MenispermacesB Menispermum cordifolium

M.
tomentosa

117, 318, 320

Indica
321 321 149 310 311 138

parvifolia

Menyanthes Merasingi Mercury Mestapat

Mesua
ferrea

cristata

302 309

27
311

Motia Mridvika

119, 310

Mriganabhi

279

INDEX,

343