Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v1.c3.s4.127

v1.c3.s4.127

Upa-jihvikā, Upa-jikā, Upa-dīkā are all forms of one word denoting a species of ant.¹ To these ants is attributed in the Atharvaveda² the power of penetrating to water which possesses curative properties. They were accordingly used in all sorts of spells against poisoning. The belief in their healing qualities was no doubt due to the well-known properties of the earth of ant-heaps which contains their water.