Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s3.270

v2.c4.s3.270

1. Bheṣaja, denoting a ‘remedial agent,’ ‘medicine,’ is often mentioned in the Rigveda¹ and later,² being also used in a figurative sense.³ Plants,⁴ waters,⁵ and spells⁶ are repeatedly enumerated as medicines. Most of the medical practices of the Atharvaveda are merely examples of sympathetic magic. For example, in one hymn⁷ the yellow of jaundice is entreated to pass into yellow birds. In another⁸ fever is to be banished by means of a frog; for the frog, being a potent means of cooling fire⁹ (because of its association with water), is regarded as analogously effective in banishing the fire of fever. See Bhiṣaj.