History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s4.9

v1.c24.s4.9

The text prescribes cures for trees suffering from the disorders of wind, phlegm and bile (verses 184-92). It gives detailed advice about the treatment of trees infested with insects (verse 193-98). Kāṇḍāraka and other insects (*kṛmi*) are to be taken out from the roots of the tree which is then to be sprinkled with cold water for seven days. For destroying insects the text recommends administering of water containing milk, carcass water (*kuṇapa*), Bhillota, Vacā and cowdung, plastering of Siddhārtha, Abda, Vacā, Kuṣṭha and Ativiṣa, and fumigation with the fumes of Siddhartha, Ramaṭha, Vidanga and Uṣaṇa and of washings of beef, horn of buffaloes and flesh of a pigeon, along with the powder of Bhillata. Another recommendation is to plaster with Viḍaṅga mixed with ghee, irrigate with alkaline water (*kṣārāmbu*)²² for seven days and poultice of beef, Siddhārtha and sesamum. A worm-eaten plant is to be irrigated with a solution of oil-cake in water. Insects on leaves are destroyed by dusting them with ashes and brick-dust. Injury caused by insects is healed by a plastering of Jantughna, sesamum, cow’s urine, ghee and Siddhārtha and by watering with milk.