[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877) › c4.s1.17 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.17 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.17 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s1.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.17) विरेचक \*Virechaka\* or purgatives are described under three heads, namely, स्रंसन \*Sransana\*, भेदन \*Bhedana\*, and रेचक \*Rechaka\*. Those medicines which hurry the chyle or materials for digestion, without allowing them to be properly digested, are called \*Sransana\*, as for example the pulp of \*Cassia fistula\*. Those medicines which set free scybala and other contents of the intestines, and discharge them from the bowels, without producing watery stools, are called \*Bhedana\*, as for example \*Katuki\* (\*Pricorrhiza Kurroa\*). Those medicines which cause the discharge of the digested or undigested contents of the intestines in a liquid form, are called \*Rechaka\*, as for example, \*Trivrit\* (\*Ipomœa Turpethum\*). These last again are subdivided into three orders, namely, \*mridu\* or mild, \*madhyama\* or intermediate, and \*krura\* or drastic. - [Previous: c4.s1.16](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.16) - [Next: c4.s1.18](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.18) - [Up: c4.s1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.17](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s1.17) · Pramāṇa