The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s1.30

c4.s1.30

विष *Visha* or poisons are said to be endowed with the following qualities, namely, व्यावायि *Vyaváyi*, that is affecting the entire system, as for example, opium and hemp. सूक्ष्म *Sukshma* that is, penetrating into the minutest pores of the body. विकाशि *Vikási*, that is drying the humours, depressing the system and causing relaxation of the joints, as for example betel-nuts. आग्नेय *A'gneya*, that is, heating or stimulant. मदावह *Madávaha*, that is, depriving men of their senses and enveloping their minds in darkness as spirituous liquors. Taken in large doses, poisons destroy life, but, judiciously used, they act as curatives and restore health, even in dangerous diseases.