The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s17.2

c4.s17.2

Borax was known to the ancient Hindus from a very remote period, and is mentioned by Susruta. It is brought from Thibet across the Himalaya, and from Nepal, and is used in medicine as well as in the arts. It is purified for medicinal use by being steeped for a night in *kánjika*, and dried in the sun. Borax is said to be useful in loss of appetite, painful dyspepsia, cough, asthma, skin diseases and diarrhœa. It is also used for procuring abortion and promoting uterine contractions. Borax enters into the composition of numerous formulæ for dyspepsia, such as the *Amritakalpa rasa*, *Tankanádi vati* etc.