The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s18.2

c4.s18.2

SEVERAL sorts of lime are used in Hindu medicine. Thus we have lime from limestone called *churna*. Then we have lime from calcined cowries, conch-shells, bivalve-shells and snail-shells, called respectively, *Kapardaka bhasma*, *Sankha bhasma*, *Sukti bhasma*, and *Sambuka bhasma*. These shells are purified by being soaked in lemon juice, and are prepared for use by being calcined within covered crucibles. Lime is used internally in dyspepsia, enlarged spleen and other enlargements in the abdomen, and externally as a caustic. Lime enters into the composition of a great many prescriptions for different sorts of dyspepsia. The following are a few examples.