The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s18.9

c4.s18.9

Lime is used in various combinations as a caustic for different diseases. Thus a mixture of conch-shell lime, impure carbonate of soda (*sarjiká*) and the ashes of *Raphanus sativus* (*mulaka*), is applied to tumours and enlarged glands.⁴ A mixture of lime, carbonate of soda, sulphate of copper and borax is applied as a caustic to tumours and warts. Lime enters into the composition of depilatories. Thus take of conch-shell lime three tolás, orpiment and the ashes of *Butea frondosa* (*palása*), one tolá each, and rub them together with the juice of plantain stalks or of *Calotropis gigantea* (*arka*). This paste is applied seven times to the part from which the hair is to be removed.⁵