The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s4.4

c4.s4.4

नस्य *Nasya* or the application of medicated substances to the nose, forms a prominent feature of native therapeutics. Two primary classes of medicines for this organ are recognized, namely *Sirovirechana* or medicines causing a flow of secretion from the nose and thus relieving cerebral congestion, and *Vrinhan*a or medicated oils applied to the nose with the object of cooling the head and relieving affections of the neck and chest. For clearing the head and promoting discharge from the nose, the expressed juice of pungent drugs is poured into the nose, drop by drop, or powders are blown into the nostrils by means of a tube. The former process is called *Avapida* and the latter, *Pradhamana*. For cooling the head and relieving affections of the upper part of the body, various medicated oils are used. In one form of snuff called *Pratimarsha*, two or three drops of medicated oil are directed to be snuffed up the nostril till they reach the throat, when they should be expectorated and not swallowed. In another form of application called *Marsha* about a drachm of oil is recommended to be gradually poured into each nostril from a spoon or shell.