The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s8.2

c4.s8.2

THREE varieties of iron are used in Hindu Medicine, namely, Kánta lauha or cast-iron, Mandura or iron rust, and Lauhasára or salts of iron produced by iron being kept in contact with vegetable acids. The form of cast iron used in the manufacture of pans for boiling milk is considered superior to all others for medicinal use. The small particles of iron which are scattered around when hot iron is beaten on the anvil, are called mandura. They are allowed to remain in contact with the earth till they become very rusty and brittle, when they are considered fit for use. The properties of mandura are said to be analogous to those of cast iron. Lauhasára or the granules produced on iron plates, smeared with vegetable acids, are also used in medicine. This variety of iron is said to be especially useful in diarrhœa, chronic bowel-complaints, dyspepsia and nervous diseases.