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The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s1: Nat. Order. Ranunculaceæ

The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s1

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Nat. Order. Ranunculaceæ

Aconitum Ferox

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*Sans.* विष, *Visha*. वत्सनाभ, *Vatsanábha*. *Vern.* *Mithábish*, *Sringibish*, *Dagrá*.

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THE poisonous root called bish or sringibish is derived chiefly from *Aconitum ferox* and *Aconitum Napellus*, which are indigenous to the temperate and sub-alpine Himalaya. Other equally poisonous species of aconite are met with in these regions, and their roots collected for use. In the Introduction (page 7) it has been stated that of the nine virulent poisons mentioned by Sanskrit writers, the majority probably consist of species of aconite. The characters of these poisons are described in the Bhabaprakasa, as follows.

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*Vatsanábha*. This root resembles in appearance the navel of children, hence it is called *Vatsanábha*. Its leaves are like those of *Vitex Negundo*. It is said that no plant can grow near it.

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*Háridra*. This root resembles turmeric in appearance, hence it is so called.

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*Saktu*. This poisonous tuber, when broken, is found to contain a white starch-like substance.

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*Pradipana*. This variety is said to be red and shining in appearance, and to cause a severe burning sensation when taken internally.

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*Sauráshtrika* is the variety of poisonous root produced in the country called Surat.

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Sringi is a variety of aconite which if tied to the horn of a cow, is said to tinge her milk red.

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Kálakuta. This poison is said to be the gum of a plant resembling the Ficus religiosa in appearance. It is a native of Malwa and the Concans.

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Haláhala. The bunches of fruits of this plant resemble those of grapes. Its leaves are like those of the palm tree. It is found in the Himalaya, in the sea coast to the south, the Concan and in the mountain called Kishkindhya to the north of Mysore.

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Brahmaputra. This poison is of a tawny colour and causes purging. It grows on the Malayáchala, that is, the Western Ghats on the Malabar Coast.

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From the above description it would seem that of these nine poisons, the first six are probably species of aconite. Of these the variety called Vatsanábha has been used in medicine from a very remote period.

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Aconite is purified by being cut in small slices and steeped in cow's urine for three days, before being used. It is regarded as heating and stimulant, and useful in diseases supposed to be caused by deranged phlegm and air. It is used in a great variety of affections, but is specially recommended in fever, cephalalgia, affections of the throat, dyspepsia and rheumatism. In recent or acute fevers the following is a favourite medicine.

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Mrityunjaya rasa.¹ Take of purified aconite, sulphur, black pepper, long pepper and borax, each one part, cinnabar two parts; powder and beat them into a mass with water and make into two-grain pills. These pills are given with suitable adjuncts in fever supposed to be caused by deranged air, as also in those caused by the derangement of all the humours, that is, in ordinary remittent fever and in that of typhoid type. A composition very similar to the above is recommended by Sarangadhara under the name of *A'nanda bhairava rasa*. If there is much constipation along with the fever, croton seeds are added to the above ingredients, as in the preparation called *Jvara murári rasa*.¹

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¹ मृत्युञ्जयरसः । विषस्यैकं तथा भागं मरिचं पिप्पलीकणा । गन्धकञ्च तथा भागं विभागं हिङ्गुलं भवेत् । जलेन वटिकां कार्या गुञ्जामात्रा प्रमा-णतः । मधुना लेहनं कार्यं सर्व्वज्वरनिवर्त्तये । रस रत्नाकरः ।

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¹ ज्वरहरारिः । हिङ्गु लञ्च विषं व्योषं टङ्कणं नागराभया । जयपाल-समायुक्तं सद्योज्वरनिवारणम् । सर्व्वचूर्णसमं जयपालचूर्ण सर्व्वं पिष्ट्वा कलायप्रमाणा वटिका कार्या आर्द्रकस्वरसेन पिबेत् ।। भैषज्यरत्नावली ।

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In fever complicated with cerebral symptoms aconite is used in combination with mercury and datura, as in the following called *Panchavaktra rasa*.² Take of purified mercury, sulphur, aconite, black pepper and borax, rub them together with the juice of datura leaves for twelve hours, and make into four-grain pills. Along with these pills a decoction of the root of *Calotropis gigantea* (*arka*) with the addition of long pepper, black pepper and ginger is recommended to be taken.

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² पञ्चवक्त्ररसः । शुद्धसूतम्बिवषं गन्धं मरिचं टङ्कणङ्क्षणा । मह्ययेदुच्चजै-र्द्वार्व्वदिनमेकञ्चशोषयेत् । पञ्चवक्त्रसोनामदिगुञ्जःसन्निपातहा । अर्कमूल-कषायन्तुसत्पाषणमनुपाययेत् । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

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In chronic fever with strong shivering fits, copious perspiration, or much heat of body, aconite is used in combination with salts and aromatics, as in the following called *Saubhágya vatiká*.³ Take of aconite, borax, cumin seeds, the five salts, *viz.* rock, sea, sonchal, vit and sambar salts, the three myrobalans, ginger, long pepper and black pepper, prepared talc, mercury and sulphur, in equal parts. First rub the mercury and sulphur together, then mix them with the other ingredients, soak the mixture seven times successively in the juice of the following leaves, namely, of *Vitex* Negundo (nirgundi) Nyctanthes Arbor-tristis (sepháliká), Eclipta prostrata (kesarája), Adhatoda Vasica (vásaka) and Achyranthes aspera (apámárga), and make into four-grain pills.

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³ सौभाग्यवटिका । सौभाग्यमस्तः जीर पञ्चलवण व्योषा भयात्रामला । निसन्द्राभ्रक शुद्धगन्धक रसानेकीकृतान् भावयेत् । निर्गुण्डीयुग भृङ्गराजक वृषा-पामार्गपत्रोल्लसत् । प्रत्येकस्वरसेन सिद्धवटिका हन्तिदोषोदयम् । येषां शीतमतौव दाहमखिलं खेदद्वाद्रौकतम् । निद्रां घोरतरां समस्तकरणव्यामो-हमुढं मनः । मूलं श्वासलसाकसहितं मूर्च्छाचितहज्वरम् । तेषां वै परिहृत्य जीवितमसौ गृह्णाति मृत्योर्मुखात् । भैषज्यरत्नावली ।

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Aconite is much used in dyspepsia with loss of appetite, in a variety of combinations. The following called Rámavána rasa¹ is an illustration. Take of mercury, aconite, cloves, and sulphur, each one part, black pepper, two parts, nutmeg, half a part, rub them together with tamarind juice and make into two-grain pills. These pills are given with the addition of powdered black pepper. Another preparation called Hutásana rasa is similar in composition to the above, and is recommended by several writers.

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¹ रामवाणरसः। पारदाभ्रक खड्गगन्धकं भागयुग्म मरिचेन मिश्रितम्। ततजातिफलमर्द्धभागकं तिन्त्रिड़ोफलरसेनमर्दितम्। वह्निमान्यदववक्त्रा- घ्नो रामवाण इतिविश्रुतो रसः। रसेन्द्रचिन्तामनी।

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In diseases supposed to be caused by deranged phlegm, such as catarrh, sore throat, cough, asthma, discharges from the ears and nose etc, aconite is used in combination with other heating medicines. The following called Kapha ketu rasa² is a well known medicine for these diseases. Take of aconite, borax, long pepper, and conch-shell lime, equal parts; powder, mix and soak the mixture three times successively in fresh ginger juice. Dose, two grains, to be given with ginger juice. A preparation similar to the above and called Bhairava rasa, is used in hoarseness and loss of voice.

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² कफकेतुरसः। टङ्कणं मागधीशङ्खं वत्सनाभं समंसमम्। आर्द्रकस्वरसे- नापि भावयेद्विसतलयम्। गुञ्जामानं प्रदातव्यं आर्द्रकस्वरसेन वै। पीनसश्वास कासञ्च गलरोगं गलग्रहम्। कर्णरोगं नेत्ररोगं दन्तरोगञ्चदारुणम्। एतान् रोगाञ्जिहन्याशु कफकेतुरसोत्तमः। रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः।

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In cephalalgia and hemicrania it is recommended to be given in the following form. Take of aconite one part, liquorice root and the pulse of Phaseolus Roxburghii (másha), each two parts; powder and make into one-grain pills.

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In boils and other skin diseases aconite is used in the form of liniment and ointment. The following is an illustration.

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1 रामवाणरसः। पारदाभ्रक खड्गगन्धकं भागयुग्म मरिचेन मिश्रितम्।
ततजातिफलमर्द्धभागकं तिन्त्रिड़ोफलरसेनमर्दितम्। वह्निमान्यदववक्त्रा-
घ्नो रामवाण इतिविश्रुतो रसः। रसेन्द्रचिन्तामनी।

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2 कफकेतुरसः। टङ्कणं मागधीशङ्खं वत्सनाभं समंसमम्। आर्द्रकस्वरसे-
नापि भावयेद्विसतलयम्। गुञ्जामानं प्रदातव्यं आर्द्रकस्वरसेन वै। पीनसश्वास
कासञ्च गलरोगं गलग्रहम्। कर्णरोगं नेत्ररोगं दन्तरोगञ्चदारुणम्।
एतान् रोगाञ्जिहन्याशु कफकेतुरसोत्तमः। रसेन्द्रसारसंग्रहः।

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*Visha taila.*¹ Take of sesamum oil four seers, aconite root eight tolas, seeds of *Pongamia glabra* (*karanja*), turmeric, wood of *Berberis Asiatica* (*dáruharidrá*), root of *Calotropis gigantea* (*arka*), of *Nerium odorum* (*karavira*), flowers of *Tabernaemontana coronaria* (*tagara*), *Acorus calamus* (*vacha*), *Aplotaxis auriculata* (*kushtha*) *Vallaris dichotoma* (*ásphotá*), red sandal wood, flowers of *Aganosma caryophyllata* (*málati*), bark of *Alstonia Scholaris*, (*saptaparna*), madder and leaves of *Vitex Negundo* (*nirgundi*), each four tolás, cow’s urine sixteen seers. The solid ingredients should be beaten into a paste with water, and then boiled with the oil and cow’s urine till the watery portion is evaporated. This oil is said to be useful in boils, prurigo, psoriasis, leucoderma and other skin diseases.

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¹ विषतैलम् । नक्तमालं हरिद्रे द्वे अर्कस्तगरमेवच । करवीरं वचाकुष्ठमा- स्फोतारक्तचन्दनम् ॥ मालतीसप्तपर्णञ्च मञ्जिष्ठासिन्धुवारिका । एषामर्द्धपलान् भागान् विषस्यापिपलन्तथा । चतुर्गुणे गवां मूत्रे तैलप्रस्थं विपाचयेत् । श्वित्र- विस्फोट किटिम कीटलूता विचर्चिकाः । कण्डूकृच्छ्र विकारान् ये व्रणाविषदू- षिताः । विषतैलमिदं नाम्ना सर्व्वव्रणविशोधनम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

Aconitum Heterophyllum

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*Sans.* आतिव, *A'taicha*, अतिविष, *A'tivisha*. *Vern.* *A'tis*.

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THE tuberous roots of this plant are considered tonic, astringent and stomachic, and are used in fever, diarrhœa, irritability of stomach and cough. Atis is also regarded as an antidote to poisons.

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In fever with diarrhœa the following compound decoction² is much used in practice. Take of *átis*, ginger, kurchi bark, tubers of *Cyperus rotundus* (*mustaka*), and root of *Tinospora cordifolia* (*gulancha*), equal parts, in all two tolás, water thirty-two tolás. Boil till the water is reduced to one-fourth or eight tolás. This quantity is given in two or three divided doses during the course of the day. Chakradatta recommends the following called Hrive-rádi¹ in similar cases. Take of átis, dried bela, root of Pavonia odorata (bálá) and Cyperus rotundus (mustaka), ginger and coriander, equal parts, in all two tolás and prepare a decoction in the usual way.

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² नागरं कूटजोमुस्तममृतातिविषतया । एभिःकृतं पिबेत्क्वाथं ज्वराती- सारनाशनम् । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

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¹ ह्रीवेरादिः । ह्रीवेरातिविषामुस्त बिल्वधान्यकनागरैः । पिबेत्पिच्छा-विबन्धघ्नं मूलदे षामपाचनम् । सरक्तं हन्त्यतीसारं सज्वरं वाथविज्वरम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

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In the fever, diarrhœa, cough, and irritability of stomach of infants, átis is used alone or in the following combination. Take of átis, tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka) and the horny excrescence of Rhus succedanea (karkatasringi), equal parts, powder and mix. This compound powder is given in suitable doses with the addition of honey. Sometimes long pepper is added to the above ingredients, when the powder is called Bála-cháturbhadraka,² from its being composed of four ingredients.

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² बालचातुर्भद्रिका । घनकृष्णाकर्कटाष्टचूर्ण चौद्रेण संयुतम् । शिशो-ज्वरार्तिसारघ्नं कासश्वासवमीहरम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

Nigella Sativa

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*Sans.* कृष्णजीरक, Krishnajiraka. *Vern.* Kálájirá, *Beng.* Mugrela, *Hind.*

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THE seeds of Nigella sativa are regarded as aromatic, carminative stomachic and digestive, and are used in indigestion, loss of appetite, fever, diarrhœa puerperal diseases etc. They are also said to increase the secretion of milk, and are therefore given to recently delivered females in combination with a few other medicines. Nigella seeds are scattered between layers of woolen clothes, shawls etc., to preserve them from insects. This use of the seeds appears to be common all over India.

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In intermittent fever nigella seeds slightly roasted are recommended to be given in two drachm doses with the addition of an equal quantity of treacle.³

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³ कालाजाजी तु सगुड़ा विषमज्वर नाशिनी ।

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In loss of appetite and distaste for food a confecti on made of Nigella seeds, cumin seeds, black pepper, raisins, tamarind pulp, pomegranate juice and sonchal salt, with treacle and honey is said to be very useful.¹

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¹ कारव्यजाजीमरिचं द्राक्षाट्याम्लदाडिमम् । सौवर्चलं गुडं चौद्रं सर्वा-रोचकनाशनम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

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Chakradatta recommends the administration of nigella seeds with the addition of long pepper, sonchal salt and wine in the after pains of puerperal women.² In puerperal diseases, such as fever, loss of appetite and disordered secretions, after delivery, the following called *Pancha jiraka páka*³ is used. Take of nigella seeds, cumin seeds, aniseeds, ajowan, seeds of *Carum sativum* (*ajamodá*) *Anethum Sowa* (*sulpha*) and *Trigonella Fœnum-græcum* (*methi*), coriander, ginger, long pepper, long pepper root, plumbago root, *habushá* (an aromatic substance) dried pulp of the fruit *Ziziphus Jujuba* (*vadari phala*), root of *Aplotaxis auriculata* (*kushtha*) and kamala powder, each one tolá, treacle one hundred tolás, milk one seer, clarified butter four tolas. Boil them together and prepare a confection. Dose about a drachm every morning.

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² उपकुञ्चिकां पिप्पलीञ्च मदिरां ताभतः पिबेत् । सौवर्चलेन संयुक्तां योनिमूलनिवारणीम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

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³ पञ्चजीरक पाकः । जीरकं स्थूलजीरञ्च शतपुष्पाह्वयं तथा । यवानी चाजमोदा च धान्यकं मेथिकापि च । शुण्ठी कृष्णाकृष्णामूलं चित्रकं हवुषापि च । वदरीफल चूर्णञ्च कुष्ठं काम्पिल्लकं तथा । एतानि पलमात्राणि गुडं पलशतं मतम् । क्षीरप्रस्थद्वयं दद्यात्सर्पिषः कुडवं तथा । पञ्चजीरकपाको-

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