Pramāṇa · Search · About · API

The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s10: Nat. Order Ampelideæ

The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s10

Language
English

Contents

Nat. Order Ampelideæ

Vitis Vinifera, Linn.

c5.s10.t1.1

Sans. द्राक्षा, *Drákshá*. मृद्विका, *Mridviká* Vern. *A'ngurphal, Kismis, Manakká*, Beng. Hind.

c5.s10.t1.2

GRAPES have been known in India from a very remote period and are mentioned by Susruta and Charaka. The dried fruits called raisins, are used in medicine. They are described as demulcent, laxative, sweet, cooling, agreeable and useful in thirst, heat of body, cough, hoarseness and consumption.

c5.s10.t1.3

Raisins enter into the composition of numerous demulcent and expectorant medicines. The following is an illustration. Take of raisins, emblic myrobalans, dates, long pepper and black pepper, equal parts, rub them together with honey and clarified butter and administer as a linctus.³

c5.s10.t1.4

³ द्राक्षामलक खर्जूरं पिप्पलीमरचान्वितम् । पित्तकासापहं ह्येतत् लिह्यान्माक्षिकसर्पिषा । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t1.5

*Drákshá arishṭa*. This is a medicinal wine prepared as follows. Take of raisins six seers and a quarter, water one hundred and twenty-eight seers, boil them together till reduced to one-fourth, and strain. To the strained decoction add twenty-five seers of treacle and eight tolás each of the following substances in fine powder, namely, cinnamon, cardamoms, tejpatra, flowers of Mesua ferrea (nágakesara), fruit of Aglaia Roxburghiana (priyangu), black pepper, long pepper and báberang seeds, and set aside for fermentation. This liquor is considered invigorating and nourishing and is used in consumption, cough, difficult breathing and hoarseness.¹

c5.s10.t1.6

¹ द्राक्षारिष्टः । द्राक्षा तुलाद्वं द्विद्रोणे जलस्य विपचेत्सुधीः । पादशेषे कषाये च पूते शीते विनिःक्षिपेत् । गुडस्य द्विशतान्नत्र त्वगेला पत्र केसरम् । प्रियङ्ग मरिचं कृष्णां विडङ्गं चेति चूर्णयेत् । पृथक् पलान्मितान्भागैस्ततो भाण्डे निधापयेत् । समन्ततोघट्टयित्वा पिबेज्जातरसन्नतः । उरःक्षतं क्षयं हन्ति कासश्वास गलामयान् । द्राक्षारिष्टाह्वयः प्रोक्तोबलकृन्मलशोधनः । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t1.7

NAT. ORDER SAPINDACEÆ. CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM, Linn. Sans. ज्योतीष्मती, Jyautishmati. Vern. Latáphaṭkari, Nayáphaṭki, Beng.

c5.s10.t1.8

THE root of this climbing plant is described as emetic, laxative, stomachic and rubefacient, and is used in combination with other remedies in rheumatism, nervous diseases, piles etc. The fried leaves of Cardiospermum Halicacabum are said to bring on the secretion of the menses.² Another prescription for amenorrhoea is as follows. Take of yautishmati leaves, sarjiká, (impure carbonate of potash) Acorus Calamus root (vachá) and the root-bark of Terminalia tomentosa (asana) in equal parts and reduce to a paste with milk. This medicine, should be taken in doses of about a drachm for three days.³

c5.s10.t1.9

² सकाञ्जिकं जवापुष्पं भृष्टं ज्योतीष्मतीदलम् । दूर्वापिष्टञ्च संप्राश्य वनिता तार्त्तवं लभेत् ।। चक्रः ।

c5.s10.t1.10

³ पोतं ज्योतीष्मतीपत्रं सर्ज्जको यासनम् । त्यहं शीतेन पयसा पिष्टं कुसुमं जनयेत् ध्रुवम् । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t1.11

NAT. ORDER ANACARDIACEÆ. RHUS SUCCEDANEA, Linn. *Sans.* कर्कटशृङ्गी, *Karkatasringi.* *Vern.* Kákrásringi, *Beng.* Kakarsing, *Hind.*

c5.s10.t1.12

THE horn-like excrescences caused by insects on the branches of *Rhus Succedanea* are called *karkatasringi*. They “are large, hollow, thin-walled, generally cylindrical, tapering to either extremity.” They are considered tonic, expectorant and useful in cough, phthisis, asthma, fever, want of appetite and irritability of stomach. Dose, about twenty grains. This medicine is much used in cough, in combination with other drugs for the disease. The following is an example.¹ Take of *karkatasringi*, root of *Clerodendron Siphonanthus* (*brahmayashṭi*), raisins, ginger, long pepper and *Curcuma Zedoaria* (*sati*), equal parts, powder and mix. Dose, about thirty grains with treacle or honey, in dry cough. In catarrhal fever with difficult breathing a powder composed of equal parts of *karkatasringi*, bark of *Myrica sapida* (*katphala*), and long pepper is recommended to be given in doses of about a drachm, with honey.² The following called *Sringyádi churna* is much esteemed as a cough linctus for children. Take of *karkatasringi*, *átis*, and long pepper, equal parts; powder and make into a linctus with honey.³

c5.s10.t1.13

¹ भार्गी द्राक्षा शटी शृङ्गी पिप्पलीविश्वभेषजैः । गुडतैलयुतो लेहो हितोमारुतकासिनाम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t1.14

² मधुना कृष्णा कट्फल कर्कटशृङ्गी भवं चूर्णम् । श्वासमय महोपये लीढ़ा लोकः सुखी भवति । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t1.15

³ शृङ्गादिचूर्णम् । शृङ्गीप्रतिविषां कृष्णां चूर्णतां मधुनालिहेत् । शिशुः कासज्वरच्छर्दिगन्त्यवा केवलं विषाम् । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t1.16

MANGIFERA INDICA, Linn. *Sans.* आम्र, *A'mra.* *Vern.* *A'm.* *Beng.* *Hind.*

c5.s10.t1.17

THE Mango is well known as the most delicious of Indian fruits. The ripe fruit is somewhat laxative and useful to persons of constipated habits. The bark and kernel are regarded as astringent and useful in hæmorrhages, diarrhœa and other discharges.

c5.s10.t1.18

In diarrhœa, a decoction of the kernel is given alone or in combination with *bela* and ginger.¹ In bleeding from the nose the juice of the kernel is recommended to be snuffed. In bleeding from internal organs, a cold infusion of the barks of *Mangifera Indica*, *Eugenia Jambolana*, and *Terminalia Arjuna* is prescribed.² This infusion is also used in diarrhœa. The Bhávaprakása recommends a confection made of the juice of the ripe mango sugar and aromatics, for use as a restorative tonic.

c5.s10.t1.19

¹ योज्यमम्लार्तिसारेषु बिल्वाम्रास्थिभवस्तथा । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t1.20

² आम्रजम्बू च ककुभं चूर्णयित्वा जले क्षिपेत् । हिमं तस्य पिबेत्प्रातः स क्षौद्रं रक्तपित्तजित् । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

Semecarpus Anacardium, Linn.

c5.s10.t2.1

*Sans.* भल्लातक, *Bhallátaka*. अरुष्कर, *Arushkara*.

c5.s10.t2.2

*Vern.* *Bhelá*. *Beng.* *Hind.*

c5.s10.t2.3

The acrid juice of marking nuts is a powerful vesicant and is often employed by the natives for producing fictitious marks of bruises. These can be distinguished from actual bruises caused by blows with a stick or other weapon, by their deep bluish-black colour and from their presenting small vesicles or minute blisters on their surface.

c5.s10.t2.4

The practice of causing blisters by the application of the juice of marking nuts among the Hindus appears to have been at one time very common, for in our ancient medical works a section or paragraph is generally devoted to the treatment of ulcerations thus produced.

c5.s10.t2.5

The ripe fruits are regarded as acrid, heating, stimulant, digestive, nervine and escharotic, and are used in dyspepsia, piles skin diseases, nervous debility, etc. They are prepared for internal use by being boiled with cow-dung and afterwards washed with cold water. Equal parts of marking nuts, chebulic myrobalans and sesamum seeds, are made into a confection with treacle and administered in doses of forty to sixty grains.¹

c5.s10.t2.6

¹ तिलभल्लातकं पथ्या गुडञ्चेति समांशकम् । दुर्नमकासश्वासघ्नं प्लीह-पाण्डुज्वरापहम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t2.7

*Amrita Bhallátaki*.² Take of ripe marking nuts divided into halves, eight seers, boil them in thirty-two seers of water till the latter is reduced to one-fourth and strain. Again boil the nuts in sixteen seers of milk with the addition of four seers of clarified butter, till reduced to a thick consistence. Then add sugar two seers and set aside for seven days, when the prepartion will be ready for use. It is described as a powerful restorative tonic, which increases the appetite, promotes nutrition and strength, prolongs life and so forth. It is used in hæmorrhoids and other diseases of the rectum. Dose, about one to two scruples. Another confection of marking nuts, made with the addition of a number of aromatic substances, is recommended for use in skin diseases and leprosy.

c5.s10.t2.8

² अमृतभल्लातको । सुपक्वभल्लातफलानि सम्यक् द्विधाविदार्याढकसम्म-तानि । विपाच्यतोयेन चतुर्गुणेन चतुर्थशेषे व्यपनीयतानि । पुनः पचेत् क्षीरचतुर्गुणेन घृतांशयुक्तेन घनं यथा स्यात् । सितो पलाषोडशभिः पलैस्तु विमिश्रसंस्थाप्यदिनानि सप्त । ततः प्रयोज्याग्निवलेन मात्रां जयेद्गुदोत्थान खिलान् विकारान् । कचान् सुनीलान् घनकुञ्चितायान् सुपर्हदृष्टिं सुकुमा-रताञ्च । जवं हयानाञ्च मातङ्गजं बलं खरं मयूरस्य हुताशदीप्रिम् । स्त्री-वल्लभत्वं लभते प्रजाञ्च नीरोगमब्दिशतानि चायुः । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t2.9

Marking nuts enter into the composition of some caustic applications for warts and piles. They form an ingredient of a liniment for rheumatic affections called *Saindhavádyataila*, for which see Ginger.

c5.s10.t2.10

NAT. ORDER LEGUMINOSÆ.

c5.s10.t2.11

SARACA INDICA, Linn.

c5.s10.t2.12

Syn. Jonesia Asoca, Roxb.

c5.s10.t2.13

Sans. अशोक, Asoka. Vern. Asok, Hind. Beng.

c5.s10.t2.14

DR. ROXBURGH says, “when this tree is in full blossom I do not think, the whole vegetable kingdom affords a more beautiful object.” It is famed in Hindu mythology from the circumstance of Sita the wife of Rámchandra, having been confined by Rávana in a grove of asoka trees. The bark is much used by native physicians in uterine affections and especially in menorrhagia. A decoction¹ of the bark in milk, is prepared by boiling eight tolás of the bark in eight tolás of milk and thirty-two tolás of water till the latter is evaporated. This quantity is given in two or three divided doses during the course of the day, in menorrhagia. A ghrita called Asoka ghrita is prepared with a decoction of the bark and clarified butter with the addition of a number of aromatic substances in the form of a paste.

c5.s10.t2.15

¹ अशोकवल्ककषायष्टतं दुग्धं सुशीतलम् । यथाबलं पिबेत्प्रातस्तोष्रा-सृग्दरनाशनम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t2.16

GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA, Linn.

c5.s10.t2.17

Sans. यष्ठिमधु, Yashṭi madhu, मधुक, Madhuka.

c5.s10.t2.18

Vern. Jashṭi madhu, Beng. Mulhaṭṭi. Hind.

c5.s10.t2.19

LIQUORICE root, though not indigenous to India, has been used in Hindu Medicine from a very remote period, and is mentioned by Susruta. It is described as sweet, demulcent, cooling and useful in inflammatory affections, cough, hoarseness, thirst etc. It is much used for flavouring medicinal decoctions, oils and ghritas. It enters into the composition of numerous external cooling applications along with red sandal wood, madder, Andropogon muricatus etc. I have not met with any notice in Sanskrit works, of the watery extract of liquorice, sold in the bazars in the shape of black pencils, and called *Rubas sus* in Hindustani.

c5.s10.t2.20

TRIGONELLA FŒNUM-GRÆCUM, Linn.

c5.s10.t2.21

Sans. मेथि, Methi. Vern. Methi, Hind. Beng.

c5.s10.t2.22

THE *Trigonella Fœnum-græcum* is extensively cultivated in many parts of India. Its seeds are used as a condiment and its aromatic leaves, as a pot-herb. Fenugreek seeds are considered carminative, tonic and aphrodisiac. Several confections made with this article are described under the names of *Methi modaka*, *Svalpa methi modaka* etc., and are recommended for use in dyspepsia with loss of appetite, in the diarrhœa of puerperal women and in rheumatism. All these preparations consist of a number of aromatic substances, one part each, and fenugreek seed equal in quantity to all the other ingredients. The following is an illustration.

c5.s10.t2.23

*Methi modaka*.¹ Take of the three myrobalans, ginger, long pepper and black pepper, tubers of *Cyperus rotundus* (*mustaka*), nigella and cumin seeds, coriander, bark of *Myrica sapida* (*katphala*), *pátchak* root, *Rhus succedanea* (*karkatasringi*), ajowan, rock salt, black salt, leaves of *Pinus Webbiana* (*tálisa*), flowers of *Mesua ferrea* (*nágakesara*), tejpatra, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmegs, mace, cloves, sandal wood and camphor one part each; fenugreek seed, in quantity equal to all the above ingredients; powder them all and prepare a confection with old treacle. Dose, one to two drachms to be taken in the morning with clarified butter and honey.

c5.s10.t2.24

¹ मेथिमोदकः । त्रिकटुत्रिफलामुस्तजोरकधयधान्यकम् । कट्फलं पौष्करं शृङ्गो यमानी सैन्धवं षिडम् । तालीशकेशर पत्रं त्वगेला च फलं तथा । जातीकोषं लवङ्गञ्च सुराकर्पूरचन्दनम् । यावन््येतानि चूर्णानि तावदेव तु मेथिका । संचूर्ण्य मोदकः कार्यः पुरातनगुडन च । घतेन मधुनाकिञ्चित् खादेदग्निविवर्द्धनं । अग्निञ्च कुरुते दीप्तं सामे मेदे महौषधम् । भैषज्यरत्नावली ।

c5.s10.t2.25

ALHAGI MAURORUM, *Tournef.*

c5.s10.t2.26

*Sans.* दुरलभा, *Duralabhá*, यवास, *Yavása*. *Vern.* *Yavása* *Hind.*

c5.s10.t2.27

THIS plant is described as laxative, diuretic and expectorant. The thorny flower-stalks or branches are supplied by druggists as the parts used in medicine. An extract obtained by evaporating a decoction of the plant is called *yásasarkará* or the sugar obtained from *yavása*. It has a sweetish bitter taste, and is used as a demulcent in the cough of children. There is no mention in Sanskrit of any saccharine exudation or manna obtained from this plant.

c5.s10.t2.28

The fresh juice of the plant is used as a diuretic in suppression of urine. The following compound decoction¹ is recommended by Sárangadhara in constipation with suppression of urine. Take of Alhagi Maurorum, chebulic myrobalans, pulp of Cassia Fistula (*áragbadha*), fruits of Tribulus terrestris (*gokshura*), and root of Coleus aromaticus (*páshanbhid*), prepare a decoction in the usual way, and administer it with honey. The following electuary is recommended by several writers for the cough of children. Take of the extract of *yavása*, raisins, chebulic myrobalans and long pepper in equal parts, powder and mix with honey and clarified butter.²

c5.s10.t2.29

¹ हरीतकी दुरलभा कृतमालक गोक्षुरैः । पाषाणभेदसहितेः काथामाक्षुक संयुतः । विवन्धमूत्रकृच्छ्रे च सदाहेसरुजेहितः । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t2.30

² द्राक्षा यासाभया कृष्णा चूर्णं सक्षौद्र सर्पिषा । लीढं श्वासं निहन्त्याशु कासञ्च तमकं तथा । चक्रदत्तः ।

Desmodium Gangeticum, DC.

c5.s10.t3.1

*Syn.* Hedysarum Gangeticum. (*Roxb.*)

c5.s10.t3.2

*Sans.* शालपर्णी, *Sálaparni*. *Vern.* *Sálpáni*, *Beng.* *Sarivan*, *Hind.*

c5.s10.t3.3

THIS little shrub is regarded as febrifuge and anti-catarrhal. It forms an ingredient of the compound decoction called *dasamula kvatha* a combination, much used in a great variety of diseases. *Dasamula* is made up of *Desmodium Gangeticum* (*sálaparni*), *Uraria lagopodioides* (*prisniparni*), *Solanum Jacquinii* (*kantakári*), *Solanum Indicum* (*vrihati*), *Tribulus terrestris* (*gokshura*), *Ægle Marmelos* (*vilva*), *Calosanthes Indica* (*syonáka*), *Gmelina arborea* (*gambhári*), *Stereospermum suaveolens* (*pátalá*) and *Premna spinosa* (*ganikáriká*).

c5.s10.t3.4

The first five in the above list, are collectively called *hrasvapancha mula* or the five minor plants, and the last five are called *vrihat pancha mula* or the five major plants. A decoction of the *hrasva pancha mula* is used in catarrhal fever, cough and other diseases supposed to be caused by deranged phlegm. The *vrihat pancha-mula* is used in fever and other diseases supposed to be caused by deranged air. The ten drugs together are used in remittent fever, puerperal fever, inflammatory affections within the chest, affections of the brain and many other diseases supposed to be caused by derangement of all the humours.¹ Another combination called *Ashtádasánga páchana* consists of the ten drugs above mentioned, with the addition of the eight following, namely, *chiretá*, *devadáru*, ginger, tubers of *Cyperus rotundus* (*mustaka*), root of *Picrorrhiza Kurroa* (*katuki*), *indrajava* seeds, coriander, and fruits of *Pothos officinalis*. A decoction of these eighteen drugs is used in fevers of a severe type with drowsiness, delirium, picking of bed clothes, insensibility, and difficult breathing. A preparation of aconite and arsenic is generally given along with it.²

c5.s10.t3.5

¹ दशमूलम्। बिल्व श्योनाक गम्भारी पाटला गणिकारिकाः। दीपनं कफ-वातघ्नं पञ्चमूलमिदं महत्। शालपर्णी पृश्निपर्णी बृहतीद्वय गोक्षुरम्। वातपित्त-हरं वृष्यं कनीयः पञ्चमूलकम्। उभयं दशमूलन्तु सन्निपातज्वरापहम्। कासे श्वासेच तन्द्रायां पार्श्वशूलेच शस्यते। पिप्पलीचूर्णसंयुक्तं कण्ठहृद्ग्रहणाशनम्। चक्रदत्तः।

c5.s10.t3.6

² पित्तघ्ने अहरऽष्टादशाङ्गः। भूनिम्ब दारु दशमूल महौषधाब्द तिक्तेन्द्र-योज धनिकेभ कणाकषायः। तन्द्राप्रलाप कसनारुचि दाहमोह श्वासादिमुक्त-मखिलं ज्वरमाशु हन्ति। चक्रदत्तः।

c5.s10.t3.7

*Dasamula taila*. This is an oil prepared with a decoction of the ten drugs above mentioned, and is much used as a cooling application in headache and other diseases. To prepare it take of the ten drugs, in all twelve seers and a half, water sixty four seers. Boil down to sixteen seers and strain. To the strained decoction add four seers of lemon juice, four seers of prepared sesamum oil and a seer of the usual aromatics and colouring agents in the form of a paste and boil them together.

c5.s10.t3.8

URARIA LAGOPO DIOIDES, Dc. Edgew. Syn. Doodia lagopodioides Roxb. Sans. पृश्निपर्णी, Prisniparni. Vern. Chákuliá, Beng. Pitvan, Hind. This plant is an ingredient of the dasamula above described, and is thus much used in native medicine. It is considered alterative, tonic and anti-catarrhal, but is seldom used alone.

c5.s10.t3.9

CLITOREA TERNATEA, Linn.

c5.s10.t3.10

Sans. अपराजिता, Aparájitá, विष्णुक्रान्ता, Vishnukrántá.

c5.s10.t3.11

Vern. Aparájitá, Beng. Aprájit, Hind.

c5.s10.t3.12

THE root of Clitorea ternatea is regarded as laxative and diuretic, and is generally used in combination with other medicines of the sort in ascites, fever, etc. The following is an example of a prescription containing aparájitá root. Take of the roots of aparájitá, Pladera decussata (sankhini), Baliospermum montanum (danti) and Indigofera tinctoria (nilini), in equal parts, rub them together into an emulsion with water and administer with cow's urine. This preparation is given in ascites and enlargements of the abdominal viscera.¹

c5.s10.t3.13

¹ गत्राक्षी शङ्खिनी दन्ती नीलिनोकल्कसंयुतम्। सर्वोदरविनाशाय गोमूत्र- पात्रमाचरेत् ॥ चक्र: ।

c5.s10.t3.14

MUCUNA PRURIENS, DC.

c5.s10.t3.15

Sans आत्मगुप्ता, A'tmaguptá. कपिकच्छु, Kapikachchhu. वानरी, Vánari.

c5.s10.t3.16

Vern. A'lkusi, Beng. Kiwach, Hind.

c5.s10.t3.17

THE English names Cowage or Cowitch are derived from the Hindi Kiwach. The plant is indigenous to India and has been used in Hindu medicine from a very ancient period. Susruta describes the seeds as a powerful aphrodisiac, and gives the following formula for their use. Take of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens and the fruits Tribulus terrestris (gokshura) equal parts and administer in doses of about a drachm with sugar and tepid milk.² The Bhávaprakása recommends the following preparation called *Vánari vati*. Take of the seeds of *Mucuna pruriens* thirty-two tolás, boil them in four seers of cow's milk till the latter becomes thick. The seeds should now be decorticated and pounded, then fried in clarified butter and made into a confection with double their weight of sugar. The mass should then be divided into balls which should be steeped in honey. Dose, about a tolá. This preparation is said to be the best of aphrodisiacs.¹

c5.s10.t3.18

² स्वयं गुप्तुरकयोर्बीज चूर्ण शर्करम् । धारोष्ण म नर: पीत्वा पयसा म बर्य व्रजेत् । सुश्रुत: ।

c5.s10.t3.19

¹ वानरीवटिका । बीजानि कपिकच्छूद्भव मितानि स्वेदयेश्चनैः । प्रस्थे गोभवदुग्धे तावत् यावद्भवेत् गाड्म् । त्वग्रहितानिचकृत्वा सूक्ष्मंमसे- षयेत्तान । पिष्टिका या लघुवटिकाः कृत्वा गव्य पचेदाज्ये । द्विगुणित शर्करापाता वटिकाः सम्प्रकथ्या लेप्याः ।। वटिका माक्षिक मध्ये मज्जनयोग्ये विरलाः स्थाप्याः ।। पञ्चटङ्क मितास्तास्तु प्रातः सायञ्च भक्षयेत् । अनेन शीघ्र- द्रावीयो यश्च स्यात्पतितध्वजः । सोऽपि प्राप्नोति सुरते सामर्थ्यमति वाजीवत् । नानेन सदृशं किञ्चिद्रव्यं वाजीकरं परम् । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t3.20

The root of *Mucuna pruriens* is considered tonic and useful in diseases of the nervous system, such as facial paralysis, hemiplegia etc. It is generally used in combination with other medicines of its class, as for example in the compound decoction called *Máshbaládi*, for which see Assafœtida.

Butea Frondosa, Roxb.

c5.s10.t4.1

*Sans.* पलाश, *Palása*. किंशुक, *Kinsuka*. *Vern.* *Dhák*. *Hind.*

c5.s10.t4.2

DR. HOOKER states "that when in full flower the *Dhák* tree is a gorgeous sight; the masses of flowers resembling sheets of flame, their bright orange red petals contrasting brilliantly against the jet black velvety calyx." These beautiful flowers were used as ear-ornaments by the ancient Hindu women and much admired by the poets. The seeds of *Butea frondosa* are said to be laxative and anthelmintic and are used, both alone and in combination with other medicines, for expelling intestinal worms. Thus the fresh juice of the seeds, or the seeds beaten to a paste are given with honey.² Sárangadhara gives the following recipe for worms.

c5.s10.t4.3

² पलाशबीजस्वरसं पिबेद्वा चौद्रसंयुतम् । पिबेत्तद्वीजकं वा तत्रेण क्रिमना- शनम् । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t4.4

1 वानरीवटिका । बीजानि कपिकच्छूद्भव मितानि स्वेदयेश्चनैः ।
प्रस्थे गोभवदुग्धे तावत् यावद्भवेत् गाड्म् । त्वग्रहितानिचकृत्वा सूक्ष्मंमसे-
षयेत्तान । पिष्टिका या लघुवटिकाः कृत्वा गव्य पचेदाज्ये । द्विगुणित
शर्करापाता वटिकाः सम्प्रकथ्या लेप्याः ।। वटिका माक्षिक मध्ये मज्जनयोग्ये
विरलाः स्थाप्याः ।। पञ्चटङ्क मितास्तास्तु प्रातः सायञ्च भक्षयेत् । अनेन शीघ्र-
द्रावीयो यश्च स्यात्पतितध्वजः । सोऽपि प्राप्नोति सुरते सामर्थ्यमति वाजीवत् ।
नानेन सदृशं किञ्चिद्रव्यं वाजीकरं परम् । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t4.5

Take of the seeds of Butea frondosa, root of Ipomœa Turpethum (trivrit), seeds of Hyoscyamus niger (párasika yamáni), kamalá powder, báberang seeds and treacle, equal parts, beat them together into a paste with water and administer with butter-milk.¹

c5.s10.t4.6

¹ विहतपलाशबीजानि पारसीकयमानिका । कमिलकं विड़ङ्गञ्च गुडञ्च समभागिकः । तत्रेण कल्क् एतेषां पीतः क्रिमगणापहः । ग्रन्थधरः ।

c5.s10.t4.7

The gum of Butea frondosa, now used as a substitute for kino, was employed by the ancient Hindus, externally only, as for example in the following. Take of red sandal wood one part, rock salt two parts, chebulic myrobalans three parts, and the gum of Butea frondosa four parts, powder and mix. This powder is recommended to be applied to pterygium and opacities on the cornea.²

c5.s10.t4.8

² चन्दनं सैन्धवं पथ्या पलाशतरुयोषितम् । क्रमवृद्धमिदं चूर्ण शुकाम्बादिविलेखनम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t4.9

The alkaline ashes of this plant are used in the preparation of caustic pastes, and diuretic medicines, along with others of their class.

Phaseolus Roxburghii, W. & A. etc.

c5.s10.t5.1

The following varieties of leguminous pulses are mentioned by Sanskrit writers.

c5.s10.t5.2

मुद्ग, Mudga. Phaseolus Mungo, Linn. Vern. Mug, B.

c5.s10.t5.3

माष, Másha. Phaseolus Roxburghii, W. & A. Vern. Urid, H.

c5.s10.t5.4

मुद्गपर्णी, Mudgaparni. P. trilobus, Ait. Vern. Mugáni, B.

c5.s10.t5.5

मकुष्ठ, Makushtha. P. aconitifolius, Jacq. Vern. Mot, H.

c5.s10.t5.6

कुलत्थ, Kulattha. Dolichos uniflorus, Lamark. Vern. Kulthi, H.B.

c5.s10.t5.7

राजमाष, Rájamásha. Vigna Sinensis, Linn. Vern. Barbati, B.

c5.s10.t5.8

शिम्बि, Simbi. A common name for several species of Dolichos.

c5.s10.t5.9

चणक, Chanaka. Cicer arietinum, Linn. Vern. But, Beng. Chená, H.

c5.s10.t5.10

मसूर, Masura. Vicia Lens, Benth. Vern. Masur, H. B.

c5.s10.t5.11

सतिला, Satilá. Pisum sativum, Linn. Vern. Matar, H. B.

c5.s10.t5.12

आढकी, *A'dhaki*. *Cajanus Indicus*, Sprengel. *Arar*, B. Tor, *H.* त्रिपुटी, *Triputi*. *Lathyrus sativus*, Linn. *Khesári*, *H. B.* माषपर्णी, *Máshaparni*. *Glycine labialis*, Linn. *Vern. Másháni*, *H.B.*

c5.s10.t5.13

Some of these pulses have several varieties. For example seven sorts of mudga are mentioned, namely, *krishna* or black, *mahá* or large, *gaura* or pale red, *harita* or green, *pita* or yellow, *sveta* or white and *rakta* or red.

c5.s10.t5.14

Mudga, ordinarily known as moong ká dál, and especially its green variety, is considered most wholesome and suited to sick persons. A soup made of this pulse is often the first article of diet prescribed after recovery from acute illness. The following varieties are also considered wholesome and suited for use by convalescent persons, namely, *masura*, *chanaka*, *kulattha* and *makushtha*. *Vicia Lens* or lentils, which take rank first among the pulses as containing the largest proportion of flesh-forming matter, are regarded by the Hindus as highly nutritive, and useful in bowel complaints. A poultice made of this pulse is an effectual domestic medicine for checking secretion of milk and reducing distension of the mammary glands. *Cicer arietinum* is perhaps the most favourite pulse with the natives, and is used as an article of diet in a great variety of ways. It is taken raw, or cooked in its green as well as ripe state. Gram is made into *dál*, is roasted and ground into meal and is prepared in many other ways.

c5.s10.t5.15

The acid liquid exuded from the hairs of the stem and leaves of *Cicer arietinum* is called *chanakámla* in Sanskrit. It is collected by spreading a cloth over the plants during the night and rinsing the fluid absorbed by it. *Chanakámla* is described as acid, refrigerant, saltish, and useful in dyspepsia, indigestion and costiveness. It enters into the composition of some medicines for dyspepsia along with other vegetable acids.

c5.s10.t5.16

*Dolichos uniflorus* is used medicinally chiefly as an external application in the shape of poultices and pastes. Its soup is said to be useful in gravel and urinary disorders.

c5.s10.t5.17

The *Phaseolus Roxburghii* or *másha* is much used in medicine both internally and externally in paralysis, rheumatism and affections of the nervous system. It enters into the composition of several decoctions used in these diseases. The following is an illustration. Take of the pulse of *Phaseolus Roxburghii*. root of castor oil plant, of *Mucuna pruriens* (*átmaguptá*) and *Sida cordifolia* (*balá*), half a tolá each, and prepare a decoction in the usual way. This decoction is given with the addition of rock salt and assa-fœtida.¹ Several oils for external application in the above mentioned diseases have the pulse of *Phaseolus Roxburghii* for their basis or principal ingredient, as for example the following.

c5.s10.t5.18

¹ माषात्मगुप्तकैरण्ड वाल्हालक शृतं पिबेत्। हिङ्गुसैन्धवसंयुक्तं पक्षाघात निवारणम्। चक्रदत्तः।

c5.s10.t5.19

*Svalpa másha taila*.² Take of the pulse of *Phaseolus Roxburghii* eight seers, water sixty-four seers, boil down to sixteen seers, and strain. Boil the strained decoction with four seers of sesamum oil, and one of rock salt till the water is evaporated. This oil is said to be useful in rheumatism, contracted knee joint, stiff shoulder joint, etc.

c5.s10.t5.20

² स्वल्पमाषतैलम्। तैलं सङ्कुचितेऽभ्यङ्गो माषसैन्धवसाधितम्। वातग्रीव-मते नखं पानञ्चोत्तरभक्तिकम्। काथोऽत माषनिष्पाद्याः सैन्धवं कल्कमेवच। चक्रदत्तः।

Abrus Precatorius, Linn.

c5.s10.t6.1

*Sans.* गुञ्जा, *Gunjá.*

c5.s10.t6.2

*Vern.* *Kuch*, *Beng.* *Chirmiti*, *Hind.*

c5.s10.t6.3

"THIS plant is remarkable for its small egg-shaped seeds, which are of a brilliant scarlet colour with a black scar indicating the place where they were attached to the pods." Sanskrit writers mention two varieties, namely, white and red seeded. The properties of both are said to be identical. The seeds are described as poisonous, and are used internally in affections of the nervous system and externally in skin diseases, ulcers, affections of the hair, etc. The root of the plant is described as emetic and useful in poisoning. The seeds constitute the ratti weight used by Hindu jewellers and druggists. Ninety-six rattis make one tolá or rupee.

c5.s10.t6.4

Gunjá bhadra rasa.¹ Take of the seeds of *Abrus precatorius* six parts, mercury three parts, sulphur twelve parts, nim seeds, *Cannabis sativa* leaves and croton seeds, each one part. Rub them together and soak for one day in each of the following fluids, namely, lemon juice, juice of the leaves of *Cannabis sativa*, of datura leaves and of the leaves of *Solanum nigrum* (*kákamáchi*). This medicine is given in doses of about eight grains, with rock salt and assafœtida, in paraplegia. The seeds of *Abrus precatorius* reduced to a paste are recommended to be applied locally in sciatica, stiffness of the shoulder joint, paralysis and other nervous diseases.²

c5.s10.t6.5

¹ गुञ्जाभद्ररसः । निष्क त्रयं शुद्धसूतं निष्कद्वादश गन्धकम् । गुञ्जाबीजञ्च षन्निष्कं निम्बबीजं जया तथा । प्रत्येकं निष्कमानन्तु निष्कं जैपालबीजकम् । जयाजम्बीर धस्तूरकाकमाची द्रवैरदिनम् । भावयित्वा वटीं कृत्वा दद्याद्गुञ्जा-चतुष्टयम् । गुञ्जाभद्ररसो नाम हिङ्गु सैन्धव संयुतः । शमयत्युल्वणं दुःखंरु-स्तम्भं सुदारुणम् । रसेन्द्रः सारसंग्रहः ।

c5.s10.t6.6

² ततपदेहं दद्याच्चपिष्टं गुञ्जा फलैः कृतम् । तेनाववाहुजा पीडा विपची-स्तथैवचया । अप्यापि वातजापीडा प्रशमयातिवेगतः । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t6.7

In white leprosy, a paste composed of gunjá seed and plumbago root is applied as a stimulant dressing. In alopecia a paste of gunjá seed is recommended to be rubbed on the bare scalp.³

c5.s10.t6.8

³ गुञ्जाफलाग्निचूर्णञ्च लेपितं श्वेतकुष्ठनुत् । शार्ङ्गधरः । गुञ्जाफलेश्चिरं लिम्पेत केशभूमिं समन्ततः । हस्तीदन्तमषीं कृत्वा मुख्यञ्चैव रसाञ्जनम् । लोमान्यनेन जायन्ते नृणां पाण्डितलेऽपि । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t6.9

Gunjádya tailam.⁴ Take of prepared sesamum oil four seers, juice of the leaves of *Wedelia calendulacea* (*bhringarája*) sixteen seers, seeds of *Abrus precatorius* reduced to a paste, one seer, and boil them together in the usual way. This oil is used as a local application in scurf of the scalp, prurigo and other skin diseases.

c5.s10.t6.10

⁴ गुञ्जादि तैलम् । गुञ्जाफलैः शृतं तैलं भृङ्गराजरसेन च । कण्डु दारुण हृत् कुष्ठकपालव्याधिनाशनम् । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t6.11

PONGAMIA GLABRA, Vent.

c5.s10.t6.12

*Sans.* करञ्ज, *Karanja.* नक्तमाल, *Nactamála.*

c5.s10.t6.13

*Vern.* Darkaranja, *Beng.* Kiramál, *Hind.*

c5.s10.t6.14

This tree appears to be common in, and well known all over India. The seeds are much used as an external application in skin diseases. The expressed oil of the seeds is used in these diseases as well as in rheumatism. A poultice of the leaves is applied to ulcers infested with worms. The seeds of *Pongamia glabra*, *Cassia Tora* (*chakramarda*), and the root of *Aplotaxis auriculata* (*kushtha*), are rubbed into a paste with cow's urine, and applied to eruptive skin diseases.¹

c5.s10.t6.15

¹ करञ्जबीजडंगजः सकृष्ठो गोमूत्रपिष्टश्च वरः प्रदेहः । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t6.16

*Prithisára taila.*² Take of the expressed oil of the seeds of *Pongamia glabra* one seer, *kánjika* eight tolás, roots of *Plumbago Zeylanica* (*chitraka*), *Nerium odorum* (*karavira*), *Vitex Negundo* (*nirgundi*), aconite, and the seeds of *Corchorus olitorius* (*nádika*), eight tolás each, in the form of a paste made wlth *kánjika*. Mix them together and warm in the sun. This oil is said to be useful in various sorts of skin diseases, ulcers etc.

c5.s10.t6.17

² पृष्ठीसारतैलम् । चित्रकस्याथनिर्गुण्ड्या हयमारस्य मूलतः । नाडीच- वोजादिषतः काञ्जिपिष्टं पलं पलम् । करञ्जतैलात्पलं काञ्जिकस्य पलं पुनः । मिश्रितं सूर्य्यसन्तप्तं तैलं कुष्ठव्रणाजित् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t6.18

*Tiktádya ghrita.*³ Take of the leaves and fruits of *Pongamia glabra*, root of *Picrorrhiza Kurroa*, (*katuki*), wax, turmeric, liquorice root, leaves of *Trichosanthes dioica* (*patala*), *Aganosma caryophyllata* (*málati*) and *Azadirachta Indica* (*nim*), equal parts, in all one seer. Beat them into a paste and boil with four seers of clarified butter and sixteen seers of water in the usual manner. This preparation is used as an ointment in unhealthy ulcerations and wounds.

c5.s10.t6.19

³ तिक्ताद्यं घृतम् । तिक्ता सिक्य निशायष्टी नक्ताह्वफलपल्लवैः । पटोल मालती निम्बपत्रैर्धृतं घृतं पचेत् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t6.20

GUILANDINA BONDUCELLA, Linn. The properties of Bonduc nuts called पूतीकरञ्ज, *Putikaranja* in Sanskrit, and *Nátáka-* ranja in Bengali, are said to resemble those of the seeds of Pongamia glabra. Their antiperiodic virtues were not known to Sanskrit writers.

Pterocarpus Santalinus. Linn.

c5.s10.t7.1

Sans. रक्तचन्दन, Raktachandana.

c5.s10.t7.2

Vern. Raktachandan, Beng. Lálchandan, Hind.

c5.s10.t7.3

The *Pterocarpus Santalinus* is indigenous to the Indian Peninsula and is chiefly of importance from its yielding the red dye-wood known as red saunders, large quantities of which are annually exported from India. Sanskrit writers describe several varieties of sandal or chandana. Of these *srikhanda* or white, *pitachandana* or yellow, and *raktachandana* or red, sandal wood are best known. The first two varieties are founded on the difference in the shades of the colour of the wood of *Santalum album*. It has been a question however how the wood of *Pterocarpus santalinus*, which is nearly inodorous, came to be called by the name of raktachandana in Sanskrit and the vernaculars of India. I am inclined to think that the name is owing to the similarity in the uses to which the Hindus put both these articles. Both sandal wood and red sandal wood are rubbed on a piece of stone with water, and the emulsions are used for painting the body after bathing and in religious services.

c5.s10.t7.4

Red sandal wood is described as an astringent tonic. It enters into the composition of numerous prescriptions of an astringent character and of cooling external applications for inflammation, headache, etc.,¹ but is seldom used alone. It is also much used as a coloring agent in the preparation of medicated oils.

c5.s10.t7.5

¹ तिक्ताः पयः शिता चौद्रं तैलं मधुक चन्दनम् । लेपेन शोधरन् दाहं रक्तं निर्वापयेद् ष्णम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t7.6

The *Pterocarpus marsupium* or Indian kino tree is translated into "peet sál," Beng. by Roxburgh. The Sanskrit term *Pita-sála* is however a synonym of *Asana* (*Terminalia tomentosa*). I have not found any notice of the Indian kino tree in Sanskrit works. It was probably unknown to the ancients.

c5.s10.t7.7

CASSIA FISTULA, Linn. Sans. आरग्वध, A'ragbadha. सुवर्णक, Suvarnaka. Vern. A'multás, Hind. Sondháli, Beng.

c5.s10.t7.8

Cassia fistula is indigenous to India and is an old medicine of the Hindu Materia Medica. "The tree is uncommonly beautiful when in flower, few surpassing it in the elegance of its numerous long pendulous racemes of large bright yellow flowers, intermixed with the young lively green foliage." Hence I believe its Sanskrit name of Rájataru or the king of trees. The pulp of the fruit is used as a mild cathartic. The root is also described as laxative, and useful in fever, heart diseases, retained excretions, biliousness, etc.

c5.s10.t7.9

Aragbadhádi.¹ The compound decoction which passes by this name is a very commonly used purgative in native practice. To prepare it, take of the pulp of Cassia fistula, Picrorrhiza Kurroa (katuki), chebulic myrobalans, long pepper root and the tubers of Cyperus rotundus (mustaka), about sixty-four grains each, water thirty-two tolás, and boil down to eight tolás. Half of this quantity, or in strong constitutions the whole of it, is given for a dose. The root of Cassia fistula enters into the composition of numerous compound prescriptions.

c5.s10.t7.10

¹ आरग्वधादि। आरग्वध कणामूल सुप्त तिक्ताभयाकृतः। काथः शमयति क्षिप्रं ज्वरं वातकफोत्तरम्। शार्ङ्गधरः।

c5.s10.t7.11

CASSIA SOPHORA, Linn. Sans. कासमर्द, Kásamarda. Vern. Kálkásundá, Beng. Kásundá, Hind.

c5.s10.t7.12

CASSIA TORA, Linn. Sans. चक्रमर्द, Chakramarda. Vern. Chákundia, Beng. Chakaund, Hind.

c5.s10.t7.13

CASSIA ALATA, Linn. Sans. दद्रुघ्न, Dadrughna. Vern. Dádmardan. Beng. and Hind.

c5.s10.t7.14

THE leaves and seeds of these three plants are used in skin diseases, and enter into the composition of numerous prescriptions for them. Kásamarda signifies destroyer of cough. It is described as expectorant and useful in cough and hoarseness, but it does not appear to be much used in these diseases.

c5.s10.t7.15

The seeds of Cassia Sophora, Raphanus sativus (mulaka) and sulphur, in equal parts, are rubbed into a paste with water and applied to patches of pityriasis and psoriasis.¹ The seeds of Cassia Tora are steeped in the milky juice of Euphorbia neriifolia, and afterwards rubbed into a paste with cow's urine for application to keloid tumours.² Equal parts of the seeds of Cassia Tora and Pongamia glabra (karanja) with a fourth part of the root of Tinospora cordifolia (gulancha) are rubbed together into a paste and applied in ringworm.³ Dadrughna or Dádamardana signifies curer of ringworm. Its leaves are used in this disease.

c5.s10.t7.16

¹ कासमर्दबीजानि मूलकानां तथैव च । गन्धपाषाणमिश्राणि सिधमानां परमौषधम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t7.17

² चक्राह्वयं स्नुहीक्षीरभावितं मूत्रसंयुतम् । रवितप्रं हि किञ्चित्तु लेपनात् किटिमापहम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t7.18

³ चक्रमर्दबीजानि करञ्जसमांशकम् । स्तोकं सुदर्शनमूलं दद्रुकुष्ठविनाशनम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

Bauhinia Variegata, Linn.

c5.s10.t8.1

Sans. काञ्चनार, Kánchanára. कोविदार, Kovidára. Vern. Kachnár, Hind. Rakta Kánchan, Beng.

c5.s10.t8.2

Two species of Bauhinia, namely purple and white flowered (Bauhinia variegata and acuminata), are noticed in the Bhávaprakása under the names of Kovidára and Kánchanára and the properties of both are said to be identical. The bark of Bauhinia variegata is described as alterative, tonic, astringent and useful in scrofula, skin diseases and ulcers.

c5.s10.t8.3

Chakradatta recommends the bark of the red variety to be rubbed into an emulsion with rice water and administered, with the addition of ginger, in scrofulous enlargement of the glands of the neck.⁴ Sárangadhara gives the following preparation for the same affection.

c5.s10.t8.4

⁴ पिष्टा ज्वेऽम्बुना पेयाः काञ्चनारत्वचः शुभाः । विश्वभेषजसंयुक्ता गण्डमालापहाः पराः । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t8.5

*Kánchanára guggulu.*¹ Take of the bark of *Bauhinia variegata*, eighty tolás, the three myrobalans sixty tolás, ginger, black pepper, long pepper and the bark of *Cratæva religiosa* (varuna), eight tolás each, cardamoms, cinnamon, and *tejpatra* leaves, each two tolás, powder them all and rub together with *guggulu*, equal in weight to all the other ingredients. Dose, half a tolá to be taken every morning with a decoction of *Sphæranthus mollis* (mundi) or of catechu. This medicine is said to be useful in scrofulous enlargement of glands, tumours, ulcers, skin diseases, etc.

c5.s10.t8.6

¹ काञ्चनारगुग्गुलु। काञ्चनारत्वचाञ्चैव पलानां दशकं बुधैः। त्रिफला षट्पलाञ्चैव त्रिकटुस्यात्पलत्रयम्। पलैकमेकञ्च कार्यमेलात्वक्पत्रकन्तथा। एकैकं कर्षमात्रं स्यात्सर्व्वमेतत्चूर्णयेत्। यावच्चूर्णंमिदं सर्व्वं तावन्मात्रस्तु गुग्गुलुः। सङ्क्षुद्यसर्व्वमेकत्र पिण्डं कृत्वाच धारयेत्। गुटिकाःशाणिकाः कृत्वा प्रातर्ग्राह्ययथोचितम्। गण्डमालां जयेत्क्षिप्रांमपचीमर्बुदानिच। ग्रन्थि व्रणानिगुल्मांश्च कुष्ठानिच भगन्दरम्। प्रदेयश्चानुपानाधं काथोमुण्डितिकाभवः। काथःखदिरसारस्य पथ्याकाथोयचोषकम्। शार्ङ्गधरः।

c5.s10.t8.7

TAMARINDUS INDICA, Linn. *Sans.* तिन्तिड़ी, *Tintidi*. अम्लिका, *Amliká*. *Vern.* Tentul, *Beng*. Imli, *Hind*.

c5.s10.t8.8

THE tamarind tree is met with throughout India, and has been known from a very remote period. "From the Hindus it would seem that the fruit became known to the Arabians who called it *Tamare-hindi*:" from which last the word tamarind is derived. Tamarinds form an important ingredient in native cookery. The unripe fruit is very acid and possesses a peculiar aroma for which it is much relished when cooked with curry. The ripe fruit is regarded as refrigerant, digestive, carminative and laxative, and useful in diseases supposed to be caused by deranged bile, such as burning of the body, costiveness, intoxication from spirituous liquors or datura, etc. The shells of the ripe fruit are burnt, and their ashes used in medicine as an alkaline substance, along with other medicines of the sort, as for example in the preparation called *Abhayá-lavana*, (see Alkaline ashes). The pulp of the ripe fruit, as well as a poultice of the leaves, is recommended to be applied to inflammatory swellings.

c5.s10.t8.9

Amliká pána.¹ Macerate some tamarind pulp in water; strain, and add black pepper, sugar, cloves, camphor and cardamoms to taste. This preparation is prescribed as an agreeeable cooling draught in loss of appetite and disinclination for food. In intoxication from spirituous liquors the following mixture is recommended by Chakradatta. Take of dates, raisins, tamarind pulp, pomegranate seeds, fruits of *Grewia Asiatica* (parushaka) and ripe emblic myrobalans, each one tolá, pound them together, and make an emulsion with thirty-two tolás of water. Dose, about two ounces.²

c5.s10.t8.10

¹ अम्लिकापानम् । अम्लिकायाः फलं पक्कं सहितं वारिणा सह । शर्करा मरिचोन्मिश्रं लवङ्गेन्दु सुवासितं । अम्लिकाफल सम्भूतं पानकं वातनाशनम् । पित्तश्लेष्मकरं किञ्चित् सुरुच्यं वाङ्ग वोपकं । भावप्रकाशः ।

c5.s10.t8.11

² मन्थः खर्जूर मृद्वीका वृक्षाम्लाम्लीकदाडिमैः । परूषकैः सामलकैर्युक्तो मद्य विकारनुत् । चक्रदत्तः ।

Acacia Catechu, Linn.

c5.s10.t9.1

Sans. खदिर, Khadira. Vern. Kat, Hind. Khaer, Beng.

c5.s10.t9.2

Khadira or catechu is obtained by boiling the wood of *Acacia catechu* in water and inspissating the decoction. The Bhávaprakása mentions two varieties of catechu, namely, *khadira* or the ordinary dark brown catechu, and *kadara* or pale catechu. This last is known as *pápri khaer*, or catechu having a laminated structure. Fluckiger and Hanbury thus describe the preparation of pale catechu in Northern India. “Instead of evaporating the decoction to the condition of an extract, the inspissation is stopped at a certain point and the liquor allowed to cool, “coagulate,” and crystallize over twigs and leaves thrown into the pots for the purpose.”³ Pale catechu is a porous, opaque, earthy looking substance with a laminated texture, light and easily broken.

c5.s10.t9.3

³ Pharmacographia, page 250.

c5.s10.t9.4

The chief use of catechu in India, is as an ingredient of the packet of betle leaf chewed by the natives. For this purpose it is sometimes aromatized in various ways. The packets of betle leaf sold in all the Indian bazars under the name of *golábi khili*, are prepared with catechu dissolved in rose water. Again, catechu is softened with the addition of water, and mixed with powdered spices, such as cardamoms, nutmeg, cloves, etc., the mixture is enclosed within the fragrant floral leaves of *Pandanus odoratissimus* (*ketaki*), and dried. The leaves adhere to the catechu, which is cut into small pieces suitable for use with the betle leaf.

c5.s10.t9.5

Catechu is described as astringent, cooling, digestive, and useful in hoarseness, diseases of the mouth and gums, cough and skin diseases. In diarrhoea it is sometimes used in combination with other medicines of its class, as for example in a prescription in the Bhaisajya Ratnávali, called *Grahani kapáta rasa*, which contains catechu along with a large number of other drugs, but it is not regarded as an important medicine for this disease.

c5.s10.t9.6

In hoarseness, catechu rubbed with oil, is recommended to be kept in the mouth.¹ In diseases of the mouth and gums the following called *Svalpakhadira vatiká* is a favourite medicine. To prepare it, take of catechu twelve seers and a half, water sixty-four seers, boil down to eight seers, then add nutmeg, camphor, betle-nuts and *kakkola*, each half a seer in fine powder, and prepare a mass fit for being made into balls or boluses. They are directed to be kept in the mouth, in affections of the teeth, gums, palate and tongue.²

c5.s10.t9.7

¹ तैलाक्तं खरभेदेवा खदिरं धारयेन्मुखे । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t9.8

² स्वल्पखदिरवटिका । खदिरस्य तुलां सम्यग् जलद्रोणे विपाचयेत् । शेषेऽष्ट भागे तत्रैव प्रतिवापं प्रदापयेत् । जातीकर्पूरपूगानि कक्कोलफलानि च । इत्येषागुटिका कार्यामुखसौभाग्यवर्द्धनी । दन्तोष्ठमुखरोगेषु जिह्वातालुामयेषु च । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t9.9

In skin diseases, catechu is much used in a variety of forms both externally and internally. A decoction of catechu is used as a wash for inflamed parts and ulcers.³ Water in which catechu is dissolved is recommended to be used as a drink, wash and bath. The following decoction called *khadiráshtaka* is prescribed by several writers for internal use in boils, prurigo, measles and other skin diseases.¹ Take of catechu, the three myrobalans, nim bark, leaves of *Trichosanthes dioica* (patala), gulancha and *Justicia Adhatoda* (vásaka), equal parts, and prepare a decoction in the usual way Sárangadhara describes a fermented liquor called *khadirárishta* for use in skin diseases. It is prepared with catechu and the wood of *Pinus Deodara*, and some other ingredients in smaller proportions.²

c5.s10.t9.10

³ खदिरोकषाय व्रणशोधने हितः । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t9.11

¹ प्रलेपोद्वर्त्तन स्नान पान भोजनकर्मसु । शालितं खादिरं वारि सर्व्व-त्वग्दोषनाशनम् । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t9.12

² खादिराष्टकः । खदिर त्रिफलारिष्ट पटोलामृत वासकैः । काथोऽष्टकाङ्गो जयति रोमान्तिकमहारकाः । कुष्ठविसर्प स्फोट कण्ड्वादीनपि पानतः । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t9.13

ACACIA ARABICA, Willd. Sans. बब्बूल, Vabbula. Vern. Bábul, Beng. Hind. The tender leaves beaten into a pulp, are given in diarrhœa as an astringent. A decoction of the bark is used as an astringent gargle and wash. I have not met with any notice of gum acacia in Sanskrit works.

c5.s10.t9.14

NAT. ORDER COMBRETACEÆ.

c5.s10.t9.15

TERMINALIA CHEBULA, Retz.

c5.s10.t9.16

Sans. हरीतकी, Haritaki. अभया, Abhayá. पथ्या, Pathyá.

c5.s10.t9.17

Vern. Har. Hind. Haritaki, Beng.

c5.s10.t9.18

THE chebulic myrobalan was highly extolled by the ancient Hindus as a powerful alterative and tonic. It has received the names of Pránadá, or life-giver, Sudhá or nectar, *Bhishakpriya* or physician's favourite and so forth. So highly esteemed was this plant by the ancient Hindus, that a mythological origin has been attributed to it. It is said that when Indra was drinking nectar in heaven, a drop of the fluid fell on the earth and produced the *haritaki* plant. Seven varieties of *haritaki* are described by Sanskrit writers, the distinctions being founded upon the shape, colour and marks on the outer covering of the fruits. At the present day, however, two varieties only are recognised, namely, the large ripe fruit called *haritaki*, and the unripe dried fruit called *jangi* haritaki in the vernacular. A good haritaki fit for medicinal use should be fresh, smooth, dense, heavy and rounded in shape. Thrown into water it should sink in it. Haritaki fruits weighing four tolás and upwards, are also considered fit for use, although they may not possess some of the above-mentioned properties. The seeds are rejected and their coats only are used in medicine. Those fruits which have small seeds and abundant cortex are preferred.

c5.s10.t9.19

Chebulic myrobalans are described as laxative, stomachic, tonic and alterative. They are used in fevers, cough, asthma, urinary diseases, piles, intestinal worms, chronic diarrhœa, costiveness, flatulence, vomiting, hiccup, heart diseases, enlarged spleen and liver, ascites, skin diseases, etc. In combination with emblic and belleric myrobalans, and under the name of triphalá or the three myrobalans, they are extensively used as adjuncts to other medicines in almost all diseases.

c5.s10.t9.20

Two or three chebulic myrobalans, rubbed into a paste and taken with a little rock salt, act as a mild laxative. The following compound decoction called Pathyádi kvátha is also much used as a purgative. Take of chebulic myrobalans, pulp of Cassia fistula (áragbadha), root of Picrorrhiza Kurroa (katuki), root of Ipomœa Turpethum (trivrit) and emblic myrobalans, equal parts, in all two tolás, and prepare a decoction in the usual way. Dose, two to four ounces. Bengali practitioners now a days often add senna and rhubarb to the above preparation, but these last were not known to the ancient writers, and are not mentioned in their works.¹

c5.s10.t9.21

¹ पथ्यादिक्वाथः । पथ्यारग्वधतिक्ता त्रिवृदामलकैः ऋतपेयं । पाचनसारक युक्तं नवजीर्णज्वरे सामे ।

c5.s10.t9.22

As an alterative tonic for promoting strength, preventing the effects of age and prolonging life, chebulic myrobalan is used in a peculiar way. One fruit is taken every morning with salt in the rainy season, with sugar in autumn, with ginger in the first half of the cold season, with long pepper in the second half, with honey in spring, and with treacle in the two hot months. These adjuncts are supposed to agree best with the humours that are liable to be deranged in the different seasons. This old device for prolonging life is still believed in, and acted upon, by some superstitious elderly native gentlemen.¹

c5.s10.t9.23

¹ गुड़ेन मधुनाशुण्ठ्या कृष्णयालवणेन वा। द्वे द्वे खादन्‌सदापथ्ये जीवेद्वर्ष शतं सुखी। सिन्धूत्यशर्करा शुण्ठीकणामधुगुडैःक्रमात्‌। वर्षादिष्वभयासेव्या रसायनगुणैषिणा। चक्रदत्तः।

c5.s10.t9.24

Numerous preparations of *haritaki* for special diseases are described in books, such as the *Amrita haritaki* for dyspepsia, *Danti haritaki* for enlargements in the abdomen called *gulma*, *Bhrigu haritaki* in cough, *Agasti haritaki* in consumption, *Dasa muli haritaki* in anasarca, etc.

c5.s10.t9.25

*Amrita haritaki*² is thus prepared. One hundred large sized chebulic myrobalans are boiled in butter-milk, and their seeds are taken out. Four *tolás* each of long pepper, black pepper, ginger, cinnamon, plumbago root, root of *Piper Chaba* (*chaviká*), the five salts, *ájowan*, and the seeds of *Seseli Indicum*, (*vanayamáni*), *yavakshára*, *sarjikákshára*, borax, assafœtida and cloves, are reduced to powder, and soaked for three days respectively in a decoction of tamarind and in lemon juice. This mixture is introduced within the seedless myrobalans, which are then exposed to the sun and dried. One of these prepared myrobalans is directed to be taken every morning for the relief of various sorts of dyspepsia and indigestion. *Danti haritaki* will be described under *Baliospermum montanum*. The other preparations of chebulic myrobalan are not much in vogue at present.

c5.s10.t9.26

² हरीतक्याः शतं ग्राह्यं तक्रै स्विन्नञ्च कारयेत्‌। यताद्वीजं समुद्धृत्य षडूषणं पञ्चपटु। यमानीद्वयमेवच। त्रिकारं हिङ्गु दिव्यञ्च कर्षद्वयमितं पृथक्‌। श्लक्ष्णचूर्णंकृतं सर्व्वं चुक्राम्लेनापि भावयेत्‌। निम्बाकस्वरसेनापि भावयेच्च दिनत्रयम्‌। खादयेदभयामेकां सर्व्वाजीर्णविनाशनम्‌। भैषज्यरत्नावली।

Terminalia Bellerica, Roxb.

c5.s10.t10.1

*Sans.* विभितकी, *Vibhitaki*. *Vern.* Baherá, *Hind. Beng.*

c5.s10.t10.2

BELLERIC myrobalans are described as astringent and laxative and useful in cough, hoarseness, eye diseases, etc. As a constituent of *triphalá* or the three myrobalans, they are used in almost al diseases. The kernel of the fruits is said to be narcotic and astringent, and is used as an external application to inflamed parts.¹

c5.s10.t10.3

¹ विभीतफलमज्जस्तु लेप्रोदाहार्त्तिनाशनः । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

c5.s10.t10.4

In hoarseness, belleric myrobalans, rock salt and long pepper, rubbed into a paste with butter-milk, are recommended to be used as a linctus.² Another prescription for sore throat and hoarseness is as follows. Belleric myrobalans are fried in clarified butter; they are then covered with a paste of wheat-flour and slightly roasted on a fire. The cortical portion of the fruits thus prepared, is recommended to be kept in the mouth for the relief of sore throat, cough and catarrh.³

c5.s10.t10.5

² कलितरुफल सिन्धु कणाचूर्णं तक्रेषु लीढमपहरति। स्वरभेदं गोपयसापीतं वामलकचूर्णञ्च । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t10.6

³ विभीतकफलं किञ्चिद्दृतेनाभज्य लेपयेत् । गोधूमपिष्टैर्लारैर्विपचेत्पुट-पाकवत् । ततः पक्वं समुद्धृत्य त्वचन्तस्य मुखेक्षिपेत । कासश्वास प्रतिश्याय स्वर भङ्गाञ्जयेत्ततः । शार्ङ्गधरः ।

Terminalia Arjuna, Bedd.

c5.s10.t11.1

*Sans.* अर्जुन, *Arjuna.* कुकुभ, *Kukubha.* *Vern.* *Arjuna, Beng. Kahu, Hind.*

c5.s10.t11.2

The bark of this timber tree is considered tonic, astringent and cooling, and is used in heart diseases, contusions, fractures, ulcers, etc. In diseases of the heart it is used in a variety of ways. Thus a decoction of the bark with milk is given as a nourishment. The powdered bark is given with milk, treacle or water.⁴ A *ghrita* is prepared with the decoction and paste of the bark for internal use.⁵

c5.s10.t11.3

⁴ अर्जुनस्य त्वचासिद्धं क्षीरं योज्यं हृदामये । सितयापञ्चमूल्यावा वलया मधुकेन वा । घतेन दुग्धेन गुडाम्भसावा पिबन्तिचूर्णं ककुभ त्वचोये । हृद्रोग-जीर्णज्वर रक्तापित्तं हत्वा भवेयुश्चिरजीविनस्ते । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t11.4

⁵ अर्जुनघृतम् । पार्थस्य कल्क स्वरसेन सिद्धं यस्तं घतं सर्व्व हृदामयेषु । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t11.5

In fractures and contusions with extensive ecchymosis, powdered *arjuna* bark is recommended to be taken internally with milk.¹ A decoction of the bark is used as a wash in ulcers and chancres.

c5.s10.t11.6

¹ भग्नः पिबेत्त्वक्पयसार्ज्जुनस्य गोधूमचूर्णैः सहतेनवाथ । चक्रदत्तः ।

c5.s10.t11.7

NAT. ORDER MYRTACEÆ.

Eugenia Jambolana, Lam.

c5.s10.t12.1

*Syn. Syzygium Jambolanum, W. & A.*

c5.s10.t12.2

*Sans.* जम्बु, *Jambu.* *Vern.* *Kálajám, Beng.* *Jámun, Hind.*

c5.s10.t12.3

THIS tree, which yields an abundant crop of sub-acid edible fruits during the months of July and August, is common all over the country. In some places the fruits attain the size of a pigeon's egg and are of superior quality. A vinegar prepared from the juice of the ripe fruit, is an agreable stomachic and carminative. It is also used as a diuretic in scanty or suppressed urine. A sort of spirituous liquor called *Jámbava* is described in recent Sanskrit works as prepared by distillation from the juice of the ripe fruits. The bark is astringent, and is used, alone or in combination with other medicines of its class, in the preparation of astringent decoctions, gargles and washes. The fresh juice of the bark is given with goat's milk in the diarrhœa of children.² The expressed juice of the leaves is used alone or in combination with other astringents in dysentery with bloody discharge, as for example in the following prescription. Take of the fresh juice of the leaves of jambu, mango and emblic myrobalan about a drachm each, and administer with goat's milk and honey.³

First 190 of 207 passages. Read on

Linked texts (6)