The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s10.t9.18

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.