The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s12.t10.3

c5.s12.t10.3

In Sanskrit Medicine, *Hemidesmus Indicus* and *Ichnocarpus frutescens* are both called *sárivá* and are described under the name of *sárivádvaya* or the two *sárivás*. They are often used together. When however *sárivá* is used in the singular number it is the usual practice to interpret it as *syámalatá* (*Ichnocarpus frutescens*). The roots of these plants are said to be sweet, demulcent, alterative and useful in loss of appetite, disinclination for food, fever, skin diseases, syphilis and leucorrhoea. They are generally used in combination with a number of other medicines. The following are a few illustrations. Take of *anantamula*, root of *Pavonia odorata* (*bálá*), tubers of *Cyperus rotundus* (*mustaka*), ginger, and the root of *Picrorrhiza kurroa* (*kaṭuki*), equal parts, in all two tolás, and reduce them to a paste with water. This dose administered with warm water in the morning, is said to clear the bowels and relieve fever.¹