The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s12.t5.22

c5.s12.t5.22

THE Nardostachys Jatamansi is a native of the mountains of Northern India and has been used in Hindu medicine from a very ancient period. The fragrant root is considered a nervine tonic, and is much used as an aromatic adjunct in the preparation of medicinal oils and *ghritas*. It does not appear however to have been used internally except as an ingredient of complex prescriptions. In the Pharmacopœia of India it is stated that *jaṭámánsi* enters into the composition of a nostrum highly recommended in the treatment of epilepsy by Susruta. I do not find in Susruta’s work any prescription for epilepsy, containing *jaṭámánsi*, except the following, in which however it can hardly be said to be an active ingredient. Take of the pulse of *Phaseolus Roxburghii* (*kulattha*), barley, jujube fruit, seeds of *Crotolaria juncea* (*sana*), bdellium, *jaṭámánsi* root, the ten drugs collectively called *dasamula* (see *Desmodium gangeticum*), and chebulic myrobalan, equal parts; and prepare a decoction in the usual way. This decoction is recommended to be administered with the addition of clarified butter and goat’s urine.¹