The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s15.t1.4

c5.s15.t1.4

Two varieties of *trivrit* are described by most writers, namely, *sveta* or white and *krishna* or black. The white variety is preferred for medicinal use as a moderate or mild cathartic. The black variety is said to be a powerful drastic and to cause vomiting, faintness and giddiness. *Trivrit* has been used as a purgative from time immemorial and is still used as such by native practitioners, alone, as well as in various combinations. In fact this medicine is the ordinary cathartic in use amongst natives, just as jalap is among Europeans. The usual mode of administering it is as follows. About two scruples of the root are rubbed into a pulp with water and taken with the addition of rock salt and ginger or sugar and black pepper.