The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s16.17

c5.s16.17

Kaṇṭakāri is used in medicine in various forms, such as decoction, electuary, ghrita, etc. A decoction of the root is given with the addition of long pepper and honey, in cough and catarrh, and with rock salt and assafœtida in spasmodic cough.¹ Several compound decoctions made along with other expectorant and demulcent drugs are in use. The following is an example. Take of kaṇṭakāri, root of *Justicia Adhatoda* (*vāsaka*), pulse of *Dolichos uniflorus* (*kulattha*) and ginger, equal parts, in all two tolas; prepare a decoction in the usual way and administer, with the addition of páchak root, in cough with difficult breathing.²