The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c5.s18.t2.26

c5.s18.t2.26

BOTH the red and white varieties of this plant are noticed by Sanskrit writers but the white is preferred for use. Its root is regarded as laxative, diuretic and stomachic; it is used in jaundice, ascites, anasarca, scanty urine and internal inflammations. One of its Sanskrit synonyms, namely, sothagni means cure for dropsy. A decoction of punarnavá root is recommended to be given with the addition of powdered chiretá and ginger in anasarca.¹ A compound decoction much used in this disease is prepared as follows.