[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877) › c6.s2.2 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c6.s2.2 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c6.s2.2 - **Language:** English ### [c6.s2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c6.s2.2) THE lac insect (\*Coccus lacca\*), has been known to the Hindus from a very ancient period. The \*Butea frondosa\* is called \*Lákshá taru\* or lac plant in Sanskrit, this being the principal tree in which lac is said to be produced. The fluid lac-dye obtained by dissolving the crushed stick-lac in water is called \*A'lakta\*. It is used in colouring silk. Cotton coloured with this dye and pressed into flat circular pieces is sold in the bazars under the name of \*A'ltá\* and is used in painting the hands and feet of Hindu females. Shell-lac is used in the preparation of sealing wax, varnish for carpenters and ornaments for women. A decoction of shell-lac is much used in the preparation of several medicinal oils, such as \*Lákshádi taila\*, \*Chandanádi taila\*, \*Angáraka taila\*, etc. - [Previous: c6.s2.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c6.s2.1) - [Next: c6.s2.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c6.s2.3) - [Up: c6.s2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c6.s2) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c6.s2.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c6.s2.2) · Pramāṇa