Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c11.20

c11.20

The toys of the child should be coloured, making noise and entertaining. They should not be heavy, should not have a sharp edge, should not be penetrable in the mouth and should not be dangerous to his life or frightening him ( Car 4.8.62 ). Precautions should be taken not to frighten a child, or not to threaten it with demons even though it is disobedient, even though it cries or does not wish to eat, lest it might be taken possession of by the *graha*- the frightful disease-demon of the child ( cf. § 50 ). One should also not wake the child suddenly or handle it violently, as such a course may disturb the tridosas of the body and stop the natural secretions. One should seek to cheer it in hundredfold ways. One should not always allow it to lie on the ground, lest it might get crookedness of the back. One should guard it against wind, Sun, lightning, rain, shadow of a house, evil plants, demons and other dangers, and should tie an amulet on it. Children's diseases (cf. § 50) should be warded off with mild remedies. Purgatives are to be completely avoided except in difficult cases ( Car 4.8.63-64; Su 3.10.41-45; AS 1. c. 173-6; AHr 6.1.42-50 ). Car 4.8.58 ( cf. AS 173 ) also speaks of the construction of a special room for the child (*kumārāgāra*) by an expert architect. It should be protected from wind, but there should be free ventilation on one side. It should be well endowed with furniture, water, cooking place, should be clean, free from insects, bright and nice etc.