Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c12.26

c12.26

In curable cases one should brand both the heels of the person suffering from *viṣūcikā* and warm ( his body ); a sharp emetic should further be given to him; when the diet is digested he should fast and take digestive and purgative medicines. When the body has become pure and swooning faint and diarrhoea have disappeared, strenghtening enemeta and various medicines should be given ( Su 6.56.12 f. ). An ointment is also prescribed for *viṣūcikā* itself or for the pains in the eyes and head caused thereby, a lukewarm smearing for gouty pains in the hands and feet and for colic, an emetic, enemeta etc. for the " dreadful *viṣūcikā* " in general, branding the heels for very old *viṣūci*, which acts for bringing about the consciousness (? Vr 6.58 ff.). Similarly Vang 197-199, where salt water is recommended as emetic and hot pot for warming; and the pains in the *marman* are compared with the condition of one who has drunk poison; cf. also Bhāv 2.2. 26 ff. where pills and juices with Borax etc. are prescribed.