Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c13.14

c13.14

Generally *kuṣṭha* is fatal if there are maggots, thirst, heat and weak digestion, if all *doṣas* are deranged, if abscesses occur and discharge, if the eyes are red, the voice is hoarse and if medicines are ineffective (on account of weakness). According to Su 2.5 *kuṣṭha* is the worst of all diseases and one who dies due to that is again attacked by it in the future birth. *Kuṣṭha* is also contagious like fever, consumption, opthalmia and the epidemic diseases ("small-pox and the like"—comm.) by constant contact, breathing together, eating together, lying or sitting together, clothes, garlands and ointments. The expansion of *kuṣṭha* from skin to the remaining elements of the body is compared with the gradual expansion of the roots of a tree on the earth. The most numerous recipes for *kuṣṭha*, especially the most varied decoctions with butter and oil are meant for internal as well as external treatment. Generally an emetic should be used once in a fortnight, a purgative in a month, a nasal remedy every third day and blood-letting every six months (AHr 4.19.96 = AS 4.21.120 = Su 4.9.43 = Vr 51, 138). The patient should also keep diet, should practise pious ceremonies and penance, should keep short hair and nails, should avoid overexertion, intercourse with women, flesh and spirituous drinks; then he will be cured (Car 2.5; 6.5; Su 2.5; 4.9; AS 3.14; 4.21; AHr 3.14; 4.19; MN 294-305; Bhav 2.4.18 ff.; Vang 647 ff.; Vr 51.).