Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c13.2

c13.2

Śitalā— an apparently later subsidiary form of this disease, is mentioned in connection with the cold treatment for small-pox which in all probability is meant for fever accompanying it. This name of small-pox represented even at present in modern Indian languages, is referred to only in Bhāv, yet the śitalikā connected with this is mentioned as a popular designation for small-pox (lokāśrayā saṃjñā) already in Dallana on Su 2.13.38 i. e. in the 12th century. The Bhāv (16th century) divides śitalā into seven kinds, but describes eight kinds. 1. The big śitalā (bṛhatī) is characterized by the appearance of which is preceded by fever. After seven days the pustules become visible, within next seven days they ripen, in the third week they dry up and disappear by themselves. 2. kodravā originates from vāta and kapha, the pustules appear like the rice kodrava (Paspalum scrobiculatum), do not become ripe, but are cured without medicine within 7-10 days. 3. ūṣajarūpā—" appearing like insects" is caused by heat. 4. pāṇisahā—" enduring the hand".