Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c13.53

c13.53

The haemorrhoids are to be treated according to the symptoms. Thus in diarrhoea the remedies as for diarrhoea caused by vāta are to be applied, in constipation those for *udāvarta*, and in heavy discharge of blood those for haemorrhage (Vrnda 5.5 f.). Medicines, cauteries, knife and fire are in general prescribed; yet Car 6.14.34-36 points out the dangerousness of the latter three methods which, in case of defective application, can bring about impotency, tumours, colic and other pains, excessive loss of blood, new formation of growths and even death. Hārita, Bhāv, Vang also confine themselves essentially to the numerous recipes of the most varied pills, oil- and butter-decoctions etc. for internal use as well as enemata, suppository, smearing and poultices. On the other hand Su, AS, AHr exclusively describe the operation of the patient suffering from haemorrhoids who should be in a lying position, tied, held by servants so that he may not wince. He should stretch up the anus whereupon the growth is cauterized or branded. One growth should be taken up after every seven days. Big growths of strong patients are to be excised and then to be branded (Su 4.6; AS 4.10; AHr 4.6; Vṛnda 5; Vang; Bhāv 1. c.).