Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c9.56

c9.56

§ 30. Blood-letting :— The mildest way of extracting blood (*śoṇitāvasecana, śoṇitamokṣaṇa*) is the application of leeches (*jalaukas*). They are, therefore, particularly suited to the Princes, rich people, children, old men, infirm, nervous and delicate persons and women. One should avoid the poisonous species the bite of which causes tumour, strong itch, fever, delirium and other bad symptoms, and should use only the 6 non-poisonous species. The leeches should be kept in a big new pot full of mud and water from a pond, and fresh