A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c13.14

v1.c13.14

The properties, actions and uses of śilājatu 29 are discussed, a substance that cures all diseases. Its potency is enhanced (vīryotkarṣa) by steeping (bhāvanā 30, ālodana) this substance in various fluids. Four varieties are distinguished, originating from gold, silver, copper and iron ores, 31 to be used specifically against disorders caused by vāta and pitta, kapha and pitta, kapha, and all three doṣas. The variety deriving from iron ore is preferable for rasāyana purposes (3.48–65). 32