A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c24.232

v1.c24.232

The subjects dealt with are: the aims of those using an aphrodisiac (40.1–2ab); 1169 the effects of an aphrodisiac (40.2cd–3); 1170 those leading a virtuous life in agreement with the dharma are not in need of aphrodisiacs, but those with less sattva may make use of them (40.4–6); preparatory treatment (40.7–8); 1171 the joys of parenthood (40.9–11); 1172 the preparation of a compound aphrodisiac (40.12cd–21ab); 1173 several aphrodisiac prescriptions (40.21cd–34); 1174 the properties of substances and other things that stimulate the libido and increase the potency (40.35–36); 1175 a long description of the type of woman best suited to rouse a man and make him potent (40.37–40); 1176 one should make love according to the rules laid down in the Kāmasūtra, taking into consideration the appropriateness of place and time, one’s strength and potency, and without acting contrary to medical prescriptions (40.41); a list of things that mentally promote potency (40.42–45); things helpful to achieve one’s aim (40.46–47); 1177 the best medicine in a long list of diseases (40.48–56); 1178 a clyster is the best remedial measure in diseases due to vāta, a purgative in those due to pitta, an emetic in those due to kapha (40.57ab); honey subdues kapha, ghee pitta, and oil vāta (40.57cd); 1179 for these reasons one should the medicines, mentioned as the best ones, prepare as suited to the patient and the situation he is in (40.58).