Susruthasamhitha The First Surgical Pathology Text

Dr Suvarna Nalapat
http://drsuvarnanalapattrust.org

I have already discussed the Basic Principles of Ayurveda and the Role of Susrutha and his Samhitha in formulating the early development of a scientific Medical system of Ayurveda . ( Ref : Origin of Indians and their spacetime ch:5 ; http://www.scribd.com/doc/98792109 ) Here we will briefly discuss the different subjects Susrutha has dealt with in his treatise.And in the second part we will discuss Surgery /surgical pathology the special subject of Susruthasamhitha Vaayukopa (Imbalance of the Air ) and the problems due to this : One has to prevent the imbalanced Vaayu , flowing very quickly through the blood vessels of the body.If this is not done several diseases can happen which are mortal to the organism.It can affect part of an organ, or organ, or one half of the body or even the entire body.If the imbalanced air is flowing through one part of the body, that part become movementless. The sensory feelings like touch etc of that part also is lost ( Both sensory and Motor functions lost). This condition is a serious complication and is called Pakshaaghaatham .If both parts of the body has flowing imbalanced air both sides are immobile , and the patient falls down and dies .( Nidaanasthaanam 1.53-54). It is evidently the complication of Atherosclerosis as Stroke the text is speaking about.

If the imbalanced air flows only intermittently ( not completely blocked) then the patient gets Aaakshepaka ( Convulsions leading to coma), Apathaanakam (Tetanus), Dandaapathaanakam( Orthotonus) etc .If there is continuous Vaayukopa pressure the body will bend as a bow called Dhanusthamba ( which is a sign of Tetanus ).This bowing can be either to the front or behind . Sometimes the pressure of imbalanced air is only on some parts of body. That which occurs only in the neck is Manyaasthambham ( Torticollis). ARDHITHAM ( Facial palsy) occurs only on face. Viswaachi ( Erbs paralysis) and Ghridhrasi ( Sciatica) are also described. Others due to this type of air pressure obstructions are 1. Kroshtukaseersham ( oedema of the knees) 2. Amsasoshakam ( reduced movement of the shoulders) 1

3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Avavaahukam ( contraction of muscles of the arms) Kalaayakanjam ( contraction of muscles of the legs and feet) Paadadaaham ( burning sensation of feet) Paadaharsham ( Tinkling and loss of touch sensation in feet) Karnasoolam ( painful ears ) For a embryo in the womb deafness and hunchback can happen due to vayukopa ( Nidanasthaana : 1-48;57-58;64-68) It is essential for the functioning of muscles and nerves that the Praanavaayu (oxygen) should be supplied in optimal quantity. If this is damaged or obstructed various grades of symptoms and signs depending upon the part or whole of body affected , happens. Susrutha knew this .Pranayama and other balancing and controlling of breathing were done from ancient times to maintain the optimum level of oxygen (prana) to all organs of body.It is the functioning of the Naadeevyuha ( CNS and Peripheral NS ) that keep the human beings in a different level from the other animals.Human being has to maintain the intellect , mental faculties and physical prowess until death so that a quality life is assured to all .This was the reason why Yoga was undertaken by all individuals , without any pressure or compulsion from the State .

Madhumeha ( Diabetes ):Meha means urine. When urine become sweet as honey due to presence of sugars in it , the disease is called madhumeha and according to Susrutha it is a disease which is difficult to cure completely.The signs of the disease according to him are tiredness, increased quantity of urine ( Polyuria)increased thirst ( polydypsia) ,laziness, nonhealing deep carbuncles . Using natural things the disease can be treated to some extent but not completely. Oil of the Thuvara seed ( cajanus indicus), khadira ( catechu) and ghee mixed with birds flesh ( chicken fried in the oil) is given to patients to maintain a quality lifespan . The ulcers and carbuncles need careful treatment . ( Nidanasthaanam:6;31-36;chikit:13) Animal poison and Jalathraasa Some animals like dogs, fox, wolf and wild cat when they become mad bite human beings. Such animals can be identified by their behaviour and gait. They bend their body in a special manner , and make a special type of crying sound and wander here and there aimlessly. Lot of saliva come out of their mouth. They bite whatever they see. The poisonous sleshma ( mucous) in its saliva enters the body of the victiom and produce Vaayukopa and the natural behaviour changes to abnormal . The patient looses his mental faculties and intellect and start growling , shouting as if an animal and when he/she see water or when the name of water is uttered ( when the name of water is heard)in his/her presence it shows Jalathraasa ( Hydrophobia) Once this stage is reached the patient has no cure . In the initial stages blood letting from the site of the bite , and burning with heat ( cautery) may be helpful. For bite of different animals treatment is different ( 7.7-10) Guhyaroga:In the same chapter on diabetes Susrutha gives the signs and symptoms of sexuallytransmitted disease Gonorrohoea . Flow of white discharge which is foamy and bloodtonged through the urinary tract in male and vagina /urinary tract in female is described. Pain in the urinary bladder area, burning sensation and urgency to pass urine are 2

described by him. But he has not said that this disease is spreading due to sexual intercourse .Treatment for the disease are Virechana, other purification rites, special diet, orderly exercise, and sports, with medicines .( Ni ;6 and chi 11). A disease called UPADAMSA occur in the male genital organ due to sexual intercourse and this disease are of 5 types according to Susrutha. This can occur even by a nail injury or by other types of intimate contacts.He has given the signs and symptoms of primary stage of syphilis to certain types of Upadamsa.He says some Upadamsa are serious and if untreated lead to untimely death.Cool and soothing ointments, applying warmth,bloodletting either by a leech (jalooka) or by cutting a vein ( venipuncture) purification rites like Virechana,if there is not much pus using medicines one can treat the condition.If pus is there and it is severe one has to resort to surgical intervention ( salyathanthra) and sometimes part or whole of the organ will have to be surgically removed to save the life of patient.After surgery application of medicinal ointments is done.In certain cases when the ulcerated part is very big, after surgical removal of teh part he advises burning with red hot needles ( cauterizations) of the stump . Nid:12;713;chik:19;13-22) Sthoulya and Kaarshya :Sthoulya is obesity.Karshya means cachexia.When the essences in digestive tract become abnormal these can happen.Eating foods which produce mucous, overeating,eating food before the earlier food is digested, life without exercise, sleeping in daytime after food intake etc convert the food in the digestive system into an immature Aamarasa .Amarasa is a type of madhurapaaka ( sugary taste ).It flows to other parts of body and makes normal metabolisms impossible(Oorjaprakriya).Thus flesh increases in body.This is the cause for obesity . In Modern Medical science the reasons leading to obesity are the same as given by Susrutha and excess fat accumulation due to metabolic change of CH and abnormal faty metabolism is actually described in very brief terms. When one eats food that increase air/gas, with excess bodily exercises , and excess of body work producing tired feeling , studying for long time, mental burdens, lack of proper sleep, ever unsatisfied hunger coupled with habit of taking less food than needed for the body , excess sexual activity are reasons for cachexia and very thin body. By these the Rasa become very insufficient and it cannot give the needed nutrients for the body .When this happens even the water content of the body is imbibed by that Rasa and thus body becomes thinner and thinner , with no water content and cachexia develop. In sthoulys difficulty and obstruction to breathing, excess sweating,a special smell for body , thirst , snoring , tired feeling happen. Speech become inaudible and avyaktha. The movements become sluggish.A cyclical process leads to ever increasing madhurapaaka ( sweet) aamarasa . Excess hunger excess food intake excess tired feeling

Excess fat and flesh

excess sleep

Susrutha describes this vicious cycle .The end result is the heaviness in legs and hands and inability to work and do daily routines. Patient feels dislike in exercise and sexual intercourse. Both these are actually methods to reduce excess fat , and when the patient dislikes these it contributes to excesss obesity. All the internal channels of the body are obstructed by the fats 3

( arteries , veins ,nervous channels etc etc ) .If obesity is left untreated urinary diseases like Meha (diabetes) , carbuncles, fevers etc happen due to vayukopa ( obstructed vayu or air channels ). In treatment daily exercises, enemas, medicines which have power of liquefying fats , silaadhaathu ( elements from the earth) cows urine,Thriphala,Rasanjana ( which is Antimony sulphide mixed with powdered iron),honey,barley,mudgha ( Phaseolus mungo)shyamakam ( panicum framentaceum or Ellu)Guggulu (Balsamodendron mukul) etc are recommended ( soothra :15;32-40) For a patient with Kaarshya the ability to control the balance between the body temperature and the atmospheric temperature is lost ( Thermostasis is lost). Due to the lack of temperature regulation fevers happen on and off. He/she has no ability to withstand lack of water or food for even a very short period and because of this when thirst or hunger comes he/she becomes unconscious ( coma due to hypoglycaemia and hyponatremia). Slowly and steadily he/she looses ability to do day to day duties, exercises etc . Later on, if the person survives , asthma, chronic cough, tuberculosis,pleeha( spleen) enlargement, enlargement of liver, distaste for food, ascites ( mahodara) , swelling of glands of the body ( Lasikagranthi are lymph nodes ) etc supervene and bloody sputum is produced . Even a very mild infection or disease cannot be prevented by his/her body ( loss of immune function) and therefore death occur due to even a short mild disease . What is interesting here is that all these signs described by Susrutha fits in with the signs and symptoms of HIV /AIDS . Susrutha says the first thing the patient has to do is to avoid all causes said before including excess sexual indulgence . Condensed solidified milk , ghee, curds, animal foods, rice from Saali variety of paddy, wheat and Yashtimadhu ahs to be included in diet and it is also desirable to wash the intestines with these foods .( Soothra: 15-33). Dental medicine : Dentistry was practiced at three levels during Susruthas times. 1 .Daily cleaning of teeth and purification which is a preventive Medicine 2. Use of medicines ( oushadha) 3 Surgery ( Salyachikitsa). The day of each citizen should begin with proper dental care and purification rites. During Susruthas time a system of using a brush was present. Break the small branches from trees ( Nimba, khadira, Karanja, Mango tree) and crush one end so that it becomes a brush. The brush is used just once and after that has to be discarded . These disposable brushes were called Danthakaashtam. The brush is immersed in a mixture of salt, powdered medicinal leaves, vegetable oils and honey and each teeth was brushed separately both on inside and outside . Special care is taken not to injure the gums. To wash mouth after brushing lot of cold water was used. ( Ch :24;3-8). For certain patients advise was given not to brush teeth until the disease is cured . If there is gum bleeding, pus and swelling in gums,carbuncle or ulcers in gums, teeth loosened due to gum diseases ,a partially erupted or unerrupted wisdom teeth that is painful, swellings and fleshy growths ( polyps) at the root of teeth in the gums, excess sensitivity to cold ,touch and acidic taste for teeth , easily breakable teeth ( brittle) black colour of teeth , the loss of cover around the teeth ( loss of enamel), 4

presence of danthasarkkara ( tartar) around teeth are described by Susrutha. Gargling and washing mouth with medicinal waters, brushing with salt, applying powdered medicines, applying heat, bloodletting,etc were some of the treatments . The method of removing a tooth, and incising a wound in gum and a carbuncle , removing tartar, excising and letting out pus , are dealt with briefly but clearly. Purification rites like virechana and Pathya food are there for dental medicine also. Taking care of patient and giving rest after surgery is mentioned .( Chi:22;9-29). Mental Illnesses :Eventhough an important place is given for mental illnesses ( soo: 1-20) it does not get importance in the chapter on treatment ( Chikitsasthaana). But certain medicines to increase mental power is mentioned in chikitsasthaana. ( Ch: 30)In Utharathanthra it is mentioned that all mental illnesses including Unmada and apasmara are due to pretha, bootha, pisaacha . Certain diseases in newborn infants are also due to tehse causes. But Susrutha says that the real cause for Unmada is due to Thridoshakopa the flow of strength or power of mental and sensory faculties being obstructed at the upper parts of body namely head and brain. That is Susrutha was aware of the relation of brain and CNS in producing mental illness. 4 Types of unmaada or madness happen due to imbalance of the 3 humours. The 5th type is due to excess grief, excess emotions .The 6th type due to poisonous chemicals causing unmade .These 6 types of madness ahve different signs and symptoms but they have certain common symptoms too. The common symptoms and signs are giddiness, quick heartbeats, excess energy exhibited even in a common function, mental grief, loosing consciousness on and off, and body becoming thinner and thinner . The main aspect of treatment of mental problems is to avoid emotional excesses and grief. Vaidya should be able to give peace and coolness to clients mind . Life in a naturally beautiful ashram on a hilltop, in river basins, in forests was conducive for this.Cooling Prasada like chanda applied on forehead daily morning gives the effect of peace and coolness. In Utharathanthra 14 chapters give the methods of treating diseases caused by Bhootha,pretha,pisacha. Manthra chanting, Reading and study of scriptures like Veda, Devakarma like pooja etc, many rites which we now call religion of Indians , even the offerings at a temple are methods devised by a Vaidya ( Psychologist/psychiatrist) for reducing tensions of daily life and offering prevention and treatment of mental problems . ( Utharasthana : 27-37;60-62). Bhootha is past life . The past of this birth and of the former births are included in bhootha. Pretha is a dead person .The dead ancestors and their karma accruing as effects for the next generation to suffer . The collective memory of entire human race is thus included in bhootha and Pretha . Samsara is the karmajeevitha ( life of actions) derived from the past lives ( bhoothakaalajanya). Therefore samsara and its tensions produce mental stress and mental problems and manneeds peace from such tensions and stress. The techniques for giving peace and calm to brain and its channels ( dhyana etc ) are thus very scientific from the point of view of medicine . Modern intellectuals brand them as religious rites and is converting the entire nation into a mental hospital. 5

Once such disease is fullfledged one may have to resort to unexpected organised shock treatment to the patient to get him out of the madness. The rites of fearful sights were for this . To say suddenly that a near and dear relative is dead, giving a lonely life in a closed room, threatening to give bodily inflictions and even striking with a stick were thus employed.These were equivalent to teh shock treatment Modern Medicine give , but less harmful to patient though they may appear cruel. But the Vaidya know that these are not the real treatments and he is just trying a luck when the other methods fail to give a response . For unmade caused by poison antedotes of the poison has to be given. Bloodletting from the chest vessels with leech or cutting of a vein, bloodletting from the lateral end of eye ( apaanga) and forehead were also done. In prolonged treatment oilbaths, sweating (swedana), virechana, medicines that reduce pressure from head, food prepared in mustard oil, massage with mustard oil, breathing from the smoke of the burning dead body of a dog or bear, medicinal leaves in ghee specially prepared for mental diseases were included. ( Uthara: 62). Apasmaara:- In Ayurveda the term apasmaara means loss of memory, and sensory functions either wholly or partially. The reasons are mithyaachaara and uncontrolled sensory pleasures indulgence. By these Thamoguna increase slowly and steadily and the path for flow of thridosha is obstructed in the end. Making abnormal sounds without ones knowledge or consciousness, ( pichum peyum) stretching, sudden painful contraction of hands and feet and legs , rolling of pupils are due to increase in rajoguna. When thamoguna is increased to maximum level , and sensory functions are totally lost and patient enters a thamasikanidra ( deep coma) further treatment may not help. There are 4 types of apasmara. In all the four the signs and symptoms appear suddenly and quickly and disappear even without any treatment . Bloodleting with leeches from forehead, the same medical treatment as for Unmada are given. There are some special treatment for apasmara called sannipaathaka but these are for reducing symptoms and not specific for total cure. A very special type of medicine is prepared for certain type of apasmara .In this a specially grown pig is first kept for a long time without any food . Then the milky essence of the plant Bharggi ( clerodendron siphonanthus ) mixed in rice is given to it. When these materials are partially digested a surgery is performed on the pig and the undigested or partially digested materials taken out ( the pig is not killed in this procedure ) .This is dried and powdered and mixed with the essence of bharggi plant. The medicine is kept for a long time. The essence of wine at teh bottom and this essence is mixed to make a alcoholic drink and this is cooked until it gets a specific gravity and colour .It is said that this is a sidhoushada for certain types of apasmara.(Utharasthana 61) Vishsvaidya ( Treatment for poisons ) In kalpasthaana the classification of poisonous things , of poisons, and their properties, the functioning of poisons in animal and human body , the 6

anecdotes for each are described. Poison from animals, insects and reptiles ( due to bites of them) , and for ingestion of poisonous materials there are different treatments. The poisons should be prevented by adequate protective measure, and early diagnosis and treatment given if it occurs and these were special duties of a vaidya in royal palace.The personal protection of king and royal family was entrusted with the royal physician only . Therefore the discipline ahd a special status in society. The kitchen in royal palace was under supervision of the doctor to prevent poisoning of king. The cleanliness of royal kitchen, the quality of food etc were checked and in case someone is not careful in these the person was dismissed by the vaidya. The food prepared was first inspected and then a part given to birds and animals to make sure they does not contain poison, put a small part in fire and watch presence of abnormal sounds, colours of blue, greenetc for the flame ( signs of poison), any special smell, smoke that cause headache etc were done. The medicines, ointments, powders, materials for smoking ( dhoopa) ornaments, footwear, oils , bathing ghat and water , brushes, combs ,bed, throne etc were daily inspected for prevention of poisoning of royalty . Even for ahorse ride , the vaidya has to certify whether the horse is healthy and free from poisoning for the king to ascend it. Even with all these , poisoning was common . The first chapter of kalpasthana tells us what should be done if poison is ingested . 2nd chapter classify poisons depending on their origin. There are 55 types plant poisons. Of these 8 are roots of plants. Leaves of 5 and fruits of 12, flowers of 5 , skin and bark of 7 , gum of 3 , and tubers of 13 are classified as poisons. Phenaasmabhasma ( white arsenic) and peethaharithaala ( yellow orpiment or Arsenic with sulphur are poisons seen in stones . These are sthaavaravisha and show effects quickly and are strong . Person die within a short period. Sometimes they function as Doosheevisha ( slowly acting poisons) in body and produce severe diseases that cause death . The immeadiate effect and longacting effects and diseases of 55 types of poisons are described by Susrutha. Expel poison by virechanaa and give lot of water to drink after taht. The anecdote is then given depending upon the type of poison. For dhoosheevisha treatment with virechana and prathyoushada is given. If severe fevers, diarrohoea and heart disease, apasmara happen due to dooshivisha , the treatment is the anecdote for the poison. During war times, in grains of food, hay, fodder, drinking water, atmosphere of places through which the army is expected to go through poison was employed as a war strategy . If poisoned fodder is eaten domestic animals are tired, and vomits and become comatose , have digestive diseases and even die . By pollution o f water there is foamy smelly water and aquatic animals and birds die . Even birds and animals do not approach such poisoned water and even they do know the signs. If some one takes a bath in such water fever,burning sensation, vomiting and nausea, unconsciousness and skin conditions 7

develop. Even horses, and elephants who enter such waters show these symptoms. Looking at such signs of water know tha it is poisoned. To purify the gardens, forests, roads and water bodies ( from poisons) alkaline powders from plants, alcoholic essence of Anantha plant ( Hemidesmus indicus) black clay, anthill mud etc ( either alone or in combination) etc in water is sprinkled . The purification with coudung in water is also done daily to prevent poisons . It is mentioned that if rhythmic percussion instruments like Chenda ( Drums of Kerala) is struck in a special rhythm poisons are removed. This is interesting since the practice followed still in manytemple arts was first designed as a medical preventive measure. If there is poisonous gases in the atmosphere breathing troubles, cough,burning in nose and eyes, headache are experienced. Antedots for this are smoke by burning lax, smoke by burning turmeric,chukku,elam etc . Bite of insects,animals and reptiles are accidents which happen to soldiers on the move.Depending upon severity of poison either death or many diseases ensue. The poisonous parts are nails, teeth, hairs,liquid extracts that flow from body, blood,bile, urine,saliva ,excreta and other body fluids .Even the corpse of an animal which died of poisoning is poison. It should not be touched or eaten. In wars poison from plants and animals were used on tips of spears and arrows to cause poisoning in enemies. All types of poisons ( whether food,water,dress,smoke or bite) produce imbalance of all 3 humours. As long as the poiso is within the body , the proper functioning of body is impossible. Therefore severe body pains, tiredness, coma etc happen.Unless we expel poison the symptoms will not be cured. Body has no power to destroy and burn any external poison. 80 different types of snakes , methods to identify each by the structure of body, life cycle of them and their properties are decribed by susrutha. He divides them broadly into 5 types. 1 Hooded 2 Not hooded, but with coloured rings on body 3. Nonhooded, with lines and spots on body 4. Poisonless 5. Mixed races (samkarajaathi) From the signs and symptoms of patient , one can identify the type of the serpent .The comparative study of the poison of different varieties of serpents is given. After snakebite , in 7 stages , with intervals in between the signs appear. There are 7 Kala ( parts) in the body and the 7 stages corresponds to the poison reaching eac of these parts. Onl after one Kala id saturated with poison, poison spreads to next Kala. For smaller animals , only 4 stages are present . Mangoose and cat has half immunity to serpent poison and therefore if a snake bites these animals they dont die. ( kalpas:4). There are 18 types of poisonous rats , 103 types poisonous insects, and each causes different types of signs and symptoms and Susrutha is well versed in all these. Treatment is different in each of tehse (

kal:6-8) What one should do immeadiately after a snakebite ? Susrutha says there are 2 important things to be done immeadiately 1. Take a cloth or a belt and tie above the snakebite area. This should be 6 inches above the bite. By this the poison in the veins takes longer time to reach the heart and mix with the pure blood there ( arterial). 2. Make a small incision near the bite and allow blood to flow. One can even take ( suck) out and spit the blood from there, after putting aclean cotton piece in the mouth which can take blood as a sponge . At that time the patient is asked to bite on to a mud slab .He is asked to kill the snake and bite the corpse of snake . The bite is burned with red hot metallic wires ( cauterization),If it is a Mandali ( a hoodless nonpoisonous one ) that has bitten cauterization should not be done.(kal:5;2-4),If the poison has spread all over the body and the patient is brought only after that, vaidya has to do bloodletting of vein of forehead . After bloodletting or after stopping of the blood flow from bitten site , that part is washed thouroughly clean. For this mix Rakthachandana ( red sandalwood) and Useera ( cuscus grass) in water and use. On sides of the bite, the skin is removed with a scalpel and washed and the antedote to poison applied there and around. After that the special anecdote for each type of poison has to be given. Suppose the anecdote is not available. One has to powder black soil or anthill in water and make the patient drink it. After that Kovidara( Bauhima variegata) sireesha ( Albizzia lebbeck) Arkkam (Calotropis gigantic) Kadamba ( Cardiospermum helicacabum) are powderd and ground into a paste and make the patient swallow it. This makes the patient vomit and poison is expelled . Should not give oils,fats, alcoholic beverages or beans belonging to Kulattha family ( Horsegram) to a person bitten with snake. Treatment for patients brought late to the vaidya are also enumerated ( Kal:5;6-31).

Certain special drugs mentioned :Indraluptha and baldness ( including alopecia) is a special branch given special treatment.The skin and hair of affected region is removed with scalpel until blood comes out . Abrus precatorious seeds are ground as paste and applied.This is done until new skin comes with hairs on it. Once new skin grow , karaveera ( Nerium odorum) Maalathi ( Aganosma caryophyllata) Agni( Plumbago zaylanica) Nakthamaala( Pongamia labra) are mixed in equal measure and oil is boiled with this mixture in it .With this oil that part is massaged daily. ( chikit: 20-15). Equal amounts of black horn( ivory black) and black antimony as a plaster , or tender leaves of nakthamaala and Ferrous sulphate ground and applied also help to grow hairs . Before this there is no need to remove skin with scalpel.( chi:1;88-90). To bring the grey 9

hair to previous black state ( this is not a temporary dying procedure but permanent) theer are some medicines .They are also used for baldness Petals of saireyam ( Barleria prionitis), jambu ( Eugenia jambolana)Arjuna ( Terminalia arjuna)kasmari(Gmelina arborea) ; Seeds of thila ( sesamum) and bringarajam ( Wedelia calendulacea) ; Seed of mango fruit; Punarnava ( Boerharia diffusa) , kandakaari ( solanum xanthocarpum) plants; Finely ground seeds of pindeethaka ( Randia dumetorium); Seed of beejasasya ( Terminalia tomentosa); Yashtimadhu ( liquorice); Neerajam ( blue lotus ) saaribam( Hemidesmus indicus), madhyaanthi ( Arabian jasmine or Lawsonia alba); Dirt sticking on to lotus; Essence of iron ( Ferrous sulphate); Powdered iron and Antimony black ; All these are powdered and ground into the essence or juice of stem of Asna into a paste ,This paste is mixed in 7 prastha( 11 liters) of beejakaanda and keep closed for 10 days in a iron pot. Then 1 aadhaka ( 6 liter) oil of vibheethaka seed is added ( Terminalia belerica) and slightly heated . In another new iron pot kept for one month for maturing. In the skull and nasal openings apply this and do nasya for one month .There should be greengram ( Phaseolus mungo) in daily diet .After one month;s regime new black hair which is curly and thick appear in even a bald head ,a nd in a grey head .( chi:25;19) For removing wrinkles, black marks, pimples, wound healing marks, and birthmarks and to make face glowing and beautiful Susrutha recommends a liquid medicine containing 50 types of alkalies ( from plants and animals) for royal men and women. For common man another one which is easier and available with lesser effort and cost is given . In it Hareethaki fruit ( Chebubie myrobalan) leaf of nimbi tree ( margossa tree), bark of mango tree, the base of flower of Anar , flower and leaf of madhyanthika are dried and powdered and applied .Even black people become white and beautiful with this. Susrutha says for common man this is enough ( Ch: 25;20-21). For nonhealing ulcers syandana oil is used. To remove the putrified parts and to allow the new tissue to grow syandana oil has special power.The skin that grow after its application will not be distinguishable from the normal skin around. ( ch:8-20). Black marks on a white skin , keloids on a woundhealing etc are removed with certain medicines ( Ch 1;84). But tehse have to be used for a long period. And effects come very slowly . Gandhathaila is special for union of fracture healing, for people with paralysis, for ardhitha patients and for deafness. It has 30 ingredients and its preparation takes one month( ch: 3;44-48) Lax from honey bee, yashtimadhu, powdered leaf of manjishta ( Rubia cordifolia) red sandal, moorva plant ( Sanseviera Zeylonica) are ground and

10

boiled in ghee , made into a plaster and applied to heal any type of severe burns. ( sooth: 12-19) Turmeric, sesame seeds ( Picrorrhyza karroa) Bala ( Sida cordifolia)Bilwamoola ( Aegle marmelas) Himsra ( Nardostachys jatamansi) Gojihwaka ( Elephantophus scaber ) in equal amounts is mixed with 16 times more water. It is boiled in slow heat for a long time and the liquid is filtered . of parts of vegetable oil ( to the ratio of water which was added previously) is added and cooked nicely to get an equal density.This snehadrava ( oily liquid) is filled into deep wounds to heal them .( Chi: 17;11). Classification of Living things :Several millennia before Linnaeus Susrutha has classified living things in different ways .According to their origin he classified them into 4 types. 1 Jaraayuja :- Mammals which deliver children and give milk to them for growth.Jrayu means placenta. Man and the fourlegged animals are jarayuja . 2.Andaja:- Those which originate from eggs. Birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles etc 3.Swedaja :- Those which originate from sweat and heat . He includes worms and ants in this 4 . Udbeeja:- Coming out of plant remains and plants. Glow worms and frogs are included in this by Susrutha. By modern standards 3 and 4 are doubtful classifications. Another classification is based on the type of locomotion, place of living and food .

1 Chathushpaada keetam : worms with 4 legs 2... Ekasepha : single hoof 3. Jalesaaya :- water or aquatic 4 . Khaga : flying in sky 5. Kravyabhuja : carnivores 6. Mriga : forest dwelling 7. Pasu :- four legged and eating grass 8. sareesrupa:- crawling reptiles 9 .Vyaala ( soo: 1;23; 7.4;46;53; Ka: 3.4) Edible living things may be either jalesaaya ( aquatic), anoopa ( in marshes) jaangala ( in dry land ) graamya ( domestic) kravyabhuja ( carnivorous) or ekasepha ( one hoofed ).Vertebrate living things are jaaangala, anoopa and among jaangala 8 varieties and among anoopa 5 varieties are discussed. 8 types jaangala ( soo: 46-50):-

11

1 Jamgaalam are herbivorous wild animals .They are chathushpad a( 4 legs) and have strong and quick running legs eg : deers 2.Viskeeram: Birds which satter food everywhere when eating : eg Hen 3. Prathunda :- Which opens hard fruits and nuts with strong beak .Eg parrot 4.Guhaasayam: Fourlegged and living in caves Eg lion 5. Prasaham : Birds which are carnivorous. Eg kites 6. Parnaamrigam: Living on trees .Eg : monkey 7. Vilesaayam : In small openings eg : hares , rats 8. graamyam : all animals and birds domesticated and living in villages 5 types anoopa: ( soo: 46-94) 1. Koolachara: fourlegged herbivores in banks of rivers, lakes etc eg : elephant , buffalo 2. Plavam : Drifting in water .Eg swan 3. Kosastham : Living in a kosa ( shell) conches etc 4. Paateenam A long feetlike organ above the body surface ( dorsal fin) Koorma ( turtle) simsumara ( whales ) 5. Malsya : fishes in salt water and in fresh water Plants and Plant life :Living things are either sthaavara ( non-moving) or jangama ( moving). Majority of plants are sthaavara. They are classified into 4.(soo:1-22) 1 Vanaspathi: Those plants which produce fruits without flowering.

2.Vriksha: Trees which give fruits from flowers 3.Veerooda:- Plants and creepers which spread along the ground 4.Oushadhi:- Small plants which decay when fruits mature .(Herbs) Plants grow depending upon the soil,water and seasons.soft ,nonporous,equal,with black,red and yellow colours and without much trace of sand ,which is wet is very fertile. Such soil indicate that plants have been grown in that place previously. Only if availability of water is there plants grow. Pits, stones,anthills are not good for plant growth. Earth used for burial ground and for killing of criminals is not useful for agriculture.(soo:36;2).Quality of soil is reflected in plants. Depending on Five elements, six qualities , the nature of soil is described by Susrutha in detail. Modern agricultural students should read that part to know the agricultural history of our land. If the earth element predominate , soil is full of small stones, hard, fixed and dark smoky in colour. Certain types of grains and trees do grow there. If water element is predominant soil is cool,white, with lot of dirt ( Cher is dirt in regionallanguage and Cheranaad is having this type of soil in plenty), This is very fertile land for grains and lot of tender green grass grow there and trees grow abundantly .

12

Soil rich in element of fire is multicoloured and with fine particles of stones. ( Eg in Kanyakumari ) Yellow grass grow here and there. Soil with element of air is grey and hard and porous trees grows there. If aakaasa is predominant element soil is dark with lot of water content. It is due to dripping of unmanifested water from aakaasa the soil gets wet nature. Small herbs, ferns and many weedlife plants need aakaasa element for their growth. (soo:34;3-4). In soil rich in elements of earth and water combined , plants which produce virechana are grown. Plants with vamana power are to be grown on soilwith combined power of fire,earth and aakaasa. In plants grown in soil having more than one element , medicinal properties of each of these will be obtained. It is the duty of a Vaidya to identify and collect the small plants and fern etc which are highly medicinal and keep them for making powerful oushadha (medicines) , says susrutha ( Soo:36;5-6) and they have property of samsamana . This is interesting since from Algae and fungi modern Medicine started to make powerful antibiotics only after Alexander Fleming . Sadharana bhoomi ( ordinary earth) contain qualities of all 5 elements. It is good for growing medicinal plants. Sadharanabhoomi means the lands in between anoopa ( coastal) and jaangala ( hilly) and it is the plains .( soo:36-10). Form ( size and shape), colour, fragrance,taste,touch,sound of sand paricle is examined to classify the soil as above. Rasa or taste( essence) come from water dissolved in the sand particle. Quality of plant depend uponsoil on which it is grown.( Soo:36;89).Cool medicinal plants should be grown on cool soil.For medicines to increase heat, hot soil is selected.(soo 36;4). Seasons:-Plants during rainy season have less of medicines in them. Because during the preceding hot season, plant has lost its water content. The plant regains its essence during rainy season .Therefore the cool medicines should be collected during rainy seasons. At that time plants are sweeter, cooler and more peaceful. The plants for increasing heat of body are picked during hot seasons(soo:36;4)Plants are to be protected from worms,poisons and toxins,excess sunlight , excess cold and heat and from sharp instruments (soo:36.2) We can compare the organs of a plant to organs of human body ( soo;4;8-10) Parts of plant :- ankura ( sprout),moola( root),kaanda ( stem),saara( pith),ksheerinam( cells which produce milky juices),Thwak or niralekhanam ( bark),pathram(leaf),pathrasevani( central vein of leaf),pushpamukula( flowerbud),pathrakesara ( calyx),pushpa(flower),phala(fruit),asthi ( seed),kesara( the fibres in flower /fruits),majja and maamsa ( the fleshy parts of fruit) thwak ( cover of fruit). Soo:14-15;46-151;10:3-18;4:8-10;5-22;7.2).Lotus plant has a few more organs. Visam or Bisam ( the stem of lotus) mrinaala ( its fibre)padmineekandakam( thin thorns on bisam) padmapushkaram( petals organised in concentric circles) and in its middle the kesara. The stem and leaf originate from kaanda and are always above water. Function of bias and mrinala is to carry waterand essence ( sar: 7-32;9-9) Depending upon medicinal property plants are classified . Susrutha uses two types of classification.First he classifies plants into 35 types/classes.For each group as a family name he gives the name of a plant in that family which is most important.Then according to medicinal property each plant is cited in order. Of these 35, though they are plants , he includes even rasaanjana ( in the class of Aanjanaadi and Priyanguaadi) because of the same medical use . So also we see same plant included in 2 varga ( eg Madhuka ) because of its medicinal property. 13

The second classification is purely on medical use and here plants are classified as samsodhana ( for purification) and samsamana( healing ) and each of these again classified into three (soo:39). Vargga ( Family/class) 1.Ambasthaadi: Ambastha,dhaathaki,samanga,khatwanga, Madhuka,bilwapesika,rodhra,savararodhra, Palaasa,nandivriksha,padmam 2.Aamalakaadi : Aamalaki,Hareethaki,Chithraki 3.Aanjanaadi: Anjana,rasaanjana,naagapushpa,priyangu,neelolpala, Nalada,nalini,madhuka 4 Aaragbadaadi : Aaragbadham,madana,Gopoghonda,kandaki, Kutaja,paatham,paatalam,doorva,indrayavam, Sapthaparnam,nimbam,kuranthakam, Daasikuraanthakam,gudaachi,chithrakam, Saaramgastham,two types karanja,patavala, Kirathathikthakam,susavi, 5.Arkkaadi Arkkam,alarkam,2 karanjaas,naagadanthi,mayuraka, Bhaargi,raasna,indrapushpi,kshudraswetha, Mahaswetha,vrichikaali,alavana,thapasavriksha 6.Dasamoolaadi: Kaneeyapanchamoola, mahathpanchamoola are the roots used 7.Elaadi: Elam,thakaram,kushtam,maamsi,dhyaamakam, Twakpathram,nagapushpam,priyangu,arenukam, Vyaghranakham,sookthi,kandam,sthouneyakam, Sreevesthakam,kokkam,korakam,vaalakam, Guggulu,sarjarasam,thurushkam,kundoorukkam, Aguru,sprikka,useeram,bhadrathaaru,kumkumam, punnagakesaram 8.Gudoochyaadi: Gudaachi,nimbi,kusthumburu, chandana,padmaka 9.Kakolyaadi: Kaakoli,ksheerakaakoli,rishabhakamudgaparni, Maasaprni,meda,mahameda,cchinnaaruham, Karkkadasrungi,thugaaksiri,padmakam, prapoundareekam,Riddhi,vridhi,mridwika, jeevanthi,madhukam 10.Laakshyaadi: Laakshyam,aarevatham,kutajam, aswamaaram,kathphalam,2 types haridra, nimbi,sapthachada,maalathi,thraayamaanam 11.Mushkakaadi: Mushkakam,palasam,dhavam,chithrakam, Madanavrikshakam,simsapam,vajravriksham, 14 Guna (medicinal quality) Pitha imbalance,ulcers,fracture bone,diarrohea with thick mucous

Aphrodisiac,increase appetite, reduce mucous( kapha) increase eyesight , immunity For spitting blood, as anecdote to poison, Burning sensation within body For imbalance of vayu,pitha. Tuberculosis,abdominal swellings Splenic enlargement Pain in legs,asthma,cough

Destroy kapha,heal poisons,expel worms, To prevent putrifaction of ulcers, For skin diseases Thridoshakopa,asthma,breathing problems,indigestion,fevers Vayu and kaphakopa,poisons, Pimples,scars of hansens disease, other scars cured/prevented

Increase digestion,reduce fever, In nausea and vomiting,thirst, Burning sensation, increase appetite Imbalance of pitha,raktha,vayu. To increase kapha in body. Increase breastmilk

To destroy worms,to clean malignant ulcers For diseases of kapha and pitha ; For skin diseases Destroy fats in body, remove sexual impurities, urinary disease,piles,jaundice, Urine stones. Greenish pallor (Chlorosis) is

thriphalam 12 Musthaadi: Mustham,haridram,daruharidram,hareethaki, Aamalakam,vibheethakam,kushtam,haimavathi, Vacha,paattha,katurohini,sarangastham,athivisham, Draavidi,bhallaathaka,chithrakam 13.Nyagrodaadi: Nyagroda,udumbara,aswatha,plaksha,madhuka, Kapithaana,kukubha,aamra,kosaamram, Korakapathram,2 types jambu,piyaalam, Madhukam,rohini ,vanjulam,kadambam,badari, Thinduki,kallaki,rodhra,saavararodhra, bhallaathakam,Palasam,nandivriksham 14 Panchamoola : are 5 roots and are of 5 families . From 14-18 are the 5 panchamoola Kaneeyapanchamoola: Thrikaanthakam,2 types Vraahathi, Prithagparni,vidarigandha 15. Mahathpanchamoola: Bilwa,agnimanda,thunduka,pathaala,kaasmari 16.Vallipanchamoolam: Vidaari,saariva,rajani,gudachi,ajasringhi 17.kandakapanchamoolam: Karamardam,thrikanthakam,saireeyakam, Sathaavari,ghridhranaakhi 18.Thrinapanchamoolam: Kusam,kasam,naalam,darbha,kaandekshukam , 19.Paaroosakaadi: Paroosakam,draaksham,katphalam,dadimum, Raajadaanam,kaatakam,saakam,thriphalam 20.Patoladi : Patolam,chandanam,kuchandanam,moorvam, Gudoochi,paatha,katurohini 21.Pippallyaadi: Pippali,pippali root,kaavyam,chithrakam, Sringaveram,mareecham,hasthipippali, Haremukham,elam,ajamodam,indrayavam, Paathaphalam,jeerakam,sarsapam,mahanimbam, Hingu,bharggi,madhurasa,athivisha,vacha, Vidanga,katurohini 22.Priyanguaadi: Priyangu,samangam,dhathaki,nagapushpa, Chandana,kuchandana,mocharasa, Rasanjana,kumbika,srothonjana, Padmamrinala,yojanavally,deerghamoola 23.Rodhraadhi: Rodhra,savararodhra,palasa,kutannatham,asokam, Phanji,katuphalam,ilavaalookam,sallaki,jimkhani, 15

Treated with this Sleshmakopa, diseases of uterus and vagina, Purify breastmilk,increase digestion

Ulcers,uterine and vaginal diseases,for Fracture repair,bleeding, other types of Oozing from body,spittingblood, to reduce fats,for burning sensation

Vaayu,pithakopa. Aphrodisiac. Tonic to give strength

Kaphavaathakopa. Promote digestion Spitting blood,3 types oedema, Urinary bladder disease, Disease of sperms Same as Vallipanchamoola

Spitting blood, Kidney disease Urinary tract disease Vayukopa,thirst,increase apetite Urinary tract diseases Fever,poisons,pithakapha imbalance, Give apetite,nausea,vomiting,ulcers, Itchy red carbuncles, redness on skin with swellings For apetite,absorb indigested matter from Digestive tract,cold and kaphavathakopa, Lymph nodes in abdomen , swelling abdomen with pain,lack of hunger

Same as ambashtaadi

For kapha. Prevent increase in fats. For uterine disease,poisons,purify ulcers, And prevent oozing from body

Kadambam,saalam,kadali 24.Saalasaaraadi: Saalam,ajakarnam,khadiram,kadaram, kaalaskandam,kramukam,bhoorjam ,meshasringi thineesha,chandanam,kuchandanam, simsapam,sireeshamasanam,dhavam, arjunam,thaalam,saakam,nakthamaala, poothika,aswakarna,aguru,kaaleeyakam 25 Saarivaadi: Saarivam,madhukam,chandanam,kuchandanam, Padmakam,kaasmari,useeram 26.Surasaadi: Surasa,swethasurasa,phaninjaka,arjjaka, Bhoosthrina,sugandhaka,sumukha,kaalamaala, Kaasamardha,kshaavaka,khurapushpa, Vidanga,katphala,surasi,nirgandhi,kulaachala, Undurukarnika,phanji,praacheephala, Kaakamaacji,vishamushtika 27. Shyaamaadi: Shyama,mahashyama,thrivritha, danthi,samkhini,thiluaka,kaampillaka, ramyaka,kramuka,puthrasreni,gavakshi, rajavriksha,2 types karanja,gudoochi, sapthala,chaagalaanthri,sudha, suvarnaksheeri 28.Thrikatu: Pippali,mareechi,sringaveram

Remove worms,prevent putrification, Kaphakopa,cold, lack of hunger,asthma,cough

Remove thirst,for spitting blood,fever, Burning sensation Remove worms,prevent putrefaction, Cold,lack of apetite,asthma,cough

Poisons,lymph node swelling abdomen, Bleeding nose,oedema abdomen, Diarrohoea, chronic constipation,anurea

29.Thriphala: Hareethaki,aamalaki,vibheethaki 30.Utpalaadi: Utpala,raktholpala,kumuda,sougandhika, Kuvalaya,pundareeka,madhuka 31 Vachaadi (Haridraadi): Vacha,mustha,athivisham,abayam,badradaaru, Naagakesara,haridra,daaruharidra,kalasi, Seed of kutaja, madhuka 32. Varunaadi: Varunam,arthagalam,sigru,madhusigru, Tharkkaari,meshasrungi,poothika,nakthamaala, morata,agnimanda,2 type saireyaka, bimbivasuka,vasiram,chithrakam,sathavari, bilwam,ajasringi,darbha,2 types praahthi 33 Vidarigandhaadi: Vidarigandha,vidari,sahadeva,viswadeva, Swadamsthra,prithakparni,sathavari, 16

Remove kapha and fats. Itching,skin disease including certain type Of Hansens,exudations from urethra,swelling of abdominal glands,cold,lack of hunger, indigestion Vayukaphapithadosha, Urinary disease,hansens,intermittent fever,for good eyesight, apetite and health Thirst,pitharakthakopa,burning body, Vomiting,chest pain,heart disease, Unconsciousness, spitting blood Poisons Purify breast milk,thridoshakopa,prevent diarrohoea

Kaphakopa.reduce fats. Brain disease, splenic disease,internal putrifactions

Vayupithakopa,tuberculosis, Splenic disease, leg pains, Asthma, cough

Sariva,black sariva,jeevaka,rishabhaka,mahasaha, kshudrasaha,srahaathi,punarnava,Erantha, hamsapadi,vrichikaali,Rishabhi 34 Veeratharwaadi: Veeratahru, 2 types sahachara,darbha, Vrikshaadani,gundram,nalam,kusam,kaasam, Asmabhedakam,agnimandam,moratham, Vasukam,vasiram,bhallookam,kurundakam, Indeevaram,kapothavarika,swadaansthra 35, Vrihatyaadi: Vrihathi,kandakaarika,kutajaphala, paatha,madhukam

Vaatham,urinary diseases

For digestion,equalising thridosha, Vathapithakaphadosha, nausea, Obstructed urine flow,pain during urination

Three types Samsodhana :1 Oordhwabhaaga ( for Vamana ):-Fruits of Madana ,kutaja, jeemoothaka, ikshwaaku, dwaamaargavam, krithavedhanam,sarsapam,vidangam,pippali,karanjam,prapunnaadam Roots of kovidaram, karvudaram, arishtam, aswagandham, vidulam, bandhujeevakam, swetham,saanapushpi,bimbi,vacha,mrigervaaru. 2.Adhobhaaga ( for Virechana ):-Roots of thrivritham,shyaama,danthi,draavanthi,sapthala,samkhini,visamkha,gavaakshi,chaagalaanthri,snuk,s uvarnaksheeri,chithrakam,kinihi,kusam,kaasam; Bark of thilwaka, powdered fruit of kaampillaka, bark of ramyaka,paathaala, fruit of pooga,hareethaki,vibheethaka,neelini,aaragbhata,eraantha ;Leaf of poothika and chathuraangula, milky juice from mahavriksha,sapthachadam,arkkam,jyothishmathi . Kosaathaki,sapthala ,samkhini,devathaali,kaaravellikam are plants which are included in both these types . 3.Sirovirechana: Fruits of Pippali,vidamsa,apamarga,siguru,sidharthaka,sireesha,mareecha ;Roots of karaveera,bimbi,girikarnika,kinihi,vacha,jyothishmathi,karanja,arkka,alarkka;Tubers of lakshmana,athivisham,sringaveram;Leaf of thaaleesam,thamaalam,surasa,arjjaka;Bark of ingudi,meshasrungam;Flowers of anar,surangi,peelu,jaathi;Juice of thaalam,saalam,madhukam;essence of laaksha and Hingu. Three types of samsamana:1 vaathasamsamana: Bhadrathaaru,kushta,haridra,varunam,meshasringi,bala,athibala,aarthagala,kachooram,sallaki,kuver aakshi,veeratharu,sahacharam,agnimandam,valsaadani,erantha,asmabhedakam,alarkkam,arkkam,s athaavari,punarnava,vasuka,vasira,kaanchanaka,bhaarggi,kaarppaasi,vrichikaali,patoora,badara,yava m,kolam,kulattham,vidaarigandhaaadi and the first 2 panchamoola. 2 Pithasamsamana: Chandana,kuchandana,hriveram,useeram,manjishtam,payasyam,vidaari,sathaavari,gundraa, saavala,kalhaara,kumuda,utpala,kandaleedoorva,moorva 17

Kaakolyaadi,saarivaadi,anjanaadi,utpalaadi,nyagrodhaadi,thrinapanchamoolam, Sleshmasamsamanam: Kaaleyakam,aguru,thilaparni,kushtam,haaridram,seethaasivam,sathapushpam,saralam,raas na,praakeeryam,udaakeeryam,ingudhi,sumana,karkataadi,laangalaki,hasthikarnam,munjaat hakam,vallipanchamoolam,kandakapanchamoolam,pippalyaadi,vrihatyaadi,musthakaadi,vac haadi,surasaadi,aaragbhataadi. Classification of plants depending upon their nutritional value ( Soo:46;5-52;144-344) 1 Dhaanyavarga (Grains ) are of 3 types . A.Saalivargga : Paddy . There are 3 types of paddy. Saali paddy has 17 species according to Susrutha. Sasthika variety of paddy has 11 species , and Vreehi has 9 species and a total of 37 species of paddy were known during Susruthas time in India. B.Kudhaanyavargga: 16 species existed. Koradooshakam,shyaamaakam,neevaram,saanthanu,varakam,uddaalakam,priyamgu, madhoolikam,nandimukhi,kuruvindam,gavedhukam,saram,varukam,thodaparni,mukundaka m,venuyavam. C.Sameedhaanyavargga: The family of beans are of 10 species. Vaidaalam ( with 11 types ) maasam,kulatham,thilam,yavam,gothumaa,samba,kusumba,athasi,sidhaarthakam. 2. Phalavarga: All types of fruits 3.Saakavargga: Leafy vegetables,cheera etc ,all small types herbs 4.Pushpavargga:Kovidara,salmali,vrisha,agasthya,madhusikuru,kareeram,rakthavriksham, nimbam,musthakam,arkkam,asanam,kutajam,padmam,kumudam,mallika,maalathi,bakulam ,paathaalam,naagam,kumkumam,chembakam,kimsukam,kuranthakam. 5.Udbeethavarggam(Udbeejam):-Parasites (including fungi). 5 types . A Ikshukam on stem of sugarcane .This cools our body B.Kareesam: on cowdung. Increase vaayu and heat C.Kshithijam: Mushrooms on earth. Difficult to digest.It will not produce gas D. Patalam : On hay stacks. For thridoshakopa E.Venujam: On bamboo. Increase vaayu 6 Kandavarga:Vidarikanda,sathavari,srigataka,pindalooka,madhyaalooka,hasthyaalooka, rakthaalooka,indeevara,ulpala.

Oushadhavignaaneeyam (Pharmacology ) Susrutha classify materials used as medicines accordingto their origin (Soo: 1;22-24) as sthaavara,jangama,paarthiva. Sthaavara: barks,leaf,flower,fruits,roots,tubers,niryaasa(oil) essence of 4 types of plants ( vriksha,vanaspathi,veerooda,oushadhi) are medicines Jangama: skin,nail,hairs,body fluids,flesh of animals and birds which are andaja,jarayuja,swedaja or udbeeja Paarthiva: suvarnaadi ( gold etc) ,all metals, Mani( jewels),pearls,Mana:sila , mirth( soil) kapaalam ( skull,conch ) etc

18

Each of this, to be used for treatment should be examined properly and ascertained whether the desired qualities are present. Medicinal plants cultivated in a plain , with good soil,lot of water, will be good ( soo:36;2-3).In collected medicines weeds or worms should not be present. Except pippali and vidangam ( piper longum and Embelia ribes) all other green medicines are best used as soon as collected .Honey and ghee can be kept for one year . All matter is made of 5 elements. Only in its measure there are differences.Ratio determines quality. Depending upon this ratio, the medicinal value is also determined. In every thing in cosmos there is medicinal /healing property. The correct dose, mixed with other things,in correct seasons cures and prevents all disorders depending upon the quality and quantity of the medicine. ( sso: 41;2-8).If proportion and season/time is wrong the same medicine can cause thridoshakopa. Paarthiva are classified according to nature into sthoola(gross),saara(essence),saandra(condensed),manda ( slow )sthira(fixed)Guru( with weight)and Katina(hard). They are having variety of smells. Paarthiva give fixity, strength,combination/union and upachaya to human body and they have sweet,sour, and other tastes. The matter with more water content (Aapya) are cool,soft,slow,with weight ,condensed and moving and have many tastes . Acidic,salty, sweet and sour tastes present and they have functions of snehana (oiling)hlaadana( happiness)kledana and bandhana,visyandana. Paarthiva are solids and aapya are liquids .Thaijasa have more agni. Heat,light,subtle,and waterless they are laghu (opposite of Guru )and are very light , visada ( spreading)and have many different forms. Light is its nature. Sour is taste. Digestion, making food mature, dhaaranam ( concentration and cognition) including veeryadhaaranam are its functions. The letting out of pus from swelling also is dhaaranam and it is function of this .Since it is heat and light eyesight is given .Light and colour are functions of thaijasa .The Athmasakthi of human has this thaijasa guna . Vaayaveeya are subtle,light , visada with quality of touch. Needed for life and for thought processes . Aakaaseeya are subtle,soft and spreading everywhere, and are unmanifested with only one qualitythat of sound. Softness, porous nature and lightness is due to this. Depending upon Rasa,Guna,Veerya,Vipaaka (assimilation during digestion) Susrutha classifies medicines. He describes Madhurapaakaa nd Katukapaaka as 2 types of digestion , the prabhaava or power of medicines .He says the power and function of each medicine is as a result of observation and use for generations of teachers and only those practices thus ascertained to be safe are included in the text . This shows how the ancient people were aware of scientific methods. He says , in deciding a medicine , a single persons isolated experiment has no value . The same has to be verified m experiments by the society for a long time and if proved that it is for good of entire society it is accepted.If a single persons experiments and observations thus become proven by other people also and ascertained that it will be of use to entire society, scholars include it in samhitha ,aagama etc for posterity to use it safely ( Soo: 40:18-21). Abhimaamsyaanyachinthaani prasiddhaani swabhaavatha: Aagamenopayojaani bheshajaanivichakshanai: Prathyakshalakshanaphalaa:prasidhaascha swabhaavathaa: Noushadheerhethubhirvridhaan pareekshetha kadaachana: 19

Sahasrenaapi hethoonaam naambashtaaadirvirechayeth Thasmaatthishtetthu mathimaanaagame nathu hethushu. Thus , inclusion in a Medical text happen only after several experiments and observations by scholars in the society. Water is tasteless but other liquids have sweet,acidic,alkaline,salty ,sour tastes by mixture of 5 elements in different ratios.Susrutha gives a detailed account of each rasa and its qualities and symptoms due to increase or decrease of each rasa in body and how to treat it medically.There are basically 6 rasa. Mixing of 2 rasa in different ways creates 15 misrarasa, mixing of 3 rasa creates 20 misrarasa, mixing of 4 rasa makes 15 misrarasa,5 of them make 6 misrarasa.In the same object we may get all 6 rasa. Thus with 6 rasa , 63 types of rasa are possible and adding the tasteless water we get 64 rasa corresponding to 64 arts . No medicine exist which is not included in at least one of these 64 rasa ( Soo:42-21). Drying,powdering,grinding,mixing powders in butter,honey or sesame oil , making asava with water ,honey,alcoholic liquids ,yashtimadhu are all parts of processing and production of medicine ( included in culienery/kitchen art ).In medicines for vamana salt from rock is added. This has to be taken in full stomach when still hot. Medicine and its dose is decided depending upon weather,season,patients condition .For people like infants,very old people , weak person and very anxious one, who is convalescing from a asevere disease, Susrutha uses fingertips, flowerstalk,etc or even smelling of a flower petal which is dipped in medicine ( Soo:43;chi:33;5-6). 10 methods of giving medicines : 1.Nirbhaktham: in empty stomach 2.Praagbhaktham: Just before food 3.Adhobhaktham:After food 4.Madhyabhaktham: In between a food intake 5.Antharbhaktham: Between 2 major meals 6.sabhaktham: mixed with food 7.Saamugdham: Just before and just after a meal 8. Muhurmuhu : intermittently 9.Graasam: Medicine is divided and given with each morsel of food 10.Graasaantharam: Divided medicine given with one morsel of food , then with 3rd,5th and so on. All these are determined by severity of disease and patients condition. Making of Kashaayam,Vasthi,Kalkkam,Snehapaakam ,rasam and choornam are important ( chi: 1-22;2370).These are given in other samhithas also and is well known to current Ayurveda physicians . Therefore I here, skip these parts . 20

Some special medicines for Internal use : 1 Ayaskrithi: There are 3 types . A. In thin steel plates 5 types of salts are applied and burned in fire made by dried cowdung .This is then dipped in some special medicinal preparation.One has to this 16 times at a strectch.After the 16th dip, again heat it, and then heat it in fire made of Khadira branches, (Acacia catechu) and this red hot thing is powdered and filtered with cotton cloth and kept . B. A iron globe red hot in Khadira agni , is dipped in medicinal essences. This is done 21 consequtive times. Then in fire made of cowdung, boil the same in the same essence so that 1/4th liquid alone remains .Filter and separate the iron globe. Again the iron globe is put in the first medicinal essence +pippalyyadi ,and honey and twice the weight of butter than theiron globe .The liquid is kept in a iron pot airtight and this is oushadaayaskrithi. C. An iron plate is red hot and dipped in medicinal essence. 21 times repeated. Plate in liquid containing pippalyaadi and honey is kept for 1 month in sisira, or 15 days in summer in a earthen pot. The inside of pot should be clean with no worms or other infective agents .This is Mahoushadaayaskrithi. (chi:10;11-14)To make Iron oxides into iron salts and to remove all impurities from iron these are done .I have seen many historians saying that Indian metallurgy for keeping iron without rusting is seen in Mehrouli stupa but its method is not written anywhere in scriptures. Some have even said that Indians never knew that much of advanced mettullurgy and the existence of Mehrouli stupa is a mystery . But , Susrutha ahs given a description of purifying iron and steel and removing all oxides from it ( which cause rusting) and Indians indeed knew the advanced metallurgy and Stupa at Mehrouli is not a mystery but result of advanced technology developed by Indians in metallurgy . 2.Arishta,aasava,sura Powdered medicines,water and iron powder ,sarkkara ( sugarcane )are put in earthenware pots. The pot is specially made burned in fire, and inside smeared with honey,powdered pippali,a nd butter. Butter is put inside the pot. The pot is made airtight and kept inside barley .This is the method of making Arishta . Palasa ( Butea frondosa) and sesame are burned and its bhasma is mixed in cold alkaline water (3 times) and phaaneetha /molasses ( 2 parts) and kept for fermentation. Instead of kshaarajala some people use cows urine. The method of making Aasava is this 3.Lavana are made with leaf,bark,branch or roots. The plant parts taken in equal measures and ground with saindhava ( salt ) and put in a pot containing either of the following depending on availability. Oil,ghee,vasa or majja of animals. Pot is covered with cowdung and made airtight. It is burned in fire with cowdung. Slat and medicine powdered and without oil keep in a pot and burn .That also gives same property. The medicine thus made is filtered , and again burned to remove impurities. Some special medicines for External use :1 Aalepa:-leaves in ghee or cows urine boiled and made into a plaster and applied on body .Alkalies in cows urine or cows bile boiled also this can be made. There are 3 types aalepa .Praalepa,praadeha

21

and aalepana are the names .Praalepa is applied soft and thin,and it has visoshi ( that which is absorbed) and avisoshi( not absorbed). For cure of raktha and pithakopa. Praadeha is thin or thick , hot or cold application. Not absorbed. For healing of bone fracture, and kopa of vayukapha.Also for purifying ulcers. Aalepana or kalka is also called nirudhaalepana. It is middle between pralepa and pradeha,not thicker than a newly dried skin of a buffalo. For all ulcers, broken swellings, bleeding piles ,thridoshakopa, purification of skin,flesh and blood used .The medicines with plaster like quality was not applied during night ( soo: 18;3-9;37;1-11) 2.Upanaaha:-To apply on abscess which is full of pus. Sometimes made hot before application. It is applied by covering within a cloth and slowly applied on the diseased part soo; 17-20;chi:5-8;32.8) 3.Anjanam:-Alkaline products of plants and if needed salt mixed as a liquid/semiliquid .( U: 12;9-21). 3 types of anjana .Lekhana,Repana and Prasaadana are for eye diseases and for giving beauty and power for eyes.Anjana may be Gudika or varthi ( tablet) rasa ( condensed liquid form) and choorna (powdered ).U: 18-31. Maathra /dose of anjana :1 part the weight of a Harenu ( a bean of Kalaya family) for tablet; twice/thrice or 4 times of That which can be taken on the end of a needle , for powder.For thridoshakopa three times a day ( morning ,evening,night). Aaschothana is the dropping of medicine into eye. Medicine is powdered dipped in breastmilk or kanji water or pure water and tied in a cloth apply drop by drop .3 types aschodana described . Lekhanam is 7 to 8 drops for purification of eye. Snehanam is 10 drops for calming and good feel Ropanam is 12 drops for healing small ulcers and for all eye disorders

Surgery or salyachikitsa is the special subject of susruthasamhitha and needs special attention .

22