An English Translation of the Sushruta Samhita, Vol. II — trans. Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna (1911)

clotted and shreddy semen (Granthi), the patient should be made to drink a medicated Ghrita prepared with a (decoction and Kalka of) S'athi, or with an alcaline solution prepared from the ashes of the burnt P aids' ha wood. In the case of a pus-like appearance of the fluid the patient should be treated with the medicated Ghrita prepared with (a decoction and Kalka of) the drugs included within the groups of Paruskakddi and Vatddi (Nyagrodhadij Ganas. In a case of thin semen, measures laid down under the same head before, as well as those to be hereafter described should be resorted to. Similarly a medicated Ghrita, prepared with (a decoction and Kalka ofj Chitrakk roots. Ushira roots and Hincru, should be drunk in a case of the semen smelling like urine or fecal matter. In all cases of seminal disorders as well as in menstrual anomalies, UttaraVssti (uretheral or vaginal injection) should be made after having recourse to the application of medicated oil etc. (Sneha-karma , purgatives, emetics, Asthapana and Anuvasana measures. 5 — 12

Treatment of deranged Artava:— In

all the four cases when the catamenial blood would be found to be vitiated (by the deranged Vayu, Pittam, Kaphah or Sonita), the preliminary remedial measures of the application of oil etc, purgatives etc. (Pancha-karma) should be first employed and then the following measures should be undertaken viz. application of Kalka, (levigated paste of drugs), Ficliu (medicated plugs— pecharies etc/), Pathya (diet) and Achamana (washes with decoctions) as described under the treatment of Gyontiecological cases etc. Appearance of clots of blood (Granthi) in place of the healthy menstrual fluid would indicate, decoction or a pulverised compound of Path^, Trushuna and Vrikshaka (Kutaja).

Chap. II.] NIDANA STIIANAM. 12$

A decoction o^ B/ia:^ras'rlj'a,vr' and Chandaiiani is indicated in the case when the menstrual fluid would smell like fetid pus, or contain marrow. The remedies described under the head of seminal disorders, should be likewise prescribed in cases of menstrual anomalies caused by the action of the deranged Vayu, Pittam and Kaphah according to the requirements of each individual case under treatment. Sali-rice, barley, wine and meat with cholagogue properties should be deemed as a wholesome diet in these cases. 13 — 16.

Traits of pure and healthy semen and menstrual blood : — Semen which is transparent like crystal, fluid, glossy, sweet and emits the smell of honey ; or like oil or honey in appearance according to others, should be considered as healthy. The catamenial blood (Artava) which is red like the blood of a hare, or the washings of shellac and leaves no stains on cloths (which ma}' be washed off" by simply soaking them in water) should be considered as health}-. 17—18.

Asrig'dara (Menorrhagia) :— An abnormal or excessive discharge of the menstrual blood (Artava), or its long persistence even after the wonted time, or its appearance at a premature or unnatural period (as well as contrarit}' in its colour or properties) is called Asrig'dara. All types of the disease (Asrigdara) arc attended with an aching in the limbs and a painful flow (of the catamenial fluid). In case of exce.ssive hcemorrhage '^from the uterus), symptoms such as weakness, vertigo, loss of consciousness, darkness of vis'on, or difficult breathing, thirst, burning (sensation of the bod}'), delirium, palour, somnolence and other Vataja

* Blndrab'riyam is S'richandanain according to Dallana or white Sandal wood according Gayadasa.

126 THE SUSriRUTA SAMFHTA. [Chap. II.

troubles (convulsion, hysteria etc.) may set in. A physician should treat a case of Asrigdara with measures and remedies as laid down under the head of Rakta-pittam (hoemorrhage) in a case when the patient is young (of sixteen year.s), careful in her diet, and the disease unattended with .severe complications. 19 — 21.

Amcnorrhoe : —In a case of suppression of menstruation ( Ainenorrhoe) caused by the obstruction of the deranged Doshas (Vayu and Kapham) in the passage, the patient should be advised to take fish, Kulaitha pulse, Masha pulse, Kanjikam fermented sour gru 4 etc.), Tila, wine (Sura), cow's urine, whey, half diluted Takm, curd and S^ukfam for her diet. The .symptoms and treatment of thin and scanty menstruation have been described before. Still in such a case measures laid down for the treatment of Nashta-Rakta (amenorrhce) ma}' be adopted. Under a course of treatment described as before, the semen or the catamsnial blood of a person would be resorted to their healthy and normal condition. 22 — -23.

A woman with (healthy) catamenial flow should forego the bed of her husband during the first three days of her uncleanness, as well as day sleep and coUyrium. She shall not shed tears nor bathe, nor smear her person (with sandal paste etc.), nor anoint her bod}% nor pare her nail, nor run, nor indulge in loud and excessive laughter and talk, nor should she hear loud noise, nor comb her hair, nor expose herself to droughts^ nor do any fatiguing work at all ; because if a woman sleeps in the day time (during the first three days of her period) her child of subsequent conception becomes sleepy or somnolent. The woman who applies collyrium along her eyelids (during those days\ gives

Chap. II.] SARIRA STHANAM. 1 27