Charaka-Samhita — trans. Kaviraj Avinash Chandra Kaviratna

In those cases of leprosy in which the patches are superficial, shallow incisions are beneficial. In those cases in which the patchesare large and elevated, incisions that are deep are beneficial. 3s

The physician, keeping up the strength of a patient who is afflicted with leprosy, and in whom the faults have been greatly excited, should administer to him repeatedly those drugs that are known as correctives.

If, however, the excited faults be attenuated (by a course of correctives) to a great extent, a patient that is weak is soon deprived of his life by the wind. 39

If the intestines be cleared and the blood let out, the drinking of oils is beneficial for persons afflicted with leprosy.

It should be remembered, however, that a patient who is afflicted with leprosy and whose strength has been reduced in consequence of his intestines being cleared by purgatives, is quickly killed by the wind. 4°

If the patient’s chest be afflicted by the faults (wind, bile, and phlegm), and if the patches appear in the upper part of the body, he should then have emetics administered to him.

The emetics should be made of these drugs, viz., the seeds of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica ), Madafia (fruits of Randia dumetorum ), Madhuka (liquorice), Patola ('leaves of Trichosanthes dioica), mixed with Nimba ( Melia Azadirachta ).

The infusion of these, or their decoction, should be taken.

. Liquorice (powdered) and honey should be added.

These are the emetics prescribed.

CHARAKA-SAMHITA.

121*

In all varieties of leprosy, Trivrit ( Convolvulus Turpethum ), Danti ( Baliospermum montanum ), and the three myrobalans, are regarded as approved purgatives. 41-42

‘Sauviraka’, ‘Tushodaka’, diverse kinds of ‘Asavas’, and ‘Sidhu’ and other wines, are said to be proper for being mixed with the purgatives (that should be administered to persons afflicted with leprosy).

The regimen that has been laid down for observance after the administration of purgatives is beneficial (to persons afflicted with leprosy, after purgatives have been administered to them.)* 43

Darvi (otherwise called Daruharidra, viz., Berberis Asiatica), Vrihati (Solanum Indicuin), Sevya ( roots of Andropogon muricatus), Patola (leaves of Trichosanthes dioica ), Pichumardda (bark of Melia Azadirachta ), Madana (fruits of Randia dumetorum), Kritamâla ( Cassia fistula), with Kalinga-yava (seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica), and Musta (tubers of Cyperus rotundus), mixed with oils, should form a dry enemata for persons afflicted with leprasy.f 44

One afflicted with leprosy in whom the wind is predominant, should first have purgatives administered to him. Next, dry enemata should be administered. If the physician sees that oily enemata should also be applied, then the oil to be used should be cooked with Phala (fruits of Randia dumetorum), Madhuka (liquorice), Nimba (bark of Melia Azadirachta ), Kutaja (bark of Holarrhena antidysenterica), and the leaves of Patola ( Trichosanthes dioica ). 45 Danti ( Baliospermum montanum ), Madhuka (liquorice), Saindhava (rock salt), Phanijjhaka (a variety of Ocimum sanctum), Pippala {Piper longum ), fruits of Karanja (Pongamia glabra), with Vidanga ( Embelia Ribes), form a snuff ‘that alleviates worms, leprosy, and vitiated phlegm. 46

* ‘Sauviraka’ is a kind of very light wine. ‘Tushodaka’ is of the same kind. ‘Asavas’ are vinous spirits. ‘Sidhu’ is a kind of sweet wine. For these and other kinds of wine, vide SutrasthSna. ‘Alo4ana’ is an article, generally a liquid, which is mixed with a drug or combination of drugs. The mixture is effected by repeated and violent stirring with a ladle or stick. For instructions regarding the regimen prescribable after administration of purga¬ tives, vide Sutrasth5na. — T.

+ GangS dhara says that the decoction should be taken of the drugs mentioned and that this should be mixed with oils. — T.

[214

CHARAKA-SAMHITA.

By administering the purgative fumes spoken of in the Division called ‘Sutrasthana’, worms, leprosy, and ‘Kilfisa’ (Leucoderma), appearing in the upper part of the body, are alleviated. 47

In those varieties of leprosy which are characterised by circular patches that are fixed (immobile) and hard, ‘Sweda’ (fomentation) should be applied by the methods called Trastara’ or ‘NacU.’ The patches should then be rubbed with a bundle of pointed blades (of Kuga grass). In this way should blood be let out from them.* 48 Repeatedly fomenting the patches by means of the flesh, enclosed in bags of cloth, of animals that are aquatic or that reside in marshy regions, and that is heated in an agreeable measure, a sharp lancet should be used for making incisions on them. 49

Or, by using a horn or the dried husk of an Alfibu ( Cucurbita lagenaria), blood may be let out.