THE
MATERIA MEDICA
OF THE HINDUS.
INTRODUCTION.
MATERIAL OBJECTS AND CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES.
CHARAKA divides material objects into three classes, namely, mineral, animal and vegetable. Minerals consist of gold, silver and other metals; diamond, emerald and other gems ; realgar, orpiment and other ores; and the various sorts of earths. Vegetables are divided into four classes, namely, Vanaspati, Vriksha, Virudh and Oshadhi. Those plants which produce fruits, without first showing their flowers, are called Vanaspati. Plants which produce fruits from flowers, which are known by their flowers and fruits, and which wave small branches from their trunks, are called Vriksha. Plants which during their growth are supported by other plants, are called Virudh, Pratánavatya or Valli. Lastly, those grasses, etc., which die after maturing their fruits, are called Oshadhi. Animals are divided into four classes, namely, Jardyuja or mammalia, Andaja or oviparous, Svedaja or those produced from animal excretions, as parasites, etc., and Udbhijja or those produced under ground or from vegetable matter, as for example Indragopa, a sort of red insect.
All parts of vegetables may be used in medicine, namely,
Root, as of Chitraka (Plumbago Zeylanica).
Underground stem, as of Surana (Amorphophallus campanulatus) .
Leaves, as of Vásaka (Justicia Adhatoda).
Fruits, as the three Myrobalans.
Flowers, as of Dhátaki (Woodfordia floribunda).
Extract, as Catechu, Opium, etc.
Bark, as of Kurchi (Holarrhena antidysenterica).
Wood, as of Dárvi (Berberis Asiatics or aristata).
