or drink) is called Nirbhakta medicine. A medicine not applied with any food (but applied by itself with or without any vehicle) would have greater effect and would soon and certainly destroy the disease it is applied in; but a medicine should not be applied in this way to a child, an old man, a young woman and persons of mild temperament, for it is likely to produce lassitude and weaken the patient (in such cases). 24.
A medicine taken (in an empty stomach) just before a meal, is called Prágbhakta. A medicine taken in such a manner, is easily digested, does not lead to any diminution of strength and is not ejected out of the mouth owing to its being covered over with the meal, On the other hand, taken before the meal, it adds to the bodily strength and proves the most convenient form in which a medicine can be administered to old men, infants, females and persons of timid disposition. A medicine taken just after a meal is called Adhobhakta. It conquers diseases which affect the upper part of the body and gives strength in many ways. 25-26.
A medicine taken in the course of a meal is called Madhyebhakta. A medicine taken in this manner fails to be diffused all through the organism and hence proves beneficial only in those ailments which are confined to the middle part of the body. A medicine taken between the two meals (i. e. after the morning-meal but before the evening-meal) is called Antarábhakta. It is invigorating to the mind, greatly appetising and Hridya (agreeable) and is beneficial in every respect. A medicine applied with*[1] any food is called Sabhakta. It is most convenient to administer
- ↑ * "A medicine applied with food" may mean a medicine prepared before and taken with the meal; or, it may mean that the meal is cooked (while being prepared) with the medicines to be applied.
