Page:A Short History of Aryan Medical Science.djvu/138

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130
INDIAN MATERIA MEDICA.
[Chap. VII.


Danta (tooth) of the elephant is prescribed in leucorrhcea.

Dugdha (milk) is nutritive and vitalising. Human milk is light and strengthening and much used in eye diseases. Cow's milk increases the secretion of semen. Buffalo's milk induces sleep when taken in large quantities. Goat's milk is sweet and light, and is recommended in phthisis and blood diseases. Sheep's milk is hot, and is believed to promote the growth of hair. Elephant's milk is used in eye diseases, and mare's milk in rheumatism. Ass's milk is saltish, and is supposed to relieve cough in children. Camel's milk is laxative, and is used in dropsy, asthma, and scrofulous diseases. The properties of milk are said to vary according to the colour of the animal and the qualities of the pasture. The chief preparations of milk are Daclhi (curds), a favourite remedy for diarrhoea ; Takra (whey), which is refrigerant ; Navanita (butter), used in constipation ; Ghrita (clarified butter), is tonic, emollient, and cooling ; Santanika (cream) is strengthening.

Garala (venom) of snakes is used in dropsy.

Tvak (skin), which a snake periodically casts