should be used in sucking the blood vitiated through a deranged condition of the bile (Pittam). The gourd (Alávu) is pungent, parching and irritating in its potency and should be therefore used in sucking the blood vitiated through the action of the deranged phlegm (Kapham).
Mode of application:—The part from which the blood is to be sucked should be first scarified or slightly cut in two or three places, and then the mouth or the open end, of the horn, covered with a thin piece of muslin tied round its edges should be placed over it and sucked with the mouth through the aperture at its tip or top-end, or with a gourd appliance equipped with a lighted lamp placed in its inside.
The term Jalauká (leeches) may be etymologically interpreted to mean creatures whose life (Áyu) or whose longevity is in, or depends upon, water, whereas the derivative meaning of the term Jalauka (leeches) is based upon the fact of their dwelling ("Oka"—dwelling place) in water (Jalam). Leeches may be divided into twelve distinct species of which six are venomous, and six non-venomous. The six venomous species are named Krishná, Karvurá, Alagardá, Indráyudhá, Sámudriká and Gochandaná. The leeches of the first-named species (Krishná) are marked by thick heads, and of a colour resembling powdered lampblack. The leeches of the Karvurá type have extended or
