अष्टमोऽध्यायः । अथातः कीटकल्पं व्याख्यास्यामः, यथोवाच भगवान्
Now we shall discourse on insects, i.e. the measures, etc. to be adopted in cases of insect-bite, etc. (Kita-Kalpa). 1
सर्पाणां शुक्रविणमूत्र-शवपूत्यण्डसम्भवाः । वाय्वग्न्यम्बुप्रकृतयः कीटास्तु विविधाः स्मृताः ॥ २ ॥
सर्वदोषप्रकृतिभिर्युक्तास्ते परिणामतः कीटत्वेऽपि सुघोराः स्युः सर्व एव चतुर्विधाः ।। ३ ।।
Various kinds of worms and insects (Kita) germinate from the semen, fecal matter, urine, putrid eggs and putrid carcases of serpents which are marked by Vataja, Pittaja (Agneya) and Kaphaja (Ambuja) temperaments. The poisons of these vermin which are nothing but insects (Kita), are apt to be most dangerous in the long run on account of their being acted upon by the Dosas and may be divided into four¹ groups. 2-3
कुम्भीनसस्तुण्डिकेरी शृङ्गी शतकुलीरकः । उच्चिटिङ्गोऽग्निनामा च चिच्चिटिङ्गो मयूरिका ॥ ४ ॥
1. Dalhana says that the four groups are to be determined according to the origin of the insects from the semen, etc. of a Darvi kara, Mandala, Rajila, or a Vaikaranja serpent. To us it seems, however, that the groups should be Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja and Sannipataja.
Insects of Vataja Temperament
धन्वन्तरिः ।। १ ।। आवर्त्तकस्तथोरभ्रः शरावकुर्दोऽभीराजि: शतबाहुश्च यश्चापि अष्टादशेति वायव्याः तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टाना
सारिकामुखवैदलौ । परुषश्चित्रशीर्षकः ।। ५ ।। प्रकीर्त्तितः । पवनकोपनाः । रक्तराजिः कीटाः रोगा वातनिमित्तजाः । ॥ ६॥
Insects of Vataja Temperament: The eighteen classes of insects known as the Kumbhinasa, Tundikeri, Srigi, Sata-Kuliraka, Uccitinga, Agninama, Cicctinga, Mayurika, Avartaka, Urabhra, Sarika-nmukha, Vaidala, Sarava-kurda, Abhiraji, Parusa, Citra-sirsaka, Sata-bahu and the Rakta-raji are possessed of a Vataja temperament and their poison tends to aggravate and derange the bodily Vayu and produce the specific diseases due thereto. 4-6
Insects of Pittaja Temperament
कौण्डिन्यकः कणभको वरटी पत्रवृश्चिकः । विनासिका ब्राह्मणिका बिन्दुलो बाह्यकी पिच्चिट: कुम्भी वर्च: कीटोऽरिमेदकः । पद्मकीटो दुन्दुभिको मकरः शतपादकः ।।८।। पञ्चालकः पाकमत्स्यः कृष्णतुण्डोऽथ गर्दभी। क्लीतः कृमिसरारी च यश्चाप्युत्क्लेशकः स्मृतः ।। ९ ।। एते ह्यग्निप्रकृतयश्चतुर्विंशतिरेव च। तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां रोगाः पित्तनिमित्तजाः ः ।। १० ।। भ्रमरस्तथा ।। ७ ।।
Insects of Pittaja Temperament: The twenty-four families of insects known as the Kaundinyaka, Kanabhaka, Varati ( asp), Patravrscika, Vinasika, Brahmanika, Bindula (D.R.-Viluta), Bhramara, Vahyaki, Piccita, Kumbhi, Varcah kita, Arimedaka, Padma-kita, Dundubhika, Makara, Sata-padaka (centipede), Pancalaka, Pakamatsya, Krsna-tunda, Gardabhi, Klita, Krmi Sarari and the Utklesaka are of a fiery i.e. Pittaja temperament and their poison tends to derange and aggravate the bodily Pitta and produce the specific diseases due to the derangement of that Dosa. 7-10
Insects of Kaphaja Temperament
विश्वम्भरः पञ्चशुक्लः पञ्चकृष्णोऽथ कोकिलः सैरेयकः प्रचलको वलभः किटिभस्तथा ।। ११ ।।
सूचीमुखः कृष्णगोधा यश्च काषायवासिकः । कीटो गर्दभकश्चैव तथा त्रोटक एव च ।। १२ ।।
त्रयोदशैते सौम्याः स्युः कीटा: तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां रोगाः श्लेष्मप्रकोपणाः । कफनिमित्तजाः ।। १३ ।।
Insects of Kaphaja Temperament: The thirteen families of insects known as the Visyambhara, Panca-sukla, Panca-krsna, Kokila, Saireyaka, Pracalaka, Balabha, Kitibha, Suci-mukha, Krsna-Godha, Kasaya – Vasika, Kita-gardabhaka and the Trotaka are possessed of Saumya i.e., Kaphaja temperament, and their poison aggravates and deranges the Kapha and produces the specific diseases which owe their origin to the deranged condition of that Dosa. 11-13
Insects of Sannipatika Temperament
विचिलकस्तालको वाहकस्तथा । तुङ्गीनासो कोष्ठागारी कृमिकरो यश्च तुङ्ग (ण्ड) नाभः सर्षपिकोऽवल्गुलिः मण्डलपुच्छकः।। १४ ।।
शम्बूकस्तथा । अग्निकीटश्च घोराः स्युद्वादश प्राणनाशनाः ।। १५ ।।
तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां वेगज्ञानानि सर्पवत् । तास्ताश्च वेदनास्तीव्रा रोगा वै सान्निपातिकाः ।।१६।।
Insects of Sannipatika Temperament: The twelve kinds of insects known as the Tungi-nasa, Vicilaka, Talaka, Vahaka, Kosthagari, Krmikara, Mandala – Pucchaka, Tunga-nabha, Sarsapika, Avalguli, Sambuka and the Angi-kita are dangerously fatal in their bite. A person or an animal bitten by any of these dangerous insects exhibits stages and symptoms similar to those of a case of a snake-bite and their poison tends to derange and aggravate the three Dosas (Sannipatika) of the body and produce the specific symptoms thereof. 14-16
Symptoms of their bite
रक्तपीतसितारुणः । क्षाराग्निदग्धवद्दंशो ज्वराङ्गमर्दरोमाञ्च-वेदनाभिः समन्वितः ।। १७ ।।
छर्घतीसारतृष्णाश्च दाहो मूर्च्छा विजृम्भिका । वेपथुश्वासहिक्काश्च दाहः शीतञ्च पिडकोपचयः
शोफो ग्रन्थयो मण्डलानि च। दद्रवः कर्णिकाश्चैव विसर्पाः किटिभानि च । तैर्भवन्तीह दारुणम् ।। १८ ।।
दष्टानां यथास्वञ्चाप्युपद्रवाः ।। १९ । ।
Symptoms of their bite : The seat of the bite seems as if on fire or being burnt with strong alkali and is characterised by a red, yellow, white or vermillion colour. The symptoms which are developed in the entire course of the poisoning (or are found to supervene) in cases of their bites are fever, breaking and aching pain (in the limbs), horripilation, vomiting, diarrohea, thirst, a burning sensation in the body, loss of consciousness, yawning, shaking of the limbs, difficult breathing, hic-cough, (sometimes ) a burning and ( at others ) a cold sensation (at the seat of the bite), eruption of pustules, swelling (at the affected locality), appearance of nodular glands (Granthi), circular erythematous patches (Mandala) on the skin, ring-worm, Erysipelas, Kitibha (keloid Tumour) and Karnika (round about the seat of the bite ) as well as any other symptoms similar to the Dosa aggravated by the poison of each species. 17-19
येऽन्ये तेषां विशेषास्तु तूर्णं तेषां समादिशेत् । दूषीविषप्रकोपाच्च विषलेपनात् ।
तथैव लिङ्गं तीक्ष्णविषेष्वेतच्छृणु मन्दविषेष्वतः ।। २० ।।
The other characteristic features of the poison of these (fatal and strong-poisoned) insects should be speedily ascertained by comparing the symptoms of aggravation of the Dusi Visa (consequent thereon ) and by examining the effects of the application of different antipoisonous plasters as well. These are the characteristic features of sharp-poisoned insects; now here me describing those of the mildpoisoned ones. 20
प्रसेकारोचकश्छर्दि-शिरोगौरवशीतकाः पिडकाकोठकण्डूनां दोषविभागतः ।। २१ ।।
The symptoms which manifest in the case of a bite by such an insect are salivation (Praseka), an aversion to food, vomiting, heaviness in the head, a slight sensation of cold and the appearance of pustules, urticaria and itching according to the deranged Dosa aggravated by the species of the biting insect. 21
योगैर्नानाविधैरेषां दूषीविषप्रकाराणां चूर्णानि गरमादिशेत् । तथैवाप्यनुलेपनात् ।। २२ ।।
The pulverised bodies of these insects possessing, as they do, the characteristic features of Dusi-Visa or enfeebled poison (lying inherent in a human system) is turned into a Gara or chemical (combinative or resultant) poison, if administered (internally) with any medicine or externally with any plaster. 22
एकजातीनतस्तूर्ध्वं कीटान् सामान्यतो दष्टलिङ्गैः करिणी त्रिकण्ट: चापि चत्वार वक्ष्यामि भेदतः । साध्यासाध्यक्रमेण च ।। २३ ।।
हस्तिकक्षोऽपराजितः । व्याख्यातास्तीव्रवेदनाः ।। २४ ।।
तैर्दष्टस्य श्वयथुरङ्गमर्दो गुरुता गात्राणां दंश: कृष्णश्च भवति ।। २५ ।। एते कणभा
We shall henceforth describe the distinctive traits of one insect from another of the same species according to the classification and general characteristics curability and incurability of their bites.
The Kanabha class of Insects
The Kanabha class of Insects: The Trikanta, karini, Hastikaksa and the Aparajita are the four kinds of insects that belong to the Kanabha group and are extremely painful in their bites giving rise to swelling, aching in the limbs, heaviness of the body and a black spot at the seat of the bite. 23-25
The Godheraka class of Insects
प्रतिसूर्यकः, पिङ्गाभासः, बहुवर्णः, निरूपमः, गोधेरक इति पञ्च गोधेरकाः; तैर्दष्टस्य शोफो दाहो रुक् च भवति, गोधेरकेणतदेव, ग्रन्थिप्रादुर्भावः ज्वरश्च ।। २६ ।।
The Godheraka class of Insects: The five kinds of insects known as the Prati-surya, Pinga-bhasa, Bahu-varna, Maha-siras and the Nirupama belong to the Godheraka class. The stages and the symptoms of a bite by an insect of this group are often identical with (or mistaken for) a snake bite and are marked by all its characteristic pain and the appearance of dreadful Granthis (nodular glands) of varied colours and shapes as well as fever. 26
गलगोलिका – श्वेता, कृष्णा, रक्तराजी, रक्तमण्डला, सर्वश्वेता, सर्षपिकेत्येवं षट् ।
ताभिर्दष्टे सर्षपिकावर्ज दाहशोफक्लेदा भवन्ति । सर्षपिकया हृदयपीडाऽतिसारश्च तासु मध्ये सर्षपिका प्राणहरी ।। २७ ।।
The six kinds of insects known as the Gala-golika, Sveta, krsna, Rakta-raji, Rakta-mandala, Sarva-sveta and the Sarsapika belong to one and the same species. A bite by any of these insects excepting by a Sarsapika is attended with a burning sensation and slimy exudation from and swelling in the seat of the bite, that of the Sarsapika being accompanied by an attack of diarrohea (Atisara) and pain at the heart. The Sarsapika bite is fatal amongst these. 27
शतपद्यस्तु – परुषा, कृष्णा, चित्रा, कपिलिका, पीतिका, रक्ता, श्वेता, अग्निप्रभा इत्यष्टौ ।
ताभिर्दष्टे शोफो वेदना दाहश्च हृदये । श्वेताग्निप्रभाभ्यामेतदेव, दाहो मूर्च्छा चातिमात्रं श्वेतपिडकोत्पत्तिश्च ।। २८ ।।
Sata-padi (centipede ): The Sata-padi (centipede) species is divided into eight kinds, viz., the Parusa (rough), Krsna (black), Citra ( of variegated colours ), Kapilika ( tawny brown), Pitika ( yellow), Rakta (red), Sveta ( white) and the Agni-prabha (resembling fire in virtue). A bite by any of these insects is attended with swelling, pain and a burning sensation in the heart. A bite by one of the Sveta or the Agni-prabha species is marked by all the aforesaid symptoms as well as by violent epileptic fits, an intolerable burning sensation and eruptions of white pustules (Pidaka). 28
Manduka – frogs
मण्डूकाः – कृष्णः, सारः, कुहकः, हरितः, रक्तः, यववर्णाभः, भृकुटी, कोटिकश्चेत्यष्टौ । तैर्दष्टस्य दंशे कण्डूर्भवति पीतफेनागमश्च वक्तात्। भृकुटीकोटिकाभ्यामेतदेव, दाहश्छर्द्दिर्मूर्च्छा चातिमात्रम् ।। २९ ।।
Manduka (frogs ): The Mandukas ( frogs) are divided in eight different species viz., the Krsna, Sara, Kuhaka, Harita, Rakta, Yavavarnabha, Bhrkuti and the Kotika. A bite by any of these is accompanied by an itching sensation at the seat of the bite and a flow of yellowcoloured foam from the mouth. A bite by one of the Bhrkuti or Kotika species gives rise to the aforesaid symptoms as well as a burning sensation, vomiting and a severe attack of epileptic fits in addition thereto. 29
विश्वम्भराभिर्दष्टे दंशः सर्षपाकाराभिः पिडकाभिः सरुजाभिश्चीयते, शीतज्वरार्त्तश्च पुरुषो भवति ।
अहिण्डुकाभिर्दष्टे तोददाहकण्डूश्वयथवो भवन्ति मोहश्च । कण्डूमकाभिर्दष्टे पीताङ्गश्छर्द्यतीसारज्वरादिभिरभिहन्यते । शूकवृन्ताभिर्दष्टे कण्डूकोठाः प्रवर्धन्ते शूकञ्चात्र लक्ष्यते । । ३० ।।
A bite by one of the Visvambhara species of insects is followed by Sita-jvara (catarrhal fever) and an eruption of white pimples (Pidaka) in the shape of mustard seeds round about the seat of the bite. A bite by one of the Ahinduka species is marked by piercing pain, a burning sensation, itching and swelling ( in the affected locality), as well as by delirium. A bite (contact) by one of the Kandumaka species is followed by a yellowness of the complextion, vomiting, diarrohea and fever, etc. A bite by one of the Suka-vrnta or such like species is attended with itching Kotha ( urticaria) and the bristles of the insects are found to be adhering to the affected locality. 30
Pipilika – Ants
पिपीलिकाः – स्थूलशीर्षा, संवाहिका, ब्राह्मणिका, अङ्गुलिका, कपिलिका, चित्रवर्णेति षट् ताभिर्दष्टे दंशे श्वयथुरग्निस्पर्शवद् दाहशोफौ भवतः ।। ३१ ।।
Pipilika (Ants) : There are six kinds of Pipilika (ants) viz., the Sthula-sirsa, Samvahika, Brahmanika, Angulika, Kapilika and the Citra-varna. A bite by any of these is attended with imflammatory swelling and a burning sensation (at the seat of the bite) resembling those produced by contact with fire. 31
Maksika – stinging flies
मक्षिकाः – कान्तारिका, कृष्णा, पिङ्गला, मधूलिका, काषायी, स्थालिकेत्येवं षट् । ताभिर्दष्टस्य कण्डूशोफदाहरुजो भवन्ति । स्थालिकाकाषायीभ्यामेतदेव, श्यावपिडकोत्पत्तिरुपद्रवाश्च ज्वरादयो भवन्ति, काषायी स्थालिका च प्राणहरे ॥ ३२ ॥
Maksika (stinging flies) : Flies (Maksika) may be divided into six species viz., the Kantarika, Krsna, Pingala, Madhulika, Kasayi and the Sthalika. A bite by any of these is accompanied by itching, swelling pain and a burning sensation. A bite by one of the Sthalika or the Kasayi species, however, is marked by the preceding symptoms as well as by the eruption of pustules (Pidaka), with supervening symptoms in addition thereto. Kasayi and sthalika (bites) are fatal. 32
Masakas – Mosquitoes
मशकाः – सामुद्रः, परिमण्डलः, हस्तिमशकः, कृष्णः, पार्वतीय इति पञ्च । तैर्दष्टस्य तीव्रा कण्डूर्दंशशोफश्च । पार्वतीयस्तु कीट: प्राणहरैस्तुल्यलक्षणः । नखावकृष्टेऽत्यर्थं पिडका दाहपाका भवन्ति । जलौकसां दष्टलक्षणमुक्तं चिकित्सितञ्च ।। ३३ ।।
Masakas (Mosquitoes): Mosquitoes (Masakas) are divided into five species, viz., the Samudra, Parimandala, Hasti-masaka, Krsna and the Parvatiya. A mosquito (Masaka) – bite is characterised by a severe itching and swelling of the affected locality; while the symptoms which mark a bite by a Parvatiya one are similar to those of a bite by fatally venomous insects.
A scratch by finger-nails is followed by the appearance of pustules (Pidaka) attended with a burning sensation and suppurtion therein. The characteristic features of a bite by Jalaukas (leeches) along with the mode of treatment thereof have already been described. 33
भवन्ति चात्र ।
गोधेरकः स्थालिका च ये च श्वेताग्निसप्रभे । भृकुटी कोटिकश्चैव न सिध्यन्त्येकजातिषु ।। ३४ ।।
Memorable Verses : The poisons of the Godheraka, Sthalika, Sveta, Agni-saprabha, Bhrkuti and the Kotika belonging to their respective classes are incurable. 34
शवमूत्रपुरीषैस्तु सविषैरवमर्षणात् । स्युः कण्डूदाहकोठारु:- पिडकातोदवेदनाः ।। ३५ ।।
प्रक्लेदवांस्तथा स्त्रावो भृशं सम्पाचयेत् त्वचम् । दिग्धविद्धक्रियास्तत्र यथावदवचारयेत् ।। ३६ । ।
Contact with the dead body, stool or urine of a venomous animal is accompanied by itching and a burning sensation, pricking pain, eruption of Pidaka (pustules) and Kotha as well as by a slimy and painful exudation at the site of the bite. The local skin is found to suppurate and the treatment would be the same as in the case of a wound by an envenomed arrow. 35-36
नावसन्नं चोत्सन्नमतिसंरम्भवेदनम् । दंशादौ विपरीतार्त्ति कीटदष्टं सुबाधकम् ।। ३७।।
A bite which is neither depressed nor raised, but very much swollen with pain (round about), but un-attended with any pain in the seat itself just after the bite, should be regarded as not easily amenable to any medical remedy. 37
दष्टानुग्रविषैः कीटै: सर्पवत् समुपाचरेत् । विविधानान्तु पूर्वेषां त्रैविध्येन क्रिया हिताः ।।३८ ।।
स्वेदमालेपनं सेकञ्चोष्णमत्रावचारयेत् । अन्यत्र मूर्च्छिताद् दंशात् पाककोथप्रपीडितात् ।
विषघ्नञ्च विधिं सर्वे कुर्यात् संशोधनानि च ।। ३९ ।।
A bite by an insect of strong and acute poison should be treated as a snake-bite and the three-fold remedies to be employed in snakebites according to the three-fold divisions of snakes should also be employed in these cases. The measures of fomenting, plastering and hot-washing would prove efficacious in these cases, except in the event of an insect-bitten patient having been found to have been fainting away on account of suppuration and sloughing at the seat of the bite, in which case all kinds of cleansing ( emetic, purgative, etc.) and anti-poisonous measures should be adopted. 38-39
शिरीषकटुकाकुष्ठवचारजनिसैन्धवैः क्षीरमज्जवसासर्पिः-शुण्ठीपिप्पलिदारुषु उत्कारिका स्थिरादौ वा सुकृता स्वेदने हिता ।। ४० ।।
Plasters of Sirisa, Katuka, Kustha, Vaca, Rajani, Saindhava, milk, marrow, lard (Vasa), clarified butter, Sunthi, Pippali and Deva – daru in the form of Utkarika (poultice-like preparation) should be used in fomenting (the seat of the bite ). As an alternative, the fomentation with the drugs of the Sala-parnyadi Gana in the same (Utkarika) form should be considered equally efficacious in the case. 40
न स्वेदयेत चादंशं धूमं वक्ष्यामि अगदानेकजातीषु प्रवक्ष्यामि पृथक्वृ श्चिके ।। ४१ ।। पृथक् ॥ ४२ ॥
In the case of Scorpion bite, the affected part should not be fomented. It might, however, be fumigated with vapours of the drugs to be dealt with later on. The medicinal remedies (Agadas) applicable in the several cases are here separately described. 41-42
कुष्ठं वक्रं वचा बिल्व-मूलं पाठा सुवर्चिका । गृहधूमं हरिद्रे द्वे त्रिकण्टकविषे रजन्यागारधूमश्च वक्रं कुष्ठं गलगोलिकदष्टानामगदो हिताः ।। ४३ ।। पलाशजम्। विषनाशनः ।। ४४॥
कुङ्कुमंतगरं अगदो रजनीद्वयम् । शिग्रु पद्मकं जलपिष्टोऽयं मेषशृङ्गी वचा पाठा निचुलो रोहिणी जलम् ।
सर्वमण्डूकदष्टानामगदो विश्वम्भराभिर्दष्टानामगदो शतपद्विषनाशनः । । ४५ । ।
विषनाशनः ।। ४६।।
धवाश्वगन्धातिबलाबलासातिगुहागुहा: विषनाशनः ।। ४७ ।।
शिरीषं तगरं कुष्ठं शालिपर्णी सहा निशे । अहिण्डुकाभिर्दष्टानामगदो विषनाशनः
कण्डूमकाभिर्दष्टानां रात्रौ शीताः क्रिया हिताः । दिवा ते नैव सिध्यन्ति सूर्यरश्मिबलार्दिताः ।। ४९ ।।
चक्रं शूकवृन्तविषेऽगदः । कृष्णवल्मीकमृत्तिका । । ५० ।।
मक्षिकामशकैस्तथा । कृष्णवल्मीकमृत्तिका ।। ५१ ।।
भृङ्गरसो हितः । सर्पदष्टवदाचरेत् ।। ५२ ।।
कुष्ठमपामार्गः ।। ४८ ।।
भृङ्गस्वरसपिष्टा पिपीलिकाभिर्दष्टानां गोमूत्रेण युतो लेपः नखावघृष्टसञ्जाते शोफे प्रतिसूर्यकदष्टानां वा
Recipes of remedies in different cases: An anti-venomous compounds (Agada ) consisting of Kustha, Cakra (Tagara), Vaca, Bilva-roots, Patha, Suvarcika, house-soot and the two kinds of Haridra is efficacious in the case of a bite by a Trikantaka insect. An Agada consisting of house-soot, Rajani, Vakra, Kustha and the seeds of Palasa destroys the poison of a Gala-goli insect. An Agada composed of Kumkuma, Tagara, Sigru, Padmaka and the two kinds of Rajani, pasted with water, proves curative in the case of a bite by a Sata-padi (centipede ). An Agada consisting of Mesa-srngi, Vaca, Patha, Nicula, Rohini and Balais efficacious in all kinds of Mandukapoisoning. An Agada consisting of Dhava, Asvagandha, Ati-bala, Bala, Ati-guha (Sala-parni) and Aguha ( Prsni-parni) nullifies the poison of a Visvambhara insect. An Agada consisting of Sirisa, Tagar, Kustha, the two kinds of Haridra, Amsu-mati and the two kinds of Saha destroys the poison of an Ahinduka insect. Cooling measures should be adopted in the night time in the case of a Kandumaka-bite, since the poison which is aggravated by the sun’s rays in the day does not prove amenable to any remedy, if applied at that time. An Agada consisting of Cakra, Kustha and Apamarga is efficacious in a case of Suka-vrnta-bite. As an alternative, the earth of a black ant-hill pasted with the expressed juice of Bhrnga would prove efficacious in such cases. A plaster prepared with the earth of a black ant-hill and the urine of a cow proves curative in cases of bites of flies, ants and mosquitoes. The treatment of a case of a bite by a Prati-suryaka is the same as that of a snake-bite. 43-52
Origin and Classification of Scorpions
त्रिविधा वृश्चिकाः प्रोक्ता मन्दमध्यमहाविषाः । गोशकृत्कोथजा मन्दा मध्याः काष्ठेष्टिकोद्भवाः । सर्पकोथोद्भवास्तीक्ष्णा ये चान्ये विषसम्भवाः ।। ५३ ।। मन्दा द्वादश मध्यास्तु त्रयः पञ्चदशोत्तमाः । दश विंशतिरित्येते संख्यया परिकीर्त्तिताः ।। ५४ ।।
Origin and Classification of Scorpions : Scorpions are divided into three classes, viz., the mild-poisoned ones (Manda-visa), those whose poison is neither mild nor strong (Madhya-visa), and the strong-poisoned ones (Maha-visa). Scorpions germinating from cowdung or from any other rotten substances are Manda-visa. Those which germinate from (decomposed) wood or (decayed) bricks are Madhya-visa (with poison neither mild nor strong); while those which originate from the decomposed carcase of a snake or from any other poisonous putrid organic matter are Tiksna-visa ( strong-poisoned). The first group of scorpions includes twelve different species, the second three and the third and last fifteen, thus making thirty2 species in all. 53-54
कृष्णः श्यावः कर्बुरः पाण्डुवर्णो गोमूत्राभ: कर्कशो मेचकश्च । पीतो धूम्रो रोमश: शाद्वलाभो रक्तः श्वेतेनोदरेणेति मन्दाः ॥ ५५॥ युक्ताश्चैते वृश्चिकाः पुच्छदेशे स्युर्भूयोभिः पर्वभिश्चेतरेभ्यः । एभिर्दष्टे वेदना वेपथुश्च गात्रस्तम्भः कृष्णरक्तागमश्च । शाखादष्टे वेदना चोर्ध्वमेति दाहस्वेदौ दंशशोफौ ज्वरश्च ॥ ५६ ॥
1. Dalhana says that by cow-dung (Gomaya) is meant the dung, the urine etc. of not only a cow, but of a buffalo, etc. as well.
2. According to Gayadasa the total number of the three classes of scorpions would be twenty-seven, of which the first (mild-poisoned) class consists of eleven, the second consists of three and the third of thirteen.
Specific traits and Characteristics of mild-poisoned Scorpions : Scorpions which are black ( Krsna) or dark-brown (syava) or of variegated colours (Karbura) or yellow (Pandu) or coloured like the urine of a cow or rough or dark blue (Mecaka) or white or red or greenish (Sadvala) or red mixed with white (Rakta-sveta) or provided with hair on their bodies (Romasa) should be regarded as Manda-visa (mild poisoned ones). A bite by a scorpion of this species is accompained by pain (in the seat of the bite), shivering, numbness of the limbs and a flow of blackish blood (from the punctures of the bite). In the case of a bite at any of the extremities, the pain courses upward, accompained by a burning sensation, perspiration, swelling of the bitten part and fever. 55-56
Madhya visa Scorpions
रक्तः पीतः कापिलेनोदरेण सर्वे धूम्राः पर्वभिश्च त्रिभिः स्युः | । एते मूत्रोच्चारपूत्यण्डजाता मध्या ज्ञेयास्त्रिप्रकारोरगाणाम् ।। ५७ ॥
यस्यैतेषामन्वयाद्यः प्रसूतो दोषोत्पत्तिं तत्स्वरूपां स कुर्यात् । जिह्वाशोफो भोजनस्यावरोधो मूर्च्छा चोग्रा मध्यवीर्याभिदष्टे ॥ ५८ ॥
Madhya-visa Scorpions: Scorpions of the Madhya-visa (Moderately poisoned) class are red (Rakta) or yellow (Pita), or tawny (Kapila). All of them are ash-coloured in their belly and provided with three joints or links. They germinate from the stool, excreta, eggs and putrid carcases of the three (aforesaid) groups of snakes and respectively partake of the nature of the serpent whose fecal matter, etc. they originate from. A bite by a scorpion of this species is accompanied by a swelling of the tongue, an incapacity of deglutition and violent epileptic fits. 57-58
श्वेतश्चित्र: श्यामलो लोहिताभो रक्तः श्वेतो रक्तनीलोदरौ च । पीतोऽरक्तो नीलपीतोऽपरस्तु रक्तो नीलो नीलशुक्लस्तथा च ॥ ५९॥ रक्तो बभ्रुः पूर्ववच्चैकपर्वा यश्चापर्वा पर्वणी द्वे च यस्य | नानारूपा वर्णतश्चापि घोरा ज्ञेयाश्चैते वृश्चिकाः प्राणचौराः ॥ ६० ॥ जन्मैतेषां सर्पकोथात् प्रदिष्टं देहेभ्यो वा घातितानां विषेण । एभिर्दष्टे सर्पवेगप्रवृत्तिः स्फोटोत्पत्तिर्भ्रान्तिदाहौ ज्वरश्च ।
1. In place of “white, red and whitish red” some read “white, red and little red’ (Arakta)”, while others make it “white in the abdomen (Svetodara), red and white.” “
Tiksna visa Scorpions
खेभ्यः कृष्णं शोणितञ्चापि तीव्रं तस्मात् प्राणैस्त्यज्यते शीघ्रमेव ॥ ६१ ॥
Tiksna visa Scorpions: The keen poisoned ( Tiksna-visa ) scorpions are either white or multi-coloured (Citra) or blackish (syamala) or reddish white (Rakta-sveta) or red-bellied or bluebellied or reddish or bluish yellow or reddish blue or bluish white; others are reddish brown and are (further divided into four classes). viz., three-jointed (like those of the previous class) or one-jointed or two-jointed or jointless. The poison of this group of scorpions. varying in colour and shape, are extremely dreadful and should be regarded as the robber of vitality. They germinate from the putrified dead body of a snake or any poisoned animal. A bite by a member of any of these families produces those physiological transformations in the body of its victims which mark the different stages of a snake-bite, and gives rise to pustular eruptions (Sphota) on the skin accompanied by vertigo, a burning sensation (in the body), fever and excessive discharge of black-coloured blood from the channels ( mouth and nostrils, etc.). And hence their bite proves so rapidly fatal. 59-61
Treatment of Scorpion bites
उग्रमध्यविषैर्दष्टं चिकित्सेत्स र्पदष्टवत् । आदंशं स्वेदितं चूर्णै: प्रच्छितं प्रतिसारयेत् । रजनीसैन्धवव्योष-शिरीषफलपुष्पजैः मातुलुङ्गाम्लगोमूत्र-पिष्टञ्च लेपे, स्वेदे सुखोष्णञ्च गोमयं पाने क्षौद्रयुतं सर्पिः क्षीरं वा दंशं मन्दविषाणान्तु चक्रतैलेन सुखोष्णेनाथवा ।। ६२ ।। सुरसाग्रजम् । हितमिष्यते । बहुशर्करम् ।। ६३ ।। सेचयेत् । पुनः। विषघ्नैरुपनाहयेत् ॥ ६४ ॥ विदारीगणसिद्धेन कुर्याच्चोत्कारिका-स्वेदं गुडोदकं वा सुहिमं चातुर्जातकवासितम् । पानमस्मै प्रदातव्यं क्षीरं वा सगुडं हिमम् ॥ ६५ ॥ शिखिकुक्कुटबर्हाणि सैन्धवं तैलसर्पिषी । धूमो हन्ति प्रयुक्तोऽयं शीघ्रं वृश्चिकजं विषम् ।। ६६ ।। कुसुम्भपुष्पं रजनी निशा वा कोद्रवं तृणम् । एभिर्घृताक्तैर्धूपस्तु पायुदेशे प्रयोजितः । नाशयेदाशु कीटोत्थं वृश्चिकस्य च यद् विषम् ॥ ६७ ॥
Treatment of Scorpion-bites: A bite by a scorpion of the moderately-venomed or strong venomed class should be treated as a case of snake-bite to all intents and purposes. In a case of a bite by a mild-venomed one, the affected seat should be sprinkled over with the Cakra-Taila or with a tepid oil duly cooked with the drugs of the Vidaryadi group. The affected locality should be (repeatedly) fomented with the application of poultices in the Utkarika form prepared with anti-venomous drugs (Sirisa, etc.). The seat of the bite should then be marked with supreficial incisions (scratches) and should be gently rubbed (Prati-sarana) with powders of Haridra, Saindhava, Trikatu and the fruit and flower of Sirisa. The tender leaves of Surasa pasted with the juice of Matulunga and the urine of a cow in a lukewarm state, or lukewarm (i.e., fresh) cow-dung should be employed in plastering and fomenting the affected part. Potions of clarified butter mixed with honey, milk mixed with a profuse quantity of sugar and honey, treacle mixed with cold water and perfumed with Catur-jataka, or cold milk mixed with treacle should be recommended as drinks. Fumigation (Dhupana) with the compound made of the feathers of the tail of a cock or a peacock, Saindhava, oil and clarified butter pasted together and burnt is a speedy destroyer of scorpion-poison. As an alternative, the fumes (Dhuma) of a compound made up of Kusumbha flower, the two kinds of Rajani and Kodrava straw mixed with clarified butter applied to the region of the arms speedily destroys the poison of a venomous insect.in general and of a scorpion in particular. 62-67
Spider bites
लूताविषं दुश्चिकित्स्यतमं चापि घोरतमं तत् । दुर्विज्ञेयतमन्तु भिषग्भिर्मन्दबुद्धिभिः ॥ ६८ ॥ परिशङ्किते। यदौषधम् ।। ६९ ।। सविषं विषघ्नमेव अगदानां हि संयोगो विषजुष्टस्य निर्विषे मानवे युक्तोऽगदः निर्विषञ्चैतदित्येवं कर्त्तव्यमविरोधि ज्ञातव्यो तस्मात् सर्वप्रयत्नेन अज्ञात्वा विषसद्भावं भिषग् युज्यते । सम्पद्यतेऽसुखम् ।। ७० ।। विषनिश्चयः । व्यापादयेन्नरम् ।। ७१ ।।
Spider-bites: Cases of Luta ( venomous spider) – bite (lit. — poison of a Luta) are the most difficult to diagnose and cure. The diagnosis of such a case puzzles the mind of many unexperienced physician, while novices in the art of healing find it a very difficult matter. In a case of doubt or of conflicting indications pointing equally both to the venomous and non-venomous character of the bite, a physician should employ anti-poisonous remedies of such a character as would not prove hostile (to the natural temperament and vital principles of the patient’s system nor to the course of food and drink he is enjoined to take or naturally takes) since the Agadas are applicable only in cases of poisoning and, applied otherwise in healthy non-poisoned persons, would produce all kinds of discomfort. Hence it is incumbent on a physician to gather conclusive evidence of the poisonous nature of the bite at the very outset. A physician, failing to ascertain the existence of poison, proves more fatal in many cases than the bite itself. 68-71
Development of Luta poison
प्रोद्भिद्यमानस्तु यथाङ्कुरेण न व्यक्तजातिः प्रविभाति वृक्षः । तद्वद् दुरालक्ष्यतमं हि तासां विषं शरीरे प्रविकीर्णमात्रम् ॥ ७२॥ ईषत्सकण्डु प्रचलं सकोठमव्यक्तवर्णं प्रथमेऽहनि स्यात् । अन्तेषु शूनं परिनिम्नमध्यं प्रव्यक्तरूपञ्च दिने द्वितीये || ७३ || त्र्यहेण तदर्शयतीह रूपं (दंशं) विषं चतुर्थेऽहनि कोपमेति । अतोऽधिकेऽह्नि प्रकरोति जन्तोर्विषप्रकोपप्रभवान् विकारान् ॥ ७४ ।। षष्ठे दिने विप्रसृतञ्च सर्वान् मर्मप्रदेशान् भृशमावृणोति । तत् सप्तमेऽत्यर्थपरीतगात्रं व्यापादयेन्मर्त्त्यमतिप्रवृद्धम् ॥ ७५ ॥
Development of Luta-poison : As the first sprouting of a tree does not enable a man to correctly ascertain the species, so the poison of a venomous spider in its first stage of incubation into the body, does not develop any specific symptoms sufficiently potent to throw any light on its nature, nor does it give any hint as to its correct diagonosis. A spider (Luta)-poison latent in a human organism, is marked by a slight itching sensation in the seat of the bite, as if the poison were shifting from one place to another¹ in that locality, by the presence of Kotha (urticaria), and by an indistinctness of colour on the first day of its incubation. On the second day the seat of the bite becomes swollen at the end and sunk in the middle and the characteristic marks of biting show themselves. On the third day the specific symptoms (fever, shivering, etc.) of the poison of the animal set in. On the fourth day the poison is aggravated. On the fifth day the symptoms and disorders similar to its aggravated condition are present. On the sixth day the poison begins to course through the organism and envelopes the Marmas (or the vulnerable parts). On the seventh day the poison is diffused throughout the whole organism, becomes extremely aggravated and proves fatal. 72-75
1. In place of “Pracala” Gayadasa reads “Prabala”, i.e., strong and says that the poison becomes stronger and stronger with the lapse of time.
यास्तीक्ष्णचण्डोग्रविषा हि लूतास्ताः सप्तरात्रेण विनाशयन्ति | अतोऽधिकेनापि निहन्युरन्या यासां विषं मध्यमवीर्यमुक्तम् ॥ ७६।।
यासां कनीयो विषवीर्यमुक्तं ताः पक्षमात्रेण विनाशयन्ति । तस्मात् प्रयत्नं भिषगत्र कुर्यादादंशपाताद् विषघातियोगैः ॥ ७७ ।
Potency : The poison of spiders (Luta ) which are actue and violently venomous proves fatal in the course of a week. That of a moderate-poisonous one would take a little more time in order to prove fatal, while a bite by one of the mild-poisonous brings death within a fortnight. Hence a physician should try his best with anti-venomous remedies for the complete nullification of the poison immediately after the bite. 76-77
विषन्तु सप्तप्रकार लालानखमूत्रदंष्ट्रारजःपुरीषैरथ चेन्द्रियेण । लूतास्तदुग्रमयावरवीर्ययुक्तम् ।। ७८ ।। विसृजन्ति
Location: A spider is found to secrete seven kinds of poison through the seven different parts or principles of its body, viz., saliva (Lala), nails (claws), urine, fangs, ovum (Rajas), fecal matter and semen, and such poison is either acute or mild in its potency, or follows a middle path between the two (acute and mild ). 78
Characteristics of poison according to its seat in the body of a spider
सकण्डुकोठं स्थिरमल्पमूलं लालाकृतं मन्दरुजं वदन्ति । शोफश्च कण्डूश्च पुलालि – (नि) का च धूमायनञ्चैव नखाग्रदंशे ।। ७९।। दंशन्तु मूत्रेण सकृष्णमध्यं सरक्तपर्यन्तमवेहि दीर्णम् । दंष्ट्राभिरुग्रं कठिनं विवर्णं जानीहि दंशं स्थिरमण्डलञ्च । रजःपुरीषेन्द्रियजं हि विद्धि स्फोटं विपक्वामलपीलुपाण्डुम् ।। ८० ।।
Characteristics of poison according to its seat in the body of a spider : The poison which is secreted with the saliva (of a spider ) gives rise to non-shifting superficial Kotha (urticaria) attended with itching and slight pain. The poison from a scratch with the tips of its claws, is attended with swelling, itching, horripilation and a sense as if fumes have been escaping from the body. Any part of the body coming in contact with the urine of a spider is marked by a (slight) blackness of skin in the middle of the point of contact and redness at its edge, and the affected part is cracked. In a case of fang-poison (actual bite) the seat of the bite is marked by fixed circular patches and becomes indurated and discoloured. The poison in this case is strong. A part of the body touched with the Rajas, semen, or with fecal matter of a (venomous) spider is marked by eruptions of pustules which assume a yellow colour like that of a ripe Amalaka or Pilu. 79-80
एतावदेतत् समुदाहृतन्तु वक्ष्यामि लूताप्रभवं पुराणम् । सामान्यतो दष्टमसाध्यसाध्यं चिकित्सितञ्चापि यथाविशेषम् ।। ८१ ।
Thus far we have described the effects of spider- (Luta)-poison according to its seat in the body of the insect and to the period of its aggravation. Now we shall describe the mythological account of the origin of these insects and the curable and incurable natures of their bites together with the course of medical treatment to be followed in each case. 81
Mythological account of the origin of Luta
कदाचिदॄषित्तमम् । किल ।। ८२ ।। विश्वामित्रो नृपवरः वशिष्ठं कोपयामास गत्वाश्रमपदं कुपितस्य मुनेस्तस्य ललाटात् स्वेदबिन्दवः । अपतन् दर्शनादेव रवेस्तत्समतेजसः । लूने तृणे महर्षिणा धेन्वर्थं सम्भृतेऽपि च।। ८३ ।। ततो जातास्त्विमा घोरा नानारुपा महाविषाः । वर्त्तन्ते नृपसाधनवाहने ।। ८४ ।। प्रस्वेदबिन्दवः । अपकाराय यस्माल्लूनं तृणं प्राप्ता मुनेः तस्माल्लूतेति भाष्यन्ते संख्यया ताश्च षोडश ।। ८५ ।।
Mythological account of the origin of Luta: Once upon a time, it is said, king Visvamitra went to the hermitage of the holy Vasistha and by his actions aroused the wrath of the holy sage. Drops of perspiration were thereupon produced on the forehead of that holy and celestially brilliant sage and trickled down on the stacks of hay culled and gathered (Luna) by the holy sages for the use of the (celestial) cow, and behold! they (the drops of sweat) were transformed into innumerable dreadful and venomous spiders (Luta) which, up to this day, are found to infest the articles of royal use for the iniquity of that royal sage (Visvamitra). They are called Lutas (spiders) from the fact of their being germinated from the drops of perspiration of the holy sage Vasistha fallen on the culled (Luna) stacks of hay and they are sixteen in number. 82-85
The different names of spiders and the general symptoms of their bites
कृच्छ्रसाध्यास्तथाऽसाध्या लूतास्तु द्विविधाः स्मृताः । तासामष्टौ कृच्छ्रसाध्या वर्ज्यास्तावत्य एव तु ।। ८६ || त्रिमण्डला तथा श्वेता कपिला पीतिका तथा । आलमूत्रविषा रक्ता कसना चाष्टमी स्मृता ।। ८७ ।। ताभिर्दष्टे शिरोदुःखं कण्डूर्दंशे च वेदना । भवन्ति च विशेषेण गदाः श्लैष्मिकवातिकाः ।। ८८ ।। सौवर्णिका लाजवर्णा जालिन्येणीपदी तथा । कृष्णाग्निवर्णा काकाण्डा मालागुणाष्टमी स्मृता ।। ८९ ।। ताभिर्दष्टे दंशकोथः प्रवृत्तिः क्षतजस्य च। ज्वरो दाहोऽतिसारश्च गदाः स्युश्च त्रिदोषजाः ।। ९० ।। पिडका विविधाकारा मण्डलानि महान्ति च । शोफा महान्तो मृदवो रक्ताः श्यावाश्चलास्तथा । सामान्यं सर्वलूतानामेतदादंशलक्षणम् ।। ९१ ।।
The different names of spiders and the general symptoms of their bites: The poison of spiders is divided into two classes–curable with difficulty and incurable. Of the sixteen kinds of spiders, the bites or poisons of eight may be cured with the greatest difficulty, while those of the remaining eight are incurable. The Tri-mandala, Sveta, Kapila, Pitika ala-visa, Mutra-visa, Rakta and the Kasana are the eight species of spiders which belong to the first group. A bite by any of them is attended with an aching pain in the head, pain and itching about the seat of the bite and the symptoms and disorders similar to the aggravated Vayu and Kapha. The Sauvarnika, Laja-varna, Jalini, Eni-padi, Krsna-varna, Agni varna, Kakanda and the Mala-guna belong to the second group and their bites are marked by putrefaction at the site of bite, bleeding, fever, a burning sensation, diarrohea and disorders due to the concerted action of all the three deranged Dosas of the body. Eruptions of various sorts and pustules and large circular patches as well as large, soft and shifting swellings, red or brown in colour, appear on the skin about the affected part. These are the general features of spider (Luta)-bites. 86-91
विशेषलक्षणं तासां वक्ष्यामि सचिकित्सितम् । त्रिमण्डलाया दंशेऽसृक् कृष्णं स्त्रवति दीर्यते । बाधिर्यं कलुषा दृष्टिस्तथा दाहश्च नेत्रयोः ।। ९२ ।। तत्रार्कमूलं रजनी नाकुली पृश्निपर्णिका । नस्तकर्मणि शस्यन्ते पानाभ्यङ्गाञ्जनेषु च । । ९३ ।। श्वेतायाः पिडका दंशे श्वेता कण्डूमती भवेत् । दाहमूर्च्छाज्वरवती विसर्पक्लेदरुक्करी ।। ९४ । । चन्दनरास्नैला- हरेणुनलवञ्जुलाः । तत्र कुष्ठं लामज्जकं वक्रं नलदञ्चागदो हितः ।। ९५ ।। आदंशे पिडका ताम्रा कपिलायाः स्थिरा शिरसो गौरवं दाहस्तिमिरं भ्रम भ्रम एव भेवत् । तत्र पद्मककुष्ठैला करञ्जककुभत्वचः । च । । ९६ ।। स्थिरार्कपर्ण्यपामार्ग-दुर्वाब्राह्मयो विषापहा: ः ।। ९७।। आदंशे पीतिकायास्तु पिडका पीतिका स्थिरा। भवेच्छर्दिर्ज्वरः शूलं मूर्टिन रक्ते तथाऽक्षिणी ।। ९८ ।। तत्रेष्टाः कुटजोशीर-तुङ्गपद्मकवञ्जुलाः । ।। ९९ । । शिरीषकिणिहीशेलु कदम्बककुभत्वचः रक्तमण्डनिभे दंशे पिडका: जायन्ते तालुशोषश्च तत्र अगदः सर्षपा इव । दाहश्चालविषान्विते ।। १०० । । प्रियङ्गुहीबेरकुष्ठलामज्जवञ्जुलाः । शतपुष्पा च सपिप्पलवटाङ्कुराः ।। १०१ । ।
Specific symptoms of spider-bites and their treatment : Now we shall describe the characteristic symptoms which are developed by bites of the several classes of spiders and the course of medical treatment to be adopted in each case. A bite by a spider of the Trimandala species is marked by a flow of black-coloured blood from the bite which is transformed into an open ulcer. It is also attended with deafness, impaired or cloudy vision and a burning sensation in the eyes. In such cases, a compound consisting of Arka roots, Rajani, Nakuli and Prsni-parnika should be employed as snuff as well as in drink ( Pana), collyrium and ointments etc. A bite by a spider of the Sveta species is followed by the eruption of white-coloured pustules attended with itching, burning sensation, epileptic fits, fever, erysipelas, pain and secretion from the seat of bite. An Agada consisting of Candana, Rasna, Ela, Harenu, Nala, Vanjula, Kustha, Lamajjaka, Vakra and Nalada is efficacious in such a case. A bite by a Kapila spider is characterised by eruptions of copper-coloured pustules of an indurated nature accompanied by a sense of heaviness in the head, a burning sensation, vertigo and darkeness of vision (Timira). The remedy in such a case consists of an anti-poisonous Agada composed of Padmaka, Kustha, Ela, Karanja, Kakubha bark, Sthira, Arkaparni, Apamarga, Durva and Brahmi. A case of bite by a Pitika spider is marked by an eruption of hard pustules, of yellow colour vomiting, fever, headache and redness of the eyes, and the remedy consists in the application of an Agada, composed of Kutaja, Ustra, Tunga, Padmaka, Vaijyula, Sirisa, Kinihi, Selu, Kadamba and Kakubha-bark. A case of bite by an Ala-visa spider is marked by the bright red colour of the seat of the bite, eruption of pustules like mustard seeds, parchedness of the palate and a burning sensation in the body. The remey in such a case should consist of an Agada composed of Priyangu, Hrivera, Kustha, Lamajja, Vanjula, Sata-puspa and the sprouts of the Pippala and the Vata trees. 92-101
पूतिर्मूत्रविषादंशो विसर्पा कृष्णशोणितः । कासश्वासवमीमूर्च्छा-ज्वरदाहसमन्वितः मनः शिलालमधुक-कुष्ठचन्दनपद्मकैः मधुमिश्रैः सलामज्जैरगदस्तत्र दंशश्चापाण्डुपिडको ।। १०२ ।। । कीर्त्तितः ।। १०३ || दाहक्लेदसमन्वितः । रक्ताया रक्तपर्यन्तो विज्ञेयो कार्यस्तत्रागदस्तोय – चन्दनोशीरपद्मकैः तथैवार्जुनशेलुभ्यां त्वग्भिराम्रातकस्य रक्तसंयुतः ।। १०४ ।। च । । १०५ ।। पिच्छिलं कसनादंशाधिरं शीतलं स्रवेत् । कासश्वासौ च तत्रोक्तं रक्तलूता-चिकित्सितम् ।। १०६ ।।
The case of bite by a spider of the Mutra-visa class is attended with putrefaction (of the affected locality), erysipelas, a flow of blackish blood (from the seat of the bite), cough, difficult breathing, vomiting, epileptic fits, fever and a burning sensation. The remedy in such a case consists in Manah-sila, ala, Yasti-madhu, Kustha, Candana, Padmaka and Lamajja pasted together and mixed with honey. The case of bite by a spider of the Rakta species is marked by eruptions of yellow coloured pustules full of blood and coloured red in the extremities (round the seat of the bite), with a burning sensation and slimy secretion. The Agad in such a case should be prepared with Toya (Balaka) Candana, Usira, Padmaka and the bark of Arjuna, Selu and Amrataka. A bite by a spider of the Kasana class is attended with a flow of slimy cold blood (from the bite), and with cough and difficult breathing, the treatment being the same as in the case of a bite by a spider of the Rakta class. 102-106
पुरीषगन्धिरल्पासक् कृष्णाया दंश एव तु । ज्वरमूर्च्छावमीदाह -कासश्वाससमन्वितः तत्रैलाचक्रसर्पाक्षी-गन्धनाकुलिचन्दनैः महासुगन्धिसहितैः चोषकण्डूरोमहर्षा कृष्णाप्रशमनञ्चात्र प्रत्याख्याय ।। १०७।। प्रत्याख्यायागदः स्मृतः ।। १०८ । ॥ दाहोऽग्निवक्त्रायाः स्त्रावोऽत्यर्थं ज्वरस्तथा । दाहविस्फोटसंयुतः ।। १०९ ।। प्रयोजयेत् ।। ११० ।।
A bite by a spider (Luta) of the Krsna class smells of fecal matter and is attended with a scanty flow of blood, as well as with fever, epileptic fits, vomiting, burning sensation, cough and difficult breathing. The treatment of such a patient should be taken in hand without holding out any definite hope of recovery and the remedy in this case should consist of an Agada composed of Ela, Cakra, Sarpaksi, Gandha-nakuli, Candana and the drugs known as the Maha-sugandhi (as described in the Dundubhi-svaniya chapter ). The case of bite by an Agni-vaktra spider is marked by a burning sensation at the seat of the bite, excessive secretion (of blood), fever, a sort of sucking pain, itching, horripilation, a burning sensation in the body and eruptions of pustules. In a case of this type, the patient may be treated with the Agada prescribed for the treatment of a bite by a spider of the Krsna class but no hope should be held out. 107-110
सारिवोशीरयष्ट्याह्नचन्दनोत्पलपद्मकम् सर्वासामेव युञ्जीत विषे श्लेष्मातकत्वचम् ।
भिषक सर्वप्रकारेण तथा चाक्षीवपिप्पलम् ।। १११ । ।
General Remedies : An Agada made of Sariva, Usira, Yastimadhu, Candana, Utpala and Padmaka may be used with advantage in cases of spider-bites of all types. The bark of Slesmataka and Ksirapippala should be deemed equally efficacious in all cases of spiderbites, and these may be employed in any shape viz., as snuff, potion, unguent, etc. 111
कृच्छ्रसाध्यविषा ह्यष्टौ प्रोक्ता द्वे च यदृच्छया । अवार्यविषवीर्याणां लक्षणानि निबोध मे ।। ११२ ।।
ध्यामः सौवर्णिकादंश: सफेनो मत्स्यगन्धकः । कासश्वासौ ज्वरस्तृष्णा मूर्च्छा चात्र सुदारुणा ।। ११३ ।।
आदंशे लाजवर्णाया आ (ध्या) मं पूति स्त्रवेदसृक् । दाहो मूर्च्छातिसारश्च शिरोदुःखञ्च जायते ।। ११४ ।।
दंशस्तु जालिन्या राजिमानवदीर्यते । श्वासस्तमोवृद्धिस्तालुशोषश्च जायते ।। ११५ ।। घोरो स्तम्भः
एणीपद्यास्तथा दंशो भवेत् कृष्णतिलाकृतिः । तृष्णामूर्च्छाज्चरच्छर्द्दि-कासश्वाससमन्वितः ।। ११६ ।।
दंश: काकाण्डिकादष्टे पाण्डुरक्तोऽतिवेदनः ।
तृणमूर्च्छाश्वासहृद्रोग-हिक्काकासा: स्युरुच्छ्रिताः रक्तो मालागुणादंशो बहुधा च विशीर्येत ।। ११७ ।।
धूमगन्धोऽतिवेदनः । दाहमूर्च्छाज्वरान्वितः ।। ११८ ।।
We have described (the symptoms and the treatment of the bite of) the eight classes of spiders which can be cured with difficulty. Those of the two classes (of the other group whose bites are generally incurable) have also been described above, as being sometimes found amenable to medicine (with the greatest difficulty). Now hear me describing (the symptoms and the treatment of the bites of) the remaining six species which are incurable.
Specific symptoms of the incurable cases of Spider-bites
specific symptoms of the incurable cases of Spider-bites: A bite by a spider of the Sauvarnika species is marked by swelling and a frothy secretion and a fishy smell from the seat of the bite, and is followed by cough, difficult breathing, fever, thirst and violent fainting fits. A bite by a Laja-varna spider is marked by a flow of fleshsmelling and fetid blood from its seat as well as by a burning sensation, dyarrohea, fainting fits and pain in the head. A case of bite by a spider of the Jalini species is very severe and is marked by a cracking of the seat of the bite which is striped with lines as well as by numbness, difficult breathing, parchedness of the palate and continued dizziness of the head. The bite by an Eni-padi spider resembles the seeds of black sesamum in shape and is marked by thirst, fever, fainting fits, vomiting, cough and difficult breathing. A bite by a Kakandika spider is marked by an excruciating pain and a reddish-yellow colour at its seat. A bite by a Mala-guna spider is characterised by a cracking of the seat of the bite in several parts and is marked by a red colour, smoky smell, extreme pain, fever and epileptic fits. 112-118
असाध्यास्वप्यभिहितं दोषोच्छ्रायविशेषेण प्रत्याख्यायाशु योजयेत् । दाहच्छेदकर्मविवर्जितम् ।। ११९ । ।
Treatment of the incurable cases of spider-bites should, however, be taken in hand by a wise physician with a due consideration of the aggravated Dosa or Dosas in each case with the exception of cautery and making incisions (Cheda-karma). 119
Surgical Treatment
साध्याभिराभिर्ल्ताभिर्दष्टमात्रस्य वृद्धिपत्रेण मतिमान् अमर्मणि विधानज्ञो वर्जितस्य ज्वरादिभिः । दंशस्योत्कर्त्तनं देहिनः । सम्यगादंशमुद्धरेत् ।। १२० ।। कुर्यादल्पश्वयथुकस्य च । । १२१ ।। ततः। मधुसैन्धवसंयुक्तैरगदैर्लेपयेत् प्रियङ्गुरजनीकुष्ठ-समङ्गामधुकैस्तथा सारिवां मधुकं द्राक्षां पयस्यां क्षीरमोरटम् । विदारीगोक्षुरक्षौद्रमधुकं पाययेत ।। १२२ ।। वा ।। १२३ ।। क्षीरिणां त्वक्कषायेण सुशीतेन च सेचयेत् । उपद्रवान् यथादोषं विषघ्नश्च प्रसाधयेत् ।। १२४ ।।
Surgical Treatment: In all cases of the curable types of spiderbites, the affected part should at once be cut open and removed with a Vrddhi-patra instrument and the incisioned part should then be cauterised with a red-hot Jambvostha instrument in the absence of any fever or such like distressing symptoms and in the event of its not occurring in any of the vulnable parts of the body (Marmas). The act of cauterisation should be continued until the patient himself (through pain) prohibits the continuation of the same. If the affected part is found to be attended with a slight swelling, it should be cut open and removed. It should then be plastered with a paste of the (Mahasugandhi and such other) Agada mixed with Saindhava and honey or with the paste of Priyangu, Haridra, Kustha, Samainga and Yastimadhu. A potion composed of the decoction of Sariva, the two kinds of Yast-madhu,’ Draksa, Payasya, Ksira-morata, Vidari and Goksura mixed with honey should be administered to the patient. The affected part should be washed with a cold decoction of the bark of the Ksirivrksas. Any other distressing symptoms should be remedied with antipoisonous measures with an eye to the deranged Dosas involved in the case. 120-124
नस्याञ्जनाभ्यञ्जनपानधूमं तथाऽवपीडं कवलग्रहञ्च । संशोधनञ्चोभयतः प्रगाढं कुर्यात् सिरामोक्षणमेव चात्र ।। १२५ ।।
Any of the (ten-fold) remedial measures of Nasya (snuff), medicated collyrium, unguents (Abhyanjana), potions (Pana), Dhuma (fumigation), Avapida form of snuff, gargling, emesis, purging and blood-letting by the application of leeches should be adopted in a case of spider-bite according to its requirements. 125
कीटदष्टव्रणान् सर्वानहिदष्टव्रणानपि । आदाहपाकात् तान् सर्वान् चिकित्सेत् दुष्टवद् भिषक् ।। १२६ ।।
विनिवृत्ते ततः शोफे कर्णिकापातनं हितम् । कुसुम्भं रजनी रजनी निम्बपत्रं त्रिवृद् दन्ती मधु ।। १२७ ।।
1. Mention of Madhuka twice in the list shows that one part each of both the kinds Yasti- madhu (ice ) –grown on lands and in water–should be taken.
109
गुग्गुलुः सैन्धवं किण्वं वर्चः पारावतस्य च। विषवृद्धिकरञ्चान्नं हित्वा सम्भोजनं हितम् ।। १२८ ।।
विषेभ्यः खलु सर्वेभ्यः कर्णिकामरुजां स्थिराम् । प्रच्छयित्वा मधुयुतैः शोधनीयैरुपाचरेत् ।। १२९ ।।
All cases of bites by any insect or by any snake, and ulcers incidental to those bites should be carefully treated with measures and remedies laid down in connection with snake-bites as long as the stage of inflammation and suppuration would last. The growths (if any) of pappillae (Karnika) around the seat of the bite should be removed after the subsidence of the swelling by the application of a plaster consisting of Nimba leaves, Trivrt, Danti, Kusumbha flower Rajani, honey, Guggulu, Saindhava salt, Kinva and the dung of a pigeon pasted together, and to take such diet as would not aggravate the effects of poison should be carefully prescribed. The papillatous growths (Karnika) due to the poison of any kind should be scratched with a proper surgical instrument in the event of their being hard and painless and should then be plastered with a paste of purifying (Sodhaniya) drugs (such as Nimba leaves, etc.) mixed with honey. 126-129
सप्तषष्टस्य कीटानां शतस्यैतद् चिकित्सा विभागशः । दष्टलक्षणमाख्यातं सविंशमध्यायशतमेतदुक्तं चाप्यनन्तरम् ।। १३० ।।
विभागशः । इहोद्दिष्टाननिर्दिष्टान् सर्वान् वक्ष्याम्यथोत्तरे ।। १३१ । ।
The specific features and treatment of the bites by the one hundred and sixty-seven types of insect are now described. The subjects mentioned but not included within these one hundred and twenty chapters (from the commencement of the book) would be dealt with in detail in the latter part of the present treatise (Uttara Tanara). 130 131
सनातनत्वाद् वेदानामक्षरत्वात् तथैव च। तथा दृष्टफलत्वाच्च हितत्वाच्चापि देहिनाम् ।। १३२ ।।
1. Gayadasa reads “Sikhi’ (Langalaki) as Vamsa ‘ ( scrapings of bamboo) in place of “Nimba-patra’. He also reads Danta’ (tooth of a cow) in place of “Kinva.
वाक्समूहार्थविस्तारात् पूजितत्वाच्च देहिभिः । चिकित्सितात् पुण्यतमं न किञ्चिदपि शुश्रुमः ।। १३३ ।। ऋषेरिन्द्रप्रभावस्यामृतयोनेभिषग्गुरोः । धारयित्वा तु विमलं मतं इह प्रेत्य परमसम्मतम् । मोदते ।। १३४ ।। उक्ताहारसमाचार
We have not heard of a holier discourse that the medical science on account of the eternal and imperishable character of the Ayurveda (the science of life) from its tested merit and its beneficial effects upon the created beings and since it is always worshipped by the whole human race for the fact of its fully explaining the import of words (i.e. delineation fo its specific subjects). Who ever stores up in his memory and acts up to these sacred and worshipful injunctions on the science of life propounded as it is, by the nectar-origined sage (Dhanvantari), the preceptor of all physicians and equal to the celestial Indra in respect of majesty, enjoys happiness both in this world and in the next. 132-134
इति सुश्रुत संहितायां कल्पस्थाने कीटकल्पो नाम अष्टमोऽध्यायः ।। ८ ।।
Thus ends the eighth Chapter of the Kalpa-sthana in the Susruta Samhita which treats of the measures to be adopted in the case of an insect-bite.
Here ends the Kalpa-Sthana.
