पञ्चमोऽध्यायः । अथातः सर्पदष्टविषचिकित्सितं कल्पं व्याख्यास्यामः, यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ।। १ ।।
Now we shall discourse on the Chapter which deals with the medical treatment of snake-bites (Sarpa-dasta-Kalpa-Chikitsa). 1
General treatment of Snake-bites
सर्वेरेवादितः सर्पैः शाखादष्टस्य देहिनः। दंशस्योपरि प्लोतचर्मान्तवल्कानां न गच्छति विषं बध्नीयादरिष्टाश्चतुरङ्गुले ॥ २ ॥ मृदुनाऽन्यतमेन च। देहमरिष्टाभिर्निवारितम् ॥ ३ ॥
दहेद्देशमथोत्कृत्य यत्र बन्धो आचूषणच्छेददाहाः सर्वत्रैव तु मुखं वस्त्रैर्हितमाचूषणं प्रतिपूर्य जायते ।
स दष्टव्योऽथ वा सर्पो लोष्टो वाऽपि हि पूजिताः ॥ ४ ॥ भवेत् । तत्क्षणम् ॥ ५ ॥
General treatment of Snake-bites: In all cases of snake-bites ligatures of cloth, skin, soft fibre or any other soft article (consecrated with the proper Mantras), should first of all be bound four fingers apart above the seat of the bite in the event of its occurring in the extremities, inasmuch as such a preceeding would arrest the further (upward) course of the poison in the body. As an alternative, the seat of the bite should be incisioned, bled and cauterized where such a ligature would be found to be impossible. Incision, cauterization, and sucking (of the poisoned blood from the seat of the bite) should be highly recommended in all cases of snake-bites. The cavity of the mouth should be filled with a linen’ before sucking (the blood from the wound). It would do the man bitten by a snake an immense good if he could bite the serpent that had bitten him or failing that, bite a clod of earth without any loss of time. 2-5
अथ मण्डलिना दष्टं न कथञ्चन दाहयेत् । स पित्तविषबाहुल्याद् दंशो दाहाद् विसर्पति ॥ ६ ॥
The seat of the bite by a Mandali snake should not, however, be cauterized inasmuch as the preponderant Pittaja character of the poison, aggravated by the application of the heat, might lead to its speedy expansion or coursing in the system. 6
Mantras In Snake Bite Poisoning
अरिष्टामपि मन्त्रैश्च बघ्नीयान्मन्त्रकोविदः । ।।७।। सा तु रज्ज्वादिभिर्बद्धा विषप्रतिकरी मता ॥ ७ ॥
देवब्रह्मर्षिभिः प्रोक्ता मन्त्राः सत्यतपोमयाः । भवन्ति नान्यथा क्षिप्रं विषं हन्युः सुदुस्तरम् ॥ ८॥
विषं तेजोमयैर्मन्त्रैः • सत्यब्रह्मतपोमयैः । यथा निवार्यते क्षिप्रं प्रयुक्तैर्न तथौषधैः ।। ९ ।।
Mantras: A physician well-versed in the Mantras of antivenomous potency should bind a ligature of cord consecrated with appropriate Mantras which would arrest a further spread of the poison. The Mantras full of occult energy of perfect truth and divine communion, disclosed by the Devarsis and Brahmarsis of yore, never fail to eliminate the poison from the system, and hold their own even in cases of deadliest poisons. Elimination of the poison with the help of Mantras, full of the energy of Brahma of truth and austerities, is more rapid than under the effects of drugs. 7-9
मन्त्राणां ग्रहणं कार्य्यं स्त्रीमांसमधुवर्ज्जिना । मि (य) ताहारेण शुचिना कुशास्तरणशायिना ।। १० ।।
गन्धमाल्योपहारैश्च देवताः । पूजयेन्मन्त्रसिद्धयर्थं यत्नतः ।। ११ ।। बलिभिश्चापि जपहोमैश्च
1. Dalhana recommends burnt earth or the earth of an ant-hill or ash for the purpose of filling up the mouth before sucking the poisoned blood.
मन्त्रास्त्वविधिना प्रोक्ता हीना वा स्वरवर्णतः । यस्मान्न सिद्धिमायान्ति तस्माद् योज्योऽगदक्रमः ।। १२ ।।
A man, while learning the Mantras, should forego sexual intercourse, animal diet, wine, honey, etc., should take little diet, be self-controlled and clean in body and spirit and (before learning the Mantras) shall lie on a mattress of Kusa-grass. For the successful application of his newly acquired knowledge. (Mantras). he shall devotedly worship the gods with offerings of perfumes, garlands of flowers, edibles, (animal) oblations, etc., and with the appropriate Mantras sacred to them as well as with burnt offerings, since a Mantra chanted by a man in an unclean spirit or body, or accented or uttered in-correctly will not produce effect. The medicinal compounds of antivenomous drugs should also be employed in such cases. 10-12
Blood-letting in Snake-bite
समन्ततः सिरा दंशाद् विध्येत् तु कुशलो भिषक् । शाखाग्रे वा ललाटे वा वेध्यास्ता विसृते विषे ।। १३ ।।
रक्ते निर्हियमाणे तु कृत्स्नं निर्हियते विषम् । तस्माद् विस्त्रावयेद्रक्तं सा ह्यस्य परमा क्रिया ।। १४ ।।
Blood-letting in Snake-bite : A skillful physician should open the veins round the seat of the bite and bleed the affected part. The veins of the fore-head and the extremities should be opened in the case where the poison would be found to have spread through the whole organism. The poison will be found to have been fully eliminated with the passage of the blood (from the incisioned wound). Hence bleeding should be resorted to as it is the best remedy in a case of snake-bite. 13-14
समन्तादगदैर्दशं चन्दनोशीरयुक्तेन प्रच्छयित्वा वारिणा प्रलेपयेत् । परिषेचयेत् ।। १५ ।।
पाययेतागदांस्तांस्तान् क्षीरक्षौद्रघृतादिभिः । तदलाभे हिता वा स्यात् कृष्णा वल्मीकमृत्तिका ।। १६ ।।
कोविदारशिरीषार्ककटभीर्वाऽपि भक्षयेत् । च।। १७ ।।
न पिबेत् तैलकौलत्थमद्यसौवीरकाणि द्रवमन्यत् तु यत् किञ्चित् पीत्वा पीत्वा तदुद्वमेत् ।
प्रायो हि वमनेनैव सुखं निर्हियते विषम् ।। १८ ।।
Plasters of anti-poisonous drugs (Agada) should be applied all round the seat of the bite after scarifying it, which should be sprikled with water mixed with (red) Sandal wood and Usira or with their decoction. The appropriate Agada compounds (according to the nature of the bite) should be administered through the medium of milk, honey and clarified butter, etc. In the absence of these, the patient should be made to take (a solution of) the black earth of an ant-hill ( dissolved in water). As an alternative, ( a paste of ) Kovidara Sirisa, Arka and Katabhi should be prescribed for him. The patient should not be allowed to take oil, the soup of Kulattha-pulse, wine and Sauviraka. The patient should be make to vomit with the help of any other suitable liquid available, since vomiting in most cases leads to the elimination of the poison from the system. 15-18
फणिनां विषवेगे तु प्रथमे शोणितं हरेत् । द्वितीये मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां पाययेतागदं भिषक्न स्यकर्माञ्जने युञ्जयात् तृतीये विषनाशने । ।। १९ ।।
वान्तं चतुर्थे पूर्वोक्तां यवागूमथ शीतोपचारं कृत्वाऽऽदौ भिषक् पञ्चमषष्ठयोः । पाययेच्छोधनं तीक्ष्णं यवागूञ्चापि कीर्त्तिताम् ॥ २१ ॥ सप्तमे त्ववपीडेन शिरस्तीक्ष्णेन शोधयेत् । दापयेत् ।। २० ।।
तीक्ष्णमेवाञ्जनं दद्यात् तीक्ष्णशस्त्रेण मूर्छिन च। कुर्यात् काकपदं चर्म सासुग्वा पिशितं क्षिपेत् ।। २२ ।।
Specific treatment of the bite by a hooded (Darvi-kara) Snake : In the case of a bite by a hooded (Darvi-kara) snake, bleeding by opening the veins should be resorted to in the first stage of poisoning. In the second stage, the patient should be made to drink an Agada compound with honey and clarified butter. In the third stage, anti-poisonous snuffs ( Nasya) and collyrium (Anjana) should be employed. In the fourth stage, the patient should be made to vomit, and medicated Yavagu (gruel) mentioned before (in connection with vegetable poison–see Chapter II, para 26, Kalpasthana) should then be given him for drink. In the fifth and the sixth stages, after the administration of cooling measures, strong purgatives and emetics should be administered and the foregoing medicated Yavagu (gruel) should be administered to the patient. In the seventh stage, strong
55
SUSRUTA SAMHITA
medicated Avapida-snuffs and strong collyrium of anti-venomous efficacy should be employed for the purification (purging) of the head. Superficial incisions like the marks of crow’s feet should be made on the scalp and the skin or flesh with blood of (a newly killed animal) should be placed over there. 19-22
Specific treatment of bites by a Mandali Snake
मण्डलिनां वेगे मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां पूर्वे अगदं वामयित्वा तृतीये शोधितं चतुर्थे पञ्चमे दर्वीकरवदाचरेत् । द्वितीये पाययेत च । दापयेत् ।। २३ ।।
यवागूञ्च पूर्वोक्तामथ तीक्ष्णैर्यवागूं पाययेद्धिताम् । वापि दर्वीकरवदाचरेत् ।। २४ । ।
मधुरोऽगदः । विषनाशनः ।। २५ ॥ षष्ठे षष्ठे काकोल्यादिर्हितः पेयश्च हितोऽवपीडे त्वगदः सप्तमे
Specific treatment of bites by a Mandali Snake: In the first stage of a case of poisoning by the bite of a Mandali snake, the treatment is the same as in the corresponding stage of a Darvi-kara (cobra) bite. In the second stage, an Agada compound should be given with honey and clarified butter and after making the patient vomit the preceding medicated Yavagu (gruel) should be administered to him. In the third stage, after the exhibition of drastic purgatives and brisk emetics, a proper and suitable medicated gruel should be administered. In the fourth and the fifth stages, the treatment would be the same as in the corresponding stages of a Darvi-kara (cobra ) bite. In the sixth stage, the drugs of the Madhura (Kakolyadi) Gana taken with milk prove efficacious. In the seventh stage, an anti-venomous Agada compound in the shape of Avapida (snuff) would neutralise the effects of poison. 23-25
Specific treatment of Rajiman-bites
पूर्वं राजिमतां वेगेऽलावुभिः शोणितं हरेत् । अगदं मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां संयुक्तं पाययेत च ।। २६ ।।
वान्तं द्वितीये त्वगदं पाययेद् विषनाशनम् । तृतीयादिषु त्रिष्वेवं विधिर्वीकरो हितः । षष्ठेऽञ्जनं तीक्ष्णतममवपीडश्च सप्तमे ।। २७ ।।
Specific treatment of Rajiman-bites: In the first stage of a case of Rajiman-bite, bleeding should be resorted with the help of Alabu (a of snake-bites, collyrium to the weight of one Masaka (Masa) should be used at a time. The dosage of medicated snuff (Nasya), should be double of the collyrium, while for internal use it should be quadrupled and for emesis the dosage should be eight times there of. But a wise physician should treat a case of snake-bite with a full regard to the nature of the country, season, temperament, as well as to the intensity and the particular stage of poisoning the case has reached. 31-32
कर्मोक्तमिदं वेगानुपूर्व्या कर्मावस्थाविशेषेण विषयोरुभयोः पाययेत रसं सर्पिः शुक्तं क्षौद्रं तृड्दाहघर्मसंमोहे पैत्तं विषविनाशनम् । विवर्णे कठिने शूने सरुजेऽङ्गे विषान्विते । शृणु || ३३ ||
तूर्णं विस्त्रावणं कार्यमुक्तेन विधिना ततः ।। ३४ ।।
क्षुधार्त्तमनिलप्रायं तद्विषार्त्तं समाहितः । शीतैः संवाहनस्नान-प्रदेहैः शीते
शीतप्रसेकार्त्तं श्लैष्मिकं वामयेद् वमनैस्तीक्ष्णैस्तथा तथा दधि ||३५||
पैत्तविषातुरम् । कफकृद् विषम् । मूर्च्छामदान्वितम् ।। ३७ ।। समुपाचरेत् ।। ३६ ।।
We have described the anti-venomous measures and remedies applicable to the different stages of poisoning (by a snake-bite). We shall now deal with the specific treatment of poisoning of either kind according to the physical symptoms developed in the patient. Bloodletting should be speedily resorted to in the case where the poisoned limb had become discoloured, rigid, swollen and painful. Curd, Sukta, honey, clarified butter and meat-soups should then be given to the patient affected with a poison marked by a preponderance of the aggravated Vayu and a craving for food. A person affected with a poison marked by a predominance of the aggravated Pitta would have thirst, epileptic fits, perspiration and a burning sensation in the body should be treated with shampooing with cold hands and with cold baths, and cooling medicinal plasters. A person affected with a poison marked by a predominance of the aggraved Kapha and bitten in the winter would have cold salivation, epileptic fits and intoxication and should be treated with strong emetics. 33-37
Specific treatment of the different Suppervening Symptoms
कोष्ठदाहरुजाध्मान – मूत्रसङ्गरुगन्वितम् विरेचयेच्छकृद्वायु-सङ्गपित्तातुरं नरम् ।। ३८ ।।
शूनाक्षिकूटं विवर्णजापि निद्रा विवर्णाविललोचनम् ।
पश्यन्तमञ्जनैः शिरोरुग्गौरवालस्य-हनुस्तम्भगलग्रहे शिरो विरेचयेत् क्षिप्रं मन्यास्तम्भे च दारुणे ॥ ४० ॥
नष्टसंज्ञं भग्नग्रीवं विवृत्ताक्षं प्रधमनैस्तीक्ष्णैर्विषार्त्तं विरेचनैः । समुपाचरेत् ।। ४१ ।।
चूर्णैः ताडयेच्च सिराः क्षिप्रं तस्य शाखाललाटजाः ।
तास्वप्रसिच्यमानासु मूध्नि शस्त्रेण शस्त्रवित् । कुर्यात् काकपदाकारं व्रणमेवं स्त्रवन्ति ताः ॥ ४२ ॥ ।। ।।
सरक्तं चर्म मांसं वा निक्षिपेच्चास्य मूर्धनि । चर्मवृक्षकषायं वा चूर्णं वा कुशलो भिषक् ॥ ४३ ॥
वादयेच्चागदैर्लिप्त्वा दुन्दुर्भीस्तस्य पार्श्वयोः । पुनश्चैनमूर्ध्वञ्चाधश्च विषं शोधयेत् ।। ४४ ।।
परदुर्जयम् । अल्पमप्यवशिष्टं हि भूयो वेगाय कल्पते ।। ४५ ।।
कुर्याद् वा सादवैवर्ण्य-ज्वरकासशिरोरुजः । लब्धसंज्ञं निःशेषं निर्हरच्चैवं समुपाचरेत् ।। ३९ ।।
शोफशोषप्रतिश्याय-तिमिरारुचिपीनसान् तेषु चापि यथादोषं प्रतिकर्म
विषार्त्तोपद्रवांश्चापि यथास्वं ।। ४६।। प्रयोजयेत् । समुपाचरेत् ।। ४७ ।।
Specific treatment of the different Suppervening Symptoms : Purgatives should be exhibited in the event of the patient being oppressed with such symptoms as pain and burning sensation in the abdomen, Adhmana (tympanites), retention of urine, stool and flatus, painful urination and other troubles of the deranged Pitta. Collyrium should be applied (along the eyelids) in the case of a swelling of the eyeballs, somnolence, discolouring of the eye, cloudiness of vision and discoloured appearance of all objects. The head of the patient should be cleansed (purged) speedily with medicinal errhines (Nasya ) in the case of pain and a heaviness of the head, lassitude, lock-jaw, constriction of the throat (Gala-graha) and violent wryneck (Manyastambha). Powders of such drugs of the Siro-virecana group as are of strong potency, in the shape of Pradhamana Nasya should be blown into the nostrils of the patient suffering from the effects of poisoning in the case where such symptoms as loss of consciousness, upturned eyes and drooping of the neck would set in. The veins of his forehead and of the extremities should be instantly stroked. When such strokes of the veins would not be attended with (the desired) bleeding superficial incisions in the shape of crow’s feet (Kaka-pada) should be made by an experienced surgeon on the scalp of the patient and thus the veins would bleed. The incisioned bits of flesh mixed with blood should be placed over the wound of the scalp or the decoction or powders of a Carma-vrksa (Bhurja patra) should be applied to the incisions. Dundubhis ( small drums ) smeared with anti-venomous plasters should be sounded around the patient. The patient thus restored to consciousness should be treated with both purgatives and emetics. A complete elimination of the poison from the system is a very difficult task but it is indespensably necessary, since the least remnant of the poison may again be aggravated in course of time and cause lassitude, discolouring of the complexion, fever, cough, headache, swelling, emaciation (Sosa), cataract, catarrh (Pratisyaya), aversion to food and nasal catarrh (Pinasa). These diseases and any other supervening symptoms of poisoning should be treated according to the injunctions laid down under their specific heads with a careful consideration of the Dosa or Dosas involved in each case. 38-47
Remedy for aggravated Dosas due to poison
अथारिष्टां विमोच्याशु प्रच्छयित्वाङ्कितं तथा (या) ।
दिह्यात् तत्र विषं स्कन्नं भूयो वेगाय कल्पते ।। ४८ ।।
The ligature should then be removed, the seat of the bite incisioned and the local area where the poison is found to be lodged should be cauterized lest it gets aggravated again. 16
एवमौषधिभिर्मन्त्रैः क्रियायोगैश्च यलतः । विषे हृतगुणे देहाद् यदा दोषः प्रकुप्यति ।। ४९ ।।
स्नेहाद्यैः तदा समुपाचरेत् । पवनमुद्वृत्तं तैलमत्स्यकुलत्थाम्ल-वर्जेर्मारुतनाशनैः पित्तज्वरहरैः पित्तं कषायैः
• कफमारग्वधाद्येन सक्षौद्रेण श्लेष्मघ्नैरगदैश्चापि तिक्तै रुक्षैश्च ।। ५०।। स्नेहबस्तिभिः । गणेन तु । भोजनैः ।। ५१ ।।
Remedy for aggravated Dosas due to poison: If the Vayu of the body be found to be in an aggravated condition, even after a careful elimination of the poison from the system with the help of suitable Mantras, measures and medicinal remedies, it should be pacified and restored to its normal condition with any Vayu-pacifying Sneha, etc. The use of oil, fish, Kulattha-soup and acid articles (fermented ricegruel, etc.) is forbidden. The aggravated Pitta in such a case should be remedied with the application of a Sneha-Basti and with the decoction of drugs prescribed in cases of Pittaja fever, while the deranged Kapha should be corrected with Kapha-subduing remedies or with (the decoction of) the drugs of the Aragvadhadi Gana mixed with honey, or with a diet consisting of bitter and parching (Ruksa) articles of food. 49-51
वृक्षप्रपातविषम-पतितं उद्बद्धञ्च मृतं मृतमम्भसि । सद्यश्चिकित्सेन्नष्टसंज्ञवत् ॥ ५२ ॥
A person found to be unconscious from the effects of a fall from an uneven ground or from the top of a tree or precipice as well as a drowned man becoming unconscious, or one in a state of suspended animation owing to strangulation should be treated according to the injunctions and with remedies laid down in connection with the treatment of persons who have become unconscious from the effects of poisoning (mentioned in the present chapter). 52
गाढं बद्धेऽरिष्टया प्रच्छिते वा तीक्ष्णैर्लेपैस्तद्विधैर्वावशिष्टैः । शूने गात्रे क्लिन्नमत्यर्थपूति ज्ञेयं मांसं तद्विषात् पूतिकष्टम् ॥ ५३॥
If a deep seated incisi (Pracchita) in, or an extremely tight fastening (Arista) around the seat of the bite, or an application of extremely irritant plasters or any such other application thereon gives ang winin emits a bad smell and slimy matter it d be interred from these that the inherent poison in such a case pareted the flesh of the affected part which can be made amenable to medicine only with the greatest difficulty. 53
सद्योविद्धं नित्रवेत् कृष्णरक्तं पाकं यायाद् दह्यते चाप्यभीक्ष्णम् । कृष्णीभूतं क्लिन्नमत्यर्थपूति शीर्णं मांसं यात्यजस्त्रं क्षताच्च । तृष्णामूर्च्छा भ्रान्तिदाहौ ज्वरश्च यस्य स्युस्तं दिग्धविद्धं व्यवस्येत् ।। ५४॥
Remedy for aggravated Dosas due to poison: If the Vayu of the body be found to be in an aggravated condition, even after a careful elimination of the poison from the system with the help of suitable Mantras, measures and medicinal remedies, it should be pacified and restored to its normal condition with any Vayu-pacifying Sneha, etc. The use of oil, fish, Kulattha-soup and acid articles (fermented ricegruel, etc.) is forbidden. The aggravated Pitta in such a case should be remedied with the application of a Sneha-Basti and with the decoction of drugs prescribed in cases of Pittaja fever, while the deranged Kapha should be corrected with Kapha-subduing remedies or with (the decoction of) the drugs of the Aragvadhadi Gana mixed with honey, or with a diet consisting of bitter and parching (Ruksa) articles of food. 49-51
वृक्षप्रपातविषम पतितं मृतं मृतमम्भसि । सद्यश्चिकित्सेन्नष्टसंज्ञवत् ॥ ५२ ॥ उद्बद्धञ्च
A person found to be unconscious from the effects of a fall from an uneven ground or from the top of a tree or precipice as well as a drowned man becoming unconscious, or one in a state of suspended animation owing to strangulation should be treated according to the injunctions and with remedies laid down in connection with the treatment of persons who have become unconscious from the effects of poisoning (mentioned in the present chapter). 52
गाढं बद्धेऽरिष्टया प्रच्छिते वा तीक्ष्णैर्लेपैस्तद्विधैर्वावशिष्टैः । शूने गात्रे क्लिन्नमत्यर्थपूति ज्ञेयं मांसं तद्विषात् पूतिकष्टम् ॥ ५३॥
If a deep seated incision (Pracchita) in, or an extremely tight fastening (Arista ) around the seat of the bite, or an application of extremely irritant plasters or any such other application thereon gives rise to a local swelling which emits a bad smell and slimy matter it should be inferred from these that the inherent poison in such a case has putrefied the flesh of the affected part which can be made amenable to medicine only with the greatest difficulty. 53
Symptoms of wounds from poisoned darts
सद्योविद्धं नित्रवेत् कृष्णरक्तं पाकं यायाद् दह्यते चाप्यभीक्ष्णम् । कृष्णीभूतं क्लिन्नमत्यर्थपूति शीर्णं मांसं यात्यजस्त्रं क्षताच्च । तृष्णामूर्च्छा भ्रान्तिदाहौ ज्वरश्च यस्य स्युस्तं दिग्धविद्धं व्यवस्येत् ॥ ५४॥ ।।
Symptoms of wounds from poisoned darts, etc: The poisonous character of a dart or of an arrow with which a person has been pierced (Digdha-viddha) should be inferred from the following symptoms, viz., flow of black-coloured blood from an immediately inflicted -wound, suppuration, a constant burning sensation (in the incidental ulcer) and sloughing of black coloured, putrefied and morbid flesh mixed with a mucopurulent discharge from the wound, and thirsts, vertigo, epileptic fits, a burning sensation in the body and fever. 54
Treatment of poisoned wound
पूर्वोदिष्टं लक्षणं सर्वमेतज्जुष्टं यस्यालं विषेण व्रणाः स्युः | लूतादष्टा दिग्धविद्धा विषैर्वा जुष्टाः प्रायस्ते व्रणाः पूतिमांसाः ।। ५५ ।। तेषां युक्त्या पूतिमांसान्यपोह्य वार्योकोभिः शोणितञ्चापहृत्य | हृत्वा दोषान् क्षिप्रमूर्ध्वन्त्वधश्च सम्यक् सिञ्चेत् क्षीरिणां त्वक्कषायैः ।। ५६ ।। अन्तर्वस्त्रं दापयेच्च प्रदेहान् शीतैर्द्रव्यैराज्ययुक्तैर्विषघ्नैः । भिन्नेऽस्थना वै दुष्टजातेन कार्य: पूर्वो मार्ग: पैत्तिके यो विषे च ।। ५७॥
Treatment of poisoned wound: In a case where all the above symptoms of poisoning are present whether in a case of snake-bite or of a bite by a spider (Luta), or in a case of being pierced with a venomed arrow, or in a case of poisoning of any kind, where putrefaction has set in, the putrid flesh of the incidental ulcer should be judiciously removed and the vitiated blood of the locality should be speedily extracted by applying leeches thereto. The system of the patient should then be cleansed with purgatives and emetics and the affected part of his body should be profusely sprayed or washed with the decoction (of the bark) of a Ksiri-Vrksa. A poultice prepared with the anti venomous drugs of cool potency mixed with clarified butter (washed a hundred times and) placed inside, the folds of linen should also be applied. In the event of its being caused by the insertion or introduction of a bone¹ of any animal, the bone of which is poisonous in itself, the measures and remedies laid down above as well as those prescribed under the treatment of the “Pitta-poisoning” should be adopted and used. 55-57
त्रिवृद्विशल्ये मधुकं हरिद्रे रक्ता नरेन्द्रो लवणश्च वर्गः । कटुत्रिसुञ्चैव कचूर्णितानि शृङ्गे निदध्यान्मधुसंयुतानि ।। ५८ ।।
1. Dalhana holds that by the word “bone” in the text should be understood all the different sources of poison, viz., faeces, urine, nail, tooth, bristle, etc., of an animal.
Recipe of different Agadas : Maha-gada
एषोऽगदो हन्ति विषं प्रयुक्तः पानाञ्जनाभ्यञ्जननस्ययोगैः । अवार्यवीर्यो विषवेगहन्ता महागदो नाम महाप्रभावः ।। ५९ ।।
Recipe of different Agadas : Maha-gada : The powders of Trivrt, Visalya, Yasti madhu, the two kinds of Haridra, Rakta (Manjistha), Narendra (aragvadha), the five kinds of officinal salt and Tri-katu, pasted with honey, should be placed inside a horn. This Agada or anti-poisonous compound used as drink, snuff ( Nasya), collyrium and anointment acts as a good neutraliser of poison. It is irresistible in its potency and is of mighty efficacy. It is called the Mahagada. 58-59
Ajitagada
विडङ्गपाठात्रिफलाजमोदाहिङ्गनि वक्रं त्रिकटूनि चैव । सर्वश्च वर्गो लवणः सुसूक्ष्मः सचित्रकः क्षौद्रयुतो निधेयः ।। ६० ।। शृङ्गे गवां शृङ्गमयेन चैव प्रच्छादितः पक्षमुपेक्षितश्च । एषोऽगदः स्थावरजङ्गमानां जेता विषाणामजितो हि नाम्ना ।। ६१ ।।
Ajitagada : A compound made of powdered Vidanga, Patha, Tri-phala, Ajamoda, Hingu, Vakra (Tagara), Tri-katu, the five kinds of officinal salt and Citraka, pasted with honey, should be kept for a fortnight inside a cow’s horn covered with a lid of the same material. This anti-venomous compound (Agada) is known as the Ajitagada and is efficacious in cases of both vegetable and animal poisoning. 60-61
Tarksyagada
प्रपौण्डरीकं सुरदारू मुस्ता कालानुसार्या कटुरोहिणी च । स्थौणेयकध्यामकगुग्गुलूनि पुन्नागतालीशसुवर्चिकाश्च ।। ६२ ।। कुटन्नटैलासितसिन्धुवारा: शैलेयकुष्ठे तगरं प्रियङ्गः । रोध्रं जलं काञ्चनगैरिकञ्च समागधं चन्दनसैन्धवञ्च ।। ६३ ।। सूक्ष्माणि चूर्णानि समानि कृत्वा शृङ्गे निदध्यान्मधुसंयुतानि । एषोऽगदस्तार्क्ष्य इति प्रदिष्टो विषं विहन्यादपि तक्षकस्य ।। ६४ ।।
Tarksyagada : A compound made of the fine powders of Prapaundarika, Deva – daru, Musta, Kala-nusarya, Katu-rohini, Sthauneyaka, Dhyamaka, Guggulu, Punnaga, Talisa, Suvarcika, Kutannata, Ela, white Sindhu-vara, Saileya, Kustha, Tagara, Priyangu, Lodhra, Jala ( Balaka), Svarna-Gairika, Magadha, (red) Candana and Saindhava salt, taken in equal parts and pasted with honey, should be kept inside a horn. This Agada is called the Tarksyagada and is capable of neutralising the effects even of the poison of a Taksaka. 62-64
Rusabhagada
मांसीहरेणुत्रिफलामुरङ्गी-रक्तालतायष्टिकद्मकानि विडङ्गतालीशसुगन्थिकैलात्वक्कुष्ठपत्राणि सचन्दनानि ।। ६५ ॥
भार्गी पटोलं किणिही सपाठा मृगादनी कर्कटिका पुरश्च । पालिन्द्यशोकौ क्रमुकं सुरस्याः प्रसूनमारुष्करजञ्च पुष्पम् ।। ६६ ।।
सूक्ष्माणि चूर्णानि समानि शृङ्गे न्यस्येत् सपित्तानि समाक्षिकाणि । वराहगोधाशिखिशल्लकीनां मार्जारजं पार्षतनाकुले च ॥ ६७ ॥
यस्यागदोऽयं सुकृतो गृहे स्यान्नाम्नर्षभो नाम नरर्षभस्य | न तत्र सर्पा: कुत एव कीटास्त्यजन्ति वीर्याणि विषाणि चैव ॥ ६८ ॥
एतेन भेर्यः पटहाश्च दिग्धा नानद्यमाना विषमाशु हन्युः | दिग्धाः पताकाश्च निरीक्ष्य सद्यो विषाभिभूता ह्यविषा भवन्ति ।। ६९ ।।
Rusabhagada: A compound made of the powders of Mansi, Harenu, Triphala, Murangi, Manjistha, Lata (priyangu), Yasti-madhu, Padmaka, Vidanga, Talisa, Sugandhika, Ela, Twak, Kustha, Tejapatra, Candana, Bhargi, Patola, Kinihi (Apamarga), Patha, Mrgadani, Karkatika pura (Guggulu), Palindi, Asoka, Kramuka and flowers of Surasi and of Bhallataka, well pasted with honey and with the bile of a boar (Varaha), Godha, Peacock, Sallaki, cat, Prsata (deer) and of mungoose, should be preserved inside a horm. This anti-venomous medicine is called the Rsabhagada. Snakes never visit the house of the fortunate and mighty one wherein this well prepared remedy is preserved. Venomous insects dare not to come within the precincts of such a mansion and even their poison loses its quickness and fatal character. The sound of trumpets and drums, smeared with this compound and blown upon and beaten, tend immediately to destroy the effects of poison. If a poisoned patient would only look at the banner plastered with this Agada the poison from his system would be thereby eliminated. 65-69
Sanjivana Agada
लाक्षा हरेणुर्नलदं प्रियङ्गः शिग्रुद्वयं यष्टिकपृथ्विकाश्च । चूर्णीकृतोऽयं रजनीविमिश्रो वर्गो विधेयो मधुसर्पिषाक्तः ॥ ७० ॥ शृङ्गे गवां पूर्ववदापिधानस्ततः प्रयोज्योऽञ्जननस्यपानैः । सञ्जीवनो नाम गतासुकल्पानेषोऽगदो जीवयतीह मर्त्त्यम् ।। ७१ ।।
Sanjivana Agada : A compound made of the powders of Laksa, Harenu, Nalada, Priyangu, the two kinds of Sigru, Yasti-madhu, Prithvika, (Ela) and Haridra, pasted with honey and clarified butter, should be preserved inside a cow’s horn and covered in the above manner. This anti venomous medicine is called the Sanjivana Agada and should be used as snuff, collyrium and drink. It is capable of restoring even a man apparently dead (by poisoning) to life. 70-71
Darvi-kara-Rajila-Visahara-Agada
श्लेष्मातकीकट्फलमातुलुङ्गचः श्वेता गिरिह्वा किणिही सिता च । सतण्डुलीयोऽगद एष मुख्यो विषेषु दर्वीकरराजिलानाम् ।। ७२ ।।
Darvi-kara-Rajila-Visahara-Agada : An Agada consisting of the powders of Slesmataki, Katphala, Matulunga, Sveta, Girihva, Kinihi, sugar and Tanduliya should be regarded as the best remedy in cases of poisoning by Darvi-kara or Rajila-bites. 72
Mandali Visahara Agada
द्राक्षा सुगन्धा नगवृत्तिका च श्वेता समङ्गा समभागयुक्ता | देयो द्विभाग: सुरसाच्छदस्य कपित्थबिल्वादपि दाडिमाच्च ।। ७३।।
तथाऽर्धभागः सितसिन्धुवारादङ्कोठमूलादपि गैरिकाच्च । एषोऽगदः क्षौद्रयुतो निहन्ति विशेषतो मण्डलिनां विषाणि ।। ७४ ।।
Mandali Visahara Agada : One part each of Draksa, Sugandha. Naga-vrttika and Samanga (Varaha kranta), two parts each of the following drugs, viz.,–leaves of Surasa, Bilva, Kapittha and of Dadima, and half a part each of the following, viz., : (leaves of) white Sindhuvara, Amkotha and Gairika, should be powdered together and mixed with honey. This anti-venomous medicine ( Agada ) is highly efficacious especially in the case of poisoning by a Mandali-bite. 73-74
Vamsa-tvagadi Agada
वंशत्वगाऽऽमलकं कपित्थं कटुत्रिकं हैमवती सकुष्ठा । करञ्जबीजं तगरं शिरीषपुष्पञ्च गोपित्तयुतं निहन्ति ।। ७५ ।। विषाणि लूतोन्दुरुपन्नगानां कैटञ्च लेपाञ्जननस्यपानैः । पुरीषमूत्रानिलगर्भसङ्गान् निहन्ति वर्त्त्यञ्जननाभिलेपैः । काचार्मकोथान् पटलांश्च घोरान् पुष्पञ्च हन्त्यञ्जननस्ययोगैः ।। ७६ ।।
Vamsa-tvagadi Agada : An Agada should be prepared with the powders of scrapings of green bamboo (Varmsa-tvak), amalaka,Kapittha, Tri-katu, Haimavati Kustha, Karanja seeds, Tagara and Sirisa flowers, pasted with cow’s bile. Used as a plaster, snuff collyrium or as drink it destroys the poison of a spider, mouse, serpent or any other (poisonous) insect. Used as a collyrium (over the eyelids), as a plaster over the umbilical region, or as a Varti ( plug), it removes the obstruction of stool, urine and Vayu (flatus, etc.), or of a foetus in the womb. Used as a snuff or a collyrium, its curative potency is manifested even in such dangerous eye-diseases as Kaca, Arma, Kotha Patala and Puspa. 75-76
1. Dalhana says that in place of “Sugandha Naga-Vrttika some read Sugandha Naga-mrttika” which means “the sweet scented earth of the mountain” known to be possessed of anti-poisonous virtues.
समूलपुष्पाङ्कुरवल्कबीजात् क्वाथ: शिरीषात् त्रिकदुप्रगाढः । सलावणः शौद्रयुतोऽथ पीतो विशेषतः कीटविषं निहन्ति ।। ७७।।
Panca-Sirisa Agada: A potion consisting of a decoction of the roots, flowers, bark, seeds and sprouts of a Sirisa tree, taken with honey, the five officinal kinds of salt and a profuse quantity of powdered Trikatu, proves speedily efficacious in a case of poisoning by an insect-bite. 77
Sarva – Kamika Agada
कुष्ठं त्रिकटुकं दार्वी मधुकं लवणद्वयम् । मालती नागपुष्पञ्च सर्वाणि मधुराणि च ।। ७८ ।।
कपित्थरसपिष्टोऽयं शर्कराक्षौद्रसंयुतः । विषं हन्त्यगदः सर्वं मूषिकाणां विशेषतः ।। ७९ ।।
Sarva – Kamika Agada: An Agada prepared with Kustha, Trikatu, Darvi, Madhuka, the two kinds of salt (Saindhava and Sauvarcala), Malati (flower), Naga-puspa and all the drugs of the Madhura (Kakolyadi) group and pasted with the juice of Kapittha and mixed with honey and sugar destroys all sorts of poison specially that of a mouse (Musika). 78-79
Eksara Agada
कटभी सिन्धुवारकः । सर्पगन्धा ससप्तला ।। ८० ।।
सोमराजीफलं पुष्पं कटभी पुष्पं चोरको वरुणः कुष्ठं पुनर्नवा शिरीषस्य
श्यामाऽम्बष्ठाविडङ्गानि तथाम्राश्मन्तकानि भूमी कुरवकश्चैव गण एकसरः स्मृतः ।
एकशो द्वित्रिशो वाऽपि प्रयोक्तव्यो विषापहः ।। ८२ ।। पुष्पमारग्वधार्कजम् । च ।। ८१ ।।
Eksara Agada : The following drugs viz., Somaraji seeds and Somaraji flowers,¹ Katabhi, Sindhu-vara, Coraka, Varuna. Kustha, Sarpa-gandha, Saptala, Punarnava, flowers of Sirisa, Aragvadha and of Arka, Syaama, Ambastha, Vidanga, Amra, Asmantaka, black earth and Kuravaka comprise the Ekasara Agada. These should be applied singly2 or in combination of two or three to destroy the effects of poison. 80-82
इति सुश्रुतसंहितायां कल्पस्थाने सर्पदष्टविषचिकित्सितं नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः ।। ५ ।।
Thus ends the fifth Chapter of the Kalpa-Sathana in the Susruta Samhita which deals with the medical treatment of snake-bites.
