Kshάra

Kshάra.

The ashes of a number of plants containing more or less potash are employed both externally and internally. A list of these plants used in the preparation of caustic pastes, has been already given in the Introduction (see page 21). It remains now to notice the preparations of alkaline ashes for internal use. A solution of the ashes of these plants or of such of them as are available, is prepared by mixing them with six parts of water and straining the fluid through cloth for twenty-one times, that is, the strained fluid is poured over the ashes twenty-one times in succession, and made to percolate through them. Lastly the fluid is allowed to stand and the clear solution drained off. This alkaline solution is given in doses of one to three drachms in dyspepsia, ascites, enlargements of the abdominal viscera, calculous affections, etc. It is regarded as laxative, diuretic and antacid.

Vάisvάnarakshάra.1 Take of the mixed ashes of Euphorbia neriifolia (snuhi), Calotropis gigantea (arka), Plumbago Zeylanica (chitraka), Ricinus communis (eranda), Crataeva Roxburghii (varuna), Boerhaavia diffusa (punarnava), Sesamum Indicum (tila), Achyran-thes aspera (apάmarga), Musa sapientum (kάdali), Butea frondosa (palάsa), and of the shells of tamarinds, two seers in all, boil in sixteen seers of water till reduced to one-fourth. Allow the solution to stand, and drain the clear liquid. To the clear solution add two seers of rock salt, boil again till the fluid is evaporated, dry and powder. To this powder add the following carminatives, namely, ajowan, cumin seeds, kάlajirά, ginger, long pepper, black pepper and assafcetida,each four tolas, and mix. This combination is given in doses of one to two scruples, with cold water in dyspepsia, anasarca etc.

Alkaline

Abhayά-lavana.1 This is a preparation similar to Vaisvάnara-hshdra above described. It is much used in enlarged spleen of long standing, and often with success. To prepare this two seers of mixed alkaline ashes are boiled in sixty-four seers of water till it is reduced to one-fourth. One seer of chebulic myrobalans, two seers of rock salt, and sixteen seers of cow's urine are then added, and the mixture boiled till it is reduced to a thick syrupy consistence. Lastly are added cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, long pepper, assafoetida, ajowan, root of Aplotaxis auriculata, (kushtha), and Curcuma Zedoiria (sati), each four tolas, and the whole intimately mixed. This medicine is given in doses of half to one tola once daily in enlarged spleen, liver disease, ascites etc. If the bowels are not sufficiently moved it is given in larger doses.

Alkaline Ashes Sans 274