Atmaguptά.

Kapikachchliu,

Vanari,

Vem. A'lkusi, Beng. Kiwach, Hind.

The English names Cowage or Cowitch are derived from the Hindi Kiwach. The plant is indigenous to India and has been used in Hindu medicine from a very ancient period. Susruta describes the seeds as a powerful aphrodisiac, and gives the following formula for their use. Take of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens and the fruits Tribulus terrestris (gokshura) equal parts and administer in doses of about a drachm with sugar and tepid milk.2 The Bhivaprakasa recommends the following preparation called Vάnari vati. Take of the seeds of Mucuna pruriens thirty two tolas, boil them in four seers of cow's milk till the latter becomes thick. The seeds should now be decorticated and pounded, then fried in clarified butter and made into a confection with double their weight of sugar. The mass should then be divided into balls which should be steeped in honey. Dose, about a told. This preparation is said to be the best of aphrodisiacs.1

The root of Mucuna pruriens is considered tonic and useful in diseases of the nervous system, such as facial paralysis, hemiplegia etc. It is generally used in combination with other medicines of its class, as for example in the compound decoction called Mάshbάladi, for which see Assafoetida.