Gift from the Green

Gift from the green

The history of medicine and surgery dates back perhaps to the origin of human race. Since no mode of recording events existed in those times, there are no data on methods of treatment practised during that period. Some glimpses of the knowledge that existed are, however, possible through the various scriptures which came into being subsequently. Another interesting but still little exploited source of information on our ancient culture is the folklore that has descended through the generations and survived in certain restricted and remote aboriginal habitations. The prescriptions in ancient Indian medicine, as also in the present day, comprised of products of plant, animal and mineral origin.

In early Sanskrit literature the plants are referred to by their Sanskrit or local names. Brief statements on the habit and habitat of plants sometimes recorded. The botanical identity of these plants is also vague and more than one plant is associated with the same name. Furthermore, the use of regional or local names of plants have complicated the picture and have sometimes led to perpetual error in the use of medicinal herbs and in pharmacological research.

External Application- consisted of various remedies:

Washing of fluid:

 A decoction of plants, Amra, Ashvattha, Audumvara, Bhallatake, Chorakapatra, Jamvu (two kinds), Kadamva, Kakubha, Kapitana, Madhuka, Madhuka (Maula), Nyagrodha, Nandi-vriksha, Palasha, Piyala, Plaksha, Rodhra, Rohini, Sallaki, Savra- Rodhra, Tinduki, Vadari and Vanjula collectively reffered to as Nygrodha group of plants by Sushruta, was advocated for use as washing fluid.

 If the fracture was accompanied with severe pain the drugs- Prithakparni, Trikantaka, Vidarigandha and Vrihati (two kinds) were boiled in milk and the affected part was recommended to be washed with this fluid. Sushruta collectively referred to these drugs as Svalpa Panchamulam.

 A third prescription for washing has been described under liniments as that was common for both purposes.

Splints:  The bark of the plants Ashvatta, Bans, Kakubha, Madhuka, Palasha, Sala, Udumvara and Vata was recommended for use as splints.

Plaster:

 The plants Madhuka, Rakta Chandana and Sali rice were mixed with clarified butter (Butter washed a hundred times in succession). If there was also an ulcer on the fractured part, an astringent plaster mixed with honey and butter was recommended. In the case of a fracture of the nail joint a plaster of Sali rice alone was mentioned. Liniment:

 The oil of Aksha, Piyala and Trapusha seeds was cooked in a decoction of the Madhura and Kakolyadi group of plants with milk. This preparation was used for anointing and as a wash.