The 5th chapter of Kalpasthana of Sushruta Samhita is named as Sarpadaşta Vișa Cikista Kalpa Adhyaya. This chapter deals with Treatment of Snake Bite Poison.
अथातः सर्पदष्टविषचिकित्सितं कल्पं व्याख्यास्यामः ||१||
यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ||२||
We will now expound Sarpadasta visa cikitita, treatment of snake bite poison; as revealed by the venerable Dhanvañtari.
Śākhādaşța chikitsa – treatment of bite in the limbs
सर्वैरेवादितः सर्पैः शाखादष्टस्य देहिनः |
दंशस्योपरि बध्नीयादरिष्टाश्चतुरङ्गुले ||३||
प्लोतचर्मान्तवल्कानां मृदुनाऽन्यतमेन वै |
न गच्छति विषं देहमरिष्टाभिर्निवारितम् ||४||
Below mentioned is the method of treating all persons bitten by snake in the extremities (limbs) –
– first of all, a ligature made up of soft cotton thread, leather band or inner bark of trees should be selected,
– it (any one of them available) should be tied tight, about four angula (8cm) above the site of bite
The poison does not spread to other parts of the body from the site of bite when a ligature / tourniquet is tied.
दहेद्दंशमथोत्कृत्य यत्र बन्धो न जायते |
आचूषणच्छेददाहाः सर्वत्रैव तु पूजिताः ||५||
When tying a ligature is not possible, the physician should incise and burn (cauterized by hot metal rod) the site of bite.
Below mentioned are said to be ideal in all the cases –
– sucking the poison by mouth,
– cutting – incising the site and
– burning the site
प्रतिपूर्य मुखं वस्त्रैर्हितमाचूषणं भवेत् |
स दष्टव्योऽथवा सर्पो लोष्टो वाऽपि हि तत्क्षणम् ||६||
Ācūşana means sucking. It should be done
– after filling the mouth (of the person sucking the poison) with a cloth or
– the snake which has bitten or
– a piece of stone may be bitten immediately
अथ मण्डलिना दष्टं न कथञ्चन दाहयेत् |
स पित्तबाहुल्यविषाद्दंशो दाहाद्विसर्पते ||७||
Burning by fire i.e. cauterisation should never be done in case of bite by a Mandali snake i.e. snake with patches. This is because the poison of this snake is predominant of pitta. Cauterization causes burning sensation locally. The poison also spreads to other places.
Mantra prayoga – chanting of hymns
अथ मण्डलिना दष्टं न कथञ्चन दाहयेत् |
स पित्तबाहुल्यविषाद्दंशो दाहाद्विसर्पते ||७||
देवब्रह्मर्षिभिः प्रोक्ता मन्त्राः सत्यतपोमयाः |
भवन्ति नान्यथा क्षिप्रं विषं हन्युः सुदुस्तरम् ||९||
विषं तेजोमयैर्मन्त्रैः सत्यब्रह्मतपोमयैः |
यथा निवार्यते क्षिप्रं प्रयुक्तैर्न तथौषधैः ||१०||
मन्त्राणां ग्रहणं कार्यं स्त्रीमांसमधुवर्जिना |
मिताहारेण [१] शुचिना कुशास्तरणशायिना ||११||
गन्धमाल्योपहारैश्च बलिभिश्चापि देवताः |
पूजयेन्मन्त्रसिद्ध्यर्थं जपहोमैश्च यत्नतः ||१२||
मन्त्रास्त्वविधिना प्रोक्ता हीना वा स्वरवर्णतः |
यस्मान्न सिद्धिमायान्ति तस्माद्योज्योऽगदक्रमः ||१३||
While tying the ligature, hymns which minimize or ward off the effects of poison should be chanted. This should be done by a person who is well versed in such hymns. Such a procedure like tying the site with rope etc. is said to cure poisons.
The poisons which are very difficult to cure will be destroyed only by the hymns revealed by Gods like Lord Brahma and great sages who are embodiments of truth and austerities. On the other hand they hymns other than protective ones and those chanted by ordinary persons will not be effective i.e. they cannot cure such poisons which are difficult to cure.
The hymns are said to be full of Tejas i.e. extraordinary power. The poisons are quickly cured only by those hymns which are chanted by persons who are truthful and indulged in spiritual knowledge and penances. Even the medicines will not ward off / destroy or cure the poisons as quickly as these powerful hymns do.
Qualification for practicing hymns –
Such powerful hymns should be practiced by persons –
– who have kept themselves away from copulation, eating meat and drinking wine (have abandoned these),
– who consume less quantity of food,
– who are clean,
– who sleep on mat of kusa grass,
– who worship Gods by offering perfumes, garlands, oblations and chanting hymns constantly and also performing fire sacrifices
Only these persons with the above said qualifications would obtain success by these mantras i.e. sacred protective hymns.
Hymns which are chanted will not become successful when they are chanted without adhering to the above said regimens of food and activities and also when these hymns are deficient by either the sound of chanting or syllables of hymns.
In such conditions the physician should also administer anti-poisonous treatments by administering herbs and medicines which are antagonistic to poisons.
Sirāvyadha – venepuncture
समन्ततः सिरा दंशाद्विध्येत्तु कुशलो भिषक् |
शाखाग्रे वा ललाटे वा व्यध्यास्ता विसृते विषे ||१४||
रक्ते निर्ह्रियमाणे तु कृत्स्नं निर्ह्रियते विषम् |
तस्माद्विस्रावयेद्रक्तं सा ह्यस्य परमा क्रिया ||१५||
समन्तादगदैर्दंशं प्रच्छयित्वा प्रलेपयेत् |
चन्दनोशीरयुक्तेन वारिणा परिषेचयेत् ||१६||
The wise physician should puncture the vein near the site of bite in all cases of snake bite. The vein puncture should be done either in the extremities or in the forehead to let out the blood.
When bloodletting is done, the poison also goes out quickly. Bloodletting is the best treatment in these cases and hence it should be done.
Next, the site of bite should be smeared with Agada – anti-poisonous medicine and water added with candana and usira should be poured in streams over the affected part. These should be done only after cutting i.e. after incising or scraping the site of bite.
पाययेतागदांस्तांस्तान् क्षीरक्षौद्रघृतादिभिः |
तदलाभे हिता वा स्यात् कृष्णा वल्मीकमृत्तिका ||१७||
कोविदारशिरीषार्ककटभीर्वाऽपि भक्षयेत् |
न पिबेत्तैलकौलत्थमद्यसौवीरकाणि च ||१८||
द्रवमन्यत्तु यत्किञ्चित् पीत्वा पीत्वा तदुद्वमेत् |
प्रायो हि वमनेनैव सुखं निर्ह्रियते विषम् ||१९||
Appropriate anti-poisonous medicines should be administered orally. It should be administered mixed with milk, honey, ghee etc. Black mud of ant hills or powder of Kovidara, Sirisa, Arka or Katabhi should be administered for consumption when appropriate anti-poisonous medicines are not available.
The person should not be allowed to drink the below mentioned things –
– oils,
– soups of kulattha – horse gram,
– wines or
– sauviraka – fermented liquids
At the same time the person should be given other liquids for drinking and made to vomit it out often. Generally when the vomiting happens, the poison comes out easily.
Darvīkara vişa chikitsa – treatment of poisoning of hooded snakes
फणिनां विषवेगे तु प्रथमे शोणितं हरेत् |
द्वितीये मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां पाययेतागदं भिषक् ||२०||
नस्यकर्माञ्जने युञ्ज्यात्तृतीये विषनाशने |
वान्तं चतुर्थे पूर्वोक्तां यवागूमथ दापयेत् ||२१||
शीतोपचारं कृत्वाऽऽदौ भिषक् पञ्चमषष्ठयोः |
पाययेच्छोधनं तीक्ष्णं यवागूं चापि कीर्तिताम् ||२२||
सप्तमे त्ववपीडेन शिरस्तीक्ष्णेन शोधयेत् |
तीक्ष्णमेवाञ्जनं दद्यात्, तीक्ष्णशस्त्रेण मूर्ध्नि च ||२३||
कृत्वा काकपदं चर्म सासृग्वा पिशितं क्षिपेत् |
| Stage of poisoning of hooded snakes | Treatment |
| First stage | bloodletting |
| Second stage | agada (anti poisonous medicine) along with honey and ghee should be administered by the physician |
| Third stage | anti poisonous nasal medicines and eye-salves should be applied |
| Fourth stage | vomiting should be induced and then yavāgu (thick gruel) given as described previously |
| Fifth stage | cold treatments should be done first, followed by administering strong purificatory medicines (emetics or purgatives) and thick gruel |
| Sixth stage | same as fifth stage (explained above) |
| Seventh stage | the head should be purified by using powerful avapīda (nasal drops of juice of herbs), añjana (eye-salve) and a kākapada (wound resembling the foot mark of a crow) should be made on the head and covered with either a piece of skin or of muscle containing blood |
Maņdalivișa cikitsā – treatment of poison of patched snakes
पूर्वे मण्डलिनां वेगे दर्वीकरवदाचरेत् ||२४||
अगदं मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां द्वितीये पाययेत च |
वामयित्वा यवागूं च पूर्वोक्तामथ दापयेत् ||२५||
तृतीये शोधितं तीक्ष्णैर्यवागूं पाययेद्धिताम् |
चतुर्थे पञ्चमे चापि दर्वीकरवदाचरेत् ||२६||
काकोल्यादिर्हितः षष्ठे पेयश्च मधुरोऽगदः |
हितोऽवपीडे त्वगदः सप्तमे विषनाशनः ||२७||
| Stage of poisoning of patched snakes | Treatment |
| First stage | treatment as described for hooded snakes should be adopted |
| Second stage | agada added with honey and ghee should be given, then vomiting should be induced and suitable thick gruels as mentioned previously be given to drink |
| Third stage | purification (vomiting and purging) should be done using powerful recipes and then thick gruel given |
| Fourth stage | treatments should be the same as indicated for hooded snakes |
| Fifth stage | treatments should be the same as indicated for hooded snakes |
| Sixth stage | peyā (thin gruel) prepared from the drugs of kākolyādi gana which is sweat in taste is ideal along with agada |
| Seventh stage | anti poisonous agada should be administered and also avapīda (nasal drops of juice of drugs) |
Rājīmañtavișa cikitsā – treatment of poison of striped snakes
पूर्वे राजिमतां वेगेऽलाबुभिः शोणितं हरेत् [१] |
अगदं मधुसर्पिर्भ्यां संयुक्तं पाययेत च ||२८||
वान्तं द्वितीये त्वगदं पाययेद्विषनाशनम् |
तृतीयादिषु त्रिष्वेवं विधिर्दार्वीकरो हितः ||२९||
षष्ठेऽञ्जनं तीक्ष्णतममवपीडश्च सप्तमे |
| Stage of poisoning of striped snakes | Treatment |
| First stage | bloodletting should be done first using alābu (gourd) and then agada mixed with honey and ghee administered |
| Second stage | vomiting should be induced and then anti poisonous recipes given |
| Third stage | treatments same as that of the hooded snakes is beneficial |
| Fourth stage | treatments same as that of the hooded snakes is beneficial |
| Fifth stage | treatments same as that of the hooded snakes is beneficial |
| Sixth stage | very strong añjana (eye salve) should be used |
| Seventh stage | avapīda (nasal drops) are to be adopted |
गर्भिणीबालवृद्धानां सिराव्यधनवर्जितम् ||३०||
विषार्तानां यथोद्दिष्टं विधानं शस्यते मृदु |
As described earlier, non-poisonous treatments with the exception of vein-puncture should be done but in a milder way for pregnant women, children and old persons who are afflicted with poisons.
Prāņi cikitsa – treatment for animals
रक्तावसेकाञ्जनानि नरतुल्यान्यजाविके ||३१||
त्रिगुणं महिषे सोष्ट्रे गवाश्वे द्विगुणं तु तत् |
चतुर्गुणं तु नागानां केवलं सर्वपक्षिणाम् ||३२||
परिषेकान् प्रदेहांश्च सुशीतानवचारयेत् |
माषकं त्वञ्जनस्येष्टं द्विगुणं नस्यतो हितम् |
पाने चतुर्गुणं पथ्यं वमनेऽष्टगुणं पुनः ||३३||
Below mentioned are the quantities of bloodletting and eye salves prescribed for animals affected by snake poison –
| Animals affected by snake poison | Quantity of bloodletting and eye salves to be done |
| Animals | equal in quantity, as indicated for humans |
| Buffalo and camels | three times of the quantity (as prescribed for humans) |
| Cow / ox, horses | double the quantity |
| Elephants | four times the quantity |
Bathing and poultices applied very cold will be enough for all the birds affected by poison.
Below mentioned are the ideal doses of different medications –
– eye salve – 1 masa (500 mg)
– nasal drops – 2 masa (1gm),
– internal potion of medicine – 4 masa (2 gm)
– for producing vomiting (emetic) – 8 masa (4gm)
देशप्रकृतिसात्म्यर्तुविषवेगबलाबलम् |
प्रधार्य निपुणं बुद्ध्या ततः कर्म समाचरेत् ||३४||
An intelligent physician should administer appropriate treatment as necessary after having carefully considered the below mentioned factors –
– nature of habitat,
– body constitution,
– habituation,
– season,
– strength and
– weakness of the stages of poisoning
Lākṣaṇika cikitsā – symptomatic treatment
वेगानुपूर्व्या कर्मोक्तमिदं विषविनाशनम् |
कर्मावस्थाविशेषेण विषयोरुभयोः शृणु ||३५||
Until now, treatments according to different stages of poisoning have been described. Now, the treatments of separate symptoms appearing in sthavara and jangama poisons (immobile and mobile form of poison) shall be described by me, listen to the same.
विवर्णे कठिने शूने सरुजेऽङ्गे विषान्विते [२] |
तूर्णं विस्रवणं कार्यमुक्तेन विधिना ततः ||३६||
क्षुधार्तमनिलप्रायं तद्विषार्तं समाहितः |
पाययेत रसं सर्पिः शुक्तं क्षौद्रं तथा दधि ||३७||
तृड्दाहघर्मसम्मोहे पैत्तं पैत्तविषातुरम् |
शीतैः संवाहनस्नानप्रदेहैः समुपाचरेत् ||३८||
शीते शीतप्रसेकार्तं श्लैष्मिकं कफकृद्विषम् |
वामयेद्वमनैस्तीक्ष्णैस्तथा मूर्च्छामदान्वितम् ||३९||
Bloodletting should be quickly done following the procedure mentioned earlier if the below mentioned features are found in the body afflicted with poison –
– discolouration,
– hardness,
– swelling and
– pain
Below mentioned foods should be given to the person suffering from hunger and having predominance of symptoms of vata –
– meat soup,
– ghee,
– vinegar,
– honey or
– curds / yoghurt
Treatment should be given with cold things and comforts, massage, bath and poultices (all in cold state) to persons who are having thirst, burning sensation, increase of body temperature, delusion and other symptoms of pitta aggravation.
Kapha mitigating treatments and strong emetics to cause vomiting should be administered to persons having symptoms of kapha aggravation and having fainting and intoxication.
कोष्ठदाहरुजाध्मानमूत्रसङ्गरुगन्वितम् |
विरेचयेच्छकृद्वायुसङ्गपित्तातुरं नरम् ||४०||
Virechana i.e. purgation should be administered to persons having the below mentioned symptoms –
– burning sensation,
– pain in the abdomen,
– flatulence,
– pain due to obstruction of urine, faeces and flatus / fart
शूनाक्षिकूटं निद्रार्तं विवर्णाविललोचनम् |
विवर्णं चापि पश्यन्तमञ्जनैः समुपाचरेत् ||४१||
Treatment by application of collyrium should be administered to those
– who have swelling around the eyes,
– troubled by loss of sleep,
– whose eyes discoloured and dirty
– who have unclear vision
शिरोरुग्गौरवालस्यहनुस्तम्भगलग्रहे |
शिरो विरेचयेत् क्षिप्रं मन्यास्तम्भे च दारुणे ||४२||
Shirovirechana i.e. purgation to the head (errhines) should be quickly given to those having the below mentioned symptoms –
– pain and heaviness of the head,
– lassitude,
– rigidity of the lower jaw,
– obstruction in the throat and
– severe catching pain in the neck
नष्टसञ्ज्ञं विवृत्ताक्षं भग्नग्रीवं विरेचनैः |
चूर्णैः प्रधमनैस्तीक्ष्णैर्विषार्तं समुपाचरेत् ||४३||
ताडयेच्च सिराः क्षिप्रं तस्य शाखाललाटजाः |
तास्वप्रसिच्यमानासु मूर्ध्नि शस्त्रेण शस्त्रवित् ||४४||
कुर्यात् काकपदाकारं व्रणमेवं स्रवन्ति ताः |
सरक्तं चर्म मांसं वा निक्षिपेच्चास्य मूर्धनि ||४५||
चर्मवृक्षकषायं वा कल्कं [१] वा कुशलो भिषक् |
वादयेच्चागदैर्लिप्त्वा दुन्दुभींस्तस्य पार्श्वयोः ||४६||
लब्धसञ्ज्ञं पुनश्चैनमूर्ध्वं चाधश्च शोधयेत् |
निःशेषं निर्हरेच्चैवं विषं परमदुर्जयम् ||४७||
अल्पमप्यवशिष्टं हि भूयो वेगाय कल्पते |
कुर्याद्वा सादवैवर्ण्यज्वरकासशिरोरुजः ||४८||
शोफशोषप्रतिश्यायतिमिरारुचिपीनसान् |
तेषु चापि यथादोषं प्रतिकर्म प्रयोजयेत् ||४९||
विषार्तोपद्रवांश्चापि यथास्वं समुपाचरेत् |
Pradhamana – The head of the person suffering from the effects of poison, when unconscious with eyes wide open and neck bent should be made to purge by administering strong Pradhamana Nasya (nasal insufflation) using powder of herbs.
Very quickly, the veins of his limbs and forehead should be punctured.
A wound resembling the shape of a crow’s food should be made on the head with a sharp instrument if the veins of the limbs and forehead do not bleed sufficiently. By doing so, when bleeding occurs, a piece of either skin or muscles having blood in it should be placed on the wound. Alternatively, an intelligent physician should place either decoction or paste of Carmavrksa on it.
Paste of anti-poisonous herbs should be smeared over a drum. This drum should be beaten near the side of the patient. Once the person comes to consciousness, both vamana – emesis and virechana – purgation and expel the poison without any remainder i.e. the poison should be removed completely from upward and downward directions.
Even a small quantity of poison which remains inside the body produces further stages of poisoning or below mentioned symptoms –
– debility and
– discolouration of the body,
– fever,
– cough,
– headaches,
– oedema,
– consumption,
– nasal catarrh,
– transient blindness,
– loss of taste and
– rhinitis
They should be treated according to the predominance of doshas. Apart from that, the other complications of poisoning should also be treated accordingly.
अथारिष्टां विमुच्याशु प्रच्छयित्वाऽङ्कितं तया ||५०||
दह्यात्तत्र विषं स्कन्नं भूयो वेगाय कल्पते |५१|
Next, the tourniquet (ligature) should be removed.
The site of bite should be scraped (incised), and the region shall be quickly burnt, because the poison which has got coagulated (stagnated) therein will once again produce bouts of poisoning (visa vega).
एवमौषधिभिर्मन्त्रैः क्रियायोगैश्च यत्नतः ||५१||
विषे हृतगुणे देहाद्यदा दोषः प्रकुप्यति |
तदा पवनमुद्वृत्तं स्नेहाद्यैः समुपाचरेत् ||५२||
तैलमत्स्यकुलत्थाम्लवर्ज्यैर्विषहरायुतैः [३] |
पित्तज्वरहरैः पित्तं कषायस्नेहबस्तिभिः ||५३||
कफमारग्वधाद्येन सक्षौद्रेण गणेन तु |
श्लेष्मघ्नैरगदैश्चैव तिक्तै रूक्षैश्च भोजनैः ||५४||
When by the use of medicines, hymns and other remedial measures the poison in the body has been removed, and if (due to this) the doshas get aggravated, the aggravation of vata should then be treated by administration of oleation etc measures. Among these, the use of oil, fish, kulattha (horse gram) and sour substances shall be avoided and oleation etc should be done along with (using) anti-poisonous drugs. Aggravation of pitta should be treated using oleation (oils), enema etc which are explained (in the context of) for the cure of fevers of pitta origin. Aggravation of kapha shall be treated with decoction of aragwadhadi gana drugs added with honey and use of kapha mitigating, anti poisonous medicines and foods which are bitter and dry (without fats).
वृक्षप्रपातविषमपतितं मृतमम्भसि |
उद्बद्धं च मृतं सद्यश्चिकित्सेन्नष्टसञ्ज्ञवत् ||५५||
Below mentioned kinds of people should be quickly treated just like treating an unconscious patient –
Persons who have become unconscious by
– falling down from tree top,
– falling down from deep ravine,
– falling improperly,
– drowning in water or
– strangulation
गाढं बद्धेऽरिष्टया प्रच्छिते वा तीक्ष्णैर्लेपैस्तद्विधैर्वाऽवशिष्टैः |
शूने गात्रे क्लिन्नमत्यर्थपूति ज्ञेयं मांसं तद्विषात् पूति कष्टम् ||५६||
Causes of putrefaction of muscles –
– fastening of the body part tightly with a rope,
– scratching the part of the body deeply (lacerated),
– application (and non removal of) of powerful / strong medicinal pastes,
– similar such causes and
– poison remaining inside the body (in the affected part)
Effects –
– Due to the effect of the above said factors, swelling occurs in the body. As a result of the swelling, the muscles in that region become excessively moist and start emitting foul smell. By seeing this, a wise physician should understand that this is caused due to the putrefaction of the muscles and such a condition is difficult to cure / treat.
Vișadigdha vraņa – wound from poisoned weapon
सद्यो विद्धं निस्रवेत् कृष्णरक्तं पाकं यायाद्दह्यते चाप्यभीक्ष्णम् |
कृष्णीभूतं क्लिन्नमत्यर्थपूति शीर्णं मांसं यात्यजस्रं क्षताच्च ||५७||
तृष्णा मूर्च्छा भ्रान्तिदाहौ ज्वरश्च यस्य स्युस्तं दिग्धविद्धं व्यवस्येत् |५८|
Below mentioned are the signs of a person who is injured by a poisoned weapon –
– bleeding of black coloured blood from a nascent wound,
– pus is formed in the wound,
– produces burning sensation often,
– blackish discolouration of wound,
– wound gets excessively moist (exudative),
– wound emits very foul smell,
– torn muscle pieces come out of the wound,
– presence of thirst, fainting, dizziness, burning sensation and fever
पूर्वोद्दिष्टं लक्षणं सर्वमेतज्जुष्टं यस्यालं विषेण व्रणाः स्युः ||५८||
लूतादष्टा दिग्धविद्धा विषैर्वा जुष्टा प्रायस्ते व्रणाः पूतिमांसाः |
The above mentioned symptoms are caused by poisoned weapons, wounds caused by spider bites or by poison smeared weapons. Generally all these wounds have putrefied (foul smelling) muscles.
तेषां युक्त्या पूतिमांसान्यपोह्य वार्योकोभिः शोणितं चापहृत्य ||५९||
हृत्वा दोषान् क्षिप्रमूर्ध्वं त्वधश्च सम्यक् सिञ्चेत् क्षीरिणां त्वक्कषायैः |
अन्तर्वस्त्रं दापयेच्च प्रदेहान् शीतैर्द्रव्यैराज्ययुक्तैर्विषघ्नैः ||६०||
The foul smelling muscles in these wounds should be diligently removed. Then, leeches should be applied and the vitiated blood should be removed. The morbid doshas in the body of the person should be expelled by administration of vomiting and purgation and his body cleansed. The wound should be bathed by pouring the decoction of Pancavalkala i.e. barks of trees having milky sap. Cold poultices should be prepared from anti-poisonous herbs having cold potency added and mixed with ghee. This should be applied over the wound keeping the paste between two layers of cloth.
भिन्नेत्वस्थ्नादुष्टजातेनकार्यःपूर्वोमार्गःपैत्तिकेयोविषेच।।
Treatments indicated for wounds caused by aggravated pitta or those caused by poison should be adopted for wounds caused by the bones (sharp teeth, tusk, spikes etc.) of wild animals.
Mahā agada
त्रिवृद्विशल्ये मधुकं हरिद्रे रक्ता नरेन्द्रो लवणश्च वर्गः ||६१||
कटुत्रिकं चैव सुचूर्णितानि शृङ्गे निदध्यान्मधुसंयुतानि |
एषोऽगदो हन्ति विषं प्रयुक्तः पानाञ्जनाभ्यञ्जननस्ययोगैः ||६२||
अवार्यवीर्यो विषवेगहन्ता महागदो नाम महाप्रभावः |
Powder of the below mentioned herbs should be prepared –
– Trivrt,
– Visala,
– Madhuka,
– Two kinds of Haridra,
– Rakta (Manjistha),
– Narendra (Aragvadha),
– Salts (group of salts) and
– Katutrika (Trikatu)
This powder should be mixed with honey. This should now be filled into a horn (receptacle) and preserved.
This antipoisonous medicine is known as Mahagada. It is used in the form of drinking, eyesalve, anointing and nasal medication.
Benefits – Mahagada destroys poison, stops the stages of poisoning. It possesses undefeatable potency and is very powerful.
Ajita agada
विडङ्गपाठत्रिफलाजमोदाहिङ्गूनि वक्रं त्रिकटूनि चैव ||६३||
सर्वश्च वर्गो लवणः सुसूक्ष्मः सचित्रकः क्षौद्रयुतो निधेयः |
शृङ्गे गवां शृङ्गमयेन चैव प्रच्छादितः पक्षमुपेक्षितश्च ||६४||
एषोऽगदः स्थावरजङ्गमानां जेता विषाणामजितो हि नाम्ना |
The powder of the below mentioned herbs is prepared –
– Vidanga,
– Patha,
– Triphala,
– Ajamoda,
– Hingu,
– Vakra (Tagara),
– Trikatu
– Group of salts and
– Citraka
The powder is added with honey. All of these are filled into a cow horn. The horn is covered with a lid made from horn itself and is used after a fortnight. This formulation is known as Ajita Agada. It conquers poisons of both vegetable and animal types.
Tārkşya agada
प्रपौण्डरीकं सुरदारु मुस्ता कालानुसार्या कटुरोहिणी च ||६५||
स्थौणेयकध्यामकगुग्गुलूनि पुन्नागतालीशसुवर्चिकाश्च |
कुटन्नटैलासितसिन्धुवाराः शैलेयकुष्ठे तगरं प्रियङ्गुः ||६६||
रोध्रं जलं काञ्चनगैरिकं च समागधं चन्दनसैन्धवं च |
सूक्ष्माणि चूर्णानि समानि कृत्वा शृङ्गे निदध्यान्मधुसंयुतानि ||६७||
एषोऽगदस्तार्क्ष्य इति प्रदिष्टो विषं निहन्यादपि तक्षकस्य |६८|
Below mentioned herbs are taken in equal quantity and are made into nice powder –
– Prapaundarika,
– Suradaru,
– Musta,
– Kalanusari,
– Katurohini,
– Sthauneyaka,
– Dhyamaka,
– Guggulu,
– Punnaga,
– Talisa,
– Suvarcika,
– Kutannata,
– Ela,
– Sita Sindhuvara,
– Saileya,
– Kustha,
– Tagara,
– Priyangu,
– Rodhra,
– Jala,
– Kancana Gairika,
– Magadha (Pippali),
– Candana and
– Saindhava
This nice powder is added with honey, put into a horn and preserved. This recipe is known as Tarksya Agada. It destroys poisons even of that of Taksaka – the great celestial snake.
Rşabha agada
मांसीहरेणुत्रिफलामुरङ्गीरक्तालतायष्टिकपद्मकानि ||६८||
विडङ्गतालीशसुगन्धिकैलात्वक्कुष्ठपत्राणि सचन्दनानि |
भार्गी पटोलं किणिही सपाठा मृगादनी कर्कटिका पुरश्च ||६९||
पालिन्द्यशोकौ क्रमुकं सुरस्याः प्रसूनमारुष्करजं च पुष्पम् |
सूक्ष्मानि चूर्णानि समानि शृङ्गे न्यसेत् सपित्तानि समाक्षिकाणि ||७०||
वराहगोधाशिखिशल्लकीनां मार्जारजं पार्षतनाकुले च |
यस्यागदोऽयं सुकृतो गृहे स्यान्नाम्नर्षभो नाम नरर्षभस्य ||७१||
न तत्र सर्पाः कुत एव कीटास्त्यजन्ति वीर्याणि विषाणि चैव |
एतेन भेर्यः पटहाश्च दिग्धा नानद्यमाना विषमाशु हन्युः ||७२||
दिग्धाः पताकाश्च निरीक्ष्य सद्यो विषाभिभूता ह्यविषा भवन्ति |
Equal quantities of the below mentioned herbs are taken and their nice powder is prepared –
– Mamsi,
– Harenu,
– Triphala,
– Murangi,
– Raktalata,
– Yasti,
– Padmaka,
– Vidanga,
– Talisa,
– Sugandhika (Sarpagandha),
– Ela,
– Twak,
– Kustha,
– Patra,
– Candana,
– Bharangi,
– Patola,
– Kinihi,
– Patha,
– Mrgadani,
– Karkatika,
– Pura,
– Palindi,
– Asoka,
– Kramuka,
– Surasa Prasuna (flowers of Tulasi) and
– Aruskara (its flowers)
This powder is mixed thoroughly with honey and ox gall. It is filled into the cow horn and preserved.
This preparation is known as Rsabha Agada.
Benefits – When Rsabha Agada is kept in the house of the king, it wards off the poison of wild boar, iguana, peacock, porcupine, cat, leopard and mongoose.
The snakes and insects shed and lose their poison and power in the presence of this Agada.
The poison in the surroundings is destroyed when drums and kettle drums smeared with this Agada are beaten.
The flags smeared with poisons would become detoxified quickly by the presence or contact of this Agada.
Sañjīvanī agada
लाक्षा हरेणुर्नलदं प्रियङ्गुः शिग्रुद्वयं यष्टिकपृथ्विकाश्च ||७३||
चूर्णीकृतोऽयं रजनीविमिश्रो सर्पिर्मधुभ्यां सहितो निधेयः |
शृङ्गे गवां पूर्ववदापिधानस्ततः प्रयोज्योऽञ्जननस्यपानैः ||७४||
सञ्जीवनो नाम गतासुकल्पानेषोऽगदो जीवयतीह मर्त्यान् |
Powder of the below mentioned herbs is prepared –
– Laksha,
– Harenu,
– Nalada,
– Priyangu,
– Two kinds of Sigru,
– Yasti,
– Prthvika and
– Rajani
This powder is mixed with honey, filled in the cow’s horn and is covered with a lid and preserved as already explained. This preparation is called Sanjivani Agada.
Benefits – Sanjivani Agada when used as collyrium, snuff and internal potion, restores the life of even a person who has died by poison.
Śleşmātakādi agada
श्लेष्मातकीकट्फलमातुलुङ्ग्यः श्वेता गिरिह्वा किणिही सिता च ||७५||
सतण्डुलीयोऽगद एष मुख्यो विषेषु दर्वीकरराजिलानाम् |
Powder of the below mentioned herbs is prepared –
– Slesmataki,
– Katphala,
– Matulunga,
– Svetagirihva (Sveta Katabhi),
– Kinihi,
– Sita and
– Tanduliya
This powder is mixed with honey and used. This preparation is named Slesmatakadi Agada.
Benefits – Slesmatakadi Agada is the best anti-poisonous medicine for poison of Darvikara and Rajila snakes.
Drākṣādi agada
द्राक्षा सुगन्धा नगवृत्तिका च श्वेता समङ्गा समभागयुक्ता ||७६||
देयो द्विभागः सुरसाच्छदस्य कपित्थबिल्वादपि दाडिमाच्च |
तथाऽर्धभागः सितसिन्धुवारादङ्कोठमूलादपि गैरिकाच्च ||७७||
एषोऽगदः क्षौद्रयुतो निहन्ति विशेषतो मण्डलिनां विषाणि |
Equal parts of the below mentioned herbs are taken –
– Draksa,
– Sugandha (Sarpagandha),
– Nagavrttika (Sallaki),
– Sveta and
– Samanga
Two parts each of the leaves of the below mentioned herbs are taken –
– Surasa – Tulasi leaves
– Kapittha,
– Bilva,
– Dadima
Half part each of the below mentioned herbs is taken –
– Sita Sindhura – Shveta Nirgundi,
– Ankota mula,
– Gairika
All these are mixed together.
Honey is added to this mixture and the Agada is prepared.
Benefits – This Agada especially destroys the poison of Mandali Sarpa – patched snakes.
Vamśatvagādi agada
वंशत्वगार्द्राऽऽमलकं कपित्थं कटुत्रिकं हैमवती सकुष्ठा ||७८||
करञ्जबीजं तगरं शिरीषपुष्पं च गोपित्तयुतं निहन्ति |
विषाणि लूतोन्दुरपन्नगानां कैटं च लेपाञ्जननस्यपानैः ||७९||
पुरीषमूत्रानिलगर्भसङ्गान्निहन्ति वर्त्यञ्जननाभिलेपैः |
काचार्मकोथान् पटलांश्च घोरान् पुष्पं च हन्त्यञ्जननस्ययोगैः ||८०||
The paste of the below mentioned herbs is prepared –
– Fresh (moist) Vamsatvak (bark of bamboo),
– Amalaka,
– Kapittha,
– Kathirika,
– Haimavati (Vaca),
– Kustha,
– Seeds of Karanja,
– Tagara,
– Flowers of Sirisa, and
– Gopitta – bile of cow
This preparation is used for external application, collyrium, nasal drops and internal potion. It is called Vamsatvagadi Agada.
Benefits – This medicine destroys the poison of spiders, mice, snakes and insects.
It also removes the obstruction of feces, urine, flatus and foetus when used as wick (rectal suppository), eye salve and application over the navel area.
It cures partial blindness, pterygium, coverings and ulcers of the cornea and sclera when it is used as eye salve and nasal medicine.
समूलपुष्पाङ्कुरवल्कबीजात् क्वाथः शिरीषात् त्रिकटुप्रगाढः |
सलावणः क्षौद्रयुतोऽथ पीतो विशेषतः कीटविषं निहन्ति ||८१||
Decoction of the root, flowers, leaf buds, bark and seeds of Sirisa is prepared. To this, more quantity of Trikatu, a group of salts and honey are added and mixed well.
Benefits – When this recipe is consumed, it would destroy the poison of insect bites.
MūsikaVişāri agada
कुष्ठं त्रिकटुकं दार्वी मधुकं लवणद्वयम् |
मालती नागपुष्पं च सर्वाणि मधुराणि च ||८२||
कपित्थरसपिष्टोऽयं शर्कराक्षौद्रसंयुतः |
विषं हन्त्यगदः सर्वं मूषिकाणां विशेषतः ||८३||
Below mentioned herbs are macerated in the juice of Kapittha –
– Kustha,
– Trikatu,
– Darvi,
– Madhuka,
– Saindhava Lavana and Suvarchala Lavana,
– Malati and
– Nagapushpa and
– All sweet herbs (Kakolyadi Gana group of herbs)
This recipe is used after adding honey and sugar.
This recipe is known as Musika Visari Agada.
Benefits – This Agada destroys the poison of all kinds of rats.
Ekasara gana
सोमराजीफलं पुष्पं कटभी सिन्धुवारकः |
चोरको वरुणः कुष्ठं सर्पगन्धा ससप्तला ||८४||
पुनर्नवा शिरीषस्य पुष्पमारग्वधार्कजम् |
श्यामाऽम्बष्ठा विडङ्गानि तथाऽम्राश्मन्तकानि च ||८५||
भूमी कुरबकश्चैव गण एकसरः स्मृतः |
एकशो द्वित्रिशो वाऽपि प्रयोक्तव्यो विषापहः ||८६||
The below mentioned herbs together is called as Ekasara Gana (group of herbs) –
Fruits and flowers of –
– Somaraji – Bakuci,
– Katabhi,
– Sindhuvaraka,
– Coraka,
– Varuna,
– Kustha,
– Sarpagandha,
– Saptala,
– Punarnava
Flowers of –
– Sirisa,
– Aragvadha,
– Arka,
– Syama,
– Ambastha,
– Vidanga,
– Amra (bija),
– Asmantaka,
– Bhumi (mud) and
– Kurabaka
Benefits – The above mentioned herbs shall be used singly or in combination of two or three, to destroy the poisons.
इति श्री सुश्रुतसंहितायां कल्पस्थाने सर्पदष्टविषचिकित्सितं नाम पञ्चमोऽध्यायः।।५।।
Thus, ends the fifth chapter by name Sarpadaştavișa cikitsita in Kalpasthāna of Suśruta Samhita.
