Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

Chap. XII.] CHIKITSA STHANAM. 38
It is called the Dhainvantara-Ghrita* and covers within
the range of its therapeutic application Meha (urinary
diseases), swelling, (S'otha), Kushtha, Gulma, Ascites,
haemorrhoids, enlargement of the spleen, carbuncles
(Pidaka) and abscesses. 7.
Ordinary purgatives fail to produce any satisfactory*
effect in cases of Madhu-Meha owing to the excessive
accumulation and pervasion of Medas (fat) in the or-
ganism of the patient. Hence strong Sodhana (pur-
gatives) should be employed in such cases. In all types
of Meha, attended with Pidakai (eruptions or abscesses)
and other complications, the perspiration and expectora-
tions, etc. of a Prameha-patient acquire a sweet taste
and smell like that of honey. Hence they are techni-
cally known as Madhu-Meha (,to all intents and pur-
poses .
Fomentation
(of any kind) is forbidden in the
case of a patient suffering from Madhu-Meha, since it
might lead to the gradual emaciation of his frame by
drying up the organic fat (Medas), which is usually
found to abound in his organism. The aggravated Doshas
of the body fail to make an upward passage in the
organism of a Prameha-patient, owing to the weakness
of the channels of chyle, blood, Kapha and Pitta (as
well as for an exhausted condition of the nerves in his
body) and the Doshas are thus forced to course in and
confine themselves into the lower part of the body where
their incarceration helps the easy formation of Pidakas
(abscesses), etc. Such a Pidaka should be remedied with
the measures described in connection with Vranas, as
soon as the process of suppuration would set in; whereas
* According to Dallana, the introduction of this medicated Ghrila
into the text is an interpolation. Since Jejjata has not explained it in his
commentary, Dallana does not explain it. Chakradatta, however,
mentions this Ghrita in his compilation, though with some additions and
alterations under the Ireatment of Prameha.—Ed.