Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

482 THE SUSHRUTA SAMHITA. [Chap. XXIV.
The use of a thin, smooth and flexible foil of gold,
silver^ or wood, ten fingers in length, is commended for
the purpose of cleansing the tongue by scraping. It
gives relief and removes the bad taste, foetor, swelling
and numbness of the mouth. Sneha (oil) should be
used as a gurgle (Gandusha) every day (after the cleansing
of the teeth), as it makes them firm, and brings on a
natural relish for food. 6-7.
Eye and IVIouth -washes :—The mouth and
the eyes of a person of sound health should be washed
with the decoction of the barks of Kshira trees mixed
with milk, or with that of Bhillodaka, or of Amalaka, or
with (a copious quantity of) cold water.* This procedure
would soon prove efficacious in destroying such affections
of the body, as Nilika, dryness in the mouth, pustules
or eruptions, Vyanga and the diseases due to the
(concerted) action of the Rakta and Pitta, and by
such washings the face becomes lighter and the sight
stronger. 8.
COlIyrium :-— Srotonjana, produced in the river
Indus, is the best and purest of Collyriums. It
alleviates the burning and itching sensations in the eyes,
removes all local pains, secretions and impurities,
increases the range of vision, enables the eyes to bear
* Gayadasa interprets that the mouth should be washed with the
decoction of Bhillodal