Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

Chap. XXIV.] CHIKITSA STHANAM. 483
the blasts of the wind and the glare of the sun and guards
against the inroads of occular affections. Hence the
application of collyrium (along the eye-lids) is highly
recommended ; but its use is forbidden just after taking
one's meal or bath (washing the head) and after the
fatigue of vomiting, or riding, etc., nor after keeping
late hours and also not during an attack of fever, 9-11.
A betel-leaf prepared with cloves, camphor, nutmeg
(Jati), lime, araca-nut, Kakkola and KaUikdhva
(Lata-kasturi), etc., should be taken (chewed after meals),
as it tends to cleanse the mouth, impart a sweet aroma
to it, enhance its beauty and cleanse and strengthen
the voice, the tongue, the teeth, the jaws and the
sense-organs. It checks excessive salivation, soothes
the body (Hridya), and acts as a general safeguard
against throat disease. A betel-leaf (prepared as
before) proves wholesome after a bath, after meals,
after anointing as well as after rising from sleep.
A person suffering from Rakta-Pitta, Kshata-Kshina,
thirst, or parchedness of the mouth should refrain
from taking betel-leaf, the use of which is equally for-
bidden in such diseases as anaemia, internal dryness
of the organism and epilepsy. 12.
^irobhyanga :— Anointing (Abhyanga) the
head with oil is a good cure for the affections of the head.
It makes the hair grow luxuriantly, and imparts thick-
ness, softness and a dark gloss to them. It soothes and
invigorates the head and the sense-organs and removes
the wrinkles of the face. The medicinal oil known as
the Chakra-Taila should be cooked with the paste
(Kalka) and the decoction of Madhuka, Kshira-i'ukld,
Sarala, Deva-ddm and the minor Pancha-mula taken
in equal parts (in each case). The head should be con-
stantly anointed with this cooling oil. 13-14.