Susruta Samhita - Mandhata Global

CHAPTER XXVII.
Now we shall discourse on the recipes and modes
of using elixirs and rejuvinators of the human organ-
ism which will make it invulnerable to the inroads
of any disease or of decay (SafVOpaghata—
^amaniya-Rasayanam). i.
IVIetrical Texts :^A wise physician should
(invariably) prescribe some sort of tonic (.Rasdyana) for
his patients in their youth and middle age after having
their systems (properly) cleansed by the applications
of a Sneha and purifying remedies (emetics and
purgatives) . A person whose system has not been
(previously) cleansed (Sodhana) with the proper puri-
fying remedies (^emetics and purgatives) should not,
in any case, have recouise to such tonics inasmuch as
they would fail to produce the wished-for result, just
as the application of a dye to a piece of dirty cloth
will prove non-effect ive. 2.
Now we shall describe the remedial measures and
agents for the maladies due to the aggravated
Doshas* both mental and physical, which have
already been described (in several places). Old age
and senile decay would ba arrested (lit. perpetual or
life-long youth would be secured) by drinking milk,
cold water, honey and clarified butter, either severally
or jointly (?> , in any combinationt taken one, two,
three or four at a time\ in early life (just on or
* The mental Doshas are Rajas and Tamas, whereas the physical
Doohas are Vayu, Pilta and Kapha.
t There would be four combinations of one each, six of two
each, four of three each and one of four jointly ; thus there would be
fifteen combinations in all.