160 SANSKRIT MATERIA MEPICA. 



leaf sold in all the Indian bazars under the name of golabi khili, 

 are prepared with catechu dissolved in rose water. Again, catechu 

 is softened with the addition of water, and mixed with powdered 

 spices, such as cardamoms, nutmeg, cloves, etc., the mixture is 

 enclosed within the fragrant floral leaves of Pandanus odoratissimm 

 (ketaki), and dried. The leaves adhere to the catechu, which is cut 

 into small pieces suitable for use with the betle leaf. 



Catechu is described as astringent, cooling, digestive, and 

 useful in hoarseness, diseases of the mouth and gums, cough and 

 skin diseases. In diarrhoea it is sometimes used in combination 

 with other, medicines of its class, as for^ example in a prescription 

 in the Bhaisajya Ratnavali, called Graham kapdta rasa, which 

 contains catechu along with a large number oE other drugs, but it 

 is not regarded as an important medicine for this diseases* 



In hoarseness, catechu rubbed with oil, is recommended to 

 be kept in the mouth. 1 In diseases of the mouth and gums the 

 following called Svalpalchadira vatihd is a favourite medicine. To 

 prepare it, take of catechu twelve seers and a half, water sixty- 

 four • seers, boil down to eight seers, then add nutmeg, camphor, 



nuts and kahJcnla, each half a seer in fine powder, and pre- 

 pare a mass fit for being made into balls or boluses. They are 

 directed to be kept in the mouth, in affections of the teeth, gums, 

 palate and tongue. 2 



In skin diseases, catechu is much used in a variety of forms 

 both externally and internally. A decoction of catechu is used 

 as a wash for inflamed parts and ulcers. 3 Water in which catechu 

 is dissolved is recommended to be used as a drink, wash and bath. 

 The following deoction called khadirdthtaka is prescribed by 

 several writers for internal use in boils, prurigo, measles and other 



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