ANCIENT INDIA. 9 



4. Seasons. — Numerous allusions occur to the influence of 

 season on health and disease. Thus it is stated bile varies 

 in different seasons : in July and August it is increased ; in 

 September and October it is liable to be diseased ; in March 

 and April it is diminished. Chyle is also said to be 

 deranged by the seasons : in November and December it is 

 increased ; in March and April it is liable to be deranged ; in 

 May and J une diminished. Six seasons were enumerated : 

 a. Cold months, i.e., January and February ; warm clothing 

 was then to be used ; broths of flesh and fish-meat and 

 substances mixed with ghee (clarified butter) to be taken ; 

 the wine called Sidhu to be used ; also honey with water, 

 milk, sweetmeats, fat, and new rice ; warm water to be used ; 

 the head and body oiled ; the person to sleep near the centre 

 of the house removed from the wind. b. Spring months, 

 March and April ; bodily exercise ; tepid water for every 

 purpose ; use barley and wheat, the flesh of deer, hares, wild 

 fowls; drink Sidhu and Mada wine. <?» Hot months, May 

 and J une ; use cool foods and food prepared with ghee ; drink 

 sherbets ; use broths of wild animals and birds ; eat rice with 

 milk and ghee ; little wine is to be used, and always mixed 

 with much water ; do not take much exercise ; sleep during 

 the day in a cool room ar>d at night in the upper rooms, and 

 use the hand-punkah sprinkled with sandal wood and water. 

 d. The Rainy season, July and August, Water is impure 

 during this season ; the use of river water is to be avoided,, 

 as also exposure to the climate or to the sun, and too much 

 exercise ; the wine of grapes and fresh water that has been 

 boiled are to be drunk ; anoint the body with fragrant oil ; 

 bathe daily; use light white clothes, and live in a dry and high 

 house, e. The Moist season, September and October. The 

 water is pure and may be used freely for bathing and drink- 

 ing. The food produced during this season is not good, but 

 is improved by keeping if it admits of this. Use purgatives 



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