Page:A Short History of Aryan Medical Science.djvu/118

110 74. (Antitoxic), as Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo).

75. (Sedative), as Bhanga (Cannabis sativa).

Agnivesha, a disciple of Charaka, enumerates no less than five hundred classes of medicinal agents, arranged according to their real or supposed virtues in curing diseases. A few classes have been selected from this and other sources and noted above. The chief notable feature in connection with the nomenclature of the Indian plants is, that in several cases their names are descriptive either of their character or property. A few instances of names descriptive of the prominent specific character of the herb may be given : —

(a) Brachyramphus sonchifolius is called Akhu-karni (rat-eared), as the leaves of the plant resemble the ears of a mouse.

(b) Acorus Calamus is called Ugra-gandha (strong-smelling), because it gives off a very pungent odour.

(c) Clitoria Ternatea is called Go-karni (cow-eared), from the supposed resemblance of the seeds to the ears of a cow.

(d) Aconitum ferox is called Vatsa-nabha