Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/634

530 known as Usharakshara is heat-making in its potency, and subdues the deranged Vayu. It tends to increase the slimy (mucous) secretions in the organs and is detrimental to the strength of the body. The variety called Pakima tends to reduce obesity, causes a free and increased discharge of urine, thus fully relieving the bladder of all its contents (lit : bladder-cleanser). The alkali known as the Tankanakshara (borax) tends to produce a condition of dryness in the organism, generates the Vayu, subdues the Kapham, and is appetising in its property. It is moreover known to bring about a derangement of the Pittam. and is sharp in its potency.

The Metal group:-Gold has a sweet and agreeable taste, acts as a tonic or restorative elixir, imparts rotundity to the body, and subdues the action of all the three deranged humours of the body. It is cooling and antitoxic in its potency and invigorates the eyesight. Silver has an acid taste, is laxative and cooling (in its potency), presents a glossy or oily aspect, and destroys the Pittam and Vayu, Copper has a sweet and astringent taste, and acts as a liquefacient and corrosive agent. It is laxative and cooling in its potency. Kansya Indian bell -metal) has a bitter taste, and acts as a liquefacient agent. It subdues the Kapham and Vayu, and is beneficial to the eyesight. Iron generates Vayu, is cooling in its potency, allays thirst and subdues