क्षारपाकविध्यध्यायः
अथातः क्षारपाकविधिमध्यायं व्याख्यास्यामः ||१||
यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ||२||
"Now, we shall expound the chapter on the preparation of alkali."
"Thus said the venerable Dhanvantari."
This introduction sets the stage for discussing the methods and techniques for preparing and using alkali, following the teachings of the revered Dhanvantari.
शस्त्रानुशस्त्रेभ्यः क्षारः प्रधानतमः, छेद्यभेद्यलेख्यकरणात् त्रिदोषघ्नत्वाद्विशेषक्रियावचारणाच्च ||३||
"Among surgical and auxiliary instruments, alkali is the most important due to its ability to cut, excise, and create incisions, its capability to balance the three doshas, and its special applications."
This shloka highlights the significance of alkali as a crucial tool in surgery. It emphasizes its versatile functions, such as cutting, excising, and making incisions, as well as its ability to balance the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and its special applications in various medical procedures.
तत्र क्षरणात् क्षणनाद्वा क्षारः ||४||
"Alkali is so named because it dissolves and corrodes."
This shloka explains the origin of the term "alkali," highlighting its properties of dissolving and corroding substances.
नानौषधिसमवायात्त्रिदोषघ्नः , शुक्लत्वात् सौम्यः; तस्य सौम्यस्यापि सतो दहनपचनदारणादिशक्तिरविरुद्धा, आग्नेयौषधिगुणभूयिष्ठत्वात् कटुक उष्णस्तीक्ष्णः पाचनो विलयनः शोधनो रोपणः शोषणः स्तम्भनो लेखनः कृम्यामकफकुष्ठविषमेदसामुपहन्ता पुंस्त्वस्य चातिसेवितः ||५||
"Due to the combination of various herbs, it balances the three doshas; its white color makes it soothing. Despite being soothing, it possesses burning, digesting, and corroding properties because it predominantly contains fiery qualities. It is pungent, hot, and sharp; it digests, dissolves, purifies, heals, dries, stabilizes, and scrapes. It destroys worms, ama (toxins), kapha, skin diseases, and excess fat, and when overused, it can reduce virility."
This shloka describes the properties of alkali, emphasizing its ability to balance the three doshas due to its combination of various herbs. It highlights the contrast between its soothing nature and its powerful actions such as burning, digesting, and corroding. The shloka also outlines its effects on different conditions and the potential side effect of reduced virility with excessive use.
स द्विविधः- प्रतिसारणीयः, पानीयश्च ||६||
"It is of two types: external application (Pratisaraniya) and internal consumption (Paniya)."
This shloka classifies alkali into two types based on its usage: Pratisaraniya, which is used for external applications, and Paniya, which is used for internal consumption.
तत्र प्रतिसारणीयः कुष्ठकिटिभदद्रुमण्डलकिलासभगन्दरार्बुदार्शोदुष्टव्रणनाडीचर्मकील- तिलकालकन्यच्छव्यङ्गमशकबाह्यविद्रधिकृमिविषादिषूपदिश्यते , सप्तसु च मुखरोगेषूपजिह्वाधिजिह्वोपकुशदन्तवैदर्भेषु तिसृषु च रोहिणीषु, एतेष्वेवानुशस्त्रप्रणिधानमुक्तम् ||७||
"The external application of alkali is recommended for conditions such as leprosy, scabies, Daru, mandalika, leukoderma, fistula-in-ano, tumors, hemorrhoids, chronic ulcers, fistulae, skin warts, freckles, black moles, freckles, external abscesses, worms, and poisons. It is also indicated for seven types of oral diseases, including Upajihva, Adhijihva, Upakusha, Dantavaidarbha, and three types of Rohini. The same is recommended for use in the application of instruments."
This shloka describes the conditions for which external application of alkali is recommended. It emphasizes its use in treating various skin and oral diseases, as well as its application in surgical procedures.
पानीयस्तु गरगुल्मोदराग्निसङ्गाजीर्णारोचकानाह-शर्कराश्मर्याभ्यन्तरविद्रधिकृमिविषार्शःसूपयुज्यते ||८||
"Internally consumed alkali is used for poisoning, abdominal tumors, ascites, obstruction of digestive fire, indigestion, anorexia, bloating, urinary stones, internal abscesses, worms, internal poisons, and hemorrhoids."
This shloka describes the conditions for which internal consumption of alkali is recommended, emphasizing its use in treating various internal ailments, including digestive issues, poisoning, abdominal tumors, and other related conditions.
अहितस्तु रक्तपित्तज्वरितपित्तप्रकृतिबालवृद्धदुर्बलभ्रम- मदमूर्च्छातिमिरपरीतेभ्योऽन्येभ्यश्चैवंविधेभ्यः ||९||
"Alkali is contraindicated for individuals with bleeding disorders, fever, pitta constitution, children, the elderly, the weak, those experiencing confusion, intoxication, fainting, and blindness, and others with similar conditions."
This shloka highlights the contraindications for the use of alkali, emphasizing that it should be avoided in individuals with specific conditions such as bleeding disorders, fever, pitta constitution, children, the elderly, and those with weakness, confusion, intoxication, fainting, and blindness.
तं चेतरक्षारवद्दग्ध्वा परिस्रावयेत्; तस्य विस्तरोऽन्यत्र ||१०||
"If it causes burns similar to those caused by other alkalis, it should be drained; its detailed treatment is described elsewhere."
This shloka explains that if the application of alkali results in burns, similar to other alkalis, the affected area should be drained. The detailed method of treatment for such burns is described elsewhere in the text.
अथेतरस्त्रिविधो मृदुर्मध्यस्तीक्ष्णश्च |
तं चिकीर्षुः शरदि गिरिसानुजं शुचिरुपोष्य प्रशस्तेऽहनि प्रशस्तदेशजातमनुपहतं मध्यमवयसं महान्तमसितमुष्ककमधिवास्यापरेद्युः पाटयित्वा खण्डशः प्रकल्प्यावपाट्य निवाते देशे निचितिं कृत्वा सुधाशर्कराश्च प्रक्षिप्य तिलनालैरादीपयेत् |
अथोपशान्तेऽग्नौ तद्भस्म पृथग्गृह्णीयाद्भस्मशर्कराश्च |
अथानेनैव विधानेन कुटजपलाशाश्वकर्णपारिभद्रकबिभीतकारग्वधतिल्वकार्कस्नुह्यपामार्गपाटलानक्तमालवृषकदली- चित्रकपूतीकेन्द्रवृक्षास्फोताश्वमारकसप्तच्छदाग्निमन्थगुञ्जाश्चतस्रश्च कोशातकीः समूलफलपत्रशाखा दहेत् |
ततः क्षारद्रोणमुदकद्रोणैः षड्भिरालोड्य मूत्रैर्वा यथोक्तैरेकविंशतिकृत्वः परिस्राव्य, महति कटाहे शनैर्दर्व्याऽवघट्टयन् विपचेत् |
स यदा भवत्यच्छो रक्तस्तीक्ष्णः पिच्छिलश्च तमादाय महति वस्त्रे परिस्राव्येतरं विभज्य पुनरग्नावधिश्रयेत् |
तत एव क्षारोदकात् कुडवमध्यर्धं वाऽपनयेत् |
ततः कटशर्कराभस्मशर्कराक्षीरपाकशङ्खनाभीरग्निवर्णाः कृत्वाऽऽयसे पात्रे तस्मिन्नेव क्षारोदके निषिच्य पिष्ट्वा तेनैव द्विद्रोणेऽष्टपलसम्मितं शङ्खनाभ्यादीनां प्रमाणं प्रतिवाप्य , सततमप्रमत्तश्चैनमवघट्टयन् विपचेत् |
स यथा नातिसान्द्रो नातिद्रवश्च भवति तथा प्रयतेत |
अथैनमागतपाकमवतार्यानुगुप्तमायसे कुम्भे संवृतमुखे निदध्यादेष मध्यमः ||११||
एष चैवाप्रतीवापः पक्वः संव्यूहिमो मृदुः ||१२||
"Alkali is of three types: mild, medium, and strong. For preparing it, one should observe fasting, choose a suitable day in the autumn, and use fresh, unblemished, mature, and large black mustard seeds. On the next day, these seeds should be split, sun-dried, and mixed with lime and sand, and then ignited using sesame stalks. Once the fire subsides, the ash and charred residues should be collected separately. Using the same method, the roots, bark, leaves, and branches of various plants like Kutaja, Palasha, Ashwakarna, Paribhadraka, Bibhitaka, Aragvadha, Tilvaka, Arka, Snuhy, Apamarga, Patala, Naktamala, Vrisha, Kadali, Chitraka, Puti, Kendra, Vrishka, Sphota, Ashwamara, Saptacchada, Agnimantha, Gunja, and four types of Kosataki should be burnt. The resultant ash should be mixed with six times its quantity of water or urine as prescribed, and strained twenty-one times. This mixture should be slowly boiled in a large pot, stirring continuously. When it becomes clear, red, strong, and viscous, it should be filtered through a cloth. The remaining liquid should be heated again. From this solution, a quarter or half a Kuda should be removed. Then, prepared calcined shells, conch shell, and other specified ingredients should be added to this same alkali solution in a vessel, and it should be stirred and boiled continuously until it reaches the right consistency, neither too thick nor too thin. When properly prepared, it should be stored in a well-sealed iron container. This is the medium-strength alkali. If it is not refined, it is mild when cooked and soft when solidified."
These shlokas provide detailed instructions for preparing different strengths of alkali, including the specific steps, materials, and procedures involved. The instructions emphasize the importance of precise preparation and the use of various herbs and substances to achieve the desired potency of the alkali.
प्रतीवापे यथालाभं दन्तीद्रवन्तीचित्रकलाङ्गलीपूतिकप्रवालतालपत्रीविडसुवर्चिकाकनकक्षीरीहिङ्गुवचातिविषाः समाः श्लक्ष्णचूर्णाः शुक्तिप्रमाणाः प्रतीवापः |
स एव सप्रतीवापः पक्वः पाक्यस्तीक्ष्णः ||१३||
"For the refinement process (Prativapana), finely powdered equal parts of Danti, Dravanti, Chitraka, Langali, Pootik, Pravala, Talapatri, Vida, Suvarchika, Kanakaksiri, Hingu, Vacha, and Ativisha should be taken, each in the quantity of a conch shell. When the alkali is prepared with these additional ingredients, it becomes strong and powerful."
This shloka provides the ingredients and their quantities for refining alkali to make it strong and potent. It emphasizes the use of specific herbs and substances in equal parts to enhance the strength of the alkali.
तेषां यथाव्याधिबलमुपयोगः ||१४||
"Their use depends on the strength and severity of the disease."
This shloka emphasizes that the application and dosage of alkali should be tailored to the severity and strength of the disease being treated, ensuring that the treatment is both effective and safe.
क्षीणबले तु क्षारोदकमावपेद्बलकरणार्थम् ||१५||
"For those with weak strength, alkali water should be administered to enhance their strength."
This shloka recommends administering alkali water to individuals with weakened strength to help rejuvenate and enhance their vitality.
भवतश्चात्र-
नैवातितीक्ष्णो न मृदुः शुक्लः श्लक्ष्णोऽथ पिच्छिलः |
अविष्यन्दी शिवः शीघ्रः क्षारो ह्यष्टगुणः स्मृतः ||१६||
"Therefore, the ideal alkali is neither too strong nor too mild, white, smooth, slightly viscous, non-flowing, beneficial, and quick-acting, and is considered to possess eight qualities."
This shloka outlines the ideal qualities of alkali, emphasizing a balance between strength and mildness, and highlighting properties such as color, texture, and efficacy.
अतिमार्दवश्वैत्यौष्ण्यतैक्ष्ण्यपैच्छिल्यसर्पिताः |
सान्द्रताऽपक्वता हीनद्रव्यता दोष उच्यते ||१७||
"Excessive softness, whiteness, heat, sharpness, viscosity, fluidity, thickness, undercooking, and poor quality ingredients are considered defects."
This shloka lists the various defects that can arise in the preparation of alkali, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these flaws to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the final product.
तत्र क्षारसाध्यव्याधिव्याधितमुपवेश्य निवातातपे देशेऽसम्बाधेऽग्रोपहरणीयोक्तेन विधानेनोपसम्भृतसम्भारं, ततोऽस्य तमवकाशं निरीक्ष्यावघृष्यावलिख्य प्रच्छयित्वा , शलाकया क्षारं प्रतिसारयेत्, दत्त्वा वाक्शतमात्रमुपेक्षेत ||१८||
"For diseases treatable with alkali, the patient should be seated in a well-ventilated, shaded area that is not overcrowded. Following the preparation method mentioned for external applications, the area should be cleaned and scratched. Then, the alkali should be applied with a rod and left for a hundred counts before being attended to."
This shloka provides detailed instructions for treating diseases with alkali, emphasizing the importance of the treatment environment and the method of application to ensure effective and safe treatment.
तस्मिन्निपतिते व्याधौ कृष्णता दग्धलक्षणम् |१९|
"When the disease is treated with alkali, blackness indicates the characteristic of burning."
This shloka explains that the appearance of blackness in the treated area indicates that the alkali has caused burning, which is a sign of its effectiveness in treating the disease.
तत्राम्लवर्गः शमनः सर्पिर्मधुकसंयुतः ||१९||
अथ चेत् स्थिरमूलत्वात् क्षारदग्धं न शीर्यते |
इदमालेपनं तत्र समग्रमवचारयेत् ||२०||
अम्लकाञ्जिकबीजानि तिलान् मधुकमेव च |
प्रपेष्य समभागानि तेनैनमनुलेपयेत् ||२१||
"In such cases, sour substances mixed with ghee and licorice are soothing. If the alkali burn does not heal due to strong roots, this application should be used comprehensively. Pulverize equal parts of Amla, Kanji seeds, sesame seeds, and licorice and apply this paste."
These shlokas provide remedies for treating alkali burns, emphasizing the use of sour substances mixed with ghee and licorice for soothing effects, and specific ingredients for making a healing paste if the burns are resistant to healing.
तिलकल्कः समधुको घृताक्तो व्रणरोपणः |२२|
"A paste made of sesame seeds mixed with licorice and ghee is effective for healing wounds."
This shloka describes a natural remedy for wound healing, emphasizing the use of a paste made from sesame seeds, licorice, and ghee to promote the healing process.
रसेनाम्लेन तीक्ष्णेन वीर्योष्णेन च योजितः ||२२||
आग्नेयेनाग्निना तुल्यः कथं क्षारः प्रशाम्यति |
एवं चेन्मन्यसे वत्स! प्रोच्यमानं निबोध मे ||२३||
अम्लवर्जान् रसान् क्षारे सर्वानेव विभावयेत् |
कटुकस्तत्र भूयिष्ठो लवणोऽनुरसस्तथा |
अम्लेन सह संयुक्तः स तीक्ष्णलवणो रसे ||२४||
माधुर्यं भजतेऽत्यर्थं तीक्ष्णभावं विमुञ्चति |
माधुर्याच्छममाप्नोति वह्निरद्भिरिवाप्लुतः ||२५||
"Mixed with sour, pungent, and hot substances, akin to fire, how can alkali be soothed? If you think so, listen to me, dear child! Alkali, in combination with substances devoid of sourness, becomes predominantly pungent and salty in taste. When combined with sour substances, it loses its sharpness and gains sweetness, thereby attaining calmness, much like fire is calmed by water."
These shlokas explain the interaction of alkali with various substances, emphasizing how its properties change when mixed with sour, pungent, and hot substances. The explanation highlights the balancing effect of certain ingredients, drawing a parallel to how fire is calmed by water.
तत्र सम्यग्दग्धे विकारोपशमो लाघवमनास्रावश्च |२६|
"When properly cauterized, the disorder is alleviated, there is lightness, and no discharge."
This shloka emphasizes the desired outcomes of proper cauterization, highlighting the alleviation of the disorder, a sense of lightness, and the absence of any discharge as indicators of effective treatment.
हीनदग्धे तोदकण्डुजाड्यानि व्याधिवृद्धिश्च |२६|
"When inadequately cauterized, there is pain, itching, stiffness, and worsening of the disorder."
This shloka explains the adverse effects of inadequate cauterization, highlighting that insufficient treatment can lead to increased pain, itching, stiffness, and exacerbation of the disease.
अतिदग्धे दाहपाकरागस्रावाङ्गमर्दक्लमपिपासामूर्च्छाः स्युर्मरणं वा ||२६||
"When excessively cauterized, there can be burning, swelling, redness, discharge, body ache, exhaustion, thirst, fainting, or even death."
This shloka warns about the dangers of excessive cauterization, highlighting the severe symptoms that can occur if the procedure is overdone.
क्षारदग्धव्रणं तु यथादोषं यथाव्याधि चोपक्रमेत् ||२७||
"The wound caused by alkali should be treated according to the dosha imbalance and the specific disease."
This shloka emphasizes that the treatment of an alkali burn should be tailored to address the individual's dosha imbalance and the particular disease being treated. It highlights the importance of personalized treatment plans for effective healing.
अथ नैते क्षारकृत्याः- तद्यथा- दुर्बलबालस्थविरभीरुसर्वाङ्गशूनोदरिरक्तपित्तिगर्भिण्यृतुमतीप्रवृद्धज्वरिप्रमेहिरूक्षक्षतक्षीण- तृष्णामूर्च्छोपद्रुतक्लीबापवृत्तोद्वृत्तफलयोनयः ||२८||
"Alkali treatments are not recommended for the following individuals: the weak, children, the elderly, the fearful, those with generalized swelling, ascites, bleeding disorders, pregnant women, menstruating women, those with high fever, diabetes, rough and dry conditions, injuries, exhaustion, thirst, fainting, complications, eunuchs, and those with prolapsed or displaced genitalia."
This shloka lists the contraindications for alkali treatment, emphasizing the importance of identifying patients for whom such treatments are not suitable due to various conditions and vulnerabilities.
तथा मर्मसिरास्नायुसन्धितरुणास्थिसेवनीधमनीगलनाभिनखान्तःशेफःस्रोतःस्वल्पमांसेषु च देशेष्वक्ष्णोश्च न दद्यादन्यत्र वर्त्मरोगात् ||२९||
"Similarly, alkali should not be applied to vital points, veins, ligaments, joints, young bones, sensitive tissues, arteries, throat, navel, nails, genitals, channels with minimal flesh, and the eyes, except in the case of eyelid diseases."
This shloka highlights specific areas of the body where the application of alkali is contraindicated, emphasizing the importance of avoiding these sensitive regions to prevent adverse effects.
तत्र क्षारसाध्येष्वपि व्याधिषु शूनगात्रमस्थिशूलिनमन्नद्वेषिणं हृदयसन्धिपीडोपद्रुतं च क्षारो न साधयति (दुर्बलबालस्थविरादीन् प्रतिसारणीय इति) ||३०||
"Among the diseases treatable with alkali, those with swollen limbs, bone pain, food aversion, heart or joint pain complications are not effectively treated with alkali."
This shloka emphasizes that even among diseases that are generally treatable with alkali, certain conditions—such as those involving swollen limbs, bone pain, aversion to food, and complications involving the heart or joints—are not effectively treated with alkali.
भवति चात्र-
विषाग्निशस्त्राशनिमृत्युकल्पः क्षारो भवत्यल्पमतिप्रयुक्तः |
स धीमता सम्यगनुप्रयुक्तो रोगान्निहन्यादचिरेण घोरान् ||३१||
"Here, alkali can be as dangerous as poison, fire, weapons, or lightning when improperly or excessively used. However, when skillfully and appropriately applied by a wise practitioner, it can quickly destroy severe diseases."
This shloka highlights the dual nature of alkali, emphasizing that it can be extremely dangerous if misused, but highly effective in treating severe diseases when used correctly by a knowledgeable practitioner.
इति सुश्रुतसंहितायां सूत्रस्थाने क्षारपाकविधिर्नामैकादशोऽध्यायः ||११||
"Thus ends the eleventh chapter named 'Ksharapakavidhi' in the Sutra Sthana section of the Sushruta Samhita."
This verse signifies the conclusion of the eleventh chapter called 'Ksharapakavidhi' in the Sutra Sthana section of the Sushruta Samhita, which discusses the preparation and use of alkali.