Chapter VIII. (Kita-Kalpa) I.e. The Measures To Be Adopted In Cases Of Insect-Bite, Etc.

Chapter VIII. (Kita-Kalpa) 

I.e. The Measures To Be Adopted In Cases Of Insect-Bite, Etc.

अथातः कीटकल्पं व्याख्यास्यामः ||१||

यथोवाच भगवान् धन्वन्तरिः ||२||

सर्पाणां शुक्रविण्मूत्रशवपूत्यण्डसम्भवाः |

वाय्वग्न्यम्बुप्रकृतयः कीटास्तु विविधाः स्मृताः ||३||

Various kinds of worms and insects (Kita) germinate from the

1. semen,

2. fecal matter,

3. urine,

4. putrid eggs and

5. putrid carcases of serpents which are marked by

·      Vátaja,

·      Pittaja(Agneya)

·      And Kaphaja(Ambuja) temperaments.

सर्वदोषप्रकृतिभिर्युक्तास्ते परिणामतः |

कीटत्वेऽपि सुघोराः स्युः,

The poisons of these vermin which are nothing but insects (Kita), are apt to be most dangerous in the long run on account of their being acted upon by the Doshas

सर्व एव चतुर्विधाः ||४||

and may be divided into four * groups.

Insects Of Vataja Temperament

कुम्भीनसस्तुण्डिकेरी शृङ्गी शतकुलीरकः |

उच्चिटिङ्गोऽग्निनामा च चिच्चिटिङ्गो मयूरिका ||५||

आवर्तकस्तथोरभ्रः सारिकामुखवैदलौ |

शरावकुर्दोऽभीराजिः परुषश्चित्रशीर्षकः ||६||

शतबाहुश्च यश्चापि रक्तराजिश्च कीर्तितः |

अष्टादशेति वायव्याः कीटाः पवनकोपनाः ||७||

The eighteen classes of insects known as the

1. Kumbhi-nasa,

2. Tundikeri,

3. Sringi,

4. Sata-Kuliraka,

5. Uchchitinga,

6. Agnináma,

7. Chichchitinga,

8. Mayuriká,

9. Avartaka,

10.                 Urabhra,

11.                 Sarika-mukha,

12.                 Vaidala,

13.                 Sáráva-kurda,

14.                 Abhiráji,

15.                 Parusha,

16.                 Chitra-s'irshaka,

17.                 Sata báhu and

18.                 the Rakta-raji

are possessed of a Vátaja temperament

तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां रोगा वातनिमित्तजाः |८|

and their poison tends to aggravate and derange the bodily Váyu and produce the specific diseases due thereto.

Insects Of Pittaja Temperament

कौण्डिन्यकः कणभको वरटी पत्रवृश्चिकः ||८||

विनासिका ब्राह्मणिका बिन्दुलो भ्रमरस्तथा |

बाह्यकी पिच्चिटः कुम्भी वर्चःकीटोऽरिमेदकः ||९||

पद्मकीटो दुन्दुभिको मकरः शतपादकः |

पञ्चालकः पाकमत्स्यः कृष्णतुण्डोऽथ गर्दभी ||१०||

क्लीतः कृमिसरारी च यश्चाप्युत्क्लेशकस्तथा |

एते ह्यग्निप्रकृतयश्चतुर्विंशतिरेव च ||११||

तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां रोगाः पित्तनिमित्तजाः |१२|

The twenty-four families of insects known as the

1. Kaun-dilyaka,

2. Kanabhaka,

3. Varati (asp),

4. Patra-vris'chika,

5. Vinasika,

6. Brahmanika,

7. Vindula (D.R.-Viluta),

8. Bhramara,

9. Vahyaki,

10.                 Pichchita,

11.                 Kumbhi,

12.                 Varchah-kita,

13.                 Arime-daka,

14.                 Padma-kita,

15.                 Dundubhika,

16.                 Makara,

17.                 Sata-pádaka (centipede),

18.                 Panchálaka,

19.                 Páka-matsya,

20.                 Krishna-tunda,

21.                 Gardabhi,

22.                 Klita,

23.                 Krimi-Sarai and

24.                 the Utklesaka

are of a fiery i. e. Pittaja temperament and their poison tends to derange and aggravate the bodily Pitta and produce the specific diseases due to the derangement of that Dosha

* Dallana says that the four groups are to be determined according to the origin ofthe insects from the semen, etc. of a

1. Darvi-kara,

2. Mandali,

3. Rájila, or

4. a Vaikaranja serpent.

To us it seems, however, that the groups should be Vátaja, Pittaja, Kaphaja and Sannipátaja.

Insects of Kaphaja Temperament:

विश्वम्भरः पञ्चशुक्लः पञ्चकृष्णोऽथ कोकिलः ||१२||

सैरेयकः प्रचलको वलभः किटिभस्तथा |

सूचीमुखः कृष्णगोधा यश्च काषायवासिकः ||१३||

कीटो गर्दभकश्चैव तथा त्रोटक एव च |

त्रयोदशैते सौम्याः स्युः कीटाः श्लेष्मप्रकोपणाः ||१४||

तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां रोगाः कफनिमित्तजाः |१५|

- The thirteen families of insects known as the

1. Vis'vam-bhara,

2. Pancha-s'ukla,

3. Pancha-krishna,

4. Kokila,

5. Saireyaka

6. Prachalaka,

7. Valabha,

8. Kitima,

9. Suchi-mukha,

10.                 Krishna-Godha,

11.                  KashayaVasika,

12.                 Kita-gardabhaka and

13.                  the Trotaka

are possessed of Saumya i.e., Kaphaja temperament, and their poison aggravates and deranges the Kapha and produces the specific diseases which owe their origin to the deranged condition of that Dosha.

Insects Of Sannipa'Tika Temperament

तुङ्गीनासो विचिलकस्तालको वाहकस्तथा ||१५||

कोष्ठागारी क्रिमिकरो यश्च मण्डलपुच्छकः |

तुण्ड(ङ्ग)नाभः सर्षपिको वल्गुलिः शम्बुकस्तथा ||१६||

अग्निकीटश्च विज्ञेया द्वादश प्राणनाशनाः |

तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां वेगज्ञानानि सर्पवत् ||१७||

तास्ताश्च वेदनास्तीव्रा रोगा वै सान्निपातिकाः |

क्षाराग्निदग्धवद्दंशो रक्तपीतसितारुणः ||१८||

The twelve kinds of insects known as the

1. Tungi-nása,

2. Vichilaka,

3. Tálaka,

4. Váhaka,

5. Koshthágári,

6. Krimikara,

7. Mandala-Puchchhaka,

8. Tunga-nábha,

9. Sarsha-pika,

10.                 Avalguli,

11.                  Sambuka and

12.                 the Angi-kita

are dangerously fatal in their bite.

A person or an animal bitten by any of these dangerous insects exhibits stages and symptoms similar to those of a case of a snake-bite and their poison tends to derange and aggravate the three Doshas (Sannipátika) of the body and produce the specific symptoms thereof.

Symptoms Of Their Bite

ज्वराङ्गमर्दरोमाञ्चवेदनाभिः समन्वितः |

छर्द्यतीसारतृष्णाश्च दाहो मूर्च्छा विजृम्भिका ||१९||

वेपथुश्वासहिक्काश्च दाहः शीतं च दारुणम् |

पिडकोपचयः शोफो ग्रन्थयो मण्डलानि च ||२०||

दद्रवः कर्णिकाश्चैव विसर्पाः किटिभानि च |

तैर्भवन्तीह दष्टानां यथास्वं चाप्युपद्रवाः ||२१||

·      The seat of the bite seems as if on fire or being burnt with strong alkali and

·      is characterised by a red, yellow, white or vermillion colour.

The symptoms which are developed in the entire course of the poisoning (or are found to supervene) in cases of their bites are

·      fever,

·      breaking and aching pain(in the limbs),

·      horripilation,

·      vomiting,

·      thirst,

·      a burning sensation in the body,

·      loss of consciousness,

·      yawning,

·      shaking of the limbs,

·      difficult breathing,

·      hic-cough, (sometimes)

·      a burning and (at others) a cold sensation (in the seat of the bite),

·      eruption of pustules,

·      swelling (in the affected locality),

·      appearance of nodular glands (Granthi),

·      circular erythematous patches (Mandala) on the skin,

·      ring-worm,

·      Erysipelas,

·      Kitima (Keloid Tumour) and

·      Karniká (round about the seat of the bite)

·      As well as any other symptoms peculiar to the Dosha aggravated by the poison of each species.

येऽन्ये तेषां विशेषास्तु तूर्णं तेषां समादिशेत् |

दूषीविषप्रकोपाच्च तथैव विषलेपनात् ||२२||

लिङ्गं तीक्ष्णविषेष्वेतच्छृणु मन्दविषेष्वतः |

The other characteristic features of the poison of these (fatal and strong-poisoned) insects should be speedily ascertained by comparing the symptoms of aggravation of the Dushi-Visha (consequent thereon) and by examining the effects of the application of different anti-poisonous plasters as well.

These are the characteristic features of sharp-poisoned insects; now hear me describe those of the mild-poisoned ones.

प्रसेकारोचकच्छर्दिशिरोगौरवशीतकाः ||२३||

पिडकाकोठकण्डूनां जन्म दोषविभागतः |२४|

The symptoms which are manifest in the case of a bite by such an insect are

·      salivation (Praseka),

·      an aversion to food,

·      vomiting,

·      heaviness in the head,

·      a slight sensation of cold and

·      the appearance of pustules and

·      urticaria

according to the deranged Dosha aggravated by the species of the biting insect.

योगैर्नानाविधैरेषां चूर्णानि गरमादिशेत् ||२४||

दूषीविषप्रकाराणां तथा चाप्यनुलेपनात् |२५|

The pulverised bodies of these insects possessing, as they do, the characteristic features of Dushi-Visha or enfeebled poison (lying inherent in a human system) is turned into a Gara or chemical (combinative or resultant) poison, if administered (internally) with any medicine or externally with any plaster.

एकजातीनतस्तूर्ध्वं कीटान् वक्ष्यामि भेदतः ||२५||

सामान्यतो दष्टलिङ्गैः साध्यासाध्यक्रमेण च |

We shall henceforth describe the distinctive traits of one insect from another of the same species according to theclassification and general characteristics and incurability of their bites.

The Measures To Be Adopted In Cases Of Insect-Bite.

The Kanabha Class Of Insects

त्रिकण्टः करिणी चापि हस्तिकक्षोऽपराजितः |

चत्वार एते कणभा व्याख्यातास्तीव्रवेदनाः ||२६||

तैर्दष्टस्य श्वयथुरङ्गमर्दो गुरुता गात्राणां दंशः कृष्णश्च भवति ||२७||

1. The Trikantaka,

2. Kuni,

3. Hasti-kaksha and

4. the Aparajita

are the four kinds of insects that belong to the Kanabha group

and

·      are extremely painful in their bites

giving rise to

·      swelling,

·      aching in the limbs,

·      heaviness of the body and

·      a black aspect at the seat of the bite.

The Gaudheyaka Class Of Insects

प्रतिसूर्यकः , पिङ्गाभासो, बहुवर्णो, निरूपमो गोधेरेक इति पञ्च गोधेरकाः ;

The five kinds of insects known as the

1. Prati-surya,

2. Pinga-bhása,

3. Bahu-varna,

4. Mahá-siras and

5. the Nirupama

belong to the Gaudheyaka class.

तैर्दष्टस्य शोफो दाहरुजौ च भवतः, गोधेरकेणैतदेव ग्रन्थिप्रादुर्भावो ज्वरश्च ||२८||

The stages and the symptoms of a bite by an insect of this group are often identical with (or mistaken for) a snake bite

and are marked by all its characteristic pain

and the appearance of dreadful Granthis(nodular glands) of varied colours and shapes.

गलगोलिका - श्वेता, कृष्णा, रक्तराजी, रक्तमण्डला, सर्वश्वेता, सर्षपिकेत्येवं षट्;

The six kinds of insects known as the

1. Gala-goli,

2. S'veta-krishna,

3. Rakta-ráji,

4. Rakta-mandala,

5. Sarva-s'vetá, and

6. the Sarshapika

belong to one and the same species.

ताभिर्दष्टे सर्षपिकावर्जं दाहशोफक्लेदा भवन्ति,

A bite by any of these insects excepting by a Sarshapiká is attended with

·     a burning sensation

·     and slimy exudation from and swelling in the seat of the bite,

सर्षपिकया हृदयपिडाऽतिसारश्च, तासु मध्ये सर्षपिका प्राणहरी ||२९||

That of the Sarshapiká being accompanied by

·      an attack of dysentery(Atisára)

·      and pain at the heart.

Sata-Padi (Centipede)

शतपद्यस्तु- परुषा, कृष्णा, चित्रा, कपिला, पीतिका, रक्ता, श्वेता, अग्निप्रभा, इत्यष्टौ;

The S'ata-padi (centipede) species is divided into eight kinds, viz.,

1. the Parusha (rough),

2. Krishna (black),

3. Chitra (of variegated colours),

4. Kapilika (tawny brown),

5. Pitaka (yellow),

6. Raktá (red),

7. S'vetá (white) and

8. theAgni-prabhá (resembling fire invirtue).

 ताभिर्दष्टे शोफो वेदना दाहश्च हृदये,

A bite by any of these insects is attended with

·      swelling, pain and a burning sensation in the heart.

श्वेताग्निप्रभाभ्यामेतदेव दाहो मूर्च्छा चातिमात्रं श्वेतपिडकोत्पत्तिश्च ||३०||

A bite by one of the Svetá. or the Agni-prabhá species is marked by

·      all the aforesaid symptoms as well as

·      by violent epileptic fits,

·      an intolerable burning sensation

·      and eruptions of white pustules (Pidaká).

Manduka (Frogs)

मण्डूकाः- कृष्णः, सारः, कुहको, हरितो, रक्तो, यववर्णाभो, भृकुटी, कोटिकश्चेत्यष्टौ;

The Mandukas (frogs) are divided in eight different species vis.,

1. the Krishna,

2. Sara,

3. Kuhaka,

4. Harita,

5. Rakta,

6. Yava-varnábha,

7. Bhrikuti and

8. the Kotika

तैर्दष्टस्य दंशे कण्डूर्भवति पीतफेनागमश्च वक्त्रात्,

A bite by any of these is accompanied by

·      an itching sensation in the seat of the bite

·      and a flow of yellow-coloured foam from the mouth.

भृकुटीकोटिकाभ्यामेतदेव दाहश्छर्दिर्मूर्च्छा चातिमात्रम् ||३१||

A bite by one of the Bhrikuti or Kotika species gives rise to

·      the aforesaid symptoms

·      as well as a burning sensation,

·      vomiting and

·      a severe attack of epileptic fits in addition thereto.

विश्वम्भराभिर्दष्टे दंशः सर्षपाकाराभिः पिडकाभिः सरुजाभिश्चीयते, शीतज्वरार्तश्च पुरुषो भवति ||३२||

A bite by one of the Vis'vambhara species of insects is followed by

·      Sita-jvara (catarrhal fever) and

·      an eruption of white pimples (Pidaka) in the shape of mustard seeds round about the scat of the bite.

अहिण्डुकाभिर्दष्टे तोददाहकण्डुश्वयथवो भवन्ति मोहश्च;

A bite by one of the Ahinduka species is marked by

·      piercing pain,

·      a burning sensation,

·      itching and swelling (in the affected locality),

·      as well as by delirium.

कण्डूमकाभिर्दष्टे पीताङ्गश्छर्द्यतीसारज्वरादिभिरभिहन्यते;

A bite (contact) by one of the Kandumaká species is followed by

·      a yellowness of the complexion,

·      vomiting,

·      dysentery

·      and fever, etc.

शूकवृन्ताभिर्दष्टे कण्डूकोठाः प्रवर्धन्ते शूकं चात्र लक्ष्यते ||३३||

A bite by one of the S'uka-vrinta or such like species is attended with

·      itching and

·      Kotha (urticaria) and

·      the bristles of the insects are found to be adhering to the affected locality.

Pipiliká (Ants)

पिपीलिकाः- स्थूलशीर्षा, संवाहिका, ब्राह्मणिका, अङ्गुलिका; कपिलिका, चित्रवर्णेति षट्;

There are six kinds of Pipiliká (ants) vis.,

1. the Sthula-s'irshá,

2. Samváhiká,

3. Brahmaniká,

4. angulika

5. Kapiliká and

6. the Chitra-varná.

ताभिर्दष्टे दंशे श्वयथुरग्निस्पर्शवद्दाहशोफौ भवतः ||३४||

A bite by any of these is attended with

·      inflammatory swelling and a burning sensation(in the seat of the bite) resembling those produced by contact with fire.

Makshiká (Stinging Flies)

मक्षिकाः- कान्तारिका, कृष्णा, पिङ्गला, मधूलिका, काषायी, स्थालिकेत्येवं षट्;

Flies (Makshiká) may by divided into six species vis.,

1. the Kántáriká,

2.  Krishna,

3. Pingaliká,

4. Madhuliká,

5. Kásháyi and

6. the Stháliká.

ताभिर्दष्टस्य कण्डुशोफदाहरुजो भवन्ति,

A bite by any of these is accompanied by

·      swelling and a burning sensation.

स्थालिकाकाषायीभ्यामेतदेव श्यावपिडकोत्पत्तिरुपद्रवाश्च ज्वरादयो भवन्ति, काषायी स्थालिका च प्राणहरे ||३५||

A bite by one of the Stháliká or the Kásháyi species, however,

·      is marked by the preceding symptoms

·      as well as by the eruption of pustules (Pidaká) with supervening symptoms in addition thereto.

Masakas (Mosquitoes)

मशकाः- सामुद्रः, परिमण्डलो, हस्तिमशकः, कृष्णः, पार्वतीय इति पञ्च;

Mosquitoes (Masakas) are divided into five species, viz.,

1.         the Samudra,

2.         Pari-mandala,

3.         Hasti-masaka,

4.         Krishna and

5.          the Parvatiya.

तैर्दष्टस्य तीव्रा कण्डूर्दंशशोफश्च,

A mosquito (Masaka) bite is characterized by

·      a severe itching and

·      swelling of the affected locality;

पार्वतीयस्तु कीटैः प्राणहरैस्तुल्यलक्षणः ||३६||

नखावकृष्टेऽत्यर्थं पिडकादाहपाका भवन्ति |

while the symptoms which mark a bite by a Parvatiya one are

·      similar to those of a bite by fatally venomous insects,

·      and a sting of the points of their antennae is followed by the appearance of pustules (Pidaká) attended with a burning sensationand suppuration therein, when scratched by the finger-nails.

जलौकसां दष्टलक्षणमुक्तं चिकित्सितं च ||३७||

mode of treatment

like that of jaluka bite

·      The characteristic features of a bite by Jalaukas (leeches) with the thereof have already been described.

Memorable Verses

भवन्ति चात्र-

गोधेरकः स्थालि का च ये च श्वेताग्निसप्रभे |

भृकुटी कोटिकश्चैव न सिध्यन्त्येकजातिषु ||३८||

The poisons of the Gaudheyaka, Stháliká, Svetá,Agni-samprabhá, Bhrikuti and the Kotika belonging to their respective classes are incurable.

शवमूत्रपुरीषैस्तु सविषैरवमर्शनात् |

स्युः कण्डूदाहकोठारुःपिडकातोदवेदनाः ||३९||

प्रक्लेदवांस्तथा स्रावो भृशं सम्पाचयेत्त्वचम् |

दिग्धविद्धक्रियास्तत्र यथावदवचारयेत् ||४०||

Contact with the dead body, stool or urine of a venomous animal is accompanied by

·      itching and

·      a burning sensation,

·      pricking pain,

·      eruption of Pidaká (pustules),

·      ulcers

·      and Kotha

·      as well as by a slimy and painful exudation.

·      The local skin is found to suppurate and

·       the treatment would be the same as in the case of a wound by an envenomed arrow.

नावसन्नं न चोत्सन्नमतिसंरम्भवेदनम् |

दंशादौ विपरीतार्ति कीटदष्टं सुबाधकम् ||४१||

·      A bite which is neither depressed nor raised,

·      but very much swollen with pain (round about),

·      but unattended with any pain in the seat itself just after the bite,

should be regarded as not easily amenable to any medical remedy.

दष्टानुग्रविषैः कीटैः सर्पवत् समुपाचरेत् |

त्रिविधानां तु पूर्वेषां त्रैविध्येन क्रिया हिताः ||४२||

·      A bite by an insect of strong and acute poison should be treated as a snake-bite and

·       the three-fold remedies to be employed in snake-bites according to the threefold divisions of snakes should also be employed in these cases.

स्वेदमालेपनं सेकं चोष्णमत्रावचारयेत् |

अन्यत्र मूर्च्छिताद्दंशात् पाककोथप्रपीडितात् ||४३||

विषघ्नं च विधिं सर्वं बहुशः शोधनानि च |४४|

The measures of

·      fomenting,

·      plastering and

·       hot washing

would prove efficacious in these cases,

except in the event of an insect-bitten patient having been found to have been fainting away on account of suppuration and sloughing in the seat of the bite,

·      in which case all kinds of cleansing (emetic, purgative, etc.)

·      and anti-poisonous measures should be adopted.

शिरीषकटुकाकुष्ठवचारजनिसैन्धवैः ||४४||

क्षीरमज्जवसासर्पिःशुण्ठीपिप्पलिदारुषु |

उत्कारिका स्थिरादौ वा सुकृता स्वेदने हिता ||४५||

Plasters of

·      Sirisha,

·      Katuka,

·      Kushtha,

·      Vacha,

·      Rajani,

·      Saindhava,

·      milk,

·      marrow,

·      lard (Vasá),

·      clarified butter,

·      S'unthi)

·      Pippali and

·      Deva-dáru

in the form of Utkárika (poultice-like preparation) should be used in fomenting (the seat of the bite). As analternative, the fomentation with thedrugsof the S'ála-parnyádi Gana in the same (Utkáriká) form should be considered equally efficacious in the case.

न स्वेदयेत चादंशं धूमं वक्ष्यामि वृश्चिके |४६|

·      In the case of a Scorpion bite, theaffectedpart should not be fomented.

अगदानेकजातीषु प्रवक्ष्यामि पृथक् पृथक् ||४६||

It might, however, be fumigated with vapours of the drugs to be dealt with later on. The medicinal remedies (Agadas) applicable in the several cases are here separately described.

Recipes Of Remedies In Different Cases

कुष्ठं वक्रं वचा पाठा बिल्वमूलं सुवर्चिका |

गृहधूमं हरिद्रे द्वे त्रिकण्टकविषे हिताः ||४७||

An anti-venomous compound(Agada) consisting of

·      Kushtha,

·      Chakra (Tagara),

·      Vach,

·      Vilva-roots,

·      Pâthâ,

·      Suvarchikâ,

·      house-soot and

·       the two kinds of Haridrâ

is efficacious in the case of a bite by a Trikan-taka insect.

रजन्यागारधूमश्च वक्रं कुष्ठं पलाशजम् |

गलगोलिकद्ष्टानामगदो विषनाशनः ||४८||

An Agada consisting of

·      house soot,

·      Rajani,

·      Chakra,

·      Kushtha and

·      the seeds of Palás'a destroys the poison of a Gala-goli insect.

कुङ्कुमं तगरं शिग्रु पद्मकं रजनीद्वयम् |

अगदो जलपिष्टोऽयं शतपद्विषनाशनः ||४९||

An Agada composed of

·      Kumkuma,

·      Tagara,

·      S'igru,

·      Padmaka and

·      the two kinds of Rajani,

pasted with water,

proves curative in the case of a bite by a S'ata-padi (centipede).

मेषशृङ्गी वचा पाठा निचुलो रोहिणी जलम् |

सर्वमण्डूकदष्टानामगदोऽयं विषापहः ||५०||

An Agada consisting of Mesha-s'ringi, Vachá, Páthá, Nichula, Rohini, and Bálaka is efficacious in all kinds of Manduka-poisoning.

धवाश्वगन्धातिबलाबलासातिगुहागुहाः |

विश्वम्भराभिदष्टानामगदोऽयं विषापहः ||५१||

An Agada consisting of Vacha, As'va-gandhá, Ati-balá, Bala, Atiguhá (Sála-parni) and Aguhâ (Prisni-parni)

·      nullifies the poison of a Visvambhara insect.

शिरीषं तगरं कुष्ठं शालिपर्णी सहा निशे |

अहिण्डुकाभिर्दष्टानामगदो विषनाशनः ||५२||

An Agada consisting of S'irisha, Tagara, Kushtha, the two kinds of Haridrâ, Ams'u-mati and the two kinds of Sahâ

·      destroys the poison of an Ahinduka insect.

कण्डूमकाभिर्दष्टानां रात्रौ शीताः क्रिया हिताः |

दिवा ते नैव सिध्यन्ति सूर्यरश्मिबलार्दिताः ||५३||

Cooling measures should be adopted in the night time in the case of a Kandumaka-bite,

·      since the poison which is aggravated by the sun's rays in the day does not prove amenable to any remedy, if applied at that time.

वक्रं कुष्ठमपामार्गः शूकवृन्तविषेऽगदः |

An Agada consisting of Chakra, Kushtha and Apâ-mârga is efficacious in a case of Suka-vrinta-bite.

भृङ्गस्वरसपिष्टा वा कृष्णवल्मीकमृत्तिका ||५४||

As an alternative, the earth of a black ant-hill pasted with the expressed juice of Bhringa would prove efficacious in such cases.

पिपीलिकाभिर्दष्टानां मक्षिकामशकैस्तथा |

गोमूत्रेण युतो लेपः कृष्णवल्मीकमृत्तिका ||५५||

A plaster prepared with the earth of a black ant-hill and the urine of a cow proves curative in cases of bites of flies, ants and mosquitoes-

नखावघृष्टसञ्जाते शोफे भृङ्गरसो हितः |५६|

प्रतिसूर्यकदष्टानां सर्पदष्टवदाचरेत् |५६|

The treatment of a case of a bite by a Prati-suryaka is the same as that of a snake-bite.

Origin And Classification Of Scorpions

त्रिविधा वृश्चिकाः प्रोक्ता मन्दमध्यमहाविषाः ||५६||

Scorpions are divided into three classe, viz.,

1. the mild-poisoned ones (Manda-visha),

2. those whose poison is neither mild nor strong (Madhya-visha), and

3. the strong-poisoned ones (Maha-visha).

गोशकृत्कोथजा मन्दा

Scorpions germinating from cow-dung * or from any other rotten substances are Manda-visha.

मध्याः काष्ठेष्टिकोद्भवाः |

Those which germinate from (decomposed) wood or (decayed) bricks are Madhya-visha (with poison neither mild nor strong);

* Dallana says that by cow-dung (Gomaya) is meant the dung, the urine etc. of not only a cow, but of a buffalo, etc. as well

सर्पकोथोद्भवास्तीक्ष्णा ये चान्ये विषसम्भवाः ||५७||

while those which originate from the decomposed carcase of a snake or from any other poisonous putrid organic matter are Tikshna-visha  (strong-poisoned).

मन्दा द्वादश मध्यास्तु त्रयः पञ्चदशोत्तमाः |

दश विंशतिरित्येते सङ्ख्यया परिकीर्तिताः ||५८||

·     The first group of scorpions includes twelve different species,

·     the second three and

·      the third and last fifteen,

·     thus making thirty * species in all.

* According to Gayadása the total number of the three classes of scorpions would be twenty-seven, of which the first (mild-poisoned) class consists of eleven, the second consists of three and the third of thirteen.

Specific traits and Characteristics of mild-poisoned Scorpions ". –

कृष्णः श्यावः कर्बुरः पाण्डुवर्णो गोमूत्राभः कर्कशो मेचकश्च |

पीतो धूम्रो रोमशः शाड्वलाभो रक्तः श्वेतेनोदरेणेति मन्दाः ||५९||

युक्ताश्चैते वृश्चिकाः पुच्छदेशे स्युर्भूयोभिः पर्वभिश्चेतरेभ्यः |

Scorpions which are

·      black (Krishna) or

·      dark-brown (S'yáva) or

·      of variegated colours (Karbura) or

·      yellow (Pándu) or

·      coloured like the urine of a cow or

·      rough or

·      dark blue (Mechaka) or

·       white or red or greenish (S'ádvala) or

·       red mixed with white (Rakta-s'veta) †

·      or provided with hair on their bodies (Romas'a)

should be regarded as Manda-visha (mild poisoned ones).

† In place of "white, red and whitish red" some read "white, red and little red" (Arakta)," while others make it "white in the abdomen (S'vetodara), red and white."

एभिर्दष्टे वेदना वेपथुश्च गात्रस्तम्भः कृष्णरक्तागमश्च ||६०||

A bite by a scorpion of this species is accompained by

·      pain(in the seat of the bite),

·      shivering,

·      numbness of the limbs

·      and a flow of blackish blood (from the punctures of the bite).

शाखादष्टे वेदना चोर्ध्वमेति दाहस्वेदौ दंशशोफो ज्वरश्च |६१|

In the case of a bite at any of the extremities,

·      the pain courses upward,

·      accompained by a burning sensation,

·      perspiration,

·      swellingof the bitten part and

·      fever.

Madhya-Visha Scorpions

रक्तः पीतः कापिलेनोदरेण सर्वे धूम्राः पर्वभिश्च त्रिभिः स्युः ||६१||

एते मूत्रोच्चारपूत्यण्डजाता मध्या ज्ञेयास्त्रिप्रकारोरगाणाम् |

यस्यैतेषामन्वयाद्यः प्रसूतो दोषोत्पत्तिं तत्स्वरूपां स कुर्यात् ||६२||

Scorpions of the Madhya-visha (mild-poisoned) class are

·      red (Rakta) or

·      yellow (Pita), or

·      tawny (Kapila).

·      All of them are ash-coloured in their belly

·      and provided with three joints or links.

·      They germinate from the stool, excreta, eggs and putrid carcases of the three (aforesaid) groups of snakes and

·      respectively partake of the nature of the serpent whose fecal matter, etc. they originate from.

जिह्वाशोफो भोजनस्यावरोधो मूर्च्छा चोग्रा मध्यवीर्याभिदष्टे |६३|

A bite by a scorpion of this species is

·      accompanied by a swelling of the tongue,

·      an incapacity of deglutition

·      and violent epileptic fits.

Tikshna-Visha Scorpions

श्वेतश्चित्रः श्यामलो लोहिताभो रक्तः श्वेतो रक्तनीलोदरौ च ||६३||

पीतोऽरक्तो नीलपीतोऽपरस्तु रक्तो नीलो नीलशुक्लस्तथा च |

रक्तो बभ्रुः पूर्ववच्चैकपर्वा यश्चापर्वा पर्वणी द्वे च यस्य ||६४||

नानारूपा वर्णतश्चापि घोरा ज्ञेयाश्चैते वृश्चिकाः प्राणचौराः |

जन्मैतेषां सर्पकोथात् प्रदिष्टं देहेभ्यो वा घातितानां विषेण ||६५||

The keen-poisoned (Tikshna-visha) scorpions are either

·     white or parti-coloured (Chitra)

·      or blackish (S'yámala)

·     or reddish white (Rakta-s'veta)

·     or red-bellied or blue-bellied

·     or reddish or bluish yellow or reddish blue or bluish white;

·     others are reddish brown

·     and are (further divided into four classes), viz.

1.         three-jointed (like those of the previous class) or

2.          two -jointed or

3.         one -jointed or

4.         jointless.

·     The poison of this group of scorpions, varying in colour and shape,

·     is extremely dreadful

·     and should be regarded as the veritable robber of vitality.

·     They germinate from the putrified dead body of a snake or any poisoned animal.

एभिर्दष्टे सर्पवेगप्रवृत्तिः स्फोटोत्पत्तिर्भ्रान्तिदाहौ ज्वरश्च |

खेभ्यः कृष्णं शोणितं याति तीव्रं तस्मात् प्राणैस्त्यज्यते शीघ्रमेव ||६६||

A bite by a member of any of these families produces

·      those physiological transformations in the body of its victims which mark the different stages of a snake-bite, and

·      gives rise to pustular eruptions (Sphota) on the skin accompanied by vertigo,

·      a burning sensation(in the body),

·      fever

·      and excessive discharge of black-coloured blood from the channels(mouth and nostrils, etc.).

·      And hence their bite proves so rapidly fatal.

Treatment Of Scorpion-Bites

उग्रमध्यविषैर्दष्टं चिकित्सेत् सर्पदष्टवत् |

·      A bite by a scorpion of the middle-venomed or strong-venomed class should be treated as a case of snakebite to all intents and purposes

.

आदंशं स्वेदितं चूर्णैः प्रच्छितं प्रतिसारयेत् ||६७||

रजनीसैन्धवव्योषशिरीषफलपुष्पजैः |६८|

·      The seat of the bite should then be marked with superficial incisions (scratches) and should be gently rubbed (Prati-sarana) with powders of Haridrá, Saindhava, Trikatu and the fruit and flower of S'irisha.

मातुलुङ्गाम्लगोमूत्रपिष्टं च सुरसाग्रजम् ||६८||

लेपे, स्वेदे सुखोष्णं च गोमयं हितमिष्यते |

·      The tender leaves of Surasá pasted with the juice of Mátu-lunga

·      and the urine of a cow in a lukewarm state, or

·      lukewarm (i.e., fresh) cow-dung should be employed in plastering and fomenting the affected part.

पाने क्षौद्रयुतं सर्पिः क्षीरं वा बहुशर्करम् ||६९||

दंशं मन्दविषाणां तु चक्रतैलेन सेचयेत् |

विदारीगणसिद्धेन सुखोष्णेनाथवा पुनः ||७०||

कुर्याच्चोत्कारिकास्वेदं विषघ्नैरुपनाहयेत् |

·      In a case of a bite by a mild-venomed one, the affected seat should be sprinkled over with the Chakra-Taila or with a tepid oil duly cooked with the drugs of the Vidáryádi group.

·      The affected locality should be (repeatedly) fomented with the application of poultices in the Utkárika form prepared with anti-venomous drugs (S'irisha, etc.).

गुडोदकं वा सुहिमं चातुर्जातकसंयुतम् ||७१||

पानमस्मै प्रदातव्यं क्षीरं वा सगुडं हिमम् |

·      Potions of clarified butter mixed with honey,

·      milk mixed with a profuse quantity of sugar and honey,

·      treacle mixed with cold water and perfumed with Chatur-játaka, or

·      cold milk mixed with treacle

should be recommended as drinks.

शिखिकुक्कुटबर्हाणि सैन्धवं तैलसर्पिषी ||७२||

धूमो हन्ति प्रयुक्तस्तु शीघ्रं वृश्चिकजं विषम् |

Fumigation (Dhupana) with the compound made of

·      the feathers of the tail of a cock or a peacock,

·      Saindhava, oil and

·      clarified butter pasted together

·      and burnt is a speedy destroyer of scorpion-poison.

कुसुम्भपुष्पं रजनी निशा वा कोद्रवं तृणम् ||७३||

एभिर्घृताक्तैर्धूपस्तु पायुदेशे प्रयोजितः |

नाशयेदाशु कीटोत्थं वृश्चिकस्य च यद्विषम् ||७४||

As an alternative, the fumes (Dhuma) of a compound made up of

·      Kusumbha flower,

·       the two kinds of Rajani and

·      Kodrava straw

·      mixed with clarified butter

applied to the region of the arms speedily destroys the poison of a venomous insect in general and of a scorpion in particular.

Spider-Bites

लूताविषं घोरतमं दुर्विज्ञेयतमं च तत् |

दुश्चिकित्स्यतमं चापि भिषग्भिर्मन्दबुद्धिभिः ||७५||

सविषं निर्विषं चैतदित्येवं परिशङ्किते |

विषघ्नमेव कर्तव्यमविरोधि यदौषधम् ||७६||

Cases of Lutá (venomous spider)-bite (lit. - poison of a Luta) are the most difficult to diagnose and cure.

·      The diagnosis of such a case puzzles the headof many an experienced physician, while novices in the art of healing find it a very difficult matter.

·      In a case of doubt or of conflicting indications pointing equally both to the venomous and non-venomous character of the bite, a physician should employ anti-poisonous remedies of such a character as would not prove hostile (to the natural temperament and vital principles of the patient's system nor to the course of food and drink he is enjoined to take or naturally takes),

अगदानां हि संयोगो विषजुष्टस्य युज्यते |

निर्विषे मानवे युक्तोऽगदः सम्पद्यतेऽसुखम् ||७७||

तस्मात् सर्वप्रयत्नेन ज्ञातव्यो विषनिश्चयः |

अज्ञात्वा विषसद्भावं भिषग्व्यापादयेन्नरम् ||७८||

·      

since the Agadas are applicable only in cases of poisoning and, applied otherwise in healthy non-poisoned persons, would produce all kinds of discomfort. Hence it is incumbent on a physician to gather conclusive evidence of the poisonous nature of the bite at the very outset.

·      A physician, failing to ascertain the existence of poison, proves more fatal in many cases than the bite itself.

Development Of Lutá-Poison

प्रोद्भिद्यमानस्तु यथाऽङ्कुरेण न व्यक्तजातिः प्रविभाति वृक्षः |

तद्वद्दुरालक्ष्यतमं हि तासां विषं शरीरे प्रविकीर्णमात्रम् ||७९||

As the first sprouting of a tree does not enable a man to correctly ascertain the species, so the poison of a venomous spider in its first stage of incubation into the body, does not develop any specific symptoms sufficiently potent to throw any light on its nature, nor does it give any hint as to its correct diagonosis.

ईषत्सकण्डु प्रचलं सकोठमव्यक्तवर्णं प्रथमेऽहनि स्यात् |

A spider (Luta)-poison latent in a human organism, is marked by

·      a slight itching sensation in the seat of the bite, as if the poison were shifting from one place to another * in that locality,

·      by the presence of Kotha (urticarial,

·      and by an indistinctness of colour on the first day of its incubation.

On the second day

अन्तेषु शूनं परिनिम्नमध्यं प्रव्यक्तरूपं च दिने द्वितीये ||८०||

·     the seat of the bite becomes swollen at the end and sunk in the middle

·     and the characteristic marks of biting show themselves.

त्र्यहेण तद्दर्शयतीह रूपं विषं

·      On the third day the specific symptoms (fever, shivering, etc.) of the poison of the animal set in.

चतुर्थेऽहनि कोपमेति |

·     On the fourth day the poison is aggravated.

अतोऽधिकेऽह्नि प्रकरोति जन्तोर्विषप्रकोपप्रभवान् विकारान् ||८१||

·      On the fifth day the symptoms and disorders peculiar to its aggravated condition are present,

षष्ठे दिने विप्रसृतं तु सर्वान् मर्मप्रदेशान् भृशमावृणोति |

·      On the sixth day the poison begins to course through the organism and envelopes the Marmas (or the vulnerable parts).

तत् सप्तमेऽत्यर्थपरीतगात्रं व्यापादयेन्मर्त्यमतिप्रवृद्धम् ||८२||

·      On the seventh day the poison is diffused throughout the whole organism, becomes extremely aggravated and proves fatal.

* In place of "Prachala" Gayadasa reads "Prabala," i.e., strong and says that the poison becomes stronger and stronger with the lapse of time.

Potency: -

यास्तीक्ष्णचण्डोग्रविषा हि लूतास्ताः सप्तरात्रेण नरं निहन्युः |

अतोऽधिकेनापि निहन्युरन्या यासां विषं मध्यमवीर्यमुक्तम् ||८३||

यासां कनीयो विषवीर्यमुक्तं ताः पक्षमात्रेण विनाशयन्ति |

तस्मात् प्रयत्नं भिषगत्र कुर्यादादंशपाताद्विषघातियोगैः ||८४||

·      The poison of spiders (Lutá) which are acutely and violently venomous proves fatal in the course of a week.

·      That of a middle-poisonous one would take a little more time in order to prove fatal,

·       while a bite by one of the mild-poisonous brings death within a fortnight.

Hence a physician should try his best with anti-venomous remedies for the complete nullification of the poison immediately after the bite.

Location: -

विषं तु लालानखमूत्रदंष्ट्रारजःपुरीषैरथ चेन्द्रियेण |

सप्तप्रकारं विसृजन्ति लूतास्तदुग्रमध्यावरवीर्ययुक्तम् ||८५||

A spider is found to secrete seven kinds of poison through the seven different parts or principles of its body, viz.,

1. saliva (Lálá),

2. nails (claws),

3. urine,

4. fangs,

5. ovum (Rajas),

6. fecal matter and

7. semen, and

·      such poison is either keen or mild in its potency, or follows a middle path between the two keen and mild).

Characteristics Of Poison According To Its Seat In The Body Of A Spider

सकण्डुकोठं स्थिरमल्पमूलं लालाकृतं मन्दरुजं वदन्ति |

The poison which is secreted with the saliva (of a spider) gives rise to

·     non-shiftting superficial Kotha (urticaria)

·     attended with itching and slightpain.

शोफश्च कण्डूश्च पुलालिका च धूमायनं चैव नखाग्रदंशे ||८६||

The poison from a scratch with the tips of its claws, is attended with

·     swelling,

·     itching,

·     horripilation and

·      a sense as if fumes had been escaping from the body.

दंशं तु मूत्रेण सकृष्णमध्यं सरक्तपर्यन्तमवेहि दीर्णम् |

Any part of the body coming in contact with theurine of a spider is marked by

·     a (slight) blackness of skin in the middle of the point of contact

·     and redness at its edge, and

·     the affected part is cracked.

दंष्ट्राभिरुग्रं कठिनं विवर्णं जानीहि दंशं स्थिरमण्डलं च ||८७||

In a case of fang-poison (actual bite) the seat of the bite is marked by

·     fixed circular patches and

·     becomes indurated and discoloured.

·     The poison in this case is strong.

रजःपुरीषेन्द्रियजं हि विद्धि स्फोटं विपक्वामलपीलुपाण्डुम् |८८|

A part of the body touched with the Rajas, semen, or with fecal matter of a (venomous) spider is marked

·      by eruptions of pustules which assume a yellow colour like that of a ripe Amalaka or Pilu.

एतावदेतत् समुदाहृतं तु वक्ष्यामि लूताप्रभवं पुराणम् ||८८||

सामान्यतो दष्टमसाध्यसाध्यं चिकित्सितं चापि यथाविशेषम् ||८९||

Thus far we have described the effects of spider-(Lutâ)-poison according to its seat in the body of the insect and to the period of its aggravation.

 Now we shall describe the mythological account of the origin of these insects and the curable and incurable natures of their bites together with the course of medical treatment to be followed in each case.

Mythological Account Of The Origin Of Lutá

विश्वामित्रो नृपवरः कदाचिदृषिसत्तमम् |

वशिष्ठं कोपयामास गत्वाऽऽश्रमपदं किल ||९०||

कुपितस्य मुनेस्तस्य ललाटात् स्वेदबिन्दवः |

अपतन् दर्शनादेव रवेस्तत्समतेजसः ||९१||

तृणे महर्षिणा लूने धेन्वर्थं सम्भृतेऽपि च |

ततो जातास्त्विमा घोरा नानारूपा महाविषाः |

अपकाराय वर्तन्ते नृपसाधनवाहने ||९२||

यस्माल्लूनं तृणं प्राप्ता मुनेः प्रस्वेदबिन्दवः |

तस्माल्लूतेति भाष्यन्ते सङ्ख्यया ताश्च षोडश ||९३||

Once upon a time, it is said, king Vis'vámitra went to the hermitage of the holy Vasishtha and by his actions aroused the wrath of the holysage. Drops of perspiration were there upon produced on the forehead of that holy and celestially brilliant sageand trickled down on the stacks of hay culled and gathered (Luna) by the holysages for the use of the (celestial) cow, and behold they (the drops of sweat) were transformed into innumerable dreadful and venomous spiders (Lutá) which, up to this day, are found to infest the articles of royal use for the iniquity of that royalsage(Vis'vámitra). They are called Lutás (spiders) from the fact of their being germinated from the drops of perspiration of the holysageVas'ishtha fallen on the culled (Luna) stacks of hay and

·      are sixteen in number.

The Different Names Of Spiders And The General Symptoms Of Their Bites

कृच्छ्रसाध्यास्तथाऽसाध्या लूतास्तु द्विविधाःस्मृताः |

The poison of spiders is divided into two classes –

1. curable with difficulty and

2. incurable.

तासामष्टौ कृच्छ्रसाध्या वर्ज्यास्तावत्य एव तु ||९४||

Of the sixteen kinds of spiders,

·      the bites or poisons of eight may be cured with the greatest difficulty,

·      while those of the remaining eight are incurable.

त्रिमण्डला तथा श्वेता कपिला पीतिका तथा |

आलमूत्रविषा रक्ता कसना चाष्टमी स्मृता ||९५||

1. The Tri-mandalá,

2. Svetá,

3. Kapilá,

4. Pitiká,

5. Ala-vishá,

6. Mutra-vishá,

7. Raktá and

8. the Kasaná

are the eight species of spiders which belong to the first group.

ताभिर्दष्टे शिरोदुःखं कण्डूर्दंशे च वेदना |

भवन्ति च विशेषेण गदाः श्लैष्मिकवातिकाः ||९६||

A bite by any of them is attended with

·      an aching pain in the head,

·      pain and itching about the seat of the bite and

·      the symptoms and disorders peculiar to the aggravated Váyu and Kapha.

सौवर्णिका लाजवर्णा जालिन्येणीपदी तथा |

कृष्णाऽग्निवर्णा काकाण्डा मालागुणाऽष्टमी तथा ||९७||

1. The Sauvarniká,

2. Lája-varná,

3. Jálini,

4. Eni-padi,

5. Krishna-varná,

6. Agnivarná,

7. Kákándá and

8. the Málá-guná

belong to the second group and

ताभिर्दष्टे दंशकोथः प्रवृत्तिः क्षतजस्य च |

ज्वरो दाहोऽतिसारश्च गदाः स्युश्च त्रिदोषजाः ||९८||

पिडका विविधाकारा मण्डलानि महान्ति च |

महान्तो मृदवः शोफा रक्ताः श्यावाश्चलास्तथा ||९९||

सामान्यं सर्वलूतानामेतदादंशलक्षणम् |१००|

their bites are marked by

·      bleeding,

·      fever,

·      a burning sensation,

·      dysentery

·      and disorders due to the concerted action of all the three deranged Doshasof the body,

·      and the bitten part putrefies.

·      Eruptions of various sorts and pustule; and

·      large circular patches

·      as well as large, soft and shifting swellings,

·      red or brown in colour,

·      appear on the skin about the affected part.

These are the general features of spider (Lutá)-bites.

विशेषलक्षणं तासां वक्ष्यामि सचिकित्सितम् ||१००||

Now we shall describe the characteristic symptoms which are developed by bites of the several classes of spiders and the course of medical treatment to be adopted in each case,

Specific Symptoms Of Spider-Bites And Their Treatment

त्रिमण्डलाया दंशेऽसृक् कृष्णं स्रवति दीर्यते |

बाधिर्यं कलुषा दृष्टिस्तथा दाहश्च नेत्रयोः ||१०१||

A bite by a spider of the Tri-mandalá species is marked by

·      a flow of black-coloured blood from the bite which is transformed into an open ulcer.

·      It is also attended with deafness, impaired or cloudy vision

·      and a burning sensation in the eyes.

तत्रार्कमूलं रजनी नाकुली पृश्निपर्णिका |

पानकर्मणि शस्यन्ते नस्यालेपाञ्जनेषु च ||१०२||

In such cases, a compound consisting of Arka roots, Rajani, Nákuli and Pris'ni parniká should be employed as snuff as well as in drink(Pána), enemas (Vastis) and ointments etc.

श्वेतायाः पिडका दंशे श्वेता कण्डूमती भवेत् |

दाहमूर्च्छाज्वरवती विसर्पक्लेदरुक्करी ||१०३||

A bite by a spider of the Svetá species is followed by

·      the eruption of white-coloured pustules

·      attended with itching,

·      burning sensation,

·      epileptic fits,

·       fever,

·      erysipelas

·       and pain in and secretion from the bite.

तत्र चन्दनरास्नैलाहरेणुनलवञ्जुलाः |

कुष्ठं लामज्जकं वक्रं नलदं चागदो हितः ||१०४||

An Agada consisting of Chandana, Rásná, Elá, Harenu, Nala, Vanjula,Kushtha, Lámajjaka, Chakra and Nalada is efficacious in such a case.

आदंशे पिडका ताम्रा कपिलायाः स्थिरा भवेत् |

शिरसो गौरवं दाहस्तिमिरं भ्रम एव च ||१०५||

A bite by a Kapilá spider is characterised by

·      eruptions of copper-coloured pustules of an indurated nature accompanied by a sense of heaviness in the head,

·      a burning sensation,

·      vertigo and

·      darkness of vision (Timira).

तत्र पद्मककुष्ठैलाकरञ्जककुभत्वचः |

स्थिरार्कपर्ण्यपामार्गदूर्वाब्राह्म्यो विषापहाः ||१०६||

The remedy in such a case consists of an anti-poisonous Agada composed of Padmaka, Kushtha, Elá, Karanja, Kakubha-bark, S'thirá, Arka-parni, Apámárga, Durvá and Bráhmi.

आदंशे पीतिकायास्तु पिडका पीतिका स्थिरा |

भवेच्छर्दिर्ज्वरः शूलं मूर्ध्नि रक्ते तथाऽक्षिणी ||१०७||

A case of bite by a Pitika spider is marked

·      by an eruption of hard pustules,

·      vomiting,

·      fever,

·      colic (Sula)

·      and redness of the eyes,

तत्रेष्टाः कुटजोशीरतुङ्गपद्मकवञ्जुलाः |

शिरीषकिणिहीशेलुकदम्बककुभत्वचः ||१०८||

The remedy consists in the application of an Agada, composed of Kutaja, Us'ira, tunga, padmaka, vanjula, sireesha, Kinihi, S'elu, Kadamba and Kakubha-bark.

रक्तमण्डनिभे दंशे पिडकाः सर्षपा इव |

जायन्ते तालुशोषश्च दाहश्चालविषार्दिते ||१०९||

A case of bite by an Ala-vishá spider is marked by

·      the bright red colour of the seat of the bite,

·      eruption of pustules like mustard seeds,

·      parchedness of the palate and

·       a burning sensation in the body.

तत्र प्रियङ्गुह्रीबेरकुष्ठलामज्जवञ्जुलाः |

अगदः शतपुष्पा च सपिप्पलवटाङ्कुराः ||११०||

The remedy in such a case should consist of an Agada composed of Priyangu, Hrivera, Kushtha, Lámajja, Vanjula, S'ata-pushpá and the sprouts of the Pippala and the Vata trees.

पूतिर्मूत्रविषादंशो विसर्पी कृष्णशोणितः |

कासश्वासवमीमूर्च्छाज्वरदाहसमन्वितः ||१११||

The case of bite by a spider of the Mutra-vishá class is attended with

·      putrefaction (of the affected locality),

·      erysipelas,

·      a flow of blackish blood (from the seat of the bite),

·      cough,

·      difficult breathing,

·      vomiting,

·      epileptic fits,

·      fever and

·      a burning sensation.

मनःशिलालमधुककुष्ठचन्दनपद्मकैः |

मधुमिश्रैः सलामज्जैरगदस्तत्र कीर्तितः ||११२||

The remedy in such a case consists in Manah-s'ilá, Ala, Yashti-madhu, Kushtha, Chandana, Padmaka and Lámajja pasted together and mixed with honey.

आपाण्डुपिडको दंशो दाहक्लेदसमन्वितः |

रक्ताया रक्तपर्यन्तो विज्ञेयो रक्तसंयुतः ||११३||

The case of bite by a spider of the Raktá species is marked by

·      eruptions of yellow-coloured pustules full of blood and

·      coloured red in the extremities (round the seat of the bite),

·      with a burning sensation

·      and slimy secretion.

कार्यस्तत्रागदस्तोयचन्दनोशीरपद्मकैः |

तथैवार्जुनशेलुभ्यां त्वग्भिराम्रातकस्य च ||११४||

The Agada in such a case should be prepared with Toya (Bálaka) Chandana, Us'ira, Padmaka and the bark ofArjuna, S'elu and Amrátaka.

पिच्छिलं कसनादंशाद्रुधिरं शीतलं स्रवेत् | कासश्वासौ च

A bite by a spider of the Kasaná class

·      is attended with a flow of slimy cold blood (from the bite), and

·      with cough and

·      difficult breathing,

तत्रोक्तं रक्तलूताचिकित्सितम् ||११५||

The treatment being the same as in the case of a bite by a spider of the Raktá class.

पुरीषगन्धिरल्पासृक् कृष्णाया दंश एव तु |

ज्वरमूर्च्छावमीदाहकासश्वाससमन्वितः ||११६||

A bite by a spider (Lutá) of the Krishna' class

·      smells of fecal matter and

·      is attended with a scanty flow of blood,

·      as well as with fever,

·      epileptic fits,

·      vomiting,

·      burning sensation,

·      cough and

·      difficult breathing.

तत्रैलावक्रसर्पाक्षीगन्धनाकुलिचन्दनैः |

महासुगन्धिसहितैः प्रत्याख्यायागदः स्मृतः ||११७||

The treatment of such a patient should be taken in hand without holding out any definite hope of recovery and

the remedy in this case should consist of an Agada composed of Ela, Chakra, sarpákshi, Gandha-nákuli, Chandana and thedrugsknown as the Mahá-sugandhi (as described in the Dundubhi-svaniya chapter).

दंशो दाहोऽग्निवक्रायाः स्रावोऽत्यर्थं ज्वरस्तथा |

चोषकण्डूरोमहर्षा दाहविस्फोटसंयुतः ||११८||

The case of bite by an Agni-varná spider is marked by

·      a burning sensation in the seat of the bite,

·      excessive secretion (of blood),

·      fever,

·      a sort of sucking pain,

·      itching,

·      horripilation,

·      a burning sensation in the body and

·      eruptions of pustules.

कृष्णाप्रशमनं चात्र प्रत्याख्याय प्रयोजयेत् |

In a case of this type,the patient may be treated with the Agada prescribed for the treatment of a bite by a spider of the Krishna class

but no hopes should be held out.

General Remedies

सारिवोशीरयष्ट्याह्वचन्दनोत्पलपद्मकम् ||११९||

सर्वासामेव युञ्जीत विषे श्लेष्मातकत्वचम् |

भिषक् सर्वप्रकारेण तथा चाक्षीवपिप्पलम् ||१२०||

An Agada made of Sârivâ, Us'ira, Yashti' madhu, Chandana, Utpala and Padmaka may be used with advantage in cases of spider-bites of all types.

The bark of S'leshmâtaka and Kshira-pippala should be deemed equally efficacious in all cases of spider-bites, and these may be employed in any shape, viz., as snuff, potion, unguent, etc.

कृच्छ्रसाध्यविषा ह्यष्टौ प्रोक्ता द्वे च यदृच्छया |

अवार्यविषवीर्याणां लक्षणानि निबोध मे ||१२१||

We have described (the symptoms and the treatmentof the bites of) the eight classes of spiders which can be cured with difficulty.

Those of the two classes (of the other group whose bites are generally incurable) have also been described above, as being sometimes found amenable to medicine (with the greatest difficulty).

Now hear me describe (the symptoms and the treatment of the bites of) the remaining six species which are incurable. Specific Symptoms Of The

Incurable Cases Of Spider-Bites

ध्यामः सौवर्णिकादंशः सफेनो मत्स्यगन्धकः |

श्वासः कासो ज्वरस्तृष्णा मूर्च्छा चात्र सुदारुणा ||१२२||

A bite by a spider of the Sauvarniká species is marked by

·      swelling and

·      a frothy secretion and

·      a fishy smell from the seat of the bite,

·       and is followed by cough, difficult breathing, fever, thirst and violent fainting fits.

आदंशे लाजवर्णाया ध्यामं पूति स्रवेदसृक् |

दाहो मूर्च्छाऽतिसारश्च शिरोदुःखं च जायते ||१२३||

A bite by a Lája-varná spider is marked by

·      a flow of flesh-smelling and

·      fetid blood from its seat as well as by

·      a burning sensation,

·      dysentery, fainting fits and pain in the head.

घोरो दंशस्तु जालिन्या राजिमानवदीर्यते |

स्तम्भः श्वासस्तमोवृद्धिस्तालुशोषश्च जायते ||१२४||

A case of bite by a spider of the Jálini species is very severe and

is marked by

·      a cracking of the seat of the bite which is striped with lines

·      as well as by numbness,

·      difficult breathing,

·      parchedness of the palate and

·      continued dizziness of the head.

एणीपद्यास्तथा दंशो भवेत् कृष्णतिलाकृतिः |

तृष्णामूर्च्छाज्वरच्छर्दिकासश्वाससमन्वितः ||१२५||

The bite by an Eni-padi spider

·      resembles the seeds of black sesame in shape

·      and is marked by thirst, fever, fainting fits, vomiting, cough and difficult breathing.

 दंशः काकाण्डिकादष्टे पाण्डुरक्तोऽतिवेदनः |

तृण्मूर्च्छाश्वासहृद्रोगहिक्काकासाः स्युरुच्छ्रिताः ||१२६||

A bite by a Kákándaká spider is marked by

·      an excruciating pain

·      and a reddish-yellow colour at its seat.

रक्तो मालागुणादंशो धूमगन्धोऽतिवेदनः |

बहुधा च विशीर्येत दाहमूर्च्छाज्वरान्वितः ||१२७||

A bite by a Máláguná spider is characterized by

·      a cracking of the seat of the bite in several parts and

·      is marked by a red colour,

·      smoky smell,

·      extreme pain,

·       fever and epileptic fits.

असाध्यास्वप्यभिहितं प्रत्याख्यायाशु योजयेत् |

दोषोच्छ्रायविशेषेण दाहच्छेदविवर्जितम् ||१२८||

Treatment of the incurable cases of spider-bites should, however, be taken in hand by a wise physician with a due consideration of the aggravated Dosha or Doshas in each case with the exception of making incisions (chheda-karma).

Surgical Treatments

साध्याभिराभिर्लूताभिर्दष्टमात्रस्य देहिनः |

वृद्धिपत्रेण मतिमान् सम्यगादंशमुद्धरेत् ||१२९||

In all cases of the curable types of spider-bites,

·      the affected part should at once be cut open and removed with a Vriddhi-patra instrument and

अमर्मणि विधानज्ञो वर्जितस्य ज्वरादिभिः |

·      the incisioned part should then be cauterised with a red-hot Jambvoshtha instrument in the absence of any fever or such like distressing symptoms and in the event of its not occurring in any of the vulnable parts of the body (Marmas).

·      The act of cauterisation should be continued until the patient himself (through pain) prohibits the continuation of the same.

दंशस्योत्कर्तनं कुर्यादल्पश्वयथुकस्य च ||१३०||

·      If the affected part is found to be attended with a slight swelling, it should be cut open and removed.

मधुसैन्धवसंयुक्तैरगदैर्लेपयेत्ततः |

प्रियङ्गुरजनीकुष्ठसमङ्गामधुकैस्तथा ||१३१||

·      It should then be plastered with a paste of the (Mahá-sugandhi and such other) Agada mixed with Saindhava and honey or with the paste of Priyangu, Haridrá, Kushtha, Samangá and Yashti madhu.

सारिवां मधुकं द्राक्षां पयस्यां क्षीरमोरटम् |

विदारीगोक्षुरक्षौद्रमधुकं पाययेत वा ||१३२||

·      A potion composed of the decoction of Sárivá, the two kinds of Yashti-madhu * Drákshá, Payasyá, Kshira-morata, Vidári and Gokshara mixed with honey should be administered to the patient.

क्षीरिणां त्वक्कषायेण सुशीतेन च सेचयेत् |

उपद्रवान् यथादोषं विषघ्नैरेव साधयेत् ||१३३||

·      The affected part should be washed with a cold decoction of the bark of the Kshiri-vrikshas.

·      Any other distressing symptoms should be remedied with anti-poisonous measures with an eye to the deranged Doshas involved in the case

नस्याञ्जनाभ्यञ्जनपानधूमं तथाऽवपीडं कवलग्रहं च |

संशोधनं चोभयतः प्रगाढं कुर्यात्सिरामोक्षणमेव चात्र ||१३४||

Any of the (ten-fold) remedial measures of

1. Nasya(snuff),

2. medicated collyrium,

3. unguents (Abhyanjana)

4. potions (Pána)

5. Dhuma (fumigation),

6. Avapida form of snuff,

7. gargling,

8. emesis,

9. purging and

10.                 blood-letting by the application of leeches should be adopted in a case of spider-bite according to its requirements.

* Mention of Madhuka twice in the list shows that one part each of both the kinds Yashti-madhu (liquorice) - grown on lands and in water - should be taken.

कीटदष्टव्रणान् सर्वानहिदष्टव्रणानपि |

आदाहपाकात्तान् सर्वाञ्चिकित्सेद्दुष्टवद्भिषग् ||१३५||

All cases of bites by any insect or by any snake, and ulcers incidental to those bites should be carefully treated with measures and remedies laid down in connection with snake-bites as long as the stage of inflammation and suppuration would last.

विनिवृत्ते ततः शोफे कर्णिकापातनं हितम् |

निम्बपत्रं त्रिवृद्दन्ती कुसुम्भं कुसुमं मधु ||१३६||

गुग्गुलुः सैन्धवं किण्वं वर्चः पारावतस्य च |

विषवृद्धिकरं चान्नं हित्वा सम्भोजनं हितम् ||१३७||

The growths (if any) of pappillae (Karniká) around the seat of the bite should be removed after the subsidence of the swelling by the application of a plaster consisting of Nimba leaves * Trivrit, Danti, Kusumbhaflower, Rajini, honey, Guggulu, Saindhava salt, Kinva and the dung of a pigeon pasted together,

·      and such diet as would not aggravate the effects of poison should be carefully prescribed.

विषेभ्यः खलु सर्वेभ्यः कर्णिकामरुजां स्थिराम् |

प्रच्छयित्वा मधून्मिश्रैः शोधनीयैरुपाचरेत् ||१३८||

·      The papillatous growths (Karnika) due to the poison of any kind should be scratched with a proper surgical instrument in the event of their being hard and painless and should then be plastered with a paste of purifying (Sodhaniya) drugs(such as Nimba leaves, etc.) mixed with honey.

·      * Gayadása reads "S'ikhi" (Lángalaki) and "Vams'a (scrapings of bamboo) in place of "Nimba-patra". He also reads "Danta" (tooth of a cow) in place of "Kinva."

सप्तषष्ठस्य कीटानां शतस्यैतद्विभागशः |

दष्टलक्षणमाख्यातं चिकित्सा चाप्यनन्तरम् ||१३९||

The specific features and treatment of the bites by the one hundred and sixty-seven types of insect are now described.

सविंशमध्यायशतमेतदुक्तं विभागशः |१४०|

इहोद्दिष्टाननिर्दिष्टानर्थान् वक्ष्याम्यथोत्तरे ||१४०||

The subjects mentioned but not included within these one hundred and twenty chapters (from the commencement of the book) would be dealt with in detail in the latter part of the present treatise (Uttara Tantara).

सनातनत्वाद्वेदानामक्षरत्वात्तथैव च |

तथा दृष्टफलत्वाच्च हितत्वादपि देहिनाम् ||१४१||

वाक्समूहार्थविस्तारात् पूजितत्वाच्च देहिभिः |

चिकित्सितात् पुण्यतमं न किञ्चिदपि शुश्रुमः ||१४२||

ऋषेरिन्द्रप्रभावस्यामृतयोनेर्भिषग्गुरोः |

धारयित्वा तु विमलं मतं परमसम्मतम् |

उक्ताहारसमाचार इह प्रेत्य च मोदते ||१४३||

We have not heard of a holier discourse than the medical science on account of the eternal and imperishable character of the Ayurveda (the science of life) from its tested merit and its beneficial effects upon the created beings and since it is always worshipped by the whole human race for the fact of its fully explaining the import of words (i.e. delineation of its specific subjects). Who ever stores up in his memory and acts up to these sacred and worshipful injunctions on the science of life propounded, as it is, by the nectar-origined sage(Dhanvantari). the preceptor of all physicians and equal to the celestial Indra in respect of majesty, enjoys happiness both in this world and in the next.

इति सुश्रुतसंहितायां कल्पस्थाने कीटकल्पो नामाष्टमोऽध्यायः ||८||

इति भगवता श्रीधन्वन्तरिणोपदिष्टायां तच्छिष्येण महर्षिणा सुश्रुतेन विरचितायां सुश्रुतसंहितायां पञ्चमं कल्पस्थानं समाप्तम् |

Thus ends the eighth Chapter of the Kalpasthána in the Sus'ruta Samhitá which treats of the measures to he adopted in the case of an insect-bite.