The ashes of a number of plants also known as Alkaline Ashes containing more or less potash are employed both externally and internally. It remains now to notice the preparations of alkaline ashes for internal use.
Processing of Alkaline Ashes
A solution of, the ashes of these plants or of such of them as are available, is prepared by mixing them with 6 parts of water and straining the fluid through cloth for 21 times, that is, the strained fluid is poured over the ashes 21 times in succession, and made to percolate through them. Lastly the fluid is allowed to stand and the clear solution drained off.
Benefits of Alkaline Ashes
The alkaline solution is given in doses of 1 to 3 drachms in dyspepsia, ascites, enlargements of the abdominal viscera, calculous affections, etc. It is regarded as laxative, diuretic and antacid.
Dose of Alkaline Ashes in Medicine
The following are examples of prescriptions containing Alkaline Ashes.
Vaisvanarakshara: Take the mixed ashes of Euphorlia neriifolia (snuhi), Calotropis gigantea (arka), Plumbago Zeylanica (Chitraka), Ricinus communis (eranda), Crataeva Roxburghi (varuna), Boerhaavia diffusa (punarnava), Sesamum Indicum (tila), Achyranthes aspera (Apamarga), Musa sapientum (kadali), Butea frondosa (Palasa) and of the shells of tamarinds, 2 seers in all, boil in 16 seers of water till reduced to one-fourth. Allow the solution to stand, and drain the clear liquid. To the clear solution add 2 seers of rock salt, boil again till the fluid is evaporated, dry and powder, To this powder add the following carminatives, namely, ajwain, cumin seeds, kalajira, ginger, long pepper, black pepper and asafoetida, each 4 tolas, and mix. This combination is given in doses of 1 to 2 scruples, with cold water in dyspepsia, anasarca, etc.
Abhaya Lavana: This is a preparation similar to Vaisvanarakshara above described. It is much used in enlarged spleen of long standing and often with success. To prepare this 2 seers of mixed alkaline ashes are boiled in 64 seers of water till it is reduced to one-fourth. One seer of chebulic myrobalans, 2 seers of rock salt, and 16 seers of cow"s urine are then added, and the mixture boiled till it is reduced to a thick syrupy consistence. Lastly are added cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, long pepper, asafoetida, ajwain, root of Aplotaxis auriculata (kushtha) and Curcuma Zedoaria (sati), each 4 tolas, and the whole intimately mixed. This medicine is given in doses of half to 1 tola once daily in enlarged spleen, liver disease, ascites etc. If the bowels are not sufficiently moved it is given in larger doses.
