Part 1 - Characteristics of Kapardi or Kapardaka (cowri or marine shells)

The cowrie shell which is yellowish in colour, having a knot and circle on the back, is known by the name of charachara. Cowries of this type only may be used in medicines. Of these, the one which is1½ niska (i.e., ⅜ of a tola) in weight is the best, that which is one niska (¼ of a tola) in weight is of moderate quality, and that which is ¾ of a niska (i.e., 3/16th of a tola) in weight is inferior in quality. That which is less than of a tola in weight is a made cowrie, is useless for the purpose of medicines, and causes an excess of pitta, if used in medicines. Although found beneficial in some cases, all such cowries give rise to several evil effects, and should therefore be avoided for medicinal purposes.

Properties of cowry or marine shell.

It cures all sorts of colic, including that which is felt just at the time of digestion of food. It also cures chronic diarrhoea and phthisis. It is pungent, hot, increasing the power of digestion, nutritive, beneficial to the eye, and pacifier of an excess of vayu and kapha (phlegm). It is one of the best of the materials constituting what is called a vida, referred to in the exhaustion of mercury. The cowries which do not conform to the description given above are male cowries—they are not easily digested and give rise to an increase of phlegm and animal heat.