Part 8 - Semi-poison (8): Jayapala (croton seeds)

Jayapala is heavy, remover of coarseness of the body, highly purgative, and pacifier of pitta and kapha. It takes away life, if taken unpurified and in excessive quantity. It should be taken purified, and in doses not exceeding one fourth of a rakti a day.

Purification of Jayapala: First process.

Jayapala seeds are purified, in the following way:—They are first of all to be boiled with the pancha-gavya (see page 331). Scale-like tissues, which are found inside the seeds, are then to be removed. The seeds are then to be treated (i.e. boiled or subjected to bhavana) with the amla-varga (vegetable acids) for ten times, with the ksharas for three times, with the juice of kanya for once only, and with the solution of a kshara prepared from kodrava (a kind of paddy), for once only. Thus purified, jayapala seeds do not cause vomitting or inflammation.

Second process.

Jayapala seeds are first of all to he deprived of their skins, internal scales, and of their juices by being washed off with water. They are then to be kept concealed in the dung of buffalo for three days. They are next to be washed off with hot water and cleansed. Then they are to be rubbed with a piece of rag (which is meant to soak the oil) in a mortar. Next, they are to plaster the surface of a new earthen basin (which is to soak the rest of the oil). The jaypala is thus deprived of oil, and appear like dust. It is then to be subjected to bhavana for several times with lemon-juice. Thus purified, jayapala become excellent in quality.

Third process.

Jayapala seeds (deprived of their skins and scales) are purified, if they are boiled for three hours with the juice of buffalo stool.

Fourth process.

Jayapala seeds are purified, if they are deprived of their skins and internal scales, and then boiled with milk by means of a Dola-yantra.

Remedy of jayapala poison.

Dhanya (coriander seeds), pestled with curd and sugar, removes troubles due to croton seeds.