Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
by Bhudeb Mookerjee | 1938 | 47,185 words | ISBN-10: 8170305829 | ISBN-13: 9788170305828
This third volume of the Rasa-jala-nidhi deals with purification techniques of the Seven Metals (sapta-dhatu) and various Gems (ratna). It also deals with substances such as Alkalis (kshara), Salts (lavana), Poisions (visha) and Semi-poisions (upavisha) as well as various alcholic liquors. The Rasa-jala-nidhi (“the ocean of Iatrochemistry, or, che...
Part 19 - Purification of Leeches
A leech, which is sufficiently old, is to be kept in a copper pot. It is to be immersed in 32 tolas of water, mixed with one fourth of a tola of powdered haridra (turmeric). Thus treated, it will give out its saliva. Purified in this way, the leech may be applied for the purpose of blood-sucking.
A leech of the following description is to be avoided:—(1) A leech which has got furs on its body, or (2) one which is of tawny colour; or (3) one which has got red lines on its body; or (4) one which is weak.
Conclusion:
This concludes ‘Purification of Leeches’ included in Bhudeb Mookerjee Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory. The text includes treatments, recipes and remedies and is categorised as Rasa Shastra: an important branch of Ayurveda that specialises in medicinal/ herbal chemistry, alchemy and mineralogy, for the purpose of prolonging and preserving life.