Treatment of Tṛṣṇā (excessive thirst)

Atharva Veda is a charm against Tṛṣṇā. The Atharvaveda mentions the disease of Tṛṣṇā or thirst^[1]. It means getting thirstier or dying of more thirst. When the incidence of bile in the body is high, air rises and flows to the palate, this results in thirst or thirst disease. Excessive thirst caused by some disease receives special attention in Atharva Veda. II. 29 with special parlance at Kauśika Sūtra^[2]. The Interesting practice is as follows: while the priest recites II.29 at day-break, the patient and a healthy person sit back-to-back. The patient faces east. The performer then stirs a drink in a cup of Vetasa using two reeds on the head of the patient and then gives it to the healthy person. Thus, the thirst of the person is transferred. The patient is then given freshly drawn water to drink. Finally, while reciting II.29.6 the two are covered with the same garment and are given the stirred liquid to drink.

The Atharvaveda, speaks of the use of Apāmārga drugs for the treatment of this disease. The Atharvaveda also mentions the application of other medicines: namely-Avakā, Dūrvā, Puṇḍrīka, Madhūka, Barley, Banyan tree, Śara etc.