Simple Medicine in Siddha S y s t e m

P. R. SAROJA C. VELUCHAMY

The Siddha system of medicine as practised by our aacients has been associated with religioa and philosophy aad thus evi-dently based on truth. This system of medicine recogriises the fact toat the human orcans are only, the material and the bodily representatives of invisible energies or activities that pervade and circulate the whole cosmic system.

In Siddha medicine,the physiological function in the human system is mediated by three substances (dosbas), i) Vatbara, ii) Pitham, iiij Kapam which are made up of the five elements (Bhutasj i) Mann ii) Neer iiij Thee iv) Vayu and Alcasam.

In broad terms, in the human body the nervous actions which constitute movement, activity, sensation etc. are due to "Vatham" the metabolic activity etc. are the functions of "Pitham" and stability is controlled by "Kapam** .

If these three doshas function normally, normal health is maintained. The normal order '"of 'Vatham*, 'Pitham* and 'Kapam'are in the proportion -of or 4;2:t respectively. Any change in these proportions will lead to disease. This is what Saint Thiruvalluvar says

tflSgpith (jjsojDuSgyib QpmuQeiufifth gffQeoirit ajaflQfijSurr <rw<afiu (&jD«fr«94IJ

1 8 6 SIMPLE MEDICINE IN SIDDHA SYSTEM

Nadi or the pulse reading is the significant clinical diag-nostic method,adopted by the practitioners of Siddhasystem. The drug of the Siddha system of medicine may be broadly classified intovegetabl^ animal,metal and mineral categories.

An old saying in the practice of Siddha medicine emphasizes the use of herbs-roots-stem and leaves. If these are not of effective gradual use of metals and minerals is suggested.

"OaitfurTQ £«dpurr® tS^S^esra srreo, Quito to Qu>««u ujbu Qepgntrib un®"

It is therefore obvious that the practitioners of siddha medicine primarily make us: of herbal compositions. These are invariably easily accessible in rural areas, economical and also received well by human system.

In the Siddha system of medicine as stated earlier, it is believed that a disease is caused because of disequilibrium in one or more of the three doshas namely "Vatham", "Pitham" and "Kapam" that exist in the human system.

The common ailments are too many to be dealt with in a short span of time aod it may therefore be more appropriate to refer to the most common ailments and the simple medicines that are offered for these ailments by the Siddha system of medicine.

The recipes indicated for various ailments are the compo-nents of drugs capable for setting right the vitiated or deranged doshas.

1. Acute coryza or common cold) (Neer kovai) Common cold is too common and none is spared by this

common ailment. It is caused by virus. The symptoms are aucc^ing, sore iniodi, waury nasai discliaige and mild cough. — The siddha system offers ; i) Milagu kndineer - Pepper decoction ("Piper nigrum; and

P . R. SAROM, G. VELUCHAMY 187 ii) Jnji swa rasam - Giagerjnlcc (Zingiber officinals) as ideal medicines that can be easily prepared. 2. Bronchitis - Eramai

Irritating cough, cough with expectoration, chest pain and sligh. rise in temperature are the symptoms of branchitis. i) Adathodai decoction (Adathoda Vasica)

Being an expectorant and antispasmodic, Adathodai is an effective medicine for bronchitis. T!ie decoction is prepared by Adathoda leaves adding powdered Athimathuram (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Thaiisapathri (Taxus buccaita) and Thippili (Piper longum). Dosage - i to I ounce. ii) Adathodai syrup (Adathoda vasica) Adathodai syrup is prepared by adding sugar to the Adathodai decoction.

Dosage - J to 1 ounce. iii) Chittarathai (Alpinin officinarum)

Chittrathai is an expectorant. A piece of this root may be chewed and the juice when swallowed gives relief, (or) this can be made into powder (cho rnam) and 500 to 1000 mg. can be taken with honey 2 or 3 times a day. 3. Fever - non - specific - snrara

Rise in temperature, headache, cough and pain all over the body are symptoms of non-specific fever.

i) Nilavembu infusion (Andrographis Paniculata) Nilavembu has anti-pyretic action which controls fever.

This is prepared by soaking Nilavembu root together with the powders of c!ovcs {Eugenia caryophyllara) cardamom XElettaria cardamomum) in water. Dosage - J to I ounce.

ii) Thnlasi decoction (Ocimum sanctum) Tbtiiasi is an expectorant and anti-pyratic and its decoction

is prepared together with equal quantity of Milagu (Piper

1 8 8 SIMPLE MEDICINE IN SIDDHA SYSTEM

nigrum) an analagesic and expectorant and Arugan pul (Cynodon dactylon). 4. Stomatitis -Akkaram

It is due to B , deficiency. The symptoms of stomatitis are the gums and mouth becoming reddish and painful, swollen tongue and foetid smell of the breath. i) Padikara neer koppalippu (Alum water gargle)

Padikaram (Alum) is to be dissolved in water and used for gargle which will reduce the inflammatory condition and accelerate the healing process.

ii) Decoction of Thiriphata fcboornam) which contains Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula), Nellikkai

(Emblica officianalis), Tbantrikkai (Terminalia bclerica) can also be used for gargling. i i i ) Manatbakkali (Solanum nigrum)

Manathakkali leaves that contain B, may be cooked along with green gram as * side dish for food. 5: Infective Hepatitis - Kamalai

It is caused by virus. The signs and symptoms of Kamala are slight rise in temperature followed by loss of appetite, vomi-ting, yellow tint of the conjunctiva, passing of yellow coloured urine.

The medicine recommended in the siddha system ate the most effective and well acknowledged. i) Keezbanalli paste (phyllanthus niruri)

The paste is made with tiny plants of Keezbanalli adding :!akk?i (Zletiariu cu, ach.2nd va! milagu (piper c u U I m ) and prescribed for internal consumption.

Dosage; 2 to 5 gms.

P . R. SAROM, G. VELUCHAMY 5

This medicine was tried at central Research Institutefsiddha) Madras and found to be a complete success'in the treatment. ii) Karisalai paste (Eciipta alba)

This is an effective hepatic tonic. Karisalai paste is made up of Karisalai leaves and Milagu (piper nigrum).

Dosage ; 2 to 5 gms. iii) Kovai ilai paste (Coccinia indiea) and iv) Amanakku ilai paste (Ricinus communis) also may be administered. 6. Diarrhoca-Qedhi

Passing loose motion often due to indigestion or any conta-mination of food, pain in the lower abdomen, occassional vomiting are the main symptoms of Diarrhoea. Atbividayam powder (Aconitum hetcrophyllum)

says an old Tamil saving aod this shows how effective this drug in the control of diarrhoea. Atbividayam has astringent action and hence controls effectively diarrhoea.

Dosage: 500 mg. ii) Poduthalai decoction (Lippia nodiflora)

Poduthalai decoction is made out of poduthalai leaves added with Omam (Trachyspermum ammi) poduthalai has astringent action used especially in children with Diarrhoea.

Dosage.' _£.to .1 ounce.. .. v.;;- - > l ^ i p S ^ 7. Dysentery-Nina kazhicbal ' C - ' l & ^ S ^ S S ^ :

It may be due to Bacillary or Amoebic. The symp toms are passing frequent motions mixed with mucus and blood, colicky pain, tenesmus.

190 SIMPLE MEDICINE IN SIDDHA SYSTEM

i) Kadokkai poo decoction (Terminalia chebnla) Decoction to be prepared with equal quantities of kadukkai

poo {Termfh&ai&eBuk\ Athividayam (Aeoniturn hetrophyllum) and sirunagappn (Uesua ferrea).

Dosage; | to 1 ounce. ii) M u g w t k u tbol (Garcinia msngostana) decoction

The decoction is made up of Mangustan thol, Thania, (Coriandrum sativum) and seeragam (Cuminum cyminum).

Dosage; 1 to 2 ounce iii) Ja th ikkai powder {Myristica f ragranj

Jathikkai is aa astringent :and anti-dysentric. Jathikkai is to be made into a fine powder and administered.

Dosage; 300 to 500 mg. 8. Headache-Tkalai tali

Symptoms are pain in the frontal and occipital regions nausea, at times vomiting. i) Snkko paste (Zingiber officinals)

For external application, this paste is ideal. ii) Tbumbai poo juice (Leucas aspera)

For chronic and severe headache, two drops of Thumbai poo juice administered as nasul drops for relief and comfort. 9. Bronchial asUgma-Eraippu

It is due to allergy. Symptoms are cough, dyspnoea on exertion, wheezing, palpitation, chest pain.

This ailment generally occurs in patients during winter months. Siddha system offers effective medicine for relief and comfort.

This is prepared with Vellerukkam poo (Calotropis gigantea and Milagu {Piper nigrum) in equal parts and administered orally.

P. R. SAROJA, C . VELUCHAMY 191 J l l tu

Dosage: I to 2 pills. Vellerukku has anti spasmodic action and milagu an

expectorant. ii) Umatbai leaves (Datnra alba)

Umathai leaves are dried with Vediuppu fSalt petre-Potas-sium nitrate; and prescribed for inhalation.

10. Constipation (Malachikkal) Many patients and even normal individual suffer due to

this problem. It is also stated that chronic constipation may lead to so many diseases iike piles etc. Hence keeping the bowls regular is utrr.ost important. i) Kadukkai decoction (Torrainaiia chebnla)

Given internally as a decoction, Kadukkai is effective in case of constipation.

Dosage: 60 to 100 ml. ii) Nilavagai infusion (Cassia aneustifoliaj

Infusion made up of Nilavagai and Sukku (.Zingiber offici-nale is a good-laxative.

Dosage; 60 to 100 ml.

11. Tonsilitis-Lasuna tbabitham This may be due to virus or bacteria. The symptoms are

swelling and redness of tonsils, sore throat, pain on swallowing, sometimes fever. - . i) Garlic (Allium sativum) throat paint

Garlic juice is to be added to honey and the paint prepared Swabbing of the inflammed tonsils with Garlic throat paint will give good relief. Continuous application of this paint will reduce the size of the enlarged tonsils also.

192 SIMPLE MEDICINE IN SIDDHA SYSTEM

ii) Karpooravali (Anisochilas Carmosas) Juice: Karpooravalli to be chewed well and the juice swallowed.

12. Common dinretics-Sirnneer perukkigal Oliguria or scanty micturlation is one of the symptoms in

many diseases for which simple diuretics are given to increase the urinary output. i) Serapeelai decoction (Aerva lanta)

This acts as diuretic and litbontropic. Serupeelai, Nerunjil (Tribulusterrestris). Mavalingom (crataeva religiosa) and Peramuttiver

fPavonia Odorata) are }o be taken in equal parts and decoction prepared.

Dosage t i to 1 ouncc. iii) Mnllangi (Rapbanus sativos) jaice;

Mullangi juice to be administered orally. Dosage : J to 1 ouncc.

iii) llaneer (Tender coconut water) This is a diuretic agent and very effective.

iv) Vazbai thandu (Musa paradisiaca) jaice: Vazha thandu juice is an ideal diuretic agent and controls

urinary infection. This will also prevent infection. Consump tion of this juice once a week is recommended.

Dosage : 1 to 2 ounces.

13, Extranal ulcers-Viranast i) Adutheenda palai ennal (Aristol?"*.'-- . S t a c i ^ - . v

Adutheenda palai juice and Veppennai (Azadirachta indica) are to be added in equal quantity and thai lam prepared for external use.

P. R. SAROM, G. VELUCHAMY 193

ii) Mathan tbaila-a n " ; : . . : . , . s - r - -Mathan thailam is prepared with the juice of*Oomathai

(Datura alba) coccnut oil and Myilthutham (copper sulphate) Oomathai is antipasmodic and anodyoe while Myilthutham

is antiseptic. This is used externally.

14. Scabies- Sirangu It is caused by the parasites. Mainly distributed over the-

legs and webs of the fingers characterised by intensive itching. '

i) Venkara pacbai (Fried borax powder) Mixed with coconut oil and applied externally. Venkara

pacbai is anti septic and astringent. ii) Kuppaimepi (Acalypha indica) paste The leaves of Kuppaimeni plant are mixed with salt and

ground and used externally. iii) Aruganpul paste (Cynodon dactylon) Aruganpul to be ground and mixed with Mttojal (Curcuma

longaj and used externally. Aruganpul is an astringent and anti septic. 15. Ring worsa-Padar thamarai

It .is a skin .disease caused by .fungus. Produces severe itching. - ' i; Pei agathi (Cassia alata) Paste

Pei agathi leaves to be ground with lemon "juice into a fine paste and applied externally.

The antifungal property of Cassia alata was studied at the Microbiology department of Central Research Institute (Siddha) Madras and found to be an effective remedy for ring worm.

S—13

194 SIMPLE MEDICINE IN SIDDHA SYSTEM

16. Fissure food—Kal reddippu U 'Amirtha Yennai'

Veeram (per chloride of mercury) is mixed thoroughly with butter an d to he applied externally. ii) Arugampa! thailam (Cynodon Dactylon)

Arugampul juice is mixed with coconut oil and used for externa! application. 17. Athelete foot—Settro pan

Fungal infection affecting the webs of the toes and fingers. i) Azhavanam leav* paste (Lawsonia alba)

Azhavanam has astringent, anti fungal and anti bacterial propenies. ii) Manjal (Curcuma io nga) powder

Added with gingelly oil and paste prepared. Manjal is an antiseptic.

This is to be applied externally. 18. Intestinal worms—Kodar kiromigal

It is caused Jby Parasites. Symptoms are passing worms along with motion, loss of appetite, tenasmus, pain around the umblicus.

i) Malal yembu (Melia composite) juice or decoction Malai vembu leaves decoction to be prepared and consu-

med orally. This is an anthelmintic agent. Dosage : 20 to 50 ml.

ii) Euppai ineni (Acalypha indica) Jniee or decoction Decoction of kuppaimeni leaves is to be given. This is also

an aiulieluiiatlc Dosage: 20 to SO ml.

P . R. SAROJA, G VELUCHAMY 195

iii) Vaividangam (Embelia ribes) powder Vaividaegam is powdered finely and administered orally

with water. This is an anthalmintic agent. Dosage; 2 to 5 gms,

19. ConjuetiTitis—Velvizh) thabitham It is caused by virus. Symptoms are redness, pain in the

conjunctiva, watering, discharge, photophobia, stickng of the eye lids. i) Hot cooked rice added with batter

For fomentation ii) Padiga panaeer (Alans) eye drops

Alum (200 mg) to be dissolved in rose water (50 mlJ and drops instilled.

The efficacy of this padiga panneer was tried in 70 (seventy) cases at Central Research Institute (Siddha), Madras and found to be a complete success. iiiy Nandiyavsttam (Taberoal moattna coroaaria) flower

juice The juice of of Nandiyavattam flower to be extracted and

applied as eye drops. This is a local anodyne agent. 20. Menorrhagia—Perampadn

Symptomsi Profuse bleeding during mensfaration. i) Asoka pattai juice (Sat,aca indica linn)

Juice from Asoka bark to be administered orally. This is an astringent and tonic used specially in uterine haemorrhage *fld it is also a uterine sedative.

Dosage; Two table spoons.

196 SIMPLE MEDICINE IN SIDDHA SYSTEM

ii) Naval pa t ta i decoction (Eugenia jambolana) Juice from Naval bark is an astringent and styptic. This is

consumed orally." — Dosage; 30 to 60 ml.

21. Athrit is—Vatba noi < Some of the external application to alliviate the pain and

swelling which are the major complaints of patients. i) Vatba narayanan (Delonix e la ta j Fomentation

Vatha narayanan leaves act as ami vatha agent and these peaves to be fried with castor oil and used for fomentation: ii) Katrazhai pal (Latex of Aloe vera)

Katrazhaipal to be added with water and boiled. Used externally. 22. Otitis media—Kathu vali

It is due to Bacteria or fungus. Symptoms! Severe radiating pain to the vertex and occiput. i) Poondn (Allium sativum)juice and ii) Thiruneetru patcbi (Ocimum basilicumj juice

These to be used as car drops. Conclusion

The remedies prescribed above are indeed simple for the diseases that occur commonly. It is a known fact that majority of ailments, say about seventy percent are common ailment that require only simple medicines and proper rest. The Siddha medicines for these ailments learnt by us by tradition and experience and in recent times by a systematic study in Institutions continue to be of great utility even to date, despite iuc emtifctucc of othu - systems of nedicinc and particularly ^ when rapid strides have been made in the allopathic system of medicine.

P. R. SAROM, G. VELUCHAMY 197

There is no disease for which Siddha system does not offer a cure. Efforts are being made today to study this system in a systematic manner. The Research projects undertaken are designed to make the Siddha therapy more acceptable by establishing the ciH.-aoy of the system with the aid of modern parameters.

Siddha system is deep rooted in Tamil culture and tradition and it is a matter of pride that we have evolved over ages an excellent system of mcdicine and it shall be our endeavour to preserve, protect and enlarge the system for the benefit of the entire man kind.

Reference i t . Gunapadam - Par t ! - C. S. Murugesa Mudaliar-

III rd Ed.- 1969. 2. Siddha Maruthuvam - Part I - C. N. Kuppuswamy

Mudaliar - 1954. 3. Gunapadam - Part II - Dr. R. Thyagarajan-

II nd Ed. - 1970. 4. One hundred useful drugs - Dr. A. Lakshmipathi-1973. 5. Pharmacopoeia - Dr. V. Narayanasami - 1956. . 6. Agasthiyar (1500). 7. Siddha Vaidya Thirattu. 8. Thirukkural. 9. Common remedies in Siddha system of Medicibe -

Dr. R. Thyagarajan - 1975. ' ~ ': f« * 10. Introduction to Siddha system of medicine - - - - - -

Dr. V. Narayanaswaroy - 1975. 11. Davidson's principles and practice of medicine

John Mecleod - 1974.