similar to Chinese herbal medicine (see Chapter 6). A range of ayurvedic
toiletries, including soap and shampoo, is available on the UK market.
Animal products
There is some controversy about using animal products. However, finely
ground deer horn as a paste may be applied to the thoracic region and is said
to be of benefit in angina.
Metals
Despite its long history, ayurveda has not been averse to change. The
Indian subcontinent has been subject to countless invasions during its
history, with diseases being imported from other geographical locations
and techniques absorbed from other cultures.^9 During the Middle Ages, for
example, heavy metals, particularly mercury, entered the ayurvedic arma-
mentarium and were used in the treatment of syphilis, which was brought
by the Portuguese. The invention of new remedies is encouraged by modern
practitioners.
For medicinal use metals are traditionally taken internally after under-
going rigorous purification to neutralise any toxic effects. The metals are
boiled in water which is then reduced in volume by evaporation. Typically
5 ml of this water is taken orally two to three times daily. Some examples of
the medical uses of metals are:
- Copper is a good tonic for the liver, spleen and lymphatics.
- Gold strengthens the nervous system.
- Silver has cooling properties and is beneficial in the treatment of excess
pitta. - Iron is beneficial for bone marrow and helps in anaemia.
There are safety issues associated with the use of heavy metals (see
below).
Treatment with aromatherapy
Sweet warming aromas such as musk and camphor can balance vata, while
pittais soothed by calming aromas such as sandalwood, jasmine and rose.
Kaphais pacified by warming stimulating oils together with pungent oils
such as eucalyptus, sage and thyme.
Treatment with enema (basti)
Bastiintroduces medicinal remedies, including sesame oil or herbal decoc-
tions, in a liquid medium into the rectum. Medicated enemas pacify vataand
alleviate many vatadisorders, such as constipation, backache, arthritis and
various nervous disorders.
206 | Traditional medicine