The Sanskrit terms Bhiṣak, Bheṣaj, Bheṣajyali meaning physician, medicine and treatment respectively abound in the Brāhmaṇa literatures. The twin gods Aśvins were regarded as the physician. Nature cure was the main treatment in the Vedic age, i.e., treatment with the aid of nature elements like water, air, heat and earth. ‘Within water is medicine’ says Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa. ‘Fire or heat is the medicine to restore life’ – says Aitareya Brāhmaṇa. Soma is regarded as the kind of creepers and medicinal plants. Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa refers to ointment for sores and itches. Vedic Aryans were fully conversant with the fact that contact with sun-rays in fuses medicinal or healing power in water. Aitareya Brāhmaṇa makes a note worthy observation – ‘rain-water charged with the rays of the sun is a medicinal or potent drink’. The Vedic fathers had a clear knowledge of toxicology and knew that sour things like tamarind, curd and the like neutralise the ill effect or stupor caused by intoxicating drinks and drugs. Thus Aitareya Brāhmaṇa records how the gods Mitra and Varuṇa neutralised the intoxicating effect of intoxicants with curd.
Publication Date: 2016-06-23