(Rasa) [which capnot exist independently of the substances] in which they are inherent. These substances which are called the Oshadhis may be divided into two classes such as the mobile and the immobile. The immobile Oshadhis in their turn, admit of being grouped under four sub-heads such as, the Vanaspatis, the Vrikshas. the Virudhas and the Oshadhis proper.
Those trees which bear fruit without blossoming are called the Vanaspatis such as, the Plaksha and the (Oudumvura). Those that bear both fruits and flowers are called the Vrikshas. Shrubs and creepers that trail on the ground are called Virudhas, whereas those plants which die with the ripening of their fruits, are called Oshadhis proper such as cereals .
The mobile Oshadhis or animals are divided into four classes such as the viviparous, the oviparous, the sweat-begotten, and those that are born of decomposed vegetable matter. Man and other mammals belong to the first group; birds, snakes, and reptiles belong to the second; ants, worms, etc. belong to the third; while frogs and Indragopas belong to the fourth. For medicinal purposes, bark, leaves, flowers, fruits, roots, bulbs, the expressed juice, and milky or resinous secretions of plants, etc.*[1] are obtained from the vegetable world. The
- ↑ * The use of oil expressed out of drugs and seeds. as well as of their ashes or alkaline preparations are likewise indicated.
