Chapter 4

4.

1. Now at that time the Bhikkhus who were sick had need of astringent decoctions as medicine. They told this thing to the Blessed One.

'I allow you, O Bhikkhus, the use of astringent decoctions as medicine--the nimba 2, the kutaga 3, the pakkava 4, the nattamâla 5, and whatsoever other astringent roots are used for medicine, which impart an appetising flavour to foods, either hard or soft, which the sick Bhikkhus could not otherwise eat. They may be received, and stored up your life long; and, if there be necessity, they may be. eaten. If eaten without necessity, (the Bhikkhu who uses them) is guilty of a dukkata offence.'