Maricha (Piper nigrum, Linn.) is not much hot. It does not increase the vital seed. It is light and adds relish to food. In consequence of its capacity to remove adherent phlegm and other matters, and of drying them, it promotes the appetite and subdues phlegm and wind.†
† Chhedanas are medicines which remove by force adherent phlegm and bad humours ; emetics, expectorants, caustics, errhines, &c., probably come under it.—T.
The verse number printed after the paragraph (299) is not transcribed.