Herbs that sprang up in ancient times, three ages before the gods—
Of these, whose hue is brown, I will declare their hundred powers and seven.
Ye, Mothers, have a hundred homes, and a thousand more grow.
Do ye, who have a thousand powers, free this patient from its ailment.
Be glad and joyful in the plants, both blooming and bearing fruit,
Plants that lead us to success, like mares in races victorious.
Plants, by this name I call to you, Mothers, to you the goddesses:
Steed, cow, and garment, may I win, win back your very selves, O man.
The Holy Fig tree is your home, your Parna tree is your mansion:
Win cattle with your strength if you restore for me this man.
He who has herbs like kings among his men—
Physician is that sage’s name, slayer of foes, healer of disease.
Herbs rich in Soma, rich in steeds, in nourishment, in strength—
All these I provide here, so that this man may be whole again.
The healing virtues of the plants flow like cattle from the stall—
Plants that shall bring me wealth and save your breath, O man.
Reliever is your mother’s name, and hence Restorers are you called.
Rivers are you with wings that fly; keep far whatever brings disease.
Over all fences have they passed, as a thief into the fold steals.
The plants have driven away whatever malady was there.
When, bringing back the lost strength, I hold these herbs in my hand—
The spirit of disease departs before it can grasp the life.
He through whose body, O Plants, you crawl limb by limb, joint by joint—
From him you drive away disease, like a strong arbitrator of strife.
Fly, Spirit of Disease, depart, with the blue jay and kingfisher.
Fly with the wind’s impetuous speed, vanish together with the storm.
Help every one the other, lend assistance each to each,
All of you be in accord, give furtherance to this speech.
Let fruitful plants, and fruitless, those that bloom, and those that do not,
Urged on by Brihaspati, release us from our pain and grief.
Release me from the curse’s plague and woe that comes from Varuna,
Free me from Yama’s bonds, from sin and offense against the gods.
When, descending from the