[25] At that time the Buddha, the Blessed One, was dwelling at Sāvatthī, in Jeta's Grove, the park of Anāthapiṇḍika. Now at that time bhikkhus (bhikkhu), afflicted by the autumnal disease, vomited up even the gruel they had drunk, and even the boiled rice they had eaten came back up. Because of that they were thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown more and more sallow, their limbs covered with prominent veins. The Blessed One saw those bhikkhus—thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown more and more sallow, their limbs covered with prominent veins—and having seen them, he addressed the Venerable Ānanda: "Why is it, Ānanda, that at present the bhikkhus are thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown more and more sallow, their limbs covered with prominent veins?"
"At present, venerable sir, bhikkhus afflicted by the autumnal disease vomit up even the gruel they have drunk, and even the boiled rice they have eaten comes back up. Because of that they are thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown more and more sallow, their limbs covered with prominent veins."
**The Allowance of the Five Medicines within the Proper Time**
Then, while the Blessed One was alone in seclusion, this reflection arose in his mind: "At present bhikkhus afflicted by the autumnal disease vomit up even the gruel they have drunk, and even the boiled rice they have eaten comes back up. Because of that they are thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown more and more sallow, their limbs covered with prominent veins. What medicine (bhesajja), now, might I allow the bhikkhus—something that would be both medicine in itself and commonly regarded as medicine by the world, that would serve the purpose of food, and yet would not be evident as substantial food?" Then it occurred to the Blessed One: "There are these five medicines, namely: ghee, fresh butter, oil, honey, and molasses. They are both medicines in themselves and commonly regarded as medicines by the world; they serve the purpose of food, and yet they are not evident as substantial food. Suppose I were to allow the bhikkhus these five medicines, to be accepted at the proper time and consumed at the proper time."
Then, in the evening, having emerged from seclusion, the Blessed One, having given a talk on the Dhamma with reference to that cause, with reference to that occasion, addressed the bhikkhus: "Bhikkhus, while I was here alone in seclusion, this reflection arose in my mind: 'At present bhikkhus afflicted by the autumnal disease vomit up even the gruel they have drunk, and even the boiled rice they have eaten comes back up. Because of that they are thin, wretched, of poor complexion, grown more and more sallow, their limbs covered with prominent veins. What medicine, now, might I allow the bhikkhus—something that would be both medicine in itself and commonly regarded as medicine by the world, that would serve the purpose of food, and yet would not be evident as substantial food?' Then, bhikkhus, it occurred to me: 'There are these five medicines, namely: ghee, fresh butter, oil, honey, and molasses. They are both medicines in themselves and commonly regarded as medicines by the world; they serve the purpose of food, and yet they are not evident as substantial food. Suppose I were to allow the bhikkhus these five medicines, to be accepted at the proper time and consumed at the proper time.' Bhikkhus, I allow those five medicines, to be accepted at the proper time and consumed at the proper time."
English translation from the Pali (Siam Raṭṭha edition) — under review, not for citation.