[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Science, technology and education](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science) › [The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877) › c4.s21.2 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s21.2 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s21.2 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s21.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s21.2) \*Sájji\* or barilla is produced from several species of salt-worts growing in brackish soil in the Punjab and North-West Provinces. The process of manufacturing \*sájji\* is described in full detail in the "Report on Punjab Products". The plants are cut down during the cold months, dried and burnt in a pit of a hemispherical shape, about six feet in circumference and three feet deep. At the bottom of this pit, one or more inverted \*gharás\* or earthen vessels having small holes pierced in their upper portion are buried. The holes are kept closed at the commencement of the operations. Into the pit is thrown a small quantity of the plants and burnt, fresh plants being gradually added to keep up a constant fire, and this is continued till the pit fills up. During this process a liquid matter exudes from the plants. As soon as this is observed the orifices in the \*gharás\* are opened and the liquid runs down into them below the fire. After all the liquid has run down, the ashes are stirred up with a stick and covered over with earth. The alkali found in the earthen vessels is \*sájji\* of the first quality, called \*sájji lotá\* because it is found in the \*lotá\* or pot. The residuary mass in the pit is crude dirty potash. - [Previous: c4.s21.1](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s21.1) - [Next: c4.s21.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s21.3) - [Up: c4.s21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s21) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s21.2](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s21.2) · Pramāṇa