[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.s3.4 # The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s3.4 The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s3.4 - **Language:** English ### [c4.s3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s3.4) क्वाथ Kvatha or decoctions are, as a general rule, prepared by boiling one part of vegetable substances with sixteen parts of water, till the latter is reduced to one-fourth. The medicines should first be pounded small, then boiled over a slow fire, and the decoction strained through cloth. When decoctions are prepared with dry substances, eight parts of water are recommended to be used. Decoctions are administered with the addition of salt, honey, sugar, treacle, alkalies, clarified butter, oil, or some medicinal powders. - [Previous: c4.s3.3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s3.3) - [Next: c4.s3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s3.5) - [Up: c4.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.science.dutt-1877.c4.s3.4) · Pramāṇa