The Materia Medica of the Hindus, compiled from Sanskrit Medical Works c4.s4.12

c4.s4.12

2. उष्मस्वेद *Ushmasveda* or the application of hot steam. This is effected in various ways. The part to be heated is covered with wet cloth. Bricks, stones or iron plates are made red hot and sprinkled over with *kánjika* or some decoction, and are then applied to the part to be heated; or an earthen pot with a small opening in the side is filled with hot water or decoction of some drugs, a tube is adjusted to the hole in the pot and the steam is applied to the covered body through it. A third method consists in heating the ground by burning catechu-wood over it, and after removing the fire, sprinkling some decoction over the spot and making a bed of castor oil leaves on it. The patient is to lie on this bed and cover himself with a blanket. Or the ground may be covered with a thick layer of boiled pulse such as *máshakaláya* and a bed made over it for the patient.