His death was taking an usually long amount of time.
Either approach takes only a small amount of time and effort.
Which would take at least the same amount of time, if not longer.
It takes a certain amount of time, such as 60 or 90 minutes.
At that time, people would take from the river the amount of water they needed.
The difference in effects might have something to do with the amount taken.
The people will take a certain amount of reform, then they want a rest.
The effects took a large amount of time to complete.
"It is ground fine and a small amount taken with water."
This was likely to take a fair amount of time.