This class of remedies is usually composed of relaxants, &c., of several
kinds, combined with tonics, stimulants, and anodynes. They are very
useful to relieve pain, to remove rigidity, to restore tone, and to
stimulate the parts to which they are applied.
_Common Fomentation._
Wormwood, }
Tansy, } equal parts.
Hops, }
Moisten them with equal parts of boiling water and vinegar, and apply
them blood warm.
_Use._--For all kinds of bruises and sprains. They should be confined to
the injured parts, and kept moist with the superabundant fluid. When it
is not practicable to confine a fomentation to the injured parts, as in
shoulder or hip lameness, constant bathing with the decoction will
answer the same purpose.
_Anodyne Fomentation._
Hops, a handful.
White poppy heads, 1 ounce.
Water and vinegar, equal parts.
Simmer a few minutes.
_Use._--In all painful bruises.
_Relaxing Fomentation_
Powdered lobelia, 2 ounces.
Boiling water, 2 quarts.
Simmer for a few minutes, and when sufficiently cool, bathe the parts
with a soft sponge.
_Use._--In all cases of stiff joints, and rigidity of the muscles.
Animals often lie down in wet pastures, from which rheumatism and
stiffness of the joints arise. In such cases, the animal must be taken
from grass for a few days, and the affected parts be faithfully bathed.
_Stimulating Fomentation._
Cedar buds, or boughs, any quantity, to which add a small quantity of
red pepper and ginger, boiling water sufficient.
_Use._--This will be found very efficacious in chronic lameness and
paralysis, for putrid sore throat, and when the glands are enlarged from
cold and catarrh.