are valuable agents in many cases, as in _Apoplexy_, _Insensibility_,
_Convulsions, especially in those after Childbirth_, _Hysterical Fits_,
_Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels_, _Flatulence_, _Flatulent Colic_,
&c. They, together with turpentine stupes, have sometimes excellent
effects in stimulating the system and rousing the vital powers in
_Delirium and Exhaustion attendant on Fever_.
365. _For the removal of Thread Worms from the Rectum and Lower Bowel_,
a Turpentine Enema often proves effectual. In the treatment of _Tape
Worm_ Oil of Turpentine is a remedy of established value; it is best
given internally in a dose of three drachms with an equal quantity of
Castor Oil; the latter is considered to prevent the unpleasant head
symptoms which are apt to arise when the Turpentine is given alone. It
is best given two or three hours after a meal; if taken on an empty
stomach it is apt to produce vomiting. The patient should remain quiet
after taking it, and broths and mucilaginous drinks should be taken to
aid its operation. The Oil of Turpentine for this purpose should be
obtained from a regular chemist or other reliable source.
366. TURPENTINE LINIMENT is a valuable application in _Chronic
Rheumatism_, _Lumbago_, _Sciatica_, _and other forms of Neuralgia_, _in
Chronic Enlargement of the Joints_, _Bruises_, _Sprains_, _Muscular
Pains_, _&c._ It is formed by dissolving one ounce of Camphor in 16
ounces of Oil of Turpentine, and then adding two ounces of Soft Soap,
rubbing them together until they are thoroughly mixed. _Chronic Coughs_,
especially of the aged, are much benefited by this liniment well rubbed
into the chest at night.
367. TURPENTINE OINTMENT is prepared by melting together at a gentle
heat one ounce of Oil of Turpentine, 60 grains of White or Black Dammar
(372), half an ounce of Yellow Wax, and half an ounce of Kokum Butter.
The ingredients, when melted together, should be removed from the fire,
and the mixture constantly stirred whilst cooling. It constitutes a good
stimulant application to _Indolent and ill-conditioned Ulcerations_,
_&c._ Diluted with equal parts of _ghee_, it forms a highly useful
dressing for _Carbuncles_, aiding the separation of sloughs, and
stimulating to healthy action. It should be changed twice or thrice
daily. Its action is aided by generous diet, &c., as mentioned in Index,
Art. _Carbuncle_. Some _Chronic Skin Diseases_ improve under the use of
the undiluted ointment, but in those of the _Hairy Scalp of Parasitic
origin_, the pure oil, locally applied, according to Erlach
(_Practitioner_, Oct. 1871), more surely and more rapidly than any other
remedy.
367_b_. +Tylophora, or Country Ipecacuanha.+ Tylophora asthmatica, _W.
et A._
Antá-múl, Janglí-pikván (_Hind._), Pit-kárí (_Duk._), Anto-mul
(_Beng._), Nach-churuppán, Náy-pálai, Péyp-pálai (_Tam._), Verri-pála,
Kukka-pála (_Tel._), Valli-pála (_Mal._), Bin-nuga (_Cing._).
368. This plant is common in sandy localities in Bengal and other parts
of India. Its roots and leaves possess valuable emetic properties; the
former, as met with in the bazaars, occurs in the form of thick,
contorted pieces of a pale colour, and a bitterish, somewhat nauseous
taste. As an emetic, and especially as a remedy in dysentery, it has
long been in repute, but it has been superseded by the dried leaves, the
operation of which has been found more uniform and certain; in fact,
they are justly regarded as one of the best indigenous substitutes for
Ipecacuanha. The dose of the powdered dried leaves as an emetic for an
adult is from 40 to 50 grains; in smaller doses, four to eight grains,
its action is that of an expectorant and diaphoretic.
369. _In Dysentery and Diarrhœa_, even in the earliest stages, and
whilst fever is present, it may be given in doses of 10 to 15 grains
three or four times daily, conjoined with mucilage, and opium if
required; or it may be commenced in one large dose in the same way as
Ipecacuanha (see _Index_). If the dysentery be connected with
intermittent fever, or be of malarious origin, it should be combined
with quinine.
370. _In Chronic Bronchitis_, _Coughs_, _Colds_, _and the_ _early stage
of Hooping Cough_, it has been administered with manifest benefit as an
expectorant and diaphoretic, in doses of five grains thrice daily or
oftener, either alone or combined with Syrup or Country Liquorice (6).
371. +Vateria Indica+, _Linn._, +Resin of+. Piney, or White Dammar.
Suféd-dámar (_Hind._, _Duk._), Kúndro (_Beng._), Sundras (_Punj._),
Sindrus (_Kash._), Vellai-kúndrikum (_Tam._), Dúpa-dámaru, Tella-dámaru
(_Tel._), Vella-kúnturukkam (_Mal._), Hal, Hal-dumlua (_Cing._), Guttah
rukam putch (_Malay_).
In the absence of White Dammar, Black Dammar, the resin of Canarium
strictum, _Roxb._, may be substituted. Its native names are Kalá-damar
(_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._), Karuppu-damar (_Tam._), Nalla-rojan
(_Tel._), Kálo-damar (_Guz._).
372. The specimens of White or Piney Dammar are met with in the bazaars
in irregular masses, which differ in colour, fragrance, and density,
some being of a light greenish colour, dense and uniform in substance,
whilst others are yellow, amber-coloured, and vesicular, or full of
small bladders; these differences apparently arise from the mode of
collection and the age of the trees producing them. This resin burns
with a clear, steady light, giving off a pleasant smell, but very little
smoke; under the influence of gentle heat it combines with wax and oil,
and forms a good substitute for officinal Resin in various ointments and
plasters. The following is an eligible form for common use. Take of
White Dammar, five ounces; Kokum Butter, eight ounces; Wax, two ounces.
Melt with a gentle heat, stirring briskly as it cools. This spread on
rag or lint forms a good stimulant dressing for _Carbuncles and other
Ulcerations_.
373. From the _fruit_ of Vateria Indica, _Linn._, common on the western
coast of the Peninsula, is obtained a solid fatty oil named Piney Tallow
or Vegetable Tallow of Canara, which has obtained considerable repute as
a local application in _Chronic Rheumatism_, and some other painful
affections. Like Kokum Butter, it may be used as a substitute for animal
fats in the preparation of ointments, &c. It is deserving of more
attention than has hitherto been paid to it.
373_a_. +Vernonia Seeds.+ The seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica, _Willd._
Sómráj, Bukchí (_Hind._), Sómráj (_Beng._), Káttu-shíragam (_Tam._),
Adavi-jila-kara, Visha-kanta-kálu (_Tel._), Káttu-jírakam (_Mal._),
Kádu-jirage (_Can._), Ránácha-jíré (_Mah._), Kadvo-jíri (_Guz._),
Sanni-náegam, Sanni-násang (_Cing._), Justan hutan (_Malay_).
373_b_. The plant which yields these seeds is common in waste places
near villages throughout India, and the dried seeds are met with in
almost every bazaar; they are about the eighth of an inch in length, of
a dark brown colour, covered with whitish scattered hairs, cylindrical,
tapering towards the base, marked with about ten paler longitudinal
ridges, and crowned with a circle of short brown scales; taste, nauseous
and bitter. These seeds enjoy a high repute amongst the natives as a
vermifuge in cases of _Lumbrici or Round Worms_, which, under their use,
are stated to be expelled in a lifeless state, thus showing that they
exercise a specific influence on the worm. The ordinary dose of the
bruised seed, administered in electuary with honey, is about two
drachms, given in two equal doses at the interval of a few hours, and
followed by an aperient. In this character they seem well worthy of
further trials. In Travancore, the bruised seeds, ground up into a paste
with lime-juice, are largely employed as a means of destroying _Lice_
infesting the body. The reports received of their efficacy for this
purpose justify farther trials with them.
374. +Vinegar.+
Sirká (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Punj._, _Kash._), Kádi (_Tam._),
Kádi-nóllu (_Tel._), Káti (_Mal._), Hulirasa (_Can._), Kádi, Vená-kiri
(_Cing._), Pón-ye (_Burm._), Chuka (_Malay_).
375. Many kinds of _Vinegar_ are met with in India, but as they are of
very varying strength and degree of purity the imported English
Distilled or White Wine Vinegar should be preferred, when procurable, as
it generally may be in large bazaars, for medical purposes. In its
absence the best native kinds, especially that prepared from the _Toddy_
of the Palmyra tree, should be used. At Peshaur and on our North-West
frontier a very superior vinegar is manufactured from the juice of the
grape; hence "Peshaur Vinegar" is well known throughout the Punjab and
Kashmir, and even at Bombay and Kurrachee (_Dr. Aitchison_).
376. _In Smallpox_, _Measles_, _Scarlet Fever_, _and other Febrile
Affections_, a mixture of one part of Vinegar and three of Water forms a
soothing and refreshing application, with which the whole surface may be
sponged twice or thrice daily, the temperature being regulated as
described in Sect. 385. Sprinkled about the sick room, in these and
other cases, undiluted vinegar acts in a degree as a deodorant, and is
generally very agreeable to the patient.
377. _In Relaxed, Ulcerated, and other forms of Sore Throat, especially
in that of Scarlet Fever, in Hoarseness, &c._, benefit is often derived
from the inhalation of the vapour of hot Vinegar.
378. _In Phthisis_, sponging the chest with diluted Vinegar is said to
be very effectual in allaying the _profuse perspirations_. A good
mixture for this purpose is composed of one part of Vinegar, one of Eau
de Cologne, and two of Water; it is a measure attended with salutary
effects, and is generally of great comfort to the patient. _As a
preventive of Phthisis_ the practice has been strongly recommended of
washing the chest every morning with Vinegar and Water, beginning with
it tepid, and reducing the temperature gradually, until it can be used
quite cold. The same measure persevered in has been found useful by
persons subject to repeated attacks of _Coughs and Asthmas_; it often
seems to diminish the liability to a return of these attacks, and to act
as a preventive.
379. _In Abortion and other forms of Uterine Hæmorrhage_, the continued
application of cold Vinegar and Water to the pubes is not only agreeable
to the patient, but tends considerably to arrest the discharge of blood.
In the absence of better agents, Vinegar diluted and sweetened to taste
may also be advantageously given internally. _Bleeding from the Nose_
sometimes yields to a piece of rag saturated with Vinegar introduced
into the nostril.
380. _To Bruises, Sprains, Contusions, and local Inflammations_, diluted
Vinegar is a popular and useful application. An excellent "EVAPORATING
LOTION" in these cases is formed of equal parts of Vinegar, _Arrack_,
and Water. This forms also a good application to the head in the
_Headache and Delirium of Fever_. The pains of _Venomous Bites or
Stings_, e.g., _of Scorpions, Centipedes, Wasps, Mosquitoes, &c._, is
often greatly relieved by the constant application of a piece of rag
moistened with Vinegar.
381. _To Milk or Mammary Abscesses_ warm Vinegar, perseveringly employed
for twenty-four hours, is stated on good authority to be one of the best
applications which can be used for relieving the congestion; it is
particularly useful when the breasts are greatly and painfully distended
with milk, and the earlier in the case it is employed, the greater are
its chances of success.
382. _Particles of Lime_ (_Chunam_) _in the Eye_ are effectually
dissolved and the pain eased by bathing the eye with diluted Vinegar,
not strong enough to cause smarting; it requires to be introduced
between the eyelids.
383. +Water.+
Pání (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Guz._, _Mah._, _Punj._) Áb, Sag
(_Kash._), Tanni, Jalam, Nír (_Tam._), Jalam, Níllu (_Tel._), Vellam
(_Mal._), Vaturu (_Cing._), Yé (_Burm._), Ahyer (_Malay_).
384. Water for medicinal purposes, _e.g._, making infusions, decoctions,
&c., should be the purest which can be procured. At certain seasons,
however, especially during the monsoon, the best water is apt to be so
muddy as to be unfit either for medicinal or drinking use. Under these
circumstances, recourse may be had to the native practice of rubbing the
inside of a vessel or _chattie_ with Clearing Nut, the Seeds of
Strychnos Potatorum, _Linn._, Nir-malí (_Hind._, _Beng._, _Mah._, and
_Guz._), Chil-bínj (_Duk._), Tétrán-kottai (_Tam._ and _Malyal._),
Tétrán-parala (_Tel._), Ingini-atta (_Cing._), Kamou-yeki (_Burm._),
bruised or sliced, previous to the water being poured into it. This
simple measure is said to render the muddiest water clear and wholesome.
Where water has been collected from swampy or malarious localities, a
better plan is to subject it (with the addition of a piece of freshly
prepared charcoal) to _boiling_, and subsequent straining or filtering.
The uses of water in medicine are multifarious and important.
385. _As a drink in Fever and Inflammations_, cold water may be taken
without restriction, and it may be rendered more refrigerant and
agreeable by the addition of some mucilaginous agents, as rice, &c., and
some vegetable acid, as tamarind pulp or lime-juice. For _Irritability
of Stomach and Vomiting in Fever_, water drunk as hot as it can be borne
will often prove very effectual; "But," observes Dr. Aitchison, "the
remedy should not consist of merely a mouthful or so of hot water; but
of two or three tumblers full. One would suppose that drinking this
amount of water on an irritable stomach would rather produce vomiting:
this is not the case. The patient may bring up a little of the water;
but usually he simply turns round, and falls asleep as if a narcotic had
been given him." _In Smallpox, Measles, Scarlatina, and other Fevers_,
the practice of freely sponging the surface once or twice daily with
water is extremely grateful and refreshing to the patient, and may be
used with perfect safety unless the heat be high above the natural
standard, when tepid water should be substituted. As a general rule, the
temperature of the water should be regulated by the patient's feelings;
it should be cold, tepid, or quite warm, as is most agreeable. A mixture
of Vinegar and Water (one part of the former to three of the latter) is
even more refreshing than plain water.
386. _In Sunstroke_, the first thing to be done after removing the
patient into the shade and taking off the head-gear and upper clothing,
is to practise COLD AFFUSION. For this purpose he should be held in a
sitting posture, whilst the water, the colder the better, is poured down
in a pretty full stream, at a height of two or three feet over the head,
spine, and chest. After its application for a minute or two, the patient
will probably heave a deep sigh or inspiration, when the affusion should
be discontinued and the patient removed to a dry spot, thoroughly dried
with a warm cloth or towel, and diligent friction maintained till full
consciousness is restored. Mustard poultices (247), Turpentine stupes
(362) to the feet and calves are also advisable if insensibility be long
continued. One or two points demand attention. 1. The water should not
descend all at once, but rather in a small continuous stream, and it
should be directed not so much on the top of the head as on the back
part and upper portion of the spine. 2. It should at once be
discontinued when the patient begins to revive. 3. It is not adapted for
the aged and debilitated, or when the skin is cold and clammy; in these
cases affusion should be restricted to dashing cold water on the face
and chest, together with persevering frictions of the extremities; and
when the patient is able to swallow, administering mild stimulants,
_e.g._, ammonia, weak brandy and water, &c. The above treatment is
adapted for _Apoplexy and Profound Insensibility, such as occurs in
Poisoning by Opium, Bish (Aconite), or the fumes of Datura_. In ordinary
cases of _Fainting, Convulsions in Adults arising from no evident cause,
and Hysterical Convulsions in Women_, simply dashing cold water with
some little degree of violence on the face and bosom, is generally all
that is required.
387. _In the Convulsions of Infancy and Childhood_ the little patient
should be put into a hot bath, with as little delay as possible, the
head at the same time being slightly elevated, and enveloped in cloths
kept wet with cold water, the colder the better. Under the simultaneous
use of the hot bath and the cold lotion to the head, aided by the
administration of a dose of Castor Oil, the convulsions will often
speedily subside. The bath should be as hot as can be borne, about 98°
F., and the child should remain in it for ten or fifteen minutes, but
the cold to the head may be continued for some hours. Should the
convulsions return, the bath may be repeated, followed by small Mustard
poultices (247) applied to the feet. A hot bath is also very useful in
allaying _Colic in Children_.
388. _To check violent Hæmorrhage or Flooding after Labours_, nothing is
much more effectual than dashing _cold_ water in a pretty full stream,
and with some little degree of force, over the abdominal surface,
especially the lower portion. At the same time, a piece of soft rag,
made into a pyramidical form, thoroughly saturated with cold water, or
vinegar and water (in equal parts), should be introduced into the
vagina. After the flooding has been subdued, the external application of
cold water, or vinegar and water, should be kept on for some time.
_N.B._—During a confinement in India, it should be an invariable rule,
to meet such an emergency as the above, to have ready at hand two or
three _chatties_ of _cold_ water, for a patient may die from loss of
blood if the water has to be fetched from a distant source.
389. _In Cholera_, the free use of cold water as a drink appears
materially to aid other treatment, of whatsoever kind that may be; it
should be as cold as procurable, iced if possible, and taken in large
and repeated draughts; although the first four or five draughts may be
rejected, its use should still be persevered in; the stomach will
eventually retain it, and when this is effected, a beneficial change in
the state of the patient generally takes place. Whatever other treatment
is adopted, cold water (iced if possible) in copious draughts is a
valuable auxiliary, perfectly safe, agreeable to the patient, and likely
to be productive of the best effects.
390. _Many forms of Sore Throat, and Coughs attended with Difficulty of
Breathing and Scanty Expectoration_, are much benefited by repeated
inhalations of hot water, and their efficiency is increased by the
addition of mucilaginous agents, as Abelmoschus (1). _In Croup_, relays
of sponges filled with water, as hot as the little patient can bear,
should be applied immediately beneath the chin, along the whole course
of the throat. They should be persevered in for half an hour, and then
discontinued if they fail to produce benefit. In severe cases,
Turpentine stupes (362) prove more serviceable.
392. _In many painful affections of the Kidneys_, _Bladder, and Uterus_,
_in the passage of Gall Stones_, and in _Retention of the Urine from
Spasmodic Stricture consequent on a debauch or exposure_, the hot
hip-bath proves highly serviceable and soothing.
393. HOT-WATER FOMENTATIONS are very serviceable in many cases, _e.g._,
_Local Inflammations_, _Incipient Abscesses_, _Boils_, _Sprains_,
_Lumbago_, _Colic and Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels_, _Congestion
of the Liver_, _Asthma_, _&c._ To obtain their full effect, a few points
require to be attended to. 1. The water should be as hot as can be
borne. 2. Two or more thickly folded cloths (if flannel so much the
better) of a size rather larger than the surface they are to cover,
should be in readiness. 3. One of these having been removed from the
water, should be thoroughly rung, so that it should hold no superfluous
moisture, and should be immediately applied to the surface. 4. A second
cloth having been got ready in the same way, the first, after the lapse
of two or three minutes, should be removed, and the second applied. This
process should be continued for half an hour if necessary, care being
taken that the water be kept at the original temperature by means of
fresh relays, and that there should be no longer interval than possible
between the removal of one and the application of the succeeding
fomentation. Subsequently, care should be taken to protect the fomented
part from exposure to cold draughts of air. Some forms of _severe
Headache, especially those occurring in Fevers_, are far more benefited
by hot-water fomentations, or stupes thus applied, than from cold
lotions commonly employed for the purpose. According to Dr. Aitchison,
nothing relieves the _Headache or great fulness of the Head in Fevers_
so effectually as the continuous application of extremely hot-water
stupes to the nape of the neck. _The Irritative Bilious Diarrhœa of
these Fevers_, he adds, is more frequently improved and arrested by
large warm-water enemas, administered at least morning and evening, than
by any other remedy he knows of.
394. _In the treatment of Wounds, Ulcers, and Inflamed surfaces_, "WATER
DRESSING" possesses many advantages, especially in tropical regions,
over poultices and ointments. The process is exceedingly simple,
consisting only of a piece of lint of thick texture, and of a size
sufficient completely to cover the wound, soaked in tepid water. This is
placed on the affected part, and the whole enveloped in an ample piece
of oiled silk, so as effectually to prevent evaporation. Young plantain
leaf answers the purpose as well as oiled silk. Cold water may be
substituted for tepid, should it be more agreeable to the feelings of
the patient.
395. _Sloughing and Gangrenous Ulcerations, and Carbuncles ("Rajah
Boils") after suppuration_, are more effectually treated by what is
termed "IRRIGATION," which consists in keeping up a continuous stream of
water, tepid or cold, as the patient may prefer, for half an hour twice
daily. A common kettle, or one of the natives' drinking-vessels provided
with a spout, answers well for the purpose, and it should be held so
that the fall of water should be about a foot, or rather more, but the
height should be regulated in a measure by the patient's feelings. If
pain is caused, the height should be diminished. With each irrigation,
more or less of the slough comes away, and in a few days the ulcer will,
in most instances, assume a healthy appearance, when it may be treated
as an ordinary ulcer—with cold water dressing, Turpentine, or Wax
Ointment, &c. In the intervals between the irrigation, _Toddy_ Poultices
(355) should be applied.
396. Another way in which Water may be utilised is in the formation of a
VAPOUR BATH, which is often a most serviceable resource in _Chronic
Rheumatism_, _Obstinate Skin Disease_, _Dropsical Affections_, _the
early stages of Diabetes_, _and in all cases where the skin is dry,
rough, and not much above the natural standard_. It is inadvisable in
fever cases. _Incipient Colds and Catarrhs_ following exposure to wet,
&c., may often be speedily arrested by a vapour bath, taken immediately
before going to bed at night.
397. The Vapour Bath apparatus, which should be kept ready in all large
establishments in India, consists of a bamboo frame of a conical shape,
covered with wax cloth or some other impervious material; it should be
large enough to enclose the whole body (when the patient is in a sitting
posture), and an aperture with a loose frill attached, so as to tie
round the patient's throat, should be left at the apex. Under this the
patient, divested of his clothing, should sit with the head and face
projecting through the opening at the top, and a _chattie_, or open
vessel, of boiling water having been introduced, sweating soon commences
and should be kept up for a quarter of an hour or more. Then the patient
should be thoroughly dried with warm, rough towels and go to bed, or be
carefully wrapped up in blankets so as to be effectually protected from
draughts of cold air.