strange that the average duration of human life is steadily and surely
growing shorter? Three-score and ten was the average number of years
for man to sojourn here, it is now thirty-eight, and will inevitably
become still less someday if man persists in wilfully violating the
laws that govern his being.
Tea and coffee are substances which neither form tissue nor serve as
fuel, and may be banished from the table with decided advantage. Few
people realize that the difference between the drinking of alcohol and
tea is simply a question of degree. It is true that the consequences of
excessive tea drinking are not as severe as those from over-indulgence
in ardent spirits, but the pernicious effects of the constant drinking
of strong infusions of tea justify us in calling the practice a serious
menace to health. Tea leaves contain from 2 to 4 per cent. of caffeine,
or theme, which is an alkaloid, and always found in combination with
tannin. They also contain a volatile oil, which is the source of the
aroma, and in addition possess a sedative quality. Tannin is a powerful
astringent, and hence is strongly provocative of constipation. Its
action upon the mucous surface of the stomach is highly detrimental to
that organ, as it arrests the excretion of the gastric juice by its
contractile effect upon the glands. Its constant use will almost
invariably result in digestive disturbances, and will certainly
aggravate such troubles, if previously existing. It is true that a cup
of hot tea is a refreshing beverage, but not more so than a cup of hot
milk--in fact, it is the heat that imparts the sense of comfort
experienced on drinking it. Children should never be allowed to drink
either tea or coffee, as the seeds of a baneful habit may be sown, for
in tea, as in dram drinking, it is a habit easily acquired.
The above remarks apply in a less degree to the frequent use of coffee.
The constant use of these substances produce the following
results--first, increase of circulation, rise in pulse, a desire to
frequently pass urine, and an exhilaration resembling intoxication. Tea
tasters, as is well known, are subject to headache and giddiness, and
prone to attacks of paralysis. The votaries of the tea and coffee cup by
far outnumber those of Bacchus, so that granting that the drinking of
these beverages is a little less severe in its constitutional effects,
yet the greater prevalence of the habit renders them equal to alcohol in
their destructive effects.
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS.
One of the causes that conduce to digestive disturbances is that of
solitary eating. Owing to the strenuousness of modern city life, many
people, of both sexes, are compelled to practice the most rigid
economy, which, in a large proportion of cases, involves what is known
as "light housekeeping," or preparing a part, if not all of their
meals over a gas jet in their room. In the case of the male
housekeeper, this generally means that when he seats himself to eat he
places his book or paper in front of him, to beguile the time; the
consequence being that he not only calls the blood away from the
stomach, where it is needed, but, engrossed in his reading, he
masticates imperfectly, or suddenly coming to himself, he finds that
he has been so intent on his reading that his food has become cold,
whereupon he devours it in haste. Women are not such great sinners in
this respect as men; but are equally culpable in another direction. It
is a pretty well-known fact that a woman would just as soon not eat at
all as to eat alone, and as a result frequently deprives herself of
the necessary amount of nutrition. In fact, she impairs her digestion
by not giving it sufficient work to do, while the man ruins his by
spasmodically overtaxing it. For the above reasons, the boarding house
(much as it leaves to be desired) is preferable as an abiding place
for hundreds of men and women who are too busy by day and too tired at
night to pay proper attention to the physical needs of the system.
Companionship at meals is a most desirable thing, especially if it is
congenial, and light, cheerful conversation, with a little hilarity
intermingled, is an excellent aid to digestion.
This is, no doubt, due to mental influence. The whole of the
alimentary process is under the control of the nervous system, which
has its seat in the brain, consequently, a cheerful mental attitude
favors digestion. It is well known that a fit of anger may temporarily
stop digestion. The mind exerts such a vast influence over every
function that it is impossible to set bounds to it. We are the
creatures of habit. We eat so many times a day, from sheer force of
habit. We habituate ourselves to partake of articles of food against
which, at first, the senses rebel, by the same force; but it is left
wholly to mans reasoning powers whether his habits shall be cultivated
according to the needs of the system. If they are, perfect nutrition
will be established; if they are not, he is worse off than the animal
who knows only to follow the instincts of the original habits of the
species. A man can exercise his will power to partake of a diet which
his taste had not been able to appreciate, yet no will power can ever
provide good nutrition out of a diet against which taste constantly
rebels. Consciousness of the digestive organs is an offense to them.
The more a man is conscious of his stomach, the less will be its
capacity for performing good service; therefore, a dyspeptic should
never attempt to follow a course of experimental dietetics with
himself, for if he watches his stomach after his carefully selected
meal, to see how it will serve him, he will always find abnormal
symptoms. It is never wise to expect anything but good results from
anything which has been allowed to pass beyond the palate, for that is
Nature's infallible safeguard, its province being to reject every
objectionable thing.
We would again remind the reader that one of the most important
offices of the lungs is to promote the movement of the blood and lymph
currents throughout the body. Active respiration assists all forms of
lymph absorption, but gives special aid to the absorption of food
substances from the stomach and intestines, because these particular
lymph vessels are situated so close to the chest cavity that they are
more directly under the influence of the suction action of the chest.
A few minutes spent in vigorous deep breathing exercise after each
meal is one of the best means of remedying the sense of heaviness and
weight of which so many complain after eating.
Thus we see that deep breathing, by favoring absorption, promotes the
nourishment of the body will assist in building tissue, in fact.
Oxygen is a vital necessity for the body, and it is necessary to
absorb a large quantity for the actual needs of the system, while all
absorbed over the quantity means added nutrition. Now, deep, or
diaphragmatic breathing, infallibly increases the lung capacity, so
that the possibility for absorption of oxygen is increased, and health
and strength promoted. Deep breathing is as necessary for the proper
absorption and assimilation of nutrition as the selection of a well-
balanced diet. It has saved thousands of lives, and is a factor in
promoting health that cannot be disregarded.
"Order is Heaven's first law," and nowhere is this law better
exemplified than in the human body. Order, or regularity, is an
essential for success in human affairs--moral, mental, or physical; but
especially in the latter. The successful conduct of large business
organizations is only possible by regularity in the performance of
every detail of duty.
If this be so when only physical results are involved, how much more
so is it where vital interests are at stake? The human body is a
wonderfully complex piece of mechanism, and if left to itself or
rather to natural guidance, its manifold functions are performed with
unfailing regularity; and regularity in function means health--
irregularity, disease.
Mark the rhythmic regularity of respiration, or of the heart's
contractions! Long continued regularity begets habit, which is a form
of automatism; hence the necessity of regularity in action along fixed
lines, and in consonance with physiological law, that good habits only
may be formed.
Good habits are absolutely essential to health, which is equivalent to
saying that regularity in living is an imperative necessity to that
end. Regularity in rising and retiring; regularity in eating and
drinking; regularity in exercise, all are equally important.
Not only does this regularity of conduct conduce to the attainment and
maintenance of perfect health, but it enables the individual to
accomplish more within the limits of the day, partly by economizing
time, and partly by the added vigor due to improved health.
First, regularity in the hours of rising and retiring, namely,
regulating the minimum period to be devoted to sleep. There is much
conflict of opinion as to the amount of sleep necessary for the
average adult. We have in mind an old saying which runs as follows:
"Six hours' sleep for a man, seven for a woman, and eight for a fool."
This is somewhat arbitrary, and, moreover, is not in harmony with
physiological law. In the first place, no hard and fast rule can be
laid down that will cover all cases. Apart from the difference of sex,
there are temperamental conditions which vary with every case. We are
decidedly of the opinion that eight hours' sleep is necessary for the
adult individual. It has been affirmed by some authorities that the
more the individual sleeps the longer he will live, which is a
perfectly rational claim, in view of the fact that night is Nature's
repair time, when she is busy at work replacing the ravages committed
by wear and tear during the day. It is a well known fact that nearly
all growth takes place during sleep.
Again, it is a fact not generally known that the heart receives no
nourishment during the period of contraction, owing to the pressure
upon the arteries which supply it with nutriment. It is only during
the infinitesimal pause between the contractions that these arteries
can carry blood to the heart tissue; hence during sleep the heart-
beats differ from those of our waking hours, being fewer in number,
and with a more decided pause between. Now, the heart being to the
body what the mainspring is to a watch, the necessity of affording it
ample time for recuperation becomes apparent.
Having stated that eight hours' sleep is the minimum amount for the
individual, the question of regularity presents itself, and this
should be understood to refer especially to the time of rising, which,
unless the individual is in ill health, should be at 6 A. M. This not
only proves invaluable in economizing time, but paves the way for
regularity in eating, which we will now consider.
There is much diversity of opinion as to the number of meals that
should be eaten during the day, and recently the practice of eating
only two meals a day has largely obtained. This, although preferable
to the practice of eating four and five meals a day, or of
indiscriminate lunching between meals, is yet (we consider) running
into the other extreme. Unless an exceedingly hearty breakfast is
eaten, the tax upon the vitality before the next meal hour arrives is
too severe. Our rule, which we commend to our readers, is as follows:
Rise at six, then take your bath, either plunge or sponge bath,
followed by ten to fifteen minutes of moderate exercise. This, we will
say, occupies until seven; then eat a light meal of juicy fruit, such
as oranges, grapes or berries, followed by the perusal of the morning
newspaper, or, if you are a student, devote an hour to study. At eight
o'clock take your proper breakfast, which should consist of some
preparation of wheat (with milk or fruit juice), followed by toast,
boiled or poached eggs, and a glass of milk. Take a light lunch at 1
P. M., and a moderately good dinner at 7 P. M.
If regularity in the hours for meals be strictly observed, and the
quantity and character of the meals carefully considered, the system
will rapidly acquire the habit of expecting sustenance at those hours,
and regularity, like virtue, will be its own reward.
Next comes the question of exercise. Too little attention is paid to
this matter, more especially by those engaged in sedentary
occupations; yet it is in the highest degree important that the
balance between the mental and physical energies should be maintained.
To preserve this balance while the mind is active and the body
untaxed, artificial exercise must be practiced, for physical strength
cannot be promoted without some kind of bodily exercise. Unused
muscles soon become flabby, as athletes and their trainers well know.
The best time for taking exercise is, as stated above, just after the
morning bath, and it is astonishing what results can be obtained from
fifteen minutes of intelligently directed exercise each morning. Here,
again, regularity will work wonders. It may be a week or two before
you will notice any marked improvement in the muscular condition, but
you will be amply repaid by the glow of health which pervades the
system as the result of stimulated circulation.
Last, but by no means least, comes the matter of solicitation of the
bowels. In this case regularity in solicitation will invariably
produce regularity in movement The bowels should be solicited every
morning, soon after rising, and every night just before retiring. We
only wish that we could impress every one of our readers with the
importance of this practice, and of the immense benefit of regularity
in the pursuance of it. Just as the stomach acquires the habit of
expecting food when regularly supplied to it at stated intervals, even
so will the bowels respond to solicitation if regularity be persisted
in.
Nature is inexorably opposed to caprice. She executes all her
processes in an orderly manner, and if not interfered with, with the
greatest regularity, and if man will only co-operate with her by
strict regularity in the important duties previously mentioned, the
result will be a surprise to him in the form of renewed health and
vigor. He will have an unclouded mind, and be ready to face the trials
of everyday existence with a courage that nothing can daunt.
But Nature demands an accurate accounting. Man thinks but little of
the drafts he is continually making upon his vitality, but sooner or
later the account will be presented, and payment exacted in full.
There is no such thing as vicarious payment. The debtor must pay in
person, and it therefore behooves every man to watch the debit side of
his life's ledger, and make a daily balance of his account with
Nature.
PART VIII.
TREATMENT OF DISEASE.
HEART DISEASE.
There are numerous affections of the heart, divided into two classes--
organic and functional, the former being the more serious; but it is
safe to say that seventy-five per cent. of cases belong in the latter
class. The most common, and at the same time most serious, of the
organic troubles, are pericarditis (inflammation of the heart-
envelope), and valvular insufficiency (imperfect closure of the
valves). The functional disturbances are (almost without exception)
due to digestive difficulties. In the first class, if the case is well
advanced and the patient past the meridian of life, recovery is
improbable, although life may be considerably prolonged. The second
class of cases can be cured, with reasonable certainty, by removing
the cause.
TREATMENT.
In pericarditis--the symptoms of which are fever and sharp pain under
left nipple, radiating to the armpit, use the "Cascade" daily while
the condition is acute; the wet sheet should also be employed daily,
the temperature varying with the degree of fever. It is usually the
sequel of rheumatism. In valvular insufficiency, which is caused by
deposits upon the valves of the heart, the symptoms of which are
principally difficulty of respiration, not much pain, but a feeling of
uneasiness in the heart region, and a peculiar sound termed "the
murmer," to be detected by the stethoscope, the use of the "Cascade"
will sometimes effect wonders. It arrests all further deposition of
impurities in the blood, thus preventing any further accumulation on
the valves, while the increased liquidity and purity of the blood
enables it to re-absorb the existing deposits and thus restore normal
action. Functional difficulties, as stated, chiefly result from
digestive troubles, due to fermentation of food in the stomach and the
consequent formation of gas, which frequently collects in large
quantities, and by actual pressure impedes the heart's action. The
chief symptoms are shortness of breath, palpitation, and great
irregularity of the heart's action; sometimes the heart appears to
miss a beat altogether. In such cases, a faithful observance of
the formula of treatment for dyspepsia (see index) will accomplish
surprising results.
ANEMIA.
This is a disease of the blood, characterized by a deficiency of
albumen and red corpuscles. It is a disease that more frequently
affects women than men; the very young and the very old are most
subject to it, and especially, if of a nervous, irritable or
hysterical disposition Among the exciting causes are defective
hygiene, poor diet, want of, or excessive exercise, grief, or other
strong emotions. The symptoms are great pallor, muscular weakness
frequent pulse, dizziness, breathlessness on slight exertion and
fainting. There is another form of this trouble, known as Essential
Anaemia, or Progressive Pernicious Anaemia, which almost invariably
terminates in death; while in the first form, or simple anaemia, there
is no reason whatever for a fatal result,
if treated judiciously.
TREATMENT.
The condition of the blood must be improved, and as the blood is only
formed from the food that is eaten, the importance of getting the
digestive function into good working order is apparent. Also to supply
those elements to the system that the condition of the blood shows to
be necessary, all of which can be furnished in properly selected
articles of food. The body must be cleansed internally, by means of
the "Cascade," using it as frequently as the condition of the patient
will permit, without unduly taxing the system. The skin should be kept
active by frequent warm or tepid baths, followed by gentle friction
with a soft towel. A half pint of hot water should be slowly sipped
soon after rising, and no nourishment partaken of for at least half an
hour. Gentle exercise should be employed, to promote circulation; or
if too weak, substitute massage. Eggs and milk should be freely
partaken of. The eggs are preferable raw, beaten in milk, if not, then
lightly boiled or poached. Milk should only be taken in quantities of
from two to four ounces at a time. Some good preparation of whole
wheat should be partaken of once daily for the benefit of the
phosphates contained in it, but iron is the element most, needed, and
this is to be obtained in the following articles: first and foremost,
spinach, then beets, tomatoes, dark skinned grapes and ditto plums.
Lastly, and most important, is the practice of deep breathing to
thoroughly oxygenate the blood.
BLOOD POISONING.
This may arise from various causes, such as the infection of a wound,
contact with some irritating vegetable substance like the poison ivy,
or by inhaling noxious gases, or handling certain metals, such as
copper and lead; but the most common cause is the re-absorption into
the blood, through the intestinal walls, of the waste products of the
system; in fact, it may be confidently asserted that ninety-nine per
cent. of such cases are due to this cause. When it is considered that
a virulent poison introduced in the rectum has been known to cause
death in a rabbit within two minutes, the absorptive character of the
walls of the colon may be faintly estimated. True, the toxic
substances generated in the body are not so rapid in their action, but
they are none the less deadly. It is to this that all skin diseases,
together with rheumatism, gout, neuralgia and a host of other
troubles, are undoubtedly due.
TREATMENT.
Clean out the human cesspool by frequent use of the "Cascade," thus
preventing any further deposition of these impure substances in the
blood, and keep it clean by more or less constant use. In acute cases,
take frequent Turkish baths, to help elimination by way of the skin, and
keep that organ active by frequent warm baths and vigorous friction with
a moderately coarse towel. Let the diet be plain and moderate, never
eating to excess, and drink freely of water, to keep the blood liquid,
and practice the habit of breathing deeply, to oxygenate the blood.
CONSUMPTION.
Of all diseases, consumption is the most widespread and destructive to
human life. Over 3,000,000 people die annually from this disease. It
is not only an acquired disease, but surely preventable, and in its
early stages, curable. In the majority of cases it commences just
beneath the collar bone, because here is the part of the lung that is
least used, the reserve portion, not much used in ordinary breathing.
In most of the avocations of life the shoulders are drawn forward,
thus cramping the lungs, and weakening them, then the consumption
bacillus finds lodgment. A person with healthy lungs might inhale
millions of tubercle bacilli daily with impunity, hence the inference
is plain--to prevent consumption, distend the lungs fully, by deep
breathing, hundreds of times daily.
TREATMENT.
The first thing to be done (if it is in your power) is to go to some
quiet country place where you can be sure of the three following
essentials--a dry location, pure air, and a plentiful supply of fresh,
rich milk. There is an almost universal consensus of opinion now that
the open air treatment is of the greatest benefit; therefore, live as
much as possible out of doors and sleep with the doors and windows of
your room wide open. Never mind, if you have to pile on bed clothing
to keep warm--the prime essential is unlimited fresh air. You will soon
get used to it, and you are playing for a big stake--health. If it is
impossible to go to the country, then carry out this treatment as
closely as possible at your home. It is absolutely necessary to
improve the nutrition of the body, that is, to stimulate the digestion
and absorbent functions of the stomach and intestines, therefore
dispense with all so-called cough medicines. The drugs used to stop a
cough are invariably sedatives. Now, no sedative or nauseant is known
that does not lock up the natural secretions, and thus lessen the
digestive powers. Flushing the colon with the "Cascade" is
the first step to improve nutrition. This unlocks the secretions and
prepares the stomach for food.
Next, flush the stomach. Then give the stomach food that the organs
can digest and assimilate.
For this purpose nothing equals good, rich, fresh milk. Live on milk
exclusively for a month at least, taking a tumbler full every half
hour--the object being to supply the body with food easily digested,
quickly absorbed, and highly nourishing; yet at the same time, in
small quantities, that will not overtax the stomach. You will quickly
gain in weight, and after a month or two you may commence on solid
foods partly, choosing such articles as the Salisbury steak (see
treatment for obesity), pure cod liver oil, sweet cream, eggs, toasted
whole wheat bread, etc. Ten drops of beechwood creosote morning and
night, on a fifty cent respirator, is all the drug treatment
necessary, or useful. An external bath for those able to walk about,
and a "sponge off" for those confined to bed, must not be neglected.
The skin exudes more matter and is more likely .to become clogged in
disease than in health. Practise deep breathing assiduously. Improved
nutrition is your salvation, and that must come through exercise, diet
and fresh air. Spend all the time possible in the open air and in the
sun's rays whenever practicable, and pay special attention to the use
of the "Cascade." Remember, the cure is in your own hands--depends upon
your own courage and perseverance.
CATARRH.
This is a disease resulting from cold. It is the exception rather than
the rule, to meet with individuals in our Northern climate who are not
afflicted with it in some form or other. It is easier to prevent than
cure. Strong, well developed lungs, a clean colon and skin, and
catarrh, are seldom found together in the same body. Perfect lung
development and a clean colon will alone effect a permanent cure. Keep
the feet warm and dry, never go into a hot room and sit or lie, but
sleep in a cool, dry atmosphere. The disease takes two different
forms, nasal and throat. Nasal catarrh is first caused by inflammation
of the membrane of the nasal cavities and air passages, which is
followed by ulceration, when Nature, in order to protect this delicate
tissue and preserve the olfactory nerves, throws a tough membrane over
the ulcerated condition. At this stage it is designated chronic
catarrh.
TREATMENT.
Use the "Cascade" regularly every day, with water as hot as can be
borne, and guard scrupulously against taking cold. The membrane must
next be removed, and for this purpose we most unhesitatingly
recommend the J.B.L. Catarrh Remedy.
Half a lifetime of careful research has been devoted to perfecting
this admirable preparation, which to-day stands first as an effective
agent in removing this membraneous obstruction. It is composed of
several kinds of oils, and gently but effectually removes the membrane
that Nature has built over the inflamed parts, while its emollient
character soothes and allays the inflammation. These oils are not
absorbed into the system, but act only locally.
The method of application is as follows: A small quantity is placed in
a glass douche (especially manufactured for the purpose) and inhaled,
allowing the fluid to pass up the nostrils and into the throat, using
the nostrils alternately.
There is no case of catarrh so obstinate but will readily yield to
this treatment. But as a preventive of all this keep the colon clean
and pay attention to lung development.
ERYSIPELAS.
This disease arises from impure blood. A peculiar poison is generated,
which declares itself in the form of a red, puffy swelling, closely
resembling a blister, and very much like it to the touch. If the
finger is pressed upon the inflamed part, it will leave a white spot
there for an instant. It most usually attacks the face and head. In
the majority of cases it arises from an obstructed colon, a
fermentation being generated there from the long retained faecal
matter, consequently a positive and sure cure is to thoroughly cleanse
that organ. As a local application take loppered sour milk and apply
it to the inflamed parts, or, if not this, the next best thing is hop
yeast mixed with charcoal to the thickness desired. The lactic acid in
sour milk is a direct antidote to the poison of erysipelas.
DYSPEPSIA.
This disease does not come by chance. Infection or contagion can never
be held responsible for it. It is the penalty which Nature inflicts
upon you for violating physiological laws. Do not be deluded by
extravagantly worded advertisements into the belief that any nostrum
has been or ever will be invented that can possibly effect an
immediate cure. You must entirely abandon the habits that induced it.
You must masticate your food thoroughly--allowing the saliva to mix
with it, not bolt it, and then wash it down with copious draughts of
tea, coffee or water. This superabundance of fluid only serves to
distend the stomach and impede digestion. A change of diet is
necessary, but not so essential as a change in the habit of eating.
Dyspepsia is more or less catarrh of the stomach. Its lining becomes
coated with a slimy mucus that arrests the action of the glands, coats
the food and prevents the gastric juice from acting upon it.
TREATMENT.
For the first week, use the "Cascade" every night, the second week,
each alternate night; thereafter, as occasion seems to demand. Drink a
glass of hot water, not less than half an hour before each meal,
especially before breakfast. The breakfast should commence with a
liberal amount of good, ripe fruit, preferably oranges or grape fruit.
This may be followed by a small quantity of some good preparation of
whole-wheat: possibly, a lightly boiled or poached egg and a slice of
crisp, dry toast, or whole-wheat bread. Drink nothing with the food,
but take a glass of hot milk half an hour later. Good, lean beef or
mutton, broiled or baked, is easily digested, and may be eaten
moderately at midday. If faint between meals, take a glass of hot
milk, with a raw egg beaten in it. If the stomach is very sensitive,
it is better to eat five or six meals a day, of a few ounces, than to
overtax the stomach. Masticate every mouthful of food thoroughly, and
practice deep breathing assiduously, it is an important aid to
digestion. This method of treatment, if faithfully persisted in, will
cure the worst case of dyspepsia, with all its attendant misery.
RHEUMATISM.
Both chronic and acute rheumatism are diseases of the blood, due to an
excess of uric acid. The presence of this acid is due to excessive and
imperfect action of the liver. Imperfect nutrition and deficient
excretion are the primary causes, and the result is that the blood
becomes loaded with poisonous matter. The trouble manifests itself in
the joints, toes, ankles, knees or hands, but the seat of the disease
is elsewhere.
TREATMENT.
The first thing to be done is to promote the conversion of acid by
oxidation and increased activity of the liver. The best way to
accomplish this is by the daily use of the "Cascade," first with hot
water, then with cool water, doubling the antiseptic tonic. Do this
twice a day for a week, then once a day for a month. Take a Turkish
bath daily for a time to restore the functions of the skin. Rub the
disabled joints with hot, oily applications, followed by massage and
pressure movements. The diet should consist largely of green
vegetables, mutton and whole wheat bread, or toast, eggs, milk and
fruit. Avoid pastry and starchy food, such as potatoes, beans and
white bread. A cup of hot water, not less than half an hour before
breakfast, should not be omitted.
This treatment will speedily cure the worst cases.
TYPHOID FEVER.
The chief seat of this terribly prevalent disease is in the stomach
and intestines, particularly the colon. It is a foul, bacterial
disease, and originates in filth. The germs may be taken into the
system in impure water or milk, inhaling the gases from defective
drains or by eating food which has absorbed such gases. Once in the
system, the bacteria must have decayed matter to feed upon, therefore
it is impossible for a person who is clean both inside and out to take
typhoid fever, there being no facilities for the germs to breed and
multiply. A peculiar secretion from the colon, mixed with the faecal
matter of long standing, induces a fermentation that generates a
putrid smelling gas. This fermenting gas is the home of the bacillus,
and from it millions of germs are multiplied and pass into the
circulation. In this fermentation a peculiar worm is bred, which is
the cause of ulceration in the bowels of typhoid patients.
TREATMENT.
To give physic in a typhoid fever case is a grave mistake. Instead of
assisting Nature, it more probably hastens the death of the patient.
Knowing the cause of the disease, common sense tells us that the first
thing to do is to check the multiplication of the germs by removing
the putrid matter in which they breed. When the symptoms first appear
give the patient a warm water emetic. Drink until the stomach throws
it back. Do not be afraid to drink. If the stomach is obstinate, use
the index finger to excite vomiting. This washes out the contents of
the stomach, which will be found fermenting and full of bacteria. Then
give him a large cup of hot water--very hot--with a little salt in it.
Let the patient rest for an hour or so after vomiting, then use the
"Cascade" with water just as hot as the hand will bear, so it will not
scald. Let him retain the water from ten to fifteen minutes if he can.
Next, the patient must be sweated, to open up the pores of the skin,
and for this nothing equals the wet sheet pack. Roll the patient in a
sheet wrung out of cold water, on top of this a couple of blankets and
a comfortable. At his feet place hot bricks in flannel, on his head a
towel, wrung out of cold water. Give him plenty of fresh air. When he
has perspired freely take him out of the pack, wash him with warm
water and soap, rub him down, give him a drink of cold water and put
him to bed. Repeat the injections daily, using tepid water. In cases
of extreme weakness the treatment must be modified. Let the patient
have all the cold water he wants to drink and give him plenty of fresh
air. Use flushings daily, also the external bath, remembering in the
latter to use cold water when the fever is high, and he will speedily
be restored to health. Let him eat nothing until Nature calls for it.
The best test of hunger is a piece of stale dry Graham bread.
BILIOUS FEVER.
This disease generally makes its appearance with one or more chills,
sickness of the stomach and more or less fever. The tongue has an ill-
looking yellow coat and food is unacceptable. The cause of all this,
to an intelligent mind, is perfectly clear. The colon is clogged and
the acids in the stomach and the duodenum, together with an abundance
of secretions from the liver, have no outlet. In this condition a
slight cold will close up the already overworked pores of the skin and
turn the tide of corruption into the stomach, lungs and kidneys, and
bilious fever is the result, for, Nature being unable to get rid of
the filth by the ordinary methods, resorts to her last expedient, of
burning it up.
TREATMENT.
The remedy is obviously simple. Use the "Cascade" and open the pores.
Wash the stomach, take two or three hot injections daily, and a hot
sheet pack. This treatment, with baths and rubbing, will cure an
ordinary case of bilious fever in about three days. Avoid all drugs.
Nature will call for food when it needs it.
LA GRIPPE.
This is the modern name for influenza. It resembles an ordinary cold
in its symptoms, but is far more violent in its effects. Acute pains
in the head and kidneys are symptoms that are usually present. If
neglected, it may develop into pneumonia, or consumption. It is both
epidemic and contagious, and thousands of victims were left in its
trail when it swept over the United States and Europe during the
winters of 1890, 1891 and 1892.
TREATMENT.
Possibly you are not aware that this disease is almost invariably
accompanied by constipation, but it is a fact, nevertheless,
consequently, the internal bath is the first remedial process to be
resorted to. Make them hot and copious, and use them daily, for three
days at least. Next, relieve the internal congestion by opening the
pores of the skin. To do this, use the Turkish bath (see end
of book), take it at night, drink a glass of hot lemonade, and go to
bed. Tuck yourself up warm. Doubtless it will make you sweat, but you
need that. In the morning take a bath and a good rub down. Drink a cup
of hot water half an hour before breakfast, and let that meal consist
of plain food, soft-boiled eggs, oatmeal, Graham bread and fruit--
oranges, if procurable. Two days of this treatment will put La Grippe
to flight, but the better plan is to prevent it by keeping the colon
cleansed.
DYSENTERY.
This is a disease of the colon. The retention of faecal matter in the
folds of the colon inflames the parts until they become dry, then the
soft evacuations dry on the sensitive mucous membrane. These secretions
produce a peculiar acid, which in its turn breeds worms, and these, in
the early stages of their existence, eat into the foreign matter and
even into the mucous membrane itself, causing what is known as
dysentery.
TREATMENT.
In either the acute or chronic cases, the patient must be treated
lying down, with the hips elevated above the shoulders. For this
purpose our Fountain attachment is necessary with the "Cascade." This
will relieve the pain and congestion in the lower part of the colon.
In acute cases do not let the patient sit up a moment. Use a bed pan
always. Flush the colon with hot water, letting it flow gently, and
add a little salt to the water. After the discharge, follow with an
injection of two ounces of vaseline oil, which should be retained as
long as possible. This is an emollient, and will soothe and heal the
ulcerations.
During the past seven years we have been instrumental in curing uses
of dysentery contracted during the Civil Ware and solely by the
foregoing treatment.
DIARRHOEA
Is simply Nature's method of getting rid of undigested substances in
the alimentary tract. After a time the irritation excites the glands
to abnormal action to wash out the offending substances, resulting
from excessive fermentation. If not relieved, ulceration sets in, and
worms breed in the intestines--then we have what is known as chronic
diarrhoea.
The treatment in both varieties is the same. Use the "Cascade" until
the colon is thoroughly emptied and cleansed. Take a warm bath before
retiring, and follow it with a brisk rub down. Be careful in your
diet--the better plan being to fast for a day or two, until the worst
symptoms are past.
DISEASES OF THE NERVES.
Most people imagine that nervousness is the result of too much nerve
force, but the opposite is the case. The trouble is a too sensitive
battery and inadequate nerve force. The batteries, or nerve centres,
are too easily discharged. It is nervous irritability, therefore, that
we have to deal with.
The causes are manifold, the restless American nature, the stimulating
climate, neglect of physical training, giving too little time and
attention to eating and sleeping, concentrating too much attention on
money getting and business to the neglect of recreation and repose.
One of the gravest causes is a constipated colon, which promotes
indigestion, and through it, lack of nutrition, thus cutting off the
supply of nerve food. The habit of tea and coffee drinking, and the
use of tobacco, are also fruitful causes of this distressing
affliction.
TREATMENT.
You must apply a brake to that restless motor within you that is
driving you too fast. You must step out of the busy stream of life for
awhile, let it rush past you and take things easy. Flush the colon
regularly--remove that great source of nervous irritation, for we have
yet to hear of a nervous person that was not constipated.
If you suffer from nervousness, you are dyspeptic, your whole course
of life tends to render you so. Follow the treatment, especially the
diet, given under the head of "Dyspepsia." Practice deep breathing,
for lung development, for strong lung power is never associated with
nervousness. Take plenty of exercise in the open air, but not to
excess.
Be moderate in all things, except sleep, you cannot sleep too much.
Cultivate the sleeping habit, and don't give up until you can sleep
ten hours a day.
THE MATTER OF FOOD
is important, for, as before stated, nervous people eat and sleep too
little. Fatty foods, or those that are easily converted into fat, are
what is necessary. Olive oil is one of the best nerve foods in
existence. Take a teaspoonful at a time, and gradually increase the
quantity until you can take a tablespoonful at each meal. If you
really can't take olive oil, the best substitute is sweet cream.
Celery is also good, and lettuce.
Cultivate slow and measured movements, avoid undue activity, take life
easy and be moderate in all things.
To sum up. Flush the colon, sleep long, eat slowly, and plenty of oily
or fat food, exercise freely, but in moderation, develop the lungs by
breathing exercises, and take life easy.
This line of treatment, faithfully carried out, will cure the very
worst cases in time.
HEADACHE.
There are many causes for this distressing complaint. Generally the
cause is to be found in the stomach. Something that has no right there
is in that organ, and irritating the pneumogastric nerve that connects
the stomach with the brain. It is a common symptom of dyspepsia.
An engorged colon is one of the most common causes, on the same
principle that it causes paralysis and apoplexy. Stimulants invariably
promote headache.
To prevent the attacks, live regularly, avoid late hours and excessive
brain work, shun alcoholic beverages and tea and coffee, avoid sweets
and pastries, and anything fried in fat. Eat good, plain food,
including fruit (especially oranges), but never eat late at night.
Develop the lungs. Never let a day pass without gently exercising all
the muscles. Massage the abdomen each night before retiring. Keep the
colon clean by the use of the "Cascade," and bathe at least three
times a week.
To relieve an attack, flush the colon thoroughly. Take a hot foot-bath,
and while taking it, take a cup of hot lemonade--without sugar--so hot
that you have to sip it.
DROPSY.
In this disease the outlet to the intestinal canal has become clogged.
The kidneys wear out trying to evacuate the bowels through their
delicate tubular network, and the capillaries have become helpless
through misuse in trying to do the work of others. So the tissues and
muscles of the extremities are loaded with this cast off material, and
we call it bloat. This is dropsy.
TREATMENT.
Empty and cleanse the colon with the "Cascade." Take the following
injection every night, and retain it: To a pint of hot water add ten
drops of the homeopathic tincture of Indian Hemp. If that is not to be
had, use the fluid extract of Merrill's preparation. Use every night
until a decided improvement is seen. If you do not get the desired
effect, double the dose--even forty drops will do no harm. It is not a
poison, but an excellent diuretic for dropsical effusions.
Take a Turkish bath (see end of book) to open up the pores of the
skin, but if the patient is too weak use the hot wet sheet pack. Use
the "Cascade" at least twice a week, following it with the injection
mentioned above. Eat as little as possible, and let that consist of
dry toast well masticated, and do not take any tea or coffee.
APPENDICITIS.
This complaint was formerly known as inflammation of the bowels, and
may be caused by injury. It was generally believed to be due to the
presence of foreign substances, such as grape seeds, etc., in the
vermiform appendix, but this idea is exploded. It is an inflamed
condition of the appendix, but the inflammation may have extended from
the colon or from the peritoneum. The most frequent cause is the
caecum (the lower pouch of the colon) getting filled with hardened
faecal matter, in which case the ileo caecal valve is obstructed, and
the natural passages of the bowels stopped. With a clean colon
appendicitis is practically an impossibility.
The accepted medical practice is to remove the appendix by operation,
regardless of conditions; but the mortality in such cases is high.
Others put the patient to sleep with tincture of opium, or veratrum
viride, and let Nature right herself, if possible. If Nature can
maintain herself against the doctor and his drugs from seven to nine
days, the patient may get round, but not well.
TREATMENT.
Use the "Cascade" promptly on the first sign of an attack, injecting
all the water possible (at a temperature of not less than 102 Fahr.),
so as to reach the caecum, where the trouble is located. If the attack
is an acute one, use the "Cascade" every third hour until relieved. If
the obstruction (which is usually present) does not give way, inject a
pint of hot water and a pint of castor oil mixed; but before injecting
it (with a bulb syringe) raise the patient's hips several inches
higher than his head; then turn the patient on his right side, and
stroke the reverse way of the colon, applying a firm but gentle
kneading movement in the region of the appendix. This injection should
be retained at least half an hour--longer if necessary. If this does
not break loose the obstruction, resume the use of the "Cascade." Hot
fomentations over the appendicular region are valuable. Give no
medicine, it can do no good, but may do infinite mischief. After the
bowel has been emptied let the patient have absolute rest, and if
there is much pain and inflammation present, apply cracked ice, in a
rubber bag, over the affected part. The diet should be absolutely
liquid until all danger has passed. This is of the highest importance.
DISEASES OF THE LIVER.
Liver complaints are always closely related to other diseases of the
digestive organs. The colon being clogged, the intestines are rendered
sluggish, which in turn acts upon the duodenum, or second stomach, and
prevents the food from properly passing out--then fermentation takes
place. Bile is poured out on the accumulated food again and again, for
the presence of anything in the duodenum is a demand for the secretion
of bile. As a result too much bile is mixed with the food to be
absorbed--the blood becomes tainted with biliary secretions showing
itself in a yellow skin, dizziness of the head, dull, sleepy condition
and lack of ambition. This overtaxing of the organ results in what is
known as acute congestion, the symptoms of which are tenderness to
touch and a feeling of painful tension on right side just above the
edge of the ribs, slight jaundice, furred tongue, loss of appetite and
scanty high colored urine.
TREATMENT.
Open the colon by the use of the "Cascade," when the intestines and
duodenum will be in turn relieved, then open up the pores of the skin
with baths and allow Nature to expel the waste from the system in that
manner. The wet sheet pack will he found specially valuable for that
purpose.
An unnatural appetite often accompanies bilious attacks, but it should
be resisted. Eat sparingly of bread and milk, slightly salted, for two
or three days, then take more solid food, but do not eat meat more
than once a day for a week or two. Any exercises that call the muscles
of the stomach into play are beneficial and should be practiced daily,
especially horseback riding and rowing. Exercise by bending forward,
trying to touch the toes without bending the knees; at the same time
taking a deep breath--you then have the liver as in a vise, thus
inducing active circulation.
The "Bear" walk, or walking about the room on all fours without
bending the knees, is one of the best exercises for a torpid liver
that can be imagined, but it should be practised in private, or your
friends may question your sanity.
DISEASES OF THE SKIN.
These diseases usually have their origin in constipation, therefore
tile first tiling to be done is to relieve this condition of the colon
by daily use of the "Cascade." Bathe the body daily in tepid water,
being careful not to use soap that will irritate the skin.
Never use common soap nor any of the highly perfumed varieties. A pure
soap will float in the water. An occasional wet pack sheet is of great
value. Attend care fully to the diet and avoid all foods fried in fat,
especially buckwheat cakes and food of that description.
DISEASE OF THE KIDNEYS.
This is caused by irritation of the kidneys, brought about by those
organs being forced to do work which does not properly belong to them.
Congestion is the first step towards chronic or acute inflammation.
The second stage is a breaking down or degeneration of the kidney
cells. If degeneration has passed a certain point, there is no hope.
TREATMENT.
The only possible cure is to remove the cause. The colon, intestines,
stomach and skin must be got into good working order, so that they
will do their own work and relieve the poor scapegoat the kidneys--of
unjust burdens. The colon should be constantly and copiously flushed
with the "Cascade," and warm baths frequently taken. The Turkish bath
is valuable, especially the home bath described in this book, as the
patient's head, being free, the hot air is not drawn into the lungs.
Every night after flushing the colon inject a pint of warm water and
go to bed. It will pass off through the kidneys, cleansing them. If
there is acute pain, repeat the injection every two hours until
relieved. Hot fomentations applied to the back, over the region of the
kidneys, will relieve the pain, and gentle massage in the same
locality will be found beneficial.
Avoid sweets, pastries, starchy foods, like potatoes, alcohol,
tobacco, tea, coffee and overfat foods. The diet recommended for
dyspepsia is good. Skim milk, buttermilk and whey should be used
freely, as they exercise a very beneficial influence on the kidneys. A
wet compress worn over night will help draw out the poisonous waste
matters.
ASIATIC CHOLERA.
This disease is caused by the presence of a microbe, known as the
"comma bacillus," which manufactures a virulent poison, called a
ptomaine. Although the germs are taken into the system through the
medium of the mouth and stomach, they only multiply in the bowels,
which is proved by the fact that the vomit from a cholera patient
contains none, while the discharges from the bowels abound with them.
If the system is in perfect condition the germs are destroyed by the
gastric juice in the stomach as soon as inhaled. If the stomach is out
of order the bacilli escape into the intestines, where the fluids are
alkaline (in which they thrive) and cholera is the result. The
symptoms are, first a slight diarrhcea, almost painless, then tremors,
vertigo and nausea. Griping pains and repressed circulation follow,
then copious purging of the intestines, followed by discharges of a
thin watery fluid, lividity of the lips, cold breath and an
unquenchable thirst.
TREATMENT.
First flush the colon thoroughly with warm water every few hours. Next
induce perspiration by means of the Turkish bath, but if the case has
set in violently, and vomiting and cramps appear, use the "Cascade"
promptly, and get the patient into bed as quickly as possible. Then
take two heavy sheets, dip them in water as hot as can be borne, fold
them and lay them over the chest and abdomen and cover up with
blankets, tucking them in closely at the sides. Put a jug of hot water
to the feet. In about ten minutes redip the sheets quickly and
reapply. In fifteen or twenty minutes the perspiration will appear and
the cramps will vanish. Take nothing into the stomach during the
duration of the disease except moderate sips of cold water or pieces
of ice, to quench the burning thirst.
Use simple strengthening food (milk is best) until health is restored.
All water should be boiled before using.
CHOLERA MORBUS.
The symptoms are similar to those of Asiatic cholera, but not so
violent. The treatment is the same in principle. If there is a feeling
of nausea take a warm water emetic.
PERITONITIS
Is an inflammation of the membrane covering the bowels, and is
frequently caused by concussion or injury; sometimes it extends from
adjacent organs, but in many instances it is caused by the breeding of
worms in the hardened faecal accumulations in the colon.
No matter what the cause may he, flush the colon vigorously with
injections as hot as can be borne, and place bags of hops, steeped in
hot vinegar, on the outside. This will soon reduce the inflammation
and effect a cure.
PNEUMONIA,
Sometimes called Lung Fever, is an acute inflammation of the lungs,
usually caused by a cold, and commencing with a chill and feverish
symptoms. At first there is a dry cough and what is known as the brick
dust sputum, and in the advanced stages a peculiar dark tint in the
cheeks, known as the mahogany flush. The breathing becomes very
hurried, rising as high as forty respirations per minute. It is an
exceedingly rapid and frequently fatal form of disease.
TREATMENT.
Promptitude in dealing with the case is of the highest importance. If
the colon had been kept clean and the lungs developed by exercise it
could not have attacked you; therefore the first thing to be done is
to use the "Cascade." Then the circulation must be equalized by
drawing the blood to the skin and extremities--away from the congested
lungs. A hot foot-bath will draw the blood to the extremities and a
Turkish bath (see end of book) will do the same to the skin. If too
weak to endure the Turkish bath, substitute a hot bath. Put the
patient to bed immediately and apply a hot compress over the lungs,
wrung out of hot brine, changing it as often as it gets cool. Give
little, extremities-away any, food during the continuance of the
disease; if any is given it should be light and nutritious. The above
treatment, if employed in time, will save any case.
BRONCHITIS.
This is an acute inflammation of the bronchial tubes, or air passages,
and the treatment is almost identical with that for pneumonia; only
applying the hot compress to the throat or chest, according to which
part exhibits the most soreness. If the throat is very sore use the
following gargle: Bichromate of potash (pulverized), one drachm;
tincture capsicum, half ounce; pure water, two tablespoonfuls. Shake
until dissolved. Add one teaspoonful of this mixture to
three-fourths of a tumbler of water and gargle the throat every hour
until relieved--then every two hours until well.
ASTHMA.
A mast distressing complaint, and hitherto imperfectly understood. It
has been attributed to innumerable causes, but our contention is that
it is due to an engorged transverse colon, which, interfering with the
free action of the diaphragm, withdraws that amount of impetus from
the lungs, so that they fail to respond to nerve stimulation. Through
inaction, the diaphragm becomes practically a fixed instead of a
movable partition. This contention is borne out by the fact that in
numerous cases where the colon was emptied, the trouble disappeared
and no trouble was experienced so long as the colon was kept clean. In
all cases of asthma the last meal should be a light one, if taken at
all; in fact, it would be well to follow the dietary rules for
dyspepsia, and in addition omit the evening meal.
UTERINE DISPLACEMENT.
This prevalent complaint among the women of America is due, in ninety
per cent. of the cases, to constipation, and that is mainly
attributable to tight lacing. In the majority of our countrywomen the
sigmoid flexure (see diagram beginning of work) is distended to nearly
double its natural size, pressing upon the womb, which necessarily
displaces it, but in addition the colon, through impaction, frequently
becomes highly inflamed and communicates the inflammation to the womb,
making it heavy and relaxed.
The ascending and descending colon lie immediately behind the ovaries,
and if (as is often the case) it becomes distended to double its size,
it stretches the broad ligaments and ovarian connections, frequently
breaking them away from their peritoneal attachments or carrying the
peritoneum downward with them.
The Fallopian tubes, which penetrate and are attached to the
peritoneal sack, together with the uterine broad ligaments, are
designed to hold the womb in place, but if the womb and ovaries are
crowded down into the pelvic cavity and the womb doubled upon itself,
dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation, or amenorrhea, with convulsions,
is the result. Perhaps there may even be a complete stoppage, so that
Nature menstruates vicariously and casts it off through the lungs or
bowels.
TREATMENT.
Empty the colon and keep it clean by regular use of the "Cascade," and
wear your clothing as loose as your husband's or brother's, and the
womb will go back into its place, and all the bad symptoms disappear.
It may be, though, that the tendons and ligaments have become
partially paralyzed through the uterus having been so long out of
place.
After emptying the colon, if there is pain in the back, with a bearing
down sensation, sit in half a tub of hot water for fifteen or twenty
minutes once every other day. Throw yourself on your back with the
hips raised as high as possible, then rub up from the pelvic bone.
This will reduce the displacement of the sigmoid flexure, besides
giving relief. Should the womb not go back into
place, call in a physician to replace it.
Painful menstruation and leucorrhea, which are caused by displacement
of the womb, inflammation and hypertrophy, or hardening of the womb,
enlarged and sensitive ovaries, can all be speedily cured by flushing
the colon.
ANTEVERSION,
Which affects nine out of every ten women, is the womb falling forward
on the bladder (causing frequent desire to urinate) and downward,
which, with the falling of the sigmoid flexure, produces obstruction
of the bowels and great straining at stool.
RETROVERSION
Is a falling down, with the body of the womb thrown backward.
Frequently it is doubled upon itself, when it becomes hardened and
inflamed, and adhesion often takes place. Doctors frequently call this
spinal disease, but it is the displaced organs pressing on the great
sympathetic nerve, which produces partial paralysis of the lower limbs
and loss of memory, sometimes causing insanity. In retroversion, after
emptying the colon, assume the following position: Kneel on the bed,
or sofa, with the body thrown forward until the chest also touches.
Retain this position as long as possible, and repeat it frequently
during the day. Sleep with the foot of the bed raised eight inches.
These positions all facilitate the return of the womb to its normal
position.
Eat nutritious, easily digested food, and avoid all stimulants.
COMMON COLDS
Are very disagreeable things, and, though not dangerous in themselves,
yet are frequently the cause of serious complications and the
forerunners of consumption, pneumonia and catarrh. Colds are commonly
due to sudden changes of temperature, and are caused by the sudden
closing of the pores of the skin, thus preventing the escape of those
waste matters of the body which Nature has designed should be expelled
in that direction. The blood is thus driven inward, causing congestion.
If the system is in a sound, healthy condition, with respiration good
and the colon clean, it should be next to impossible to take cold. If,
however, there is a weak spot in the body, be sure the cold will find
it, when, if not promptly dealt with, serious results may ensue.
TREATMENT.
Constipation is the invariable primary cause of a cold, hence the
first thing to do is to flush the colon. Use the "Cascade" daily for
at least three days. Do not eat any supper the first night. The next
thing to be done is to take the Turkish bath (see end of book). It
should be taken at night, after which drink a glass of hot lemonade
and go to bed, covering the body thoroughly. No doubt you will
perspire profusely, but that is what you need. In the morning take a
good bath and rub down, following the directions given for bathing,
drink a cup of hot water an hour before breakfast and let that meal be
light, such as Graham bread, boiled eggs, oatmeal and oranges. You are
then ready to attend to your daily business, and if you take another
flushing at night, the next morning your cold will be only a memory.
CONSTIPATION.
This condition of the system has been so frequently referred to
already that further comment upon it may be deemed unnecessary. Its
causes are varied, insufficient exercise in the open air, hastily
eaten and imperfectly masticated food, also many articles of food tend
to induce the evil of habitual constipation.
Whatever you may do, avoid everything in the form of drugs, for they
are injurious in the highest degree. The continual excitation of the
excretory processes by the use of cathartics is a most pernicious
practice and should be shunned. A constant indulgence in the
"purgative habit" often renders the coating of the stomach so
sensitive that even the presence of food in that organ irritates it
and is frequently hurried out half digested.
The "Cascade" should be used each alternate day, for at least two
weeks, then, twice a week, until improvement is assured. Drink a
tumblerful of hot water, not less than half an hour before breakfast
and eat freely of fruit at that meal. Also partake liberally of good,
green vegetables at other meals. Eating whole-wheat bread is of
decided assistance, and make it a rule to drink from two to three
pints of water each day.
PILES OR HEMORRHOIDS.
This is a disease of the rectum and muscles of the anus, and is the
direct result of constipation. The accumulation of hardened faecal
matter distends the sigmoid flexure, causing inflammation, until from
its own weight it falls down, producing prolapse of the bowels.
Frequently ulceration follows and the bowel is pressed out, tumors
forming on the protruding portion.
Bleeding piles are caused by congestion of the rectal blood vessels.
The constant nerve irritation causes muscular contraction,
consequently circulation is interfered with, producing a condition of
engorgement. Owing to lack of nutrition the structures become brittle
and quantities of the varicosed capillaries unite to form pile tumors.
The methods of treatment usually employed are, injecting astringents
into the tumors to dry them up; to ligate the tumors, that they may
die or drop off, or to amputate the portion of the rectum in which the
tumors form (known as the radical operation), none of which prevent a
return of the trouble. The only rational plan is to remove the cause.
TREATMENT.
First empty the colon, using the "Cascade," thus removing the cause,
then the inflammation will subside and the protruding bowel go back
into its place. Tumors will soon absorb if they are put back when they
protrude. Sitting in a tub of hot water will cause the bowel to go
back immediately. Hot water is Nature's astringent and never fails.
The following salve has been found of great value in facilitating
recovery: Two heaped tablespoonfuls of vaseline or cosmoline, willow
charcoal, one teaspoonful; canadies pinus canadensis, twenty-five
drops; sulphate morphia, five grains. Mix well and apply up the rectum
with the fingers as far as possible. But the most effective aid to a
cure is to follow the use of the "Cascade," by inserting in the rectum
a small piece of ice, about the size of the tip of the little finger
(previously immersed in water to render it smooth), which will be
found a most admirable rectal tonic, driving the blood away from the
congested parts, and producing a bracing effect on the structures. In
bad cases, it may be used with good effect several times during the
day, and will be found equally beneficial in cases of prolapse of the
rectum. The ice is to be retained in the rectum.
PARALYSIS OR PALSY.
These two terms signify one and the same disease; that is, a condition
of the system in which the power of voluntary motion is lost. It is
the outward manifestation of a deep-seated disease that can usually be
traced to an obstructed colon and consequent disordered circulation.
The same causes promote apoplexy. A blood vessel is ruptured in the
brain, causing a clot to form, which presses upon the nerves that
convey the will of the mind to the muscles, thus stopping their
action. It is not, as is usually supposed, an affection of the
muscles, but of the nerves that control the muscular movements.
Sometimes one entire side of the body becomes affected and completely
deprived of voluntary motion. Congestion of the brain is a preliminary
of paralysis, and congestion of the brain are invariably due to an
enlarged transverse colon.
One form of paralysis affects only certain parts of the body, such. as
the lower limbs, or the reproductive organs, and is caused by pressure
upon some large nerve communicating with the paralyzed portion. This
is doubtless due to the pressure of an enlarged ascending or
descending colon upon some of the lumbar plexus nerves, or their
branches. This, however, refers to what may be termed local paralysis,
or paralysis of certain parts.
Paralysis of an entire side of the body is due to pressure on the
brain, and this is caused by defective circulation, induced by an
unnaturally distended colon. While in this condition some severe
physical exertion or mental strain increases the pressure beyond the
power of resistance and a rupture is the result--when the patient
falls, wherever he may happen to be.
TREATMENT.
Prevention of paralysis is very easy, for with a clean colon it is an
impossibility, and the remedy is too plainly indicated to need
pointing out. You have but to remove the cause--the accumulation in the
colon. Massage is a most valuable part of the treatment. To prevent
the muscles from stiffening, and to retain the suppleness of the
affected parts, frequent rubbings are necessary, and the mind should
be stimulated to resume its control over the refractory muscles.
During an attack it is necessary to pay particular attention to diet--
easily digested, nonconstipating food only. You may have to revert to
a spoon diet for awhile--and, as the liability to a second attack is
great during the period of recovery, special attention must be given
to diet to guard against it.
When power begins to return to the affected parts, a system of
graduated exercises should be arranged, gradually increasing in force
with the return of strength and normal control. These exercises will
gradually educate the mind and restore its harmonious working with the
body.
EPILEPSY, OR FALLING SICKNESS,
Is distinguished from apoplexy, or paralysis, by the convulsive action
and foaming at the mouth. One prime cause of this most distressing
complaint is the action of worms in the colon. In a number of cases
treated by us, knots of worms were expelled, and the exciting cause
being removed, complete recovery followed. The preventive treatment is
simple. Use the "Cascade" and out antiseptic tonic until the worms are
entirely expelled. During a fit loosen the clothing at the throat and
place something in the mouth, a cork, for instance, to prevent the
patient from biting his tongue. Some fine salt thrust into the mouth
will shorten the duration of the fit.
Another prolific cause is masturbation, in which case nothing but the
abandonment of the habit and a cleanly life, both physically and
morally, will effect a cure.
GONORRHEA.
This is a contagious disease, and its victims usually become the prey
of unprincipled charlatans, who drive the disease inward by
suppressing the symptoms. It affects the male much more seriously
than the female. It commences with a slight uneasy sensation at the
mouth of the urethra, between the second and seventh day after
exposure to infection. The natural discharge of mucus is increased,
and is more viscid, followed by acute inflammation. The discharge
becomes thick and greenish and urination is painful. Swelling of the
glands in the groin is common, called a bubo. Orchitis or swelling of
the testicle is also a frequent accompaniment. Under the best of
treatment it will require from four to six weeks to effect a cure, but
if neglected it may mean
months.
TREATMENT.
Use the "Cascade" every night for the first two weeks, then twice a
week for at least two months, to get the poison out of the system, and
keep the parts scrupulously clean by bathing them two or three times a
day. Carefully avoid everything in the form of a stimulant, especially
alcoholic drinks, also tobacco, and let the diet be largely vegetable.
Use the following injection twice every day after urinating. Colored
fluid hydrastis, two drachms; fluid extract canadies pinus canadensis,
two drachms; bromo chiorellum, half a drachm; water, six ounces. Shake
well and inject twice a day until a marked improvement can be noticed,
then once a day, and, finally, every other day.
HERNIA OR RUPTURE
Is the escape of some portion of the viscera through an abnormal
opening and takes its particular name from the locality in which the
protrusion occurs, although the inguinal is the most common form. The
dynamic force of foul gases engendered in the system is a prolific,
though generally unsuspected cause; but the mechanical pressure
exerted by an overloaded colon in the limited space of the abdominal
cavity is responsible for seventy-five per cent, of all cases. The
treatment is obvious--use the "Cascade" faithfully, and, the cause
being removed, reduction is easy, and if the colon be kept clean, a
properly adjusted truss will soon completely cure it.
INEBRIETY
Is responsible for many of the ills of the present generation, in the
form of transmitted constitutional weakness, not to mention the
functional derangements and organic destruction, of which it is a
potent and direct cause.
There are two grave reasons why alcohol should not be taken into the
system, or, if at all, in very minute quantities and at distant
intervals. The first is the moral reason, because it undermines and
destroys the finer part of man. It has the peculiar effect upon the
brain of stimulating the baser qualities and blunting the finer ones.
The second is the physical reason, see "The Diet Question." When
alcoholism becomes a fixed habit, it must be treated as a disease, for
it is one in reality. In many cases the large intestinal or tapeworm
is at the root of the trouble. Now, worms cannot exist in a perfectly
clean body, with every function working properly. Few, if any, animals
can resist the solvent power of the gastric juice if it is secreted in
normal quantity, and in full health and vigor, consequently, to
cleanse the body of all superabundant filth and restore it to a sound
working condition, will prevent their growth. But if they are present
and developed (as they sometimes are) to an enormous size, the vital
forces are unable to dislodge them, unaided, and recourse must be bad
to a "vermifuge" diet. This may be found in two articles--the crusts of
good, sweet wheat-meal bread and good, ripe uncooked apples. It is
important that the food be hard, so that it be well masticated and
that it be eaten slowly, so that the stomach is not overloaded.
TREATMENT.
First get the alcohol out of the system by flushing the colon daily.
This will help you to stop drinking (which is so much easier advised
than accomplished), then proceed to sweat it out by a daily Turkish
bath (see end of book) or a Turkish bath one day and a wet sheet pack
the next.
Second, sip a cupful of hot water not less than half an hour before
each meal and use the wheat bread crusts and apple diet mentioned
before for one week certain, two weeks is better (if possible). Then
use the "cascade" thoroughly, to expel the worm; and for a month at
least follow the diet laid down for dyspepsia, when the alcoholized
blood in your veins will have been replaced with good, rich blood, and
your cure practically effected.
OBESITY.
The condition of the body, to which nosologists have applied this term,
is that of general engorgement, or, over-fullness, and is the result of
excessive eating, or imperfect deputation, or both. Over-eating and
inactivity are the chief producing causes. It is the especial
prerogative of children to be fat, but when too great an accumulation
comes, with advancing years, it brings discomforts, disadvantages, and
oftentimes fatal diseases, among which are Apoplexy, Fatty Liver,
Diabetes, Bright's Disease and Fatty Heart. The sanguine or entonic
variety is distinguished by florid skin, full strong pulse, turgid
veins, with firm and vigorous muscular fibres, and the serous or atonic,
is denoted by a full, but frequent and feeble pulse, smooth and soft
skin, plump but inexpressive figure, and general languor or debility of
the vital functions.
TREATMENT.
Use the "Cascade" regularly, and take as much exercise as is possible
without fatigue. A brisk three mile walk daily will work wonders in
reducing weight, especially if you perspire freely. Drink a pint of
hot water an hour before each meal and half an hour before retiring,
to wash the sour ferments and bile from the stomach before eating and
sleeping. Live principally on roast or broiled meat, fish, poultry or
game, boiled rice, green vegetables, and brown bread. When people are
unable to take the necessary amount of exercise, the dieting process,
known as the "Salisbury system," is very effective. This consists of
the lean part of good beef, from which every particle of fat and sinew
is removed, then chopped to a pulp, made into small cakes and broiled--
then eaten hot. The reduction of adipose tissue demands a certain
amount of self-sacrifice, but the above method, if faithfully
followed, never fails to effect the purpose.
LOST MANHOOD
Is the term now generally employed to describe impotence, or physical
inability to perform the sexual function. It is frequently due to
conjugal excesses, but the principal cause is the baneful widespread
practice of masturbation, or self-pollution. It manifests itself in
what is known as Spermatorrhea, or involuntary emissions of the
seminal fluid, and if allowed to continue unchecked, speedily depletes
the vitality of the sufferer, and renders him a physical wreck. Do not
be deceived by the lying advertisements of unprincipled charlatans,
that any drug can help you. The treatment must be hygienic and
thorough, and may necessitate a change in your whole mode of life.
TREATMENT.
Firstly, the colon must be kept clean, as the faecal accumulations
there irritate the sensitive nerves. So it is advisable to use the
"Cascade" every night for two weeks at least, then every second night.
Secondly, practice the breathing and bodily movements described under
the head of Exercise, and take all the exercise you can in the open
air, as these things are important factors in strengthening the
nervous system and hastening a cure. Thirdly, special attention must
be paid to diet. If you can practice strict vegetarianism for a time,
so much the better, choosing those articles most easily digested. Only
plain roast or boiled beef should be eaten (if any meat be taken at
all), shun all hot condiments, also tea, coffee, tobacco and alcohol--
especially the latter, for nothing can help you while you use these
articles. Fourthly, after flushing, take a cold bath every night, or,
if this is impracticable, bathe the genital organs, and the spine (up
to the base of the brain) in cold water, and rub down vigorously with
a crash towel. Fifthly, resolutely form cleanly habits of mind, as
well as body; take up a course of good reading to occupy the mind, and
divert it into healthy channels, and shun all reading of a sensational
nature. Sixthly, avoid thinking impure and lascivious thoughts, and do
not allow your mind to dwell upon your condition, but cultivate self-
control. The above treatment has cured hundreds of bad cases, and will
cure you, if steadily persevered in, but a strict abstinence from
sexual indulgence, and an absolute abandonment of the pernicious vice,
is an indispensable condition.
Frequently quite aged men write us, complaining of their sexual
disability--to all such, we say that the restoration of lost power
after fifty years of age is in the highest degree improbable, and
after the grand climacteric (63) is passed--it is practically
impossible.
DIABETES OR DIABETES MELLITUS
Is a peculiar and troublesome disease, characterized by an excessive
discharge of urine, which is heavily charged with grape sugar, which
is the saccharine principle of grapes and honey, hence the term
mellitus. This substance is manufactured in excess by the body, and
eliminated by the kidneys. The discharge of urine is abnormally large,
sometimes reaching as high as several gallons daily. Owing to the
presence of sugar in the blood and the secretions, nutrition is
affected, and other disturbances manifest themselves in the system. It
is a disease, which, if not taken in time, usually proves fatal, and
it therefore behooves the individual to keep the body in
thorough order, and to carefully watch any abnormality in the urine.
TREATMENT.
The "Cascade" should be used regularly, also the wet sheet pack, to
promote the action of the skin, for that organ usually exhibits a
marked dryness; and its temperature should be varied to suit that of
the body. If fairly vigorous, the morning cold bath should be used,
for its tonic qualities, or, if weak, then the tepid bath, followed,
in either case, by a brisk rubbing, to promote circulation. Diet is
most important. All sweets and starchy foods, which are converted into
sugar by digestion, should be shunned, while whole wheat bread, lean
beef, mutton and fish, together with salads made from herbs, should be
eaten. Acid fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are beneficial. Soft
boiled eggs and milk (in moderation) may be taken. All food should be
eaten slowly and a little at a time. The only drink should be pure
water, and that never at meal times, but a cup of hot water half an
hour before meals will be found of service. Tea, coffee, cream, and
especially alcoholic drinks, must be absolutely avoided.
LOCOMOTOR ATAXIA
Results from what is known as sclerosis, a hardening of the gray
matter in the motor centres of the spinal cord. Its special symptom is
the peculiar high-stepping gait, the power of locomotion not being
properly under the control of the will, and when the eyes are closed,
it seems impossible for the afflicted person to walk forward without
falling. Like other diseases of its class, it is primarily due to
innutrition, the result of imperfect elimination, and has hitherto
defied regular medical treatment. If a cure is to be effected, it is
by regular use of the "Cascade," perfect rest, strict attention to
diet, and judicious massage; but if the case is well advanced, it is
doubtful whether restoration to health can be affected.
NURSING MOTHERS.
Under the above heading, we class the following troublesome
complaints: Inflammation of the Breast, Milk Fever, Sore Nipples,
Puerperal Swelled Leg, and Puerperal Fever, or Peritonitis, all of
which complaints are practically unknown, under intelligent hygienic
treatment.
We would point out that a simple hygienic mode of life (including
careful diet and the regular practice of the "Cascade Treatment"
during pregnancy), will not only have the effect of making the labor
easy, and the recovery rapid, but will almost preclude the possibility
of any of the above complaints manifesting themselves.
During pregnancy the "Cascade Treatment" should be regularly used
twice a week, by which means the absorption of the poisonous waste
matters of the system into the circulation is completely avoided, and
the future health of the infant assured. The body should be bathed
daily, or, if impracticable, then a brisk rubbing from head to foot,
with a towel, and exercise--more or less--taken every day. The diet
should consist largely of vegetables and fruit, especially after the
fourth month, avoiding farinaceous foods as much as possible, such as
wheat, peas, beans, barley, and especially fine wheaten flour. These
foods contain the bony constitutents, and their avoidance tends to
deossify the systems of both mother and child, and make childbirth
what Nature intended it to be, a comparatively painless proceeding.
Careful attention to the foregoing hygienic mode of life, during
pregnancy, will effectually prevent the appearance of those
distressing complaints (before mentioned), pecu1iar to Nursing
Mothers.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BREAST
Would never occur, if the "Cascade" had been regularly used, and the
treatment for it, when present, is to use the "Cascade" thoroughly,
and apply cool wet clothes, well covered with dry ones, to the
breasts. If there is a surplus of milk, draw it off with the breast
pump, or the more convenient method--the mouth.
SORE NIPPLES
Do not require anything but a little cream or olive oil applied to
them, with occasional applications of cold, wet cloths when they are
hot and painful, and occasional fomentations when they are cracked and
sore--but do not fail to "flush the colon."
MILK FEVER
Is principally due to over-heated, or ill-ventilated rooms, and should
be treated by at once flushing the colon, and if the patient is not
too weak, use the wet sheet pack, otherwise tepid ablutions should be
frequently used.
PUERPERAL SWELLED LEG
Should be treated as an acute inflammation. The colon should be
thoroughly flushed, the wet sheet pack or tepid bath used frequently,
and cold wet compresses applied to the afflicted limb. The patient may
drink cold water freely, and the diet should consist mainly of Indian
or wheat-meal gruel.
FISTULA.
There are two distinctly recognized forms of fistula, the complete and
the incomplete: the latter, having only one opening, either external
or internal; if the opening is internal, it is termed, "blind
fistula." The complete fistula has two openings, usually, one external
and one internal, but in some cases, both openings are external.
Fistula is almost invariably the sequel to a neglected abscess,
therefore, any form of gathering in the buttocks, should be promptly
attended to. Fistula may result from an injury; but the large majority
of cases are due to a congested or diseased condition of the sigmoid
flexure and rectum.
TREATMENT.
It need scarcely be said, that scrupulous care and cleanliness are
indispensable factors in promoting recovery, therefore, the colon must
be kept absolutely clean, by the use of the "Cascade" and the parts
`thoroughly bathed with warm water, at least, once daily, and the pipe
of the fistula should be thoroughly cleaned three times a day, with
the following solution: To half a cupful of warm water, add twenty-
five drops of fluid hydrastis and one teaspoonful of finely pulverized
willow charcoal. This should be mixed thoroughly and injected into the
opening of the fistula, the whole of it, with a small piston syringe.
If the opening is not external, then, double the quantity should be
injected into the rectum. This practice should be persisted in until
the discharge ceases. In some cases, operations are absolutely
necessary. All stimulants should be avoided and all highly seasoned
foods.
DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
The following simple methods of treating the ailments of childhood
will be found remarkably efficacious, easy of application, and may be
used with confidence.
CROUP.
This disease often runs in families, and is most frequently caused by
sudden alterations of temperature. The symptoms are usually a harsh
cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and slight fever. A croupy child needs
watching. To prevent it, keep the colon clean.
The treatment cannot be too prompt. Use the "Cascade" quickly, and
place the child immediately in a hot bath, and rub the lower limbs
thoroughly. Wring a cloth out of cold water, and place it on the
throat and chest, covering it with a thick flannel to exclude the air.
Change the cloth as often as it gets dry.
SCARLET FEVER.
This is a bacillus disease. The colon being clogged, Nature is trying
to cast out the impurities by way of the pores of the skin, and when
these become congested we have fever. First flush the colon, then use
the hot sheet pack (see end of book), if the fever is not very high,
or if the child has chills. If the fever is high, use the cold sheet
pack. With this treatment the rash will soon come out, and the child
be easy. If fever appears again, give another injection and a sponge
bath. Feed the body with water outside, and give it all it wants to
drink. Give no food until Nature calls for it, then a raw egg beaten
in milk. When the appetite comes back, give soft-boiled rice, or
oatmeal with milk. Keep a cool head, and this treatment will save your
child.
CHOLERA INFANTUM
Is a disease that can be readily cured by flushing the colon--adding a
little antiseptic tonic to the water. It is purely a disease of the
alimentary canal, consequently, cleansing that passage affords relief.
A tepid bath, covering the legs and abdomen, is of wonderful benefit
when fever is present. Be very particular with the diet. A raw egg,
well beaten, in boiled milk is very nourishing.
DIPHTHERIA
Is a terribly fatal complaint, the result of a poison or germ produced
in the body during the illness. The symptoms being difficult to
identify, all cases of sore throat, if accompanied by fever, loss of
strength, and white spots on the tonsils, should be regarded as
diphtheretic.
Give full hot water flushings twice or four times every twenty-four
hours. If the throat is of a grayish color, add a teaspoonful of borax
to every quart of water. If it is of a dark red color, add a
teaspoonful of acetic acid to every quart of water. If the child
cannot retain it, place it in a hot hip bath, and then it will. After
the discharge, induce perspiration with the hot sheet pack (if
chilly), if not, in the cold pack, and apply a cold compress to the
throat. Give the child all the cold, pure
water it wants.
To treat the throat locally, take equal parts of fine salt, borax and
common soda, pulverize, mix well, and by means of a quill blow well
down the throat, using one quarter or half a teaspoonful.
SMALL-POX.
Is a very contagious eruptive fever, caused by a bacillus and fever,
with aching of the limbs, in from nine to twelve germ peculiar to the
disease. It commences with chills days after exposure.
After forty-eight hours the eruption usually appears. When rightly
treated, it is not a dangerous disease.
In the case of a young person or child, the treatment is the same as
for scarlet fever. Let the patient have all the water it wants in
frequent drinks--a little cold water at a time.
After the eruption appears, no further treatment is necessary, except
a daily flushing of the colon and a daily sponge bath in tepid water.
If there is pain in the head, apply a cold compress. There is no
appetite during the progress of the disease, but when the stomach
demands food, great care should be exercised. Milk may be given
safely. When strength returns, toasted Graham bread, mush, boiled or
broiled chicken may be given.
TO PREVENT POCKMARKS.
The marking is caused by exposure to dry air and light, therefore
paint the hands and face with a mixture of glycerine and charcoal--the
glycerine keeps the skin soft, and the charcoal shuts out the light.
It should be washed off every morning, and re-applied. Under no
circumstances must the patient be allowed to scratch off the pocks.
MEASLES
Is an eruptive disease peculiar to children, slightly contagious, but
not dangerous. It may commence with a slight chill, or not. The fever
is usually attended with a slight cold, swollen watery eyes, and
sneezing.
The first thing to be done is to bring out the rash, which is quickly
done, by flushing the colon, followed by a wet sheet pack, as in
scarlet fever. When the eruption is out, nothing is needed but to keep
the colon clean, and wash down daily with tepid water. In all eruptive
diseases guard against taking cold--for a cold closes the pores of the
skin, shutting up Nature's vent through
which she is expelling the disease germs.
WORMS IN THE INTESTINES.
This exceedingly prevalent and troublesome complaint may be quickly
and effectually relieved by colon injections, coupled with the J. B.
L. antiseptic tonic. It should be retained until the preparation has
time to destroy or loosen the hold of the worms. Its action may be
greatly accelerated by rubbing and churning the bowels.
INFANTILE CONVULSIONS OR FITS.
These spasms sometimes indicate the approach of one of the eruptive
fevers, but usually the cause is the irritation of teething, or worms
in the intestines. Although the appearance of a child under such
conditions is painful, yet the danger is much less than appears.
Get the little sufferer into a hot bath as quickly as possible, and
draw the blood to the skin, which will afford relief. Next, direct
your attention to the bowels. If, as is exceedingly likely, worms are
the cause, treat as for worms.
GALL STONES
Are the result of arrested secretion of bile, usually through
congestion of the liver. Then the substances that form bile accumulate
and solidify in granules. Hundreds of these continually pass off
through the bowels unnoticed; but prolonged congestion causes them to
cohere and form larger masses, that, in passing through the bile duct,
cause intense pain, which is sometimes mistaken for appendicitis.
TREATMENT.
It is only in passing, that their presence becomes known, when all
that can be done is, to favor their passage by copious fomentations of
hot water and diligent use of the "Cascade." Sometimes it is
impossible for the stone to pass, when it has to be removed
surgically. The regular use of the "Cascade" will prevent their
formation. At the first symptoms of pain in the region of the liver,
follow the directions for treatment of that organ, especially the
exercises, and drink freely of olive oil.
MASSAGE, SHEET-PACKS, ETC.
MASSAGE,
Which is the application of motion and pressure to the body, is a most
important factor in preserving or restoring health. It affords a sick
person all the benefit to be obtained from exercise without the
physical effort, which he is unable to exert. The sweat glands,
capillaries, and lymph channels, which constitute thousands of miles
of tubing, in the body of a grown person, are, by carefully and
systematically applied massage, stimulated to action. The currents in
these vessels are a necessity of life. When they are obstructed,
weakness is the result; when they cease, decay and death ensue.
When we rub our hands or feet, we say the friction warms them; in
reality it is the inner vessels which are stimulated, and bring more
warm blood to the parts. If this process is extended over the whole
available surface of the body, the most beneficial results will
follow.
There are three recognized methods of application.
First--Rubbing, to stimulate the skin to action.
Second--Rolling, and pinching gently, also a kneading movement, used
principally to stimulate. the stomach, bowels, and muscular tissues.
Third--Percussion, or tapping with the ends of the fingers, softly-most
effiacious in stimulating the action of the lungs.
Rub the surface first with a little palm oil, or vaseline. Use the
tapping movement for the chest and back, the rubbing movement for the
stomach and bowels, and the pinching or kneading movement for the
limbs. In dyspepsia and constipation, great benefit is derived from
massage treatment of the stomach and colon--starting the movements in
the right groin, where the colon commences, and following its course
to its rectal extremity, (consult diagram). For rheumatism, sprains,
etc., commence with hot oily applications.
Most people find massage treatment to have a gentle, soothing effect.
Nearly all find their appetite increased.
THE STOMACH BATH.
The first method is simplicity itself, and consists in drinking from
half to a pint of hot water, as hot as can be drank with comfort, in
the morning after rising, or half an hour before breakfast. It loosens
up the mucus in the stomach, and in half an hour it will have passed
out.
The second consists in drinking tepid water until nauseated, then the
stomach will throw it back, with its contents. This thoroughly empties
and cleanses the stomach. From a pint to a quart is usually
sufficient, although two quarts will do no harm. If the stomach does
not reject it readily, thrust the forefinger down the throat to the
end of the glottis.
The third method is by the stomach tube.
THE TURKISH BATH.
Provide a wooden bottomed Chair, and having stripped the patient of
all Clothing, except a pair of woolen drawers to protect his legs from
the heat, let him sit on it, with his feet ankle deep in a hot foot
bath, just as hot as he can bear. Wrap him about first with a blanket,
tucking it close around the neck, but letting it hang loose over the
chair and vessel containing the foot bath, but so arranged as to
exclude the air from his person. Over the blanket wrap one or two
heavy comfortables, the object being to prevent the escape of the heat
and exclude the outside air from the body. Raising one side of the
comfortables and blanket, place under the chair an old tea cup half
full of alcohol. Set it on fire and again close the opening. Give him
a drink of cold water, and if the head feels oppressed, apply a wet
towel wrung from cold water. Add more hot water to the foot bath once
or twice, keeping it as hot as he can bear it during the continuance
of the bath. Keep him in the bath until the alcohol is all burned out.
Then wash him down with soap and tepid water, sponge off with cool
water, rubbing the flesh and working the muscles vigorously the
meanwhile. Then dry off by patting the skin with the towel (not
rubbing it), leaving a little moisture on it; dress quickly and let
him lie down for an hour or put him to bed.
It should not be taken either immediately before or after a meal.
There are excellent bath cabinets to be obtained, but in their absence
the above will be found excellent.
THE WET SHEET-PACK.
Spread over the bed or cot two or more heavy cornfortables, over these
a pair of blankets, then, if for a person of strong vitality, wring a
sheet out of cold water just dry enough not to drip, and spread it
over the blanket; lay the patient stripped of all clothing on the
sheet with his arms by his sides, tuck the sheet around him, then the
blankets and comfortables, leaving his head out but tucking it close
around the neck and over his feet--making a mummy of him, so to say. If
the head is hot or aches, apply a towel wrung from cold water and
renew it as often as it gets warm. To the feet apply a jug of hot
water. Let him lie in the pack from twenty to forty minutes, or even
longer if he is comfortable. He will soon get warm and sweat freely.
This is the end desired. If he goes to sleep, as is often the case,
don't be in a hurry to wake him up. He will take no harm so long as he
keeps warm. See that there is plenty of fresh air in the room. When he
has been in the pack a sufficient length of time close the windows,
then take him out and wash him down thoroughly with soap and soft,
tepid water, then sponge off with cooler water, rubbing him down
vigorously and working the flesh the meanwhile. If not too weak he
should assist in this operation. Then dry off by patting the skin with
the towel (not rubbing it), leaving a little moisture on the skin.
Then, if in the day time, and the weather is not too cold, a little
exercise in the open air will be beneficial. If he is too weak to
exercise put him to bed again.
Before and during the pack let him have all the cold water he wants to
drink, in small quantities at a time. If the patient has but little
vitality, wring the sheet out of tepid water instead of cold water.
The hot sheet-pack is used in the same manner, the only difference
being that the sheet is wrung out of water as hot as can be borne.
CARE OF THE "CASCADE."
What is worth having is worth taking care of; and the "Cascade" is so
likely to be called into emergency service, that it should be always
in order--hence the following suggestions:
After using it, hang it up by the eyelet, until it ceases to drip;
then put in the stopper. The small amount of moisture left in will
help to keep it flexible. It should be kept hanging, if possible, as
folds in the rubber predispose it to crack. It should be kept in an
even temperature, neither too hot nor too cold.
Never pour boiling, or very hot water into it--it is not designed to
withstand such a degree of heat, and do not let grease, in any form,
come in contact with it, as grease decomposes rubber.
PART NINE.
SOME HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS.
If there is one thing in particular that I desire to impress upon my
readers, it is, don't dread disease. It is a beneficial agent, for it
is Nature's method of re-adjusting matters in the human economy. There
are only two conditions, health and disease. Mark the etymology of the
word! Whenever there is any departure from the normal, it is bound to
manifest itself in the organ or structure most in need of repair; but
as disease is a tearing down, and its cure a process of building up,
it does not need the wisdom of Solomon to recognize the fact that all
assistance toward recovery must come from within. Disease is just as
natural a condition as health; both are the result of the operation of
natural law. Disease, being Nature's method of cure, any attempt to
suppress it must of necessity invite disaster.
This is one of the chief reasons why I am opposed to drug medication,
because its sole aim seems to be the suppression of symptoms. Pain,
the chief symptom, is not disease, but simply the messenger bringing
warning of the disease to the brain. To silence this messenger, yet
leave the disease unchecked, is folly. It would be just as reasonable,
if the house were on fire, to cut the cord of the alarm bell, and to
conclude because you could no longer hear the bell that the danger was
past. Disease, therefore, being beneficial, should be welcomed as a
friend, and every assistance given to Nature to assist her in
restoring normal conditions.
Prevention is better than cure, you will all agree, and the great
elements of prevention are, knowledge of self, cleanliness, physical,
mental and moral; hygiene and sanitation. I contend that physiology is
the most important subject that can engage the attention of the
individual. Nothing is so essential as a knowledge of the functioning
of the body in which he dwells, for it is the vehicle through which
the real self is to find expression; through which he is to achieve
success or failure, according to the condition of its mechanism.
No engineer can obtain from the machine under his control the highest
results, unless every part of the mechanism is in perfect working
order. How much more important, then, that the human organism should
be in perfect adjustment, since through it the mentality is to find
its highest expression? Without a knowledge of its construction and
its working principles, how is the individual to raise the human
machine to the highest plane of excellence and maintain it there? No
one is allowed to run an engine without first passing an examination,
which necessitates a certain amount of study and knowledge of the laws
of mechanics; yet men undertake to run that complex machine, the human
body, in utter ignorance of physiological law! Is it any wonder that
there are so many breakdowns? What I contend for is the study of the
fundamental facts concerning the ordinary functions of the body: of
diet, dress and exercise in their relation to health, and the relative
effects of good and bad air upon the system. It is of infinitely more
consequence to understand the basic principles of digestion and the
proper combination of foods, or to understand thoroughly the baneful
effects of sleeping in a badly ventilated room, than to be the
greatest living expert in conic sections. Practical physiology is the
crying need of the times, especially for our children, if we expect
them to be well developed--mentally morally and physically.
With such an equipment of knowledge the individual is prepared to
withstand the wear and tear of life, and I may remark here that it is
the tear more than the wear that figures in physical breakdown. All
human beings are not endowed alike with nervous force; it is largely a
matter of heredity, but what we have may be cultivated and developed.
Failure to do so renders the individual liable to nervous breakdown,
or neurasthenia, as it is popularly termed, a widespread disease,
especially in America, where the strain of life is greater than
elsewhere. Competition, a desire to go beyond one's fellows in
achievement, working beyond the strength, together with lack of care
of the physical system, all conspire to keep constant the undue
excitement of the nerves that ends in exhaustion. Children born of
nervous parents, with weak nervous systems, should be fortified
against the risks of inheritance by hygienic measures, during their
developmental period, strengthening in every way their physical and
mental endowments. Even those well developed in this respect should
husband his or her resources--always keeping a reserve fund by avoiding
undue fatigue, spending plenty of time in sleep, taking care of the
body, and arranging for intervals of rest that shall include change of
scene and environment.
Remember that mind and thought have their effect on the bodily health,
no less than material and physical conditions; and that although a
healthy body needs a sane mind, it is none the less true that a sane
mind needs a healthy body; therefore maintain perfect equilibrium
between the two. It may surprise you to hear your body compared to a
bank; but the analogy is perfect, as I shall proceed to show. No
living organism is precisely the same for sixty consecutive minutes.
There are perpetually losses from within and gains from without;
losses in the form of broken down tissue, gains in the form of food or
air, which is the most essential form of food. So, in a bank, there is
a constant interchange of deposits and withdrawals. No bank could
exist if the depositors insisted upon their money being hoarded up
there. It is the money, and not the bank, that is the fixed
consideration, money being the medium of exchange. In the human
system, food is the medium, and for the same reason that a bank cannot
exist by hoarding up money, it is impossible for a living organism to
exist by simply storing up food. There must be a continual
interchange, otherwise the human bank cannot pay dividends in the form
of health and energy.
And even as some banks, that appear solid and substantial from the
outside, may be on the verge of ruin, owing to the lack of supervision
over income and expenditure; so many apparently robust bodies may be
on the verge of physical collapse, owing to the mistaken belief that
the body is simply a depository for food. Energy may be stored up in
the system for future use, that being the dividend resulting from
judicious interchange; but to force the system to receive more food
than it can use and assimilate, is to invite disaster and pave the way
to physical bankruptcy. A knowledge of banking is valuable in any walk
of life, and I feel that the most valuable advice I can give my
readers is to study Nature's bookkeeping, as manifested in the human
bank, and to see that the balance is strictly drawn between income and
expenditure. The world will yet see the day when it will be considered
a disgrace to be sick; but in the meantime, humanity suffers for lack
of that important knowledge--knowledge of self.
Above all, cultivate the habit of happiness. Whatever else you may
neglect, do not neglect that, for the happy habit is the greatest
treasure that any individual can possess. Happiness depends largely
upon physical conditions. With poor health, perfect happiness rarely
exists; therefore it is your duty to be healthy, and the possession of
health is in the majority of cases a matter of personal endeavor. But
although the physical is important in health, yet the physical is
dominated by the mental, and if you resolve to be happy, you can
succeed. Commence this day, by saying to yourself, I am happy; I will
be happy. Start out with the resolve that you will at least do some
one thing to-day that will bring happiness to another, in the form of
some simple service. Even if no such opportunity presents itself
(although opportunities are never lacking), you can at least bestow
cordial and cheerful greetings on those with whom you come in contact.
No surer road to personal happiness can be found than endeavoring to
make others happy. If you find it difficult to be cheerful, there is
more need to look to your surroundings. Read none but cheerful books;
cultivate cheerful acquaintances. You will be amply repaid for your
endeavors to cultivate the habit of happiness. From the standpoint of
health, it is a profitable proceeding, for joy quickens the
circulation. You can get the happiness habit if you wish to, and it is
your duty to yourself and those around you to do so. If the clouds are
lowering, do not give way to depression. Rouse yourself. Look for the
rift in the clouds, disclosing the little patch of blue, and hope for
the triumph of fair weather over foul. Even if you do not attain the
degree of happiness you anticipated, you will find yourself improved,
mentally, morally and physically. Get the habit, remembering that "a
happy and contented mind is a continual feast."
And now, in conclusion, I would ask the reader to carefully consider
the facts herein set forth relating to disease and its treatment, to
weigh the testimony AGAINST the old system, and FOR the new, and let
sober reason decide which of the two is the more rational. Bring the
same dispassionate judgment to bear on this question that you would on
a matter involving your financial welfare. It will amply repay you to
do so, for the matter at stake is a weighty one. The preservation of
health is a DUTY that each member of the human family owes to self and
friends.
Without health, existence is as torpid and lifeless as vegetation
without the sun. And yet it is frequently thrown away in thoughtless
negligence, or in foolish experiments on our own strength: We let it
perish without remembering its value, or waste it to show how much we
have to spare. It is sometimes given up to levity and chance, and
sometimes sold for the applause of jollity and looseness. Some there
are, who inherit weak constitutions, and fall an easy prey to
sickness; while others, who are neither thoughtless or naturally weak,
invite disease through simple ignorance of the laws that govern their
being. Owing to these manifold causes sickness is rife, and the
medical profession has come to be regarded as an exceedingly lucrative
one.
This would not be a matter so much to be deplored, if so-called
"medical science" had kept pace with the other sciences; but the
lamentable truth is that the practice of medicine (so far as healing
value is concerned) has not advanced one jot since the days of
Esculapius. Surgery has made wonderful strides, but medicine has stood
still. True, they have increased the number of remedies, aye, a
hundredfold, but the only result has been to complicate the system,
without improving it.
What people need is fewer doctors, and more instruction in the art of
preserving health.
Hygiene should form a part of our school curriculum. Children should
be taught the mysteries of their own bodies, then the future
generation would have little need of medical men--they would know what
to do to regain their health, when assailed by sickness, instead of
feeing a professional man to order them what to take.
My purpose in this work has been to show the people that they can, if
they will, be their own physicians, and that in doing so, their
chances of recovery are immeasurably greater--that the preservation of
their health is in their own hands. The administering of drugs in
sickness is illogical in its reasoning, unsound in its theory, and
pernicious in its practice. Thoroughly cleansing the system by
flushing the colon is a simple, common sense method of treatment, easy
of application, thoroughly hygienic in theory, and, beyond all
question, immensely beneficial in practice.
Thousands of grateful people can testify to its efficiency, frequently
in cases where the "faculty" had abandoned all hope, and why? Because
it assists Nature instead of thwarting it. The principal drawback
under which the system has labored hitherto, has been the lack of
perfect apparatus for the introduction of the cleansing stream, but I
now have the satisfaction of introducing to the public a means for
that purpose that leaves nothing to be desired. The J. B. L. Cascade
is the most satisfactory and effective appliance for flushing the
intestinal canal that has yet been invented.
It is the outcome of years of patient toil and thought, but the
thoroughly satisfactory results obtained by it, and the enthusiastic
encomiums lavished upon it by its beneficiaries are regarded by the
inventor as an ample and commensurate reward (not wholly undeserved)
for the mental labor involved in its successful evolution.
Its simplicity is such that it can be manipulated by any intelligent
child, and its price, by comparison with its remedial virtues, is
insignificant. With this perfected apparatus, and the J.B.L.
antiseptic tonic, any parent can constitute himself the physician of
his family, and by following the directions for the treatment of the
various diseases described in this work, can successfully combat them--
and all at a trifling cost. But more than that, he can, by periodical
use of it, so improve the physical condition of himself and family,
that they will forget what sickness is, and rejoice in that
exhilaration of spirit that only comes with perfect health.
My system of treatment is true in philosophy, in harmony with nature,
and thoroughly rational in practice.