Equal parts of each of the following:
Blue Cohosh Root
Black Cohosh Root
Poke Root
Yellow Dock Root
Blue Flag Root
Prickly Ash Root
Burdock Root
Dandelion Root
Bruise them thoroughly or grind them coarsely, steep and make a tea and
drink freely of it. If you wish you can take three to five grains of
Iodide of Potash to each dose. This may in time disorder the stomach and
you may then stop it for a time. All these can be used in muscular
rheumatism also. The food should not be rich or highly seasoned. Spices
are bad for such patients. Pickles, mustard, etc., are best let alone.
MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM.--This is a very painful affection of the voluntary
muscles, called also neuralgia, or according to its location, torticollis
(stiff neck, wry neck), pleurodynia, lumbago (rheumatism in the back).
Causes.--Predisposed to it by previous attacks, having a rheumatic or
gouty constitution (diathesis). It follows sudden exposure, hence it is
most common in men.
Symptoms.--Local pain in the muscles, sharp or dull, aching constant, or
caused by certain movements and is usually relieved by pressure. It lasts
from a few days to several weeks and frequently recurs. The common forms
are: Lumbago. This affects the muscles of the back, and usually comes on
suddenly with a sharp stich-like pain, and is chiefly seen in those who
labor hard, often completely disabling them for a time.
Torticollis (stiff or wry neck).--It is usually on the side or back of the
neck. Comes from a draught of cold wind on the neck, etc.
Pleurodynia, pain in the chest muscles, etc.--With pain in all movements
of the chest, resembling intercostal neuralgia or pleurisy.
[324 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]