water directed down on the patient's shoulders and spine. It may be
applied either by an apparatus fixed up for the purpose, or by merely
pouring from a watering-can _without_ a rose. Its power depends on the
great heating in the skin which springs up when it is withdrawn. This
heating power again depends on the strong shock given to the system
when it is applied. Thus it will be seen that what is called a "Spray"
or "Spray Douche" is of little use for the same purpose, as it gives
little or no primary shock. It is with this application as with many.
The patient's feeling benefit is the great and true evidence of the
treatment being right. When the douche issues in bodily comfort and
cheering to the mind, all is right. If it issues in discomfort, then
some other treatment must be tried.
"Downbearing."--This expression will cover many troubles especially
common among women, where the weight of the internal organs becomes
distressingly felt. These are usually supported without our being
conscious of their weight at all. But in weakness, or after long
fatigue and standing, it becomes felt as a severe downward pressure.
This is often caused by the pressure of corset and skirts upon the
waist. In cases where it is troublesome, much help will be derived by
adopting some device for suspending the clothes from the shoulders.
This may quite cure the trouble (_see_ Tight Lacing). For more serious
cases, take daily a short SITZ-BATH (_see_) in cold water, with the
feet in hot water. Internal syringing is often required, which is best
done with the "Fountain Enema," and very weak acetic acid and water
(_see_ Acetic Acid). A more powerful application is to have cold water
poured over the front of the body while sitting in the sitz-bath, from
a watering-can with a garden rose on the spout. This must be done
gently at first, and afterwards more strongly and with colder water.
This also prevents the troublesome "flooding" from the womb, which so
often accompanies "down-bearing." The water employed in the douche must
be _cold_, but it need not be icy cold. Ordinary cold tap water does
very well. In serious cases medical advice should be sought, as the
womb may be displaced. A golden rule for the prevention of this
distressing ailment is to pass water frequently. If women would always
do this before pushing heavy furniture, hanging up pictures, &c., many
internal ailments would be prevented, as when the bladder is empty
there is little danger of the womb being displaced.
After the system has been weakened by a miscarriage, this flooding
often occurs. Apply the above treatment: it checks the flooding, and
braces the parts.
Drinks, Refreshing.--This is a matter of great importance to the sick.
Nor is anything more important to be said on them than this, that the
foundation of all such drinks must be _water_. This water must be
_pure_, and is best distilled, or boiled and filtered. Long boiling
will spoil water, and half-an-hour is long enough to boil. To add to
this pure water, we may take the juice of half a lemon, sweetened to
taste. Few patients will fail to relish this. A whole orange may be
used instead of half a lemon. A substitute may be made by taking
half-a-teaspoonful of good white vinegar instead of the orange or
lemon. Also in many cases where the cold drink is not relished, it may
be taken warm.
Dropsy.--This trouble is rather a symptom than a disease. It rises from
accumulation of watery waste in the body, owing to improper action of
the skin, lungs, or kidneys, and sometimes follows scarlet or other
fevers and lung affections. By far the greatest danger in such cases
arises from fashionable medicines. It is of the last importance that
nothing should be given to lessen life by injuring already weakened
vital action. It is when this is done by metallic preparations that
such cases become very grave and even hopeless. There is a prominent
error in connection with all dropsical tendencies, which should be
removed. That is the idea that the "water" which collects in such
swellings is similar to good drinking water, and that giving the
thirsty patient water to drink is increasing his illness. The so-called
"water" which swells the face, or the feet, or any other part of the
body, in dropsy, is used-up matter such as is, in good health, removed
(imperceptibly, in greatest measure) by the organs fitted for that
purpose.
Water, especially if given about blood heat, is at once used for most
important vital purposes. This hot fresh water mingling with the
poisonous "water" of dropsy dilutes it--renders it not only so much
less injurious, but tends powerfully to its removal. The thirst of the
patient is in perfect harmony with this truth, as all natural symptoms
are ever in harmony with nature. If there are convulsive attacks, they
are the result of used-up matter returning into the circulation, and
reaching even the brain and central parts of the nervous system. The
cure is gained when the defective organs are brought to act well. It is
shortsighted action to deal with the kidneys alone in this trouble.
They often fail because they are overloaded through the failure of
lungs and skin to do their part. First, it is well to act on the lungs
by gentle rubbing with hot olive oil between the shoulders and over all
the back--done best in a warm room by the fire, or in bed. This may be
continued for half-an-hour or more twice daily. The skin may be
stimulated by a smart sponging with vinegar or weak acetic acid, and a
rubbing all over with soap lather, and afterwards with hot olive oil.
This lathering and rubbing to be done at another time from the first
rubbing for the lungs. Then apply a large warm bran poultice to the
lower part of the back behind the kidneys.
We have often found the following simple treatment effectual, where the
patient is not very weak. If there are any signs of heart failure, do
not use it. But if the patient is fairly strong, it is most beneficial.
You have a case, say, of dropsy in the abdomen: put on two folds of
soft flannel, wrung out of cold water; put two folds dry over the moist
ones. Keep away all oiled silk and everything of the kind. You will
very soon have an astonishing outflow of insensible perspiration, but
it passes off through the soft porous flannel without any obstruction
whatever. You will find that under this the swelling soon comes down,
and even disappears entirely. It is necessary, in such treatment, to
renew the bandage so as to keep all fresh and healthful, but your work
is abundantly rewarded. In such a case as this the matter to be passed
off is so great that a cotton or ordinary linen bandage may fail, as
being too impervious, when a flannel bandage will succeed. A Kneipp
linen bandage is perfectly porous, and will not irritate the skin as
flannel often does. Worn-out underwear can be kept for this purpose.
If stronger heat seems to be needed, a soft cloth four-ply thick, large
enough to cover the whole lower back, should be dipped in CAYENNE
LOTION (_see_), slightly squeezed, and placed on the back. Over this a
dry cloth should be placed, and the patient should lie down on a bran
poultice or hot-water bag for an hour or two. Afterwards the back
should be rubbed with olive oil, and a band of soft new flannel worn
round the body.
Even if the swelling is caused by rupture this treatment is the best.
The rupture must be reduced (_see_ Rupture) and sustained by a proper
truss, for which the patient should apply to a responsible surgical
instrument maker. This treatment alone has cured many dropsical
patients. Where failure of the heart's action complicates the trouble,
this treatment will usually relieve the heart as well as kidneys. For
drink in such cases see article Drinks. For food give whatever is most
easily digested and passed into good blood. Wheaten-meal food, oatmeal
jelly, etc., are good. _See also_ Biscuits and Water.
Drowning.--Many valuable lives have been saved by an elementary
knowledge of what to do in the case of one apparently suffocated or
drowned.
Commence treatment immediately in the open air, with the face down,
neck and chest exposed, and all tight clothing such as braces removed.
The points to be aimed at are--first and _immediately_, the Restoration
of Breathing; and secondly, after breathing is restored, the promotion
of Warmth and Circulation. The efforts to restore Breathing must be
commenced immediately and energetically, and persevered in for one or
two hours, or until a medical man has pronounced that life is extinct.
Efforts to promote Warmth and Circulation beyond removing the wet
clothes and drying the skin must not be made until the first appearance
of natural breathing, for if circulation of the blood be induced before
breathing has recommenced the restoration to life will be endangered.
[Illustration: Turning on the Chest.]
_First_: Roll the patient over on his chest, with one of the arms under
the forehead, when the water will readily leave the mouth. _Second_: If
breathing does not recommence then, place him on his face, supporting
the chest on a roll of clothing. Turn the body gently on the side, then
briskly on the face repeating these movements, about 15 times in the
minute. (By placing him on his chest the weight of the body forces the
air out; when turned on the side air enters the chest). Five minutes is
the longest that can be afforded to this treatment. _Third_: Turn him
on his back, draw his tongue forward, keeping it forward by a band
passing over it and under the chin, placing the roll of clothing under
the shoulder blades. Then, kneeling at his head, grasp the arms just
below the elbows, draw them above the head, keeping them stretched for
about two seconds. Then turn down the arms and press them firmly for
two seconds against the sides of the chest. (The outstretched position
allows air to be drawn into the lungs, the other position allows it to
be pressed out.)
[Illustration: Arms extended.]
When a spontaneous effort to respire is observed, proceed to induce
Circulation and Warmth. This is accomplished by rubbing the limbs
upwards with firm grasp and pressure underneath the warm blankets, or
over the dry clothing which through bystanders or other means should
have been already procured, apply hot flannels, hot water bottles,
heated bricks, etc., to the pit of the stomach, the armpits, between
the thighs and the soles of the feet.
Allow abundance of fresh air to play about the patient. Administer a
teaspoonful of warm water, and then if the power of swallowing have
returned, give hot milk, coffee, etc., in small quantities. The patient
should be kept in bed and a disposition to sleep encouraged.
The above treatment should be persevered in for some hours, as it is an
erroneous opinion that persons are irrecoverable because life does not
soon make its appearance, persons having been restored after
persevering for many hours. The appearances which generally accompany
Death, are: Cessation of the heart's action, eyes half-closed, pupils
dilated, tongue approaching to the inner edges of the lips, lips and
nostrils covered with a frothy mucus. Coldness and pallor of surface
increase.
[Illustration: Elbows on the Chest.]
_Cautions_: Prevent crowding, avoid rough usage; if the body is on the
back have the tongue secured. Never hold up the body by the feet. Never
place the body in a warm bath, unless under medical direction, and even
then only momentarily.
Dwining.--We give this name to a trouble from which we have been able
to save some patients, as expressing best the general failure and
weakness which sometimes constitute a serious danger, even where all
specific symptoms are wanting. Some cases of this kind we have cured,
when they were supposed to be hopelessly dying, by the use of simple
soap lather. The skin of the patient is usually dry, and the pulse
feverish. In such a case take lather, made as directed in article Head,
Soaping, and spread it gently all over the stomach and heart. Repeat
this six or seven times, keeping the patient warm in bed. Then, after
drying, do the same thing to the back. This does immense good. For the
general skin stimulation, rub over with the mixture for NIGHT SWEATS
(_see_). The skin is rubbed over with this five or six times, once a
day.
Where there is no feverishness, but rather cold feelings, then use the
_warm_ lather as directed, and rub well all over afterwards with hot
olive oil. This treatment alone we know to have cured many.
Dysentery.--This is an affection of the bowels of the nature of
diarrhoea, but much worse, as in it _blood_ accompanies the bowel
discharge. It usually begins as diarrhoea, and at this stage may be
cured by either warm vinegar and water or simple cold water injected
into the bowel (_see_ Diarrhoea). Where there is any reason to suspect
the water supply, that should be boiled for half-an-hour and cooled
before use. Attention to the diet, taking for a time _milk_ diet alone,
is also important. Nothing can be better than boiled bread and milk,
giving no more than the sufferer feels he needs. When the diarrhoea has
passed into true dysentery, with blood discharge, or the trouble begins
as such, then enemas of weak acetic acid, or vinegar and water, given
_warm_ (_i.e._, a little over blood heat), must be used instead of cold
water. As much vinegar should be used as will make the mixture (_see_
Acetic Acid) very slightly smarting when applied to a tender part of
the skin--say, to the corner of the eye. What is wanted is just as much
acid as will act healingly on the injured vessels, and no more. An
enema of this water mixed with acid may be repeated as long as required
with perfect safety and good effect every time. Even if the disease has
made very serious progress, this will tell upon it powerfully. These
warm enemas should be very resolutely followed up as long as they give
the least comfortable feeling. No one who has not felt their magical
effect can conceive how powerful they are. We have seen a patient on
the point of giving in and lying down as a helpless invalid made
perfectly fit for work in less than an hour by this mode of treatment.
Where the trouble has passed into that stage where the patient is much
weakened, in addition to this the ARMCHAIR FOMENTATION (_see_) should
be employed; or if the patient be too weak, the fomentation may be
properly wrapped round him in bed without rising. If the patient be too
weak for wrapping round the body, he may be first wrapped round the
legs, and so strengthened as to stand the stronger remedy. Olive oil
must be rubbed on the skin before and after fomenting. The heat may be
kept up for an hour. If too weak to stand even this, the feet and legs
may be first fomented, and afterwards the body. This treatment has
saved many cases from disaster. _See also_ British Cholera; Diarrhoea.
Dyspepsia.--_See_ Indigestion.
Earache.--In the common form this is purely neuralgic. The nerves are
in shape and distribution like some tender plant, the root in the brain
or spinal cord, and the ends of the branches in the organs supplied by
them with nerve power. They are best affected, and most easily cured,
by applications to the root rather than the branch ends. This is
greatly the case with earache, which is a trouble of the nerves of the
ear--not those of hearing, but the ordinary nerves supplying the part.
The remedy is to press cold cloths on the _back of the head and neck_.
This will often give instant relief. It is best done when the patient
is thoroughly warm. If he be cold and clammy in feeling, the feet and
legs must be well fomented before applying the cooling. Rub all parts
treated with warm olive oil when the treatment is finished.
Ears, Running.--In this trouble there is indicated a failure somewhere
of the clearance of waste from the body. This matter gathers locally in
the ear, where suppuration and discharge take place. A cure must not be
directed to the ear alone, but first the general waste-removing system
should be stimulated with special reference to its service in the ear.
Rubbing the back with hot olive oil and gentle pressure for a long
time, say forty minutes daily, will go further to cure the ears than
anything which can be done to themselves. Gatherings, by this
treatment, are often quickly dissolved and dispersed.
Where actual waste matter runs out of the ear, the treatment is to have
a round camel's-hair brush and soak the interior of the ear, using the
brush, with warm weak vinegar, or weak acetic acid, just sour to the
taste; then brush with a little fine almond oil, and wipe very gently
as dry as possible.
Another way is to syringe the ears very gently with this dilute acetic
acid; do not force the acid strongly against the internal parts of the
ear, but rather let it soak in. It may be continued as long as is felt
agreeable. Do this twice a day; have also a good warm bran poultice
placed at the back of the head and neck for an hour each day, oiling
the skin before and after. This is best done at bedtime. If this
treatment be pursued carefully, the ears should soon come right.
Ears, Singing in the.--Partial deafness is often accompanied by noises
in the ear, which are very annoying. This is caused by the internal
state of the ear, and is often due especially to the state of the aural
nerve. Similar noises are heard also when we place our fingers in our
ears, or when we hold a shell or hollow vessel against one of them. In
the latter case, what we hear is the rush of blood in the vessels of
the ear. In this way, singing in the ears often arises in the course of
the treatment recommended in the last article for running ears. If it
become too loud, a cessation of the heating at the back of the head,
and a brief cooling application, will relieve it. Therefore, in such
cases, it is well to use COOLING IN HEATING (_see_).
Eczema.--Skin eruptions, known under this name, have very various
causes. Treatment must vary accordingly.
Where the cause is a failure of the skin to act properly, the _whole_
skin of the body, especially the chest and back, will be dry and hard.
In this case apply SOAPY BLANKETS (_see_).
If the soapy blanket be too severe on the patient, then apply general
lathering with M'Clinton's Soap. Use a badger's-hair shaving brush, and
have the lather like whipped cream with _no free water_ along with it.
We have known a few of these applications cure a case of long standing.
Where general debility is present, along with the disease, use all
means to increase the patient's vitality. Simple diet is best (_see_
Diet, Saltcoats' Biscuits, Barley, Assimilation, Digestion), and
abundance of fresh air, within and without the house, by night and by
day.
Where the disease results from a parasite, some ointment should be
used, and is best applied under the immediate direction of a specialist
in Diseases of the Skin.
Elbow Joint.--See Armpit Swelling and Bone.
Enemas, Cold Water.--Prejudice often exists against _cold_ treatment of
any kind, but it must be overcome, unless the sick would lose some of
the most precious means of relief which we possess. The Enema Syringe,
or Fountain Enema, may be had from any druggist, and is used to inject
liquid into the lower bowel. To inject _cold water_ by this means is a
most efficient method of relief for internal heat and irritation, as
well as for DIARRHOEA (_see_). Sick headaches are also often instantly
cured by this means. What we are here concerned with, however, is to
say that this remedy is as _safe_ as it is simple, so long as
discomfort is not felt by the patient. Cold enemas may be given
repeatedly, where they are felt to be comforting, without any danger
whatever. If the bowels move after the first application, there is no
need to be alarmed. Repeat the cold injection, and the diarrhoea will
cease. The _cold_ enema does not produce or aggravate constipation; on
the contrary, it often relieves and cures the sluggish bowels. In cases
where medicine has to be almost constantly taken, its use, and the
disuse of the drugs, will often effect a complete cure. In many
instances in which outward cooling cannot be borne, the thermometer
will indicate that there is excessive internal heat, and the pulse will
be quick also. In such cases it will be possible to give the most
delightful relief by cautiously applied internal cold.
Fever that might be relieved by cold packing and sponging with vinegar,
or some such means, will be far more speedily reduced by these cold
injections, and fever which cannot be reduced by these means alone will
give way when this is added.
There are cases in which a sort of paralysis of the lower bowel renders
what is called "opening medicine" constantly necessary. The consequence
of these continued doses is to produce greater and greater paralysis,
and ultimately death itself; in these cases the cold enema is of great
value. If there is lack of power in the bowel, it is well to increase
it by a warm bran poultice, or hot bag on the back, and to brace the
vessels and muscles within with the cold enema. (_See_ Constipation.)
Epidemics.--The key to action in case of epidemics prevailing in the
district is found, when we consider that always, many residing amid
infection escape it. They do so in virtue of better resisting power,
rather than because no seeds of disease ever reach them. In case of
epidemic, then, besides daily sponging with acetic acid or vinegar, and
_scrupulous cleanliness_, everything should be done to increase health
and vitality in the household. Plenty of fresh air and sunlight, open
windows day and night, and good plain food, are most powerful aids to
resisting disease. The milk and water used in the household should all
be boiled and _allowed to cool_ before use, the boiling lasting
half-an-hour. The family where all this is done may expect to escape
infection, and therefore may maintain that calmness and freedom from
fear which is itself a very important help against it.
Epilepsy.--The first sign of such an illness is a brief and slight
attack of "absence." We notice once or twice that the person "loses
himself" for a few moments, but recovers so speedily that we scarcely
are sure whether anything of importance has occurred. He is perfectly
unaware that he has so "lost himself" or been "absent" at all. That
part of the brain on the activity of which consciousness depends has
been for the moment inactive.
There is another symptom--that is, the "falling" which gives one of its
titles to this malady. It is called "the falling sickness." There is a
peculiarity in the falling of one who is affected in this way. In some
cases consciousness partially remains, but the balancing power of the
brain is lost. A patient in this case sees the ground rise till it
strikes him violently on the forehead. We remember a friend telling us
that he was walking along a railway, when all at once the rail seemed
to rise and strike him in the face: he had fallen on the rail, and
seriously wounded himself. The same thing occurs to the person who has
taken enough alcohol to deprive him for the time of brain action for
the usual balancing of his body. Just as there is a certain part of the
brain which gives men consciousness, so is there a part which gives
muscular control, such as we use in balancing the body, and there is a
stream of vital action flowing from the nerve sources by which both are
supplied. If this stream is diverted from these organs, "absence" and
"falling" are the natural and necessary result.
There are many cases in which there are only "absence" and "falling,"
but in others, symptoms much more alarming appear. The next of these
which we notice introduces us to a totally distinct element in our
explanation. It is found in the "screaming" that follows instantly on
unconsciousness, and precedes the "falling" generally. The sufferer is
entirely unaware of all that occurs with him, and screams by no
voluntary act on his part. The symptom is purely bodily, and expresses
no thought or feeling, good or bad, though it is similar to the scream
of terror, and makes the same impression on the uninformed hearer. The
muscles are used in the scream of epilepsy, just as the muscles of
ordinary movement are used in St. Vitus' Dance, but there is nothing of
the mind whatever in the movement. The organ of the mind is unsupplied
with vital action, but the organs of voice are over-supplied. It is
beyond doubt this over-supply which shows itself in the scream, for
there is nothing else to account for it.
The same thing is true of the movements of the jaw that are so terribly
strong, and so sorely wound the tongue, in the case of those suffering
in this way. The jaws open and shut with great force, and without the
mind regulating their movement. All the motor nerves are convulsed with
strong action, and the muscles they supply are wrought to the utmost,
while all consciousness and control are entirely suspended. There is
such an overwhelming supply of activity to the mere muscular system
that the sources of that supply are soon exhausted, and the motion
ceases for a time. Consciousness does not at once return fully, but the
convulsions cease, and something like a sleep follows before the brain
has its needed supply.
How is it that vital action seizes these mere motor nerves and leaves
the brain? There is a symptom in cases of epilepsy which tends to throw
some light on this question. It is seen in the extreme activity of the
brain, indicated by the incessant talking of the patient before a
series of convulsions come on, when taken along with the extreme
depression and silence that follow such a series. During whole nights,
even, the sufferer will talk, till every organ is exhausted; then comes
a series of violent convulsions, then a season of perfect silence and
bewilderment.
This explanation of the disease points to the remedy. That which will
nurse the brain, and at the same time lessen nervous force in the
system, will tend to cure the evil. Strong fomentations round the lower
part of the body may be used. Soap in fine LATHER (_see_) should be
made to cover the skin at bedtime, and washed off with weak ACETIC ACID
(_see_) in the morning. Easily digested food should be taken, and all
so-called stimulants strictly avoided. We should endeavour to secure
the soothing of the spinal system of nerves. This is done in a degree
that is incredible to those who have not actually witnessed it by a
persevering use of the cold treatment of the back. The best time is
early in the morning, after the patient has had a good night's sleep.
For a whole hour spinal treatment should then be used. We have no faith
in any royal road to success in such a cure, but we have faith in
common sense and right good work. Taking three towels, and putting two
of them in cold water, the "operator" is ready to begin. It will be
well first to rub the patient's back gently with a little warm olive
oil. This will obviate all danger of shock or shiver when the cold
cloth is placed on the skin. Then wring out one of the cold towels
thoroughly, so as to have it damp and not dripping; fold it lengthways
eight ply. Put the one over the other, place both on the centre of the
patient's back as he is sitting up in bed to receive them, keeping the
damp towel next the skin. Adjust these cloths nicely, make the patient
lie down upon them, and cover him snugly up with the bedclothes. So
long as the feeling is nice, let well alone. When the towel becomes
hot, wring out the second, and change it on the back. Carry this out
for a full hour, and if the patient is disposed to go to sleep again,
encourage him to do so.
Continued for weeks every morning this humble treatment, without any
addition, has an incredibly soothing effect on an excitable system. But
it will be well to add to it some nursing of the head and feet, so that
every encouragement may be given to a diffusion of nerve action over
the body. At night, before going to bed, the feet and legs should be
bathed in hot water for a quarter of an hour, dried, rubbed gently with
warm olive oil, and a pair of soft cotton stockings drawn on. While the
patient is being treated, every possible wearing and irritation of the
brain must be avoided, and when lying on the cold towel, the head
should be soothingly rubbed by a gentle hand. If an actual violent
attack comes on, loose all tight clothes, place a piece of cork between
the patient's teeth to prevent biting the tongue, give plenty of fresh
air, and keep the patient in a recumbent position.
Everything should be done, by training, to increase the patient's
self-control, and all stimulants should be avoided as most injurious.
_See_ Head, Rubbing the.
It is important that those liable to these attacks should be kept
employed. Nothing is so harmful as idleness. Everything tending to good
health is of value, but the essentials of the treatment are found in
soothing the spine as above, and stimulating the brain by the head
rubbing. Unless in cases in which the very structure of the system has
been, so to speak, altered by long-continued disease of this sort, we
should look for good results from such treatment as this. Even in the
worst cases it would be possible to mitigate the severity of the
distress.
A difference in the focus of the eyes often causes a strain on the
brain in the effort to adjust them. This sometimes causes epilepsy, and
we have known many cases cured by the use of spectacles made to correct
this inequality. In all cases of this disease, therefore, an optician
should be consulted, to see if there is any defect in the eyes.
Other illnesses are sometimes mistaken for epilepsy: for example, the
liver and kidneys in a defective state and impurities passing in the
blood to the brain, will explain certain forms of that which passes as
epilepsy. It is often easy to cure attacks of this nature by merely
bringing the liver and kidneys into working order. If there is a
yellowness of the skin, or other signs of the blood failing to be
purified in a natural way, then that should first be dealt with, and
the fits will often be removed as soon as good action is established in
the purifying organs. But in all cases in which there is anything like
real "fits," it will be found of great importance to study the
over-and-under-actions of the nerve system as by far the most essential
elements in the disease. _See_ Jaundice.
Eruptions.--_See_ Hives; "Outstrikes;" Saltrome, etc.
Erysipelas.--This troublesome disease is also known as St. Anthony's
Fire, or the Rose. The skin becomes fiery red or even purplish in hue.
A violent heat and pain in the part accompany this, and fever and
general disturbance of the system follow in a severe case. Swelling of
the parts follows, with much distress and danger. _Air_ irritates
violently the sore parts, and is usually excluded.
In curing the trouble, regard must be had to the cause, which is
usually a general failure of strength from overwork, worry, or some
other disease. If a cure is to be effected, _rest_ of mind and body is
necessary, and must be secured at any possible cost. For local
application, the sore parts are thickly dusted with fine fresh flour,
and covered with soft wadding or surgeon's lint. The air is excluded,
and all is kept _strictly dry_. A waterproof covering over the lint
will help this, but is not absolutely necessary.
But, now, is there nothing that can be done to quicken that inner
action, the slowness of which has paved the way for all this mischief?
This might be done in two ways. After the affected parts, say the face,
have been secured in this pack of flour, it will be easy to place a hot
blanket, soaked partly, but not at all _wet_, with boiling water, all
round the head of the patient. As soon as the heat begins to enter the
head, a sense of comfort will be experienced. Care must be taken to
keep the _inner cloths dry_, and heat is best given by an india-rubber
bag. When this cannot be had, however, the blanket may be used. At
intervals, as the patient feels it desirable, this fomentation may be
renewed. It will hasten recovery as well as arrest the spreading of the
malady, while it will secure such recovery as will not readily dispose
to a return of the evil. The feet and legs are likely to be cold. As
the sufferer lies still in bed, but not when the other fomentation is
on, these should be wrapped in a hot fomentation, allowed to lie in it
for a good half-hour, taken out of it and dried, rubbed with warm olive
oil, and covered with a pair of soft cotton stockings. If this
treatment is at all well carried out, the feeling of comfort given will
soon tell how it is working. Of course, if the feet and legs are the
parts affected, the fomentation must be applied elsewhere, say on the
back, or on the haunches.
Where erysipelas appears in connection with wounds or sores, the same
treatment is to be pursued, as far as possible consistent with dressing
the sores. These should be carefully cleansed, dusted with boric acid,
and covered with a layer of wadding bandage. The limb should be raised
to a horizontal position. Simple food should be given, and the sufferer
kept quiet. In all cases of skin trouble, linen should be worn next the
skin. _See_ Underwear.
Exercise.--Where this is advised medically, it is often taken in a
manner far from wise. For weakly people seeking strength, exercise
should never be pursued to the extent of fatigue. Up to a certain point
it does good; beyond that, harm. The beginning of harm is indicated by
the feeling of weariness. At the same time it must be remembered that
what is felt as weariness may be merely laziness. This must be
energetically combated. There is no royal road to health any more than
to learning.
In some cases this disinclination for exercise may arise from too much
or too rich food, and a more sparing diet may remove it. _See_
Appendix; Physical Culture.
When even walking is out of the question, a kind of exercise may be
given by gently massaging the limbs while the patient is in bed. The
back muscles should also be gently rubbed and kneaded, so as to cause
them to move under the skin, without effort on the patient's part. But
no fatigue must be caused. The amount may be gradually increased as the
patient can stand it. _See_ Brain Exercise; Massage.
Exhaustion.--Often very serious trouble takes the form of simple
overwhelming weariness. The patient's system has been wrought down till
it can no longer respond even to stimulus, and life itself seems ebbing
away. In such cases treat as for DEPRESSION (_see_) avoiding too
energetic treatment, and gradually infusing new life by massage and
fomenting.
Expectoration.--What is commonly called a "cough and spit" is sometimes
due to some serious trouble of the lungs, and in all cases a doctor
should be consulted at once. Often, however, it is due to the failure
of the skin or other organs duly to carry off the waste of the body,
which then accumulates in the air tubes. If we get a good revivifying
treatment of the skin, such cough and spit will speedily be cured. A
mild vapour bath, with thorough SOAPING (_see_ Soap) will usually be
sufficient in a slight case.
Sometimes there is a sweating of the skin itself which does not cure
expectoration, but which must itself be cured. That is the night or
early morning sweating, which is very reducing. It is the insensible
perspiration which is needed to remove the spit. Give one good sponging
over the body with acetic acid; follow this the evening after with
cayenne "tea," afterwards rubbing with warm olive oil. For two or three
evenings repeat this treatment. There should then be a loosening of the
phlegm, and a lessening of the flow through the lungs. The sufferer may
be very weak, and yet these things may be so gently and kindly done,
that no fatigue is experienced.
If above treatment does not cure, the SOAPY BLANKET (_see_) may be used
once a week, with daily sponging with vinegar or weak acetic acid, and
rubbing with warm olive oil. This should cure in a few weeks, where
there is no real disease.
Eyes, Accidents to.--Three distinct classes of these are to be
considered. They require very different treatment.
When the eyeball is cut or pierced, if the cut be deep or large, a
surgeon must deal with it. But if small, a drop or two of castor oil
let fall into the eye will often be all that is required. Where
inflammation comes on, the tepid pouring recommended below for bad eyes
will greatly help. If more severe, the treatment for inflamed eyes may
be given. _Perfect rest_ and _thorough exclusion of light_ are very
important.
If the eye is bruised, bathe with warm water, to which a little vinegar
or boracic acid has been added. If after bathing, pain continues, drop
in castor oil, and on the outside of the eyelid lay a pad dipped in a
mixture of equal parts of laudanum and water. Change this cloth
frequently until the pain is relieved.
Treat in this way also for insects stinging the eye.
When the eye is burned, either by sparks or by some burning chemical
substance, cold cloths should be persistently applied to the eye. The
softest rags or surgeon's lint should be cut up into small pieces that
will just cover the eye. Dip these in the coldest water, and press it
out a little, so that it will not run off. Place these little bits of
wet cloth one after another on the eye or eyes affected. The patient
will not be able to endure pressure further than the weight of the
cloths themselves. These can be taken off and changed for cold ones as
the feeling of the sufferer directs. After a time the cooling will be
felt to have gone far enough, and the cloths may be allowed to lie;
when they get too warm they can be taken off, or if the heat and pain
return they can be renewed.
While this treatment is going on it will be necessary to open the
eyelids at intervals, so as to let off the tears that collect in such
cases and cause great distress. These will flow out when in the most
gentle way you have laid one thumb on the upper eyebrow, and the other
just below the lower eyelid, so that you can draw the lids just
slightly open.
Eyes, Cataract on.--This disease has been arrested, and in earlier
stages even cured, by the treatment described in, Eyes, failing sight.
By means of this treatment we have seen a totally blind eye restored in
a few weeks.
Eyes, Danger to Sight of.--Where inflammation has gone so far as to
lead to suppuration, or even to ulceration of the eyes, there is grave
danger of blindness, and this is often the case with infants and
children who have been wrongly treated or neglected. In such a case,
cease at once all irritating and painful treatment and drugs. First,
wash the eyes by gently dropping over them distilled water, or boiled
rain water which has been cooled. The water should be used about blood
heat.
After an hour or so, have another warm bathing by means of gentle
pouring over the eyes, but do not rub the eyelids. Let there be no
friction beyond that of the soft and warm water running over the face
in the bathing. Rather have patience till that washes all waste matter
away than run any risk of irritating the eyeball. All this time watch
what the sufferer evidently likes, and follow his likings--that is, as
to warmer or colder water, and so on. It will not be very long before
you have thoroughly cleaned the eyes, while at the same time you have
infused fresh life into them. To the water used a little vinegar or
acetic acid should next be added, or Condy's fluid may be used when it
is convenient. But care must be taken that no great smarting is caused.
_See_ Acetic Acid.
As the discharge from ulcerated eyes is very infectious, care should be
taken not to communicate it to other persons' eyes. Strict cleanliness
should be observed, and all rags employed should be burnt, and
disinfectants used to cleanse the patient's and nurse's hands, etc.
Towels should be boiled for half-an-hour before being washed, after
they have been used in such a case.
Now a most important matter must be attended to. Castor oil is the most
soothing that can be used with the eyes. Fresh olive oil comes next,
but it is usually just as easy to get the one as the other. With a
feather, or fine camel's-hair brush, and as gently as possible, cover
the eyelids with this oil heated to about blood heat. Do not try to
force it on the eyeballs, but if the lids open so much as to let it in,
allow it to lubricate the eyeball also. Rub it gently over the eyebrows
and all round the eyes, and dry it gently off. Cover the eyes then with
a soft covering, and let them have perfect rest.
It sometimes happens that a tiny piece of dust or iron may stick in the
surface of the eye, and refuse to be washed away by the tears. Take a
square inch of writing paper, curve one of the sides of it, and draw it
lightly and quickly over the spot. Never use any sharp instrument or
pin. Repeat the operation a few times if unsuccessful.
Diet as recommended in article Eyes, Hazy Sight.
Eyes, Failing Sight.--This often comes as the result simply of an
over-wearied body and mind, without any pain or accident whatever. It
appears as an inability to see small distant objects, or to see at all
in dusky twilight. The sight is also variable--good when the patient is
not wearied, and bad when he is tired. When this comes on under thirty
years of age, the eyes have almost certainly been overworked, and need
rest. Rest from all reading and other work trying for the eyes is the
best cure. If this can be had, it should be taken, with much outdoor
exercise. Fresh air is a fine tonic for the eyes. Where total rest
cannot be had, take as much as possible, and nurse the failing nerves
as follows. Apply the bran poultice, as directed for inflamed eyes,
just as long as it is felt to be comforting--with one patient it will
be longer, with another shorter. Now there is a cooling of the brow and
of the eyes themselves, which is as important almost as the heating of
the back of the head. We always find, as a matter of fact, that a cold
application opposed to a hot one produces a vastly better result that
two hot ones opposed, or one hot one by itself alone. So we find in the
case of the eyes. We have now, as we write these lines, eyes under our
care that are mending every day by means of a bran poultice at the back
of the head and neck, and a cold cloth changed on the brow and eyes.
They do not mend anything like so well if heat alone is used. Rub the
back of the head and neck with hot olive oil before and after
poulticing, and dry well. Do this for an hour at a time, _twice_, or if
possible _three times_, a day. Continue for a fortnight, cease
treatment for a week, and again treat for another fortnight. This
should make such improvement as to encourage to further perseverance
with the cure. Sometimes failing sight follows neuralgia. In this case
the rubbing described in Eyes, Squinting, given twice a day for fifteen
or twenty minutes each day, will be useful in addition to above
treatment.
Even in cases in which "cataract" is fully formed, we find that the
disease is arrested, and the patient at least gets no worse. But where
this malady is only threatened the haze soon passes away. We most
earnestly wish and pray that this simple treatment should be as widely
known as there are failing eyes in this world of trial.
Eyes, Hazy Sight.--Frequently, after inflammation, and even when that
has ceased, the sight is left in a hazy condition. The eyes may be in
such cases rather cold than hot, and not amenable to the cooling
applications. The whole system also lacks vital action. First, in such
a case, wash the back thoroughly all over at night with hot water and
SOAP (_see_). Dry well and rub hot olive oil into the skin until dry.
In the morning rub the back for a few minutes with vinegar or weak
ACETIC ACID (_see_) before getting out of bed, dry, and rub with warm
olive oil. A strip of new flannel should be sewn on the underclothing,
so as to cover the whole back. The feet and legs should be bathed
(_see_ Bathing Feet) twice a week. All alcoholic drinks, and most
drugs, should be avoided, while only such food should be taken as can
be converted into good blood. Half a teacupful of _distilled_ water
should be taken before each meal. The whole of this diet tends to
produce healthy blood, which is the great means of dissolving all
haziness in the lenses and humours of the eyes.
Every drop of alcohol does so much to reduce that action. We have heard
this beautifully described by one of the foremost of living medical
men. He began by stating, what no one can doubt, that a certain
quantity of alcohol taken by the strongest man will kill that man as
effectually as if he were shot through the head with a rifle bullet.
Now a certain portion of alcohol takes a man's sight entirely away.
Half that quantity will only render his vision "double"--that is, unfit
him to see objects as they really are. Half that again will only
perceptibly impair the power of the eyes; but the action of the
smallest particle of the substance is the same in nature as that of the
largest quantity. Hence that action is to reduce the very efficiency of
the nerves of the eye, which it is of such immense importance to nurse
to the uttermost. No mere dictum, however strongly expressed, can hold
for a moment against this transparent reason. Hence, if a person must
take alcoholic liquor, the cure of inflammation in his eyes, and of the
thickening of the transparent portions of these organs, is simply out
of the question unless the disease is comparatively slight, and his
nervous constitution strong.
The very same reason holds good of tobacco. So of opium. So of every
other narcotic, whatever it may be called. Hundreds of men lose their
eyesight by the use of tobacco alone. We have seen their eyeballs
gradually becoming sightless when no change could be detected in their
eyes--only the optic nerve gradually lost its sensibility till they
were entirely blind. We are perfectly aware that there are those who
will scout the idea of such an effect, and prescribe these very
narcotics largely in such cases; it is because such drugs are used and
ordered that we are compelled thus to reason about them. In all cases
of failing eyesight they should be carefully avoided. So should all
foods which are not easily converted into healthful blood.
Eyes, Healthy.--Cheap, ill-printed literature is responsible for much
eye trouble, and it is well worth while to pay, if possible, a little
extra for books well printed, especially in the case of those who read
much. When reading sit erect, with the back to the light, so that it
falls over the shoulder. Too fine work, dim light, wrong diet, and want
of exercise produce the dull and strained eye, which eventually becomes
seriously diseased. Opening the eyes under cold water will help to
strengthen them, and massaging the muscles of the eye by passing the
finger and thumb round the socket (with scarcely any pressure on the
ball itself) will be found of advantage.
Eyes, Inflamed.--For all kinds of burning inflammatory pain in the
eyes, the following treatment is most effective. Place a hot BRAN
POULTICE (_see_) beneath the back of the head and neck while the
patient lies on the back. Press gently fresh cool damp cloths,
frequently changed, all over the eyeballs and sockets, so as to draw
out the heat. No one who has not seen this done can imagine how
powerful a remedy it is. It may also be necessary, if the feet be cold,
to foment up to the knees. This last fomentation is best done at
bedtime, and the feet and legs should be rubbed with olive oil, and a
pair of cotton stockings put on to sleep in, to keep the feet
comfortable.
If the eyes are very sensitive the treatment should go on in dim light,
as may be felt necessary. The poultice and cold cloths may be used for
an hour twice a day. In bad cases, where sight has been seriously
affected, a good rubbing of all the skin of the head with the finger
tips may be given before the poultice is applied. This rubbing must not
be a trial to the patient, but gently done, with kindly good will, and
it must be pursued for fifteen or twenty minutes, until the whole head
is in a warm glow.
Eyes, Inflamed, with General Eruptions over the Body.--In some cases
the eye trouble is only a part of a general skin inflammation,
accompanied with heat all over the body, and an acrid, irritating
discharge from eruptions on the face and elsewhere, especially on the
head. The cold cloths and poultice will not work in such a case. The
chief agent in the cure is fine soap lather (_see_ Head, Soaping). Let
the head be shampooed with it for half-an-hour. The whole body should
then be lathered and shampooed for a short time in a warm bath; this is
best done at bedtime. Much water is not needed; warm soapy lather, well
rubbed all over, is what is required. Ordinary soap will make the skin
worse; only M'Clinton's will do to soothe and heal it (_see_ Soap). If
white specks show on the eyes, the treatment in article on Eyes, Danger
to Sight of, will cure these. When this complaint is obstinate and
refuses to heal, medical advice should be sought, as blood poisoning is
probably present.
Eyes, Paralysis of.--The partial paralysis of the muscles of one eye
produces double vision, so that the patient sees two similar objects
where there is only one. This double vision is often, however, the
result of stomach derangement. If so, it may soon pass away. The true
paralysis is more persistent. To cure this, rub the entire skin of the
head gently and steadily with the hands and finger-tips (stroking
always _upwards_) for some fifteen minutes. Then apply cold cloths to
the eyes as already directed. If the cold cloths are uncomfortable, hot
ones should be tried. Do this for fifteen minutes also. Continue
alternately for an hour twice or three times a day. We have known one
such day's treatment remove the double vision _entirely_, and no
relapse occur, but in most cases the treatment must be persevered in
and returned to until the paralysis is overcome.
Eyes, Spots on.--These spots are of two different kinds, and yet they
are very much the same in nature and substance. What is called "a
cataract" is of a different character. We refer not to this, but to the
spots that form on the surface of the eyeball, and those that form in
the membrane of the eyelid. When inflammation has gone on for some time
on the eyeball itself, portions of whitish matter form on the glassy
surface and soon interfere with the sight. When inflammation has gone
on in the eyelid, little knots like pin-heads form, producing a feeling
as if sand were in the eye. Afterwards these knots grow large and swell
the eyelid, and at times the matter in them grows hard, and seems to
take up a lasting abode in that tissue. Strong and destructive liquids
or powders are sometimes applied, that so affect the whole substance of
the eye as to cause blindness. Nothing of this nature is required at
all. First, the skin of the head must be dealt with. You will find that
this is hot and dry, and somewhat hard on the skull. Rub this gently
with the dry hands for a few minutes, then press a cloth tightly wrung
out of cold water all round the head. Rub and cool alternately for
half-an-hour or more if it continues to produce an agreeable feeling.
When the head is all soothed, and good action has been secured, at
least on its surface, begin with the eye itself. The same treatment is
required for both classes of cases. The eye will be shut at first. You
take a fine camel's-hair brush, such as is used by artists, and some
vinegar or acetic acid, so weak that you can swallow a portion of it
without hurting your throat. This is a very good test of strength for
the acid. You carefully brush over the outside of the eyelids and all
round the eye with this weak acid. This must be done most carefully and
patiently for a length of time, till all sweatiness is washed off, and
a fine warm feeling is produced by the acid. The matter softens and
breaks up, so that it begins to pass away. We have seen a little ball
of hard white matter break up and come away after a single brushing
carefully done. When the matter is in the eyelid, and is so situated
that you can brush over it in the inside of the lid, it is well to do
so; but this operation must be gently and carefully done. When you have
brushed with the acid long enough, dry the eyelids and cheek carefully,
and rub with a little fresh olive or almond oil. It will be well to
cover the eye from the cold, and from any dust that might irritate. You
will soon find that it is as clear and sound as could be wished.
Eyes, Squinting.--Various affections of the eyeball muscles cause this.
To cure it is often easy, sometimes very difficult. The method of
treatment is to stimulate all the nerves of the head and face, and at
the same time to soothe their irritation. This is accomplished by
massaging the brow and entire head. It must be gently and soothingly
done. The open hands are drawn upwards over the brow from the eyebrows,
the rubber standing behind the patient. Then both sides of the head and
the back of the head are stroked similarly. After this the whole head
is rubbed briskly with the finger-points. This should be done often,
even four or five times in the day. If the patient objects, it is being
unskilfully done; the right sort of rubbing is always pleasant. A
squinting eye has been cured in a few rubbings, where the case was a
simple one. If the head becomes very hot, it may be cooled as directed
above for Children's Sleep. Squinting may be produced or increased by
that state of the stomach and bowels in which worms are bred.
Face, Skin of.--To secure a healthy appearance of this is worth much
trouble, and any eruption or unhealthy redness is a great trial,
especially to ladies. To cure and prevent these, it is usually
necessary to look first to the _diet_. A disagreeable redness of the
nose, and pimples in various places, is the common result of too much
rich food, not to speak of alcoholic drink, which is always most
injurious to the face skin. The use of corsets is another fertile
source of this trouble, and many in their desire to improve their
figure ruin their faces. Plain, easily digested food is to be taken.
Tea must only be used _at most_ twice in the day, and should be
exceedingly weak. Half-a-teacupful of hot water should be taken before
every meal, and everything possible done to promote digestion. The
whole skin must be brought into a healthy state by daily washing with
M'Clinton's soap (_see_ Soap); no other should be used for toilet
purposes. It is far better than the boasted and expensive "complexion
soaps," and can now be had in various forms. Many faces are injured by
the kind of soap used in washing. The use of the kind we recommend is
remarkably pleasant and beneficial, and a full account of it, and of
our motives in recommending it, will be found under article Soap. If,
however, the face will not stand the touch of water at all, good
BUTTERMILK (_see_) forms the best wash and cooling application. Also a
_cloth mask_ may be worn all night, lined inside with soft creamy soap
lather. In violent face irritation this last treatment is especially
valuable.
For pimples on the face, the general treatment for the skin mentioned
above (_see_ Eyes, Inflamed) is to be used, especially applied to the
skin of the back. The buttermilk wash may also be used, but the best
effect comes from the general treatment of the skin.
Fainting.--Fatigue, excessive heat, fright, loss of blood, hunger,
etc., are common causes.
The action of the heart is temporarily interfered with, and pallor, a
sweat on the forehead, with an indescribable feeling of sinking away,
precede unconsciousness.
The first thing to do is to bend down the patient's head till it
touches the knees, and keep it there for a few minutes. After he has
partially recovered consciousness, the clothing should be loosened, and
all tight bands or braces removed. The face and hands should be bathed
in cold water, slapping the face with a wet towel. Some stimulant, such
as hot tea, coffee, or sal volatile, may then be given.
If there is a wound causing loss of blood, it should be attended to at
once.
In case fainting is due to hunger, the greatest care should be taken to
give only small quantities of food after recovery, as a large amount
may prove fatal.
A sip of cold water, or bathing the face with cold water, will
generally prevent a threatened fainting. If there appears any immediate
danger of a relapse, keep the patient in a horizontal position for some
time.
Persons liable to fainting fits should be careful to avoid extremes of
temperature, such as very hot or very cold baths.
Fall, A.--After a fall from a height, where there is no apparent
outward injury, there is often such a severe shock to the spinal cord
and brain that continued unconsciousness occurs. In such a case, foment
the spine at first, to remove the effects of the concussion. This may
bring on serious difficulty of breathing, owing to congestion of the
spinal cord. This can be removed by applying cold cloths along the
spine. If the difficulty of breathing be present from the first, then
apply the cold at once. The first effect of such a fall is to deprive
the brain and spinal cord of vital force. This must be restored by
_heat_. Subsequent effects due to congestion can be removed by cold.
The effects of a shock in a railway accident may be similarly treated.
Common sense will guide in using heat or cold by watching the effect.
Where heat fails try cold. This is the simple rule. It is good also to
give the patient some simple purgative medicine, and some warm drink.
_Avoid all doses of alcoholic drinks._ We have known the flickering
flame of life almost extinguished by a teaspoonful of brandy.
Feeding, Over.--It is well to remember that over-feeding is a relative
term. To take more than a weak stomach can digest, is to over-feed,
although very little be taken. We give some invalids food every two
hours but that food is only two-thirds of a teacupful of milk, mixed
with a third of boiling water. In every case we must watch to give the
right amount, no less and no more. Every case will require to be
considered by itself in the light of common sense. The amount of food
eaten should be just sufficient to supply the body with material to
replace that consumed in work, build up its wasted tissues and leave a
slight surplus over for reserve store. Anything more is harmful. In
youth, if too much be eaten, nature relieves herself by giving the
transgressor of her laws a bilious attack, during which there is no
appetite, and so the excess is worked off. In later years this safety
valve does not work, and the surplus is generally stored as useless
fat, impeding the action of the heart or other internal organs, or as
gouty deposits in various parts. The Anglo-Saxon race at all events
does not limit its diet as we think it should, and Sir Henry Thompson,
M.D., has stated that in his opinion more ill-health arises from
over-eating than from the use of intoxicating liquor, great a source of
illness as this last undoubtedly is.
Temperance in diet is absolutely necessary therefore, if one would be
healthy, and the avoidance of stimulating foods, with a restriction of
flesh foods especially, is a precept which the great majority of
well-to-do people need to attend to.
Bilious attacks, headaches, indigestion, etc., are simply nature's
protest against the excess of food being forced upon her, and the
natural cure is to severely restrict, or still better, entirely stop
the food supply for a day or two. The idea that "the system must be
kept up" is a very foolish one; people have lived for forty days and
upwards on water alone, and a few days' fasting is a far safer remedy
for the troubles we have mentioned than purgative drugs.
Those who have a stomach which quickly rebels against too much or
unsuitable food, may, as Sir Henry Thompson says, congratulate
themselves on having a good janitor preventing the entrance of what
would injure. The man who can and does eat anything, rarely lives to
old age.
The perfect appetite which comes from the moderate use of simple foods
is a relish which must be experienced to be appreciated.
One way in which the amount of food needed to satisfy the appetite and
build up the body may be very largely reduced, is by increasing the
amount of mastication. If each bite of food is chewed and chewed until
it is all reduced to a liquid state, the amount required will be less
than half of what is usually taken, and so much less strain will be
thrown on the excretory organs.
Feet, Cold.--Continued coldness of the feet gives rise to many more
serious troubles, and should always be attended to. There is no better
cure than daily BATHING THE FEET (_see_), followed by rubbing for
several minutes, say five, with hot olive oil after drying. Rub
briskly, until the feet glow. Put on dry warm stockings, and see that
all foot-gear is kept as dry as possible. Another method of curing cold
_sweaty_ feet is to rub the soles with CAYENNE "TEA" (_see_), and
afterwards with warm olive oil. Dry carefully, and wear an extra pair
of dry cotton socks or stockings. When the sweating is very abundant
and obstinate, there is usually more or less failure in the nerves
which keep the skin in order. The feet must then be properly _bathed_
(_see_ Bathing the Feet), then dried and treated with cayenne lotion as
above.
Feet Giving Way.--Where there is a great deal of standing to be done by
any one, the feet sometimes yield more or less at the arch of the
instep. This becomes flattened, and even great pain ensues; lameness
sometimes follows. Young girls who have to stand much are especially
liable to suffer in this way. In the first place _rest must be had_.
Wise masters will provide due rest for their employees, foolish ones
overwork them. Rest is not against, but in favour of work; work cannot
be well done without due rest. The proper rest for feet such as we
speak of will be the most easy and comfortable position. _Comfort_ is
the test of the right treatment. Bathe the feet in hot water for a good
while, using plenty of soap. Rub gently with hot olive oil, pressing
any displaced bones into, or near, their place. Carefully avoid giving
pain. Massage similarly with oil the whole limb, and also the back
(_see_ Massage). Do this every day at least once. You may have months
to wait, but a sound limb is worth a good deal of patience. When
standing is absolutely necessary, strips of strong sticking plaster
passed down from above the ankle bones, and round under the instep,
help greatly.
Boots are better than shoes, and should be comfortably easy, with low
heels.
Fever.--In all fevers, to _cool down_ the excessive heat of the patient
(_see_ Heat, Internal) is the best process of treatment. This may be
best done by continued cooling of the head. Have a towel well wrung out
of cold water. Fold it so as to envelop the head. Press it gently to
the head all round, changing the place of pressure frequently. Have a
second towel ready, and continue cooling with freshly cooled towels
perhaps for an hour or an hour-and-a-half. Then leave the last cold
towel on, and put a dry towel above it. The next cooling, when the
fever heat again arises, may be given, if it can be managed, by placing
a cold towel along the spine. Cover this with a dry one, and let the
patient lie on it. Change this, though not quite so frequently as in
the case of the head. Work _carefully and gently_, so as not to annoy
the patient. If ice can be had, it may be put in the water used to cool
the cloths. If the feet be cold, foment them in a blanket (_see_
Fomentation). Keep this on the feet for an hour. There will most likely
be great relief with even one course of such treatment. It must,
however, be _persevered in_ until the fever be conquered. In any case
of fever, when a patient is too weak to bear the hot fomentation and
cold towels, we would recommend rubbing the feet and limbs if cold with
hot oil, and the stomach and chest, and if possible the back with soap
lather. It is well at first to soap the stomach only, and for some
time; and each time till the last it is well to wipe off what you have
rubbed on, so that the skin may be as clean as possible for the next.
To do this only once is often quite sufficient to soothe, so that the
patient falls off into a gentle, natural sleep.
Now, no one need imagine that there is any difficulty in the way of
anyone carrying out the right treatment. We have known a young sister
who saw her brother brought home in fever. The medical man predicted a
long and serious illness, and the necessity of being prepared for all
the usual features of such a case. The sister heard all in thoughtful
silence, but when the doctor went away she said to herself, "May not I
lower this flame? At any rate I will try." So through the night she so
effectually cooled her brother's head that when the medical man came
next day he expressed his most agreeable disappointment, saying, "It is
to be a very light case after all." So it turned out to be, but it
would not have been so but for that brave sister's aid. We cannot but
earnestly beseech all who have the opportunity to go and do likewise.
Often, especially among the poor, dirt and hot, close air have made the
fever room a source of frightful danger to all around. Absolute
cleanliness, abundance of pure air, and disinfection of the stools,
should always be attended to.
Fever at Night.--Frequently, in illness, a fever sets in as night
approaches, and increases toward midnight, passing away during the day.
The treatment may be as below for Intermitting Fever.
Fever, Delirium in.--_See_ Delirium.
Fever, Gastric.--In this fever, now known as a form of Typhoid, the
disease spreads a sort of blight over the nervous centres, and from the
first greatly lowers their power. The patient is too weak to bear the
powerful cooling recommended in Fever; there is also a tendency to
prolonged and "low" fever. First of all, in such a case, the feet and
legs must be fomented. Watch against burning the patient, but get as
good and powerful a heat as possible right up over the knees. Then
after about fifteen minutes the cooling of the head may proceed as in
fever. Both cooling and heating must proceed together.
We must think of not merely relieving, but of curing the patient, by
attacking the poisonous substance where it has lodged in the nerve
centres of the bowels. Pure water, with just as much acetic acid or
vinegar dropped into it as will make it taste the least sour, should be
given in tablespoonfuls (and hot) as frequently as the patient can take
it without discomfort. If possible it should be distilled water, or
rain water filtered, but certainly as pure and soft as can be procured.
There is no drug that can be prescribed that is equal to pure water,
and no acid better than common white vinegar. These three things--the
strong fomentation of the feet and legs, the cooling of the head, and
the dissolution of the poisonous substances by means of pure water, and
their counteraction by means of acid in very small strength--will do
wonders in gastric fever. The "turn" may be secured in a week instead
of three, if these things are skilfully and persistently applied. We
should say that the strong fomentation and cooling of the head should
not be done oftener than twice a day, and only once if the patient
feels too weak for twice. But as a general rule, the person who is ill
will wish these things at least twice a day. The sips of water should
be given, say in a dozen separate tablespoonfuls at a time, at least
thrice a day--oftener if desired by the patient.
For food there is nothing equal to good fresh buttermilk. All alcoholic
drinks are damaging in a high degree in such an illness as this. Sweet
milk, if somewhat diluted with good water, will do, but there is
nothing so good as the buttermilk fresh from the churn.
Absolute rest in bed is necessary, and no solid food should be given to
the patient until his temperature has been ten days at normal point.
All food given in the illness should be liquid enough to pass through
the meshes of a milk strainer. Care should be taken in this matter, as
death has often followed the taking of solid food, when otherwise
recovery would have come.
Milk should always form the largest portion of the diet, and may be
given with arrowroot or oatflour. Beef tea is of little use, and is
always to be avoided if there is a tendency to diarrhoea. Plenty of
cold water may always be given.
In a community which is visited by gastric fever as an epidemic this
fact is striking--only a portion of the people are affected by the
visitation. Here is one man who drinks the water which gives gastric
fever to another; that water goes into his stomach as it does into that
of his neighbour, and passes through his system the same, yet death is
the result in one case, and not even sickness or inconvenience in the
other. In the latter case the system has the power of resistance, and
our aim should be to increase this. Therefore we say by all means look
to the healthful state of the lungs and bowels when you have the least
reason to fear that bad water may bring gastric fever to you or yours.
If there is any tendency to constipation get some liquorice, and boil
it thoroughly with about half an ounce of senna leaves to a twopenny
stick. Strain well, and let all in any danger have a teaspoonful of
this thrice a day. It will do wonders in keeping matters in a good
state within. If possible, give a good rubbing all over once a week
with hot vinegar, and follow that up with warm olive oil. That will do
a great deal to keep things right outside. Take and give more rest than
usual to the toil-worn when such danger is near, and have as good food
provided for all as is possible. There may be danger in the air, and
still worse danger in the water to those whose vital force has got low,
while there is none in either to those whose systems are in good tune.
You are, perhaps, ready to ask if we care nothing about bad water?
Certainly; we care a great deal about it, as we do about bad air. By
all means condemn wells and streams that are corrupted, and insist on
the opening of better ones. Make it a first condition of having
anything to do with a place for habitation that it has good air and
good water. We are only pointing out the best safeguard when neither
the one nor the other can be insured.
In all cases where water is suspected, it should be boiled before use.
There is, in great numbers of persons, both old and young, what may be
called the natural aptitude of healing. They are kept back from trying
to help because it is regarded as so dangerous a thing to go near
fever, and also to interfere where only professional skill is legally
allowed. To apply such a remedy as that which we have here sketched for
gastric fever is perfectly safe in both senses. No medical man worthy
of being regarded will find any fault with it, and there is no danger
to either the patient or the person applying it.
The mode we have pointed out involves nothing that may not be easily
had by the very poorest. What is wanted is only one or two who shall be
Christian enough to care just a little for human bodies as well as
human souls, and who shall study such simple and accessible remedies,
and be ready to guide their fellow-creatures in a time of trouble.
Fever, Hay.--_See_ Hay Fever.
Fever, Influenza.--This is a slow, smouldering kind of fever. For
treatment, pack the feet and legs in hot fomentation over the knees,
and apply cold cloths over the stomach and heart, taking care in
applying the cold if the patient is weak. In such a case only
moderately cool cloths should be used. Carry out these two processes
effectively, and a cure should soon result. Give light food--milk and
water, and milk diet generally. Give small quantities frequently rather
than a good deal at once.
Fever, Intermitting.--For this the treatment may be given as in gastric
fever, and, in addition, the stomach and bowels should be carefully
lathered over with soap lather (_see_ Lather). This has a wonderfully
soothing effect. It may be spread with the hand over the skin, and
fresh supplies gently rubbed on until much of the fever is removed.
Some five minutes' lathering at a time is enough--this may be done
several times a-day. Carefully dry after it, and let the patient rest.
It will be well to anticipate such attacks by softening the skin when
it shows a tendency to be hard and dry. A gentle rubbing now and again
with fine lather and good olive oil will secure this. We say lather and
oil because, when there is no fever heat, lather by itself is too
cooling, but when mixed with a little oil the mixture is comforting
rather than chilling, and softens nicely.
Fever, Rheumatic.--This results from severe damp chills, usually
following exhaustion from some cause. Its best treatment at an early
stage is by heat applied to the spinal nerves. If the trouble be
chiefly in the legs, treat the lower back; if in the arms, treat the
upper back. The heat is best applied by a large BRAN POULTICE (_see_).
A teaspoonful of tincture of Guaiacum may be given before each
poulticing, which may be done twice a day for an hour. We have known an
illness that threatened to last six weeks cured in one week by this
means. Give also teaspoonfuls of hot water from time to time.
Where the trouble has advanced to severe fever, and swelling of the
joints, an entirely different treatment is best. Let a lather of soap
be made (_see_ Lather), and spread over the chest first, and afterwards
gradually over the whole body. After four or five coats of lather have
been put on, wipe off with a dry cloth, and proceed to lather again. We
have seen half-an-hour of this treatment, well done, greatly relieve
the fever; it was continued twice a day, and in three days the trouble
was conquered. Care must be taken not to chill the patient. The soaping
can be accomplished with only a small part of the body uncovered at
once, and, with proper precautions, the bed can be kept perfectly dry.
If a proper liniment is procured and lints sprinkled with it wrapped
round the joints, the pain will be wonderfully relieved. But such
liniments are only to be had on the prescription of a really good
medical man, who will not, if he really seeks to heal, and knows his
business, object to our treatment being applied.
Sometimes, after rheumatic fever, one or more of the joints become
stiff. This stiffness varies in different cases from an apparently
complete solidifying of the joint to only a slight inconvenience in its
use. We have seen many such joints, even very bad cases, completely
cured by a proper use of _heat_ and _massage_. It is, however, no
trifling matter to undertake the necessary work, and perseverance is an
absolute requisite. Even very obstinate stiffening will _in time_ be
overcome by frequent and strong fomentation, followed by rubbing with
olive oil in such a way as to squeeze gently all the muscles and sinews
of the limb, and move them under the skin. This should be followed by
_gentle_ bending of the joint, back and forward as far as it will go
_without pain_. It may need to be done twice a day for many weeks, yet
the result is worth even more trouble, when you literally make the
"lame to walk" (_see_ Rheumatism).
Fever, Scarlet, or Scarlatina.--As a first precaution, when an epidemic
of this exists, children should be sponged twice a week all over with
hot vinegar before being put to bed. This is a powerful preventive. If
anything like sore throat appears, bathe the child's feet in hot water
until a free perspiration is produced. Dry well, _under a blanket_, and
rub all over with hot vinegar, then put the patient to bed. If in the
morning there is no evident fever, repeat the sponging with hot
vinegar, dry well, rub with hot olive oil, and dry again. If the fever
definitely develops, place the child in a light airy room, from which
all unnecessary carpets, curtains and furniture have been removed. No
one should enter this room except those on duty in nursing, nor should
any from the house ride in public conveyances or attend meetings. These
precautions are just as necessary in slight as in severe cases, as
infection from a mild case may cause a fatally severe attack in another
person.
Where the rash of the fever seems reluctant to appear, the SOAPY
BLANKET (_see_) will bring it out very speedily. But the above simple
treatment is usually sufficient. When vomiting is almost the first
symptom, six teaspoonfuls of hot water are to be taken every ten
minutes for an hour; then treat as above with foot-bath, hot vinegar,
and oil.
In a severe case have medical aid if at all possible. Where there is
great fever spread a large dry towel or sheet on the bed. Lay one wrung
out of lukewarm water on it; let the patient lie down on this.
Carefully wrap him up in the damp cloth, then over that wrap the dry
one, with a blanket outside over all, and the bedclothes above. This
will certainly soothe for a time. It may be repeated every two hours,
for twenty minutes or half-an-hour at a time, night and day, till the
fever is subdued.
For nourishment in succeeding weakness, give milk and boiling water,
mixed in equal parts, every two hours. If stimulants are required, give
CAYENNE "TEA" (_see_), reduced in strength until it just _slightly_
burns the mouth, half a teacupful every half-hour. Cool the head also
if necessary, as directed for typhoid fever.
Fever, Typhoid.--Treat as under Fever, Gastric, and Fever. In addition,
great care should be taken to disinfect and destroy any stools, and
especially to prevent these getting into any drinking water.
Keep the patient at rest in bed.
No solid food should be given during the _whole course_ of the illness.
Milk mixed with an equal quantity of boiling water is best. Give only a
wineglassful at a time, as often as the patient can take it. If the
patient craves solid food, it must _on no account_ be given. It is
almost certain to cause a relapse.
Fits.--_See_ Convulsions; Nervous Attack.
Flannel Bands.--_See_ Band, Flannel.
Flatulence.--This is the accumulation of gases in the body, usually
caused by fermentation of the food at some part of the digestive
process. A failure of the vital energy in the stomach and related
organs is generally the cause. Over-exertion, worry, grief, any
prolonged strain, will cause this failure. As first treatment, then,
the _cause_ should be removed, if this be at all possible. Do less
work, cultivate simple faith in God instead of worry. Do not sorrow
over-much. The best material remedy is to take tablespoonfuls of hot
water every few minutes for several hours. If cold, the feet should be
bathed (_see_ Bathing Feet), or fomented, for about an hour at a time.
These two simple remedies will generally prove sufficient, if
persevered in.
Flushings, Hot.--These are often a really serious trouble, especially
to women, at certain stages of life. Most often they come about the age
of fifty, but in weakly persons may occur at any time. A disturbance in
the nervous system, due to lack of energy, is the cause of such
feelings. They are often accompanied by DEPRESSION (_see_). Any
treatment ought to be directed to strengthening the nervous system. A
good plain diet, easy to digest, is a most important matter. Soaping
with soap lather over all the body (_see_ LATHER) will greatly restore
the tone of the nerves of the skin. This may be done every night, and
the CAYENNE LOTION (_see_) rubbed all over every morning for a week or
two. This treatment will usually prove successful in curing.
Fomentation.--Some general remarks on this important treatment we give
here. First, no fomenting should be done for at least an hour after a
meal. And it should usually be followed by a period of complete rest. A
very good way to foment any part of the back or front of the body is by
an india-rubber bag of hot water of the proper size and shape, with two
or three ply of moist flannel between the bag and the skin. These bags
can now be had of very various sizes and shapes, and one or more should
be in every house. In fomenting a knee, foot, or ankle, a good sized
half or even whole blanket is necessary. Fold this one way until it is
twenty inches broad. Lay it out on a clean floor or table, and sprinkle
_sparingly_ boiling water across one end. Roll this end over and
sprinkle the roll, turn over again and sprinkle again, and so on until
the whole is rolled up. Thoroughly knead and twist it, so that all is
penetrated by the moist heat (_see_ illustration, page 32). Or it may
be prepared by soaking the blanket in boiling water, and wringing it
out with a wringing machine. It may then be unrolled and unfolded so as
to permit proper wrapping round the limb to be fomented. Care must be
taken not to _burn_ the patient, or give any shock by applying the
fomentation too hot. It must be comfortable. _See_ Heat And Weakness.
Sometimes fomentation may seem to increase the pain, say in a swelled
limb, and yet we should persevere in the treatment. This may seem to
contradict our dictum that we should be guided by the feelings of the
patient. The reason is that if some dead matter has lodged deep down in
the limb, it will have to be brought up to the surface ere the diseased
state can be remedied. If strong fomentation is used in such a case, it
is not unlikely to increase the painfulness of the limb, and a swelling
may appear. It will at once be said that the disease is "getting
worse." This is quite a mistake--the increased pain is arising from
such stirring of life as will bring about a complete cure. If the
treatment is continued, the swelling will by-and-by come to a head and
burst, and can be treated as in Abcess.
Fomentation, Armchair.--This is applied as follows. Over a large
armchair spread a folded sheet. Provide a good large blanket prepared
as above in Fomentation. Then rub the haunches, thighs, lower back and
abdomen of the patient with a little olive oil. Wrap these parts in a
warm dry towel. Open up the hot blanket and spread it (still some
three-ply thick) on the sheet on the armchair. Let the patient sit down
upon it as soon as it is cool enough not to hurt. Fold the blanket all
round the patient's lower body and thighs. Draw the sheet over all, and
cover up well to retain the heat. At the end of an hour, or such less
time as the patient can endure, a smart washing with hot vinegar, and a
gentle rub with warm olive oil, will complete the treatment. This is
best done at bedtime, as the patient must go to bed immediately after
it.
In cases of failure of the large hip-joints, or of the lower limbs, in
sciatica and lumbago, the armchair fomentation is of great use; also
when running sores exist from one of the hips or lower back, or even in
numbness or lack of vitality in the feet and toes. It is referred to
under the headings of the troubles in which it is of advantage.
Suppose that we are dealing with lack of vitality in some organ in the
lower part of the body. We argue that the nerves supplying this organ
are needing in some way to be increased in force. This is to be done by
getting them heated. There is an arrangement in nature which hinders
this being quickly done. The rapid circulation of the blood which is
going on all round these nerves tends to keep them about the same
temperature. The heat, as it is applied, passes off rapidly in the
stream of the blood. But if the heating process is carried on long
enough, the whole blood of the body becomes gently raised in
temperature, and by-and-by the heat applied to the surface reaches the
roots of the nerves, not only by means of the circulation, but by
gradually passing through the skin muscles, and the bones that are near
it. New life is infused, and that where it is specially required. The
flagging organ soon shows that it responds to this true stimulant.
After a few such fomentations it begins to act as perhaps it has ceased
to act for months, and even for years. We speak of what we have seen
again and again in cases where distress was caused by what is called
"sluggishness" in some important organ, or when such an organ was
altogether ceasing to act properly. The armchair fomentation is more
successful than the hot sitz-bath, though this is by no means to be
despised.
Food and Mental Power.--Unsuitable or ill-cooked food has a most
serious effect on the mental powers; and when we take the case of a
mental worker, we see that, in order to carry this power right on
through a long life, proper diet is of great importance. Also many good
mental workers are more sensitive than ordinary men: they are more
easily destroyed by strong drink or opium. The nip of brandy, the
soothing draught, are terrible dangers to such. Instances of brain
power continued far into old age are always lessons in plainness of
diet and temperance. One such temperate man will do as much work as ten
who are luxurious eaters, tipplers, and smokers. Diet for mental
workers should be light and easily digested, with a preponderance of
proteid food (_see_ Diet). Rich, tough and fatty foods, and hot
stimulating drinks should be avoided. As mental work is generally
sedentary work, and consequently having a constipating tendency, some
of the vegetable foods giving a stimulus to the muscles of the
intestines should form a part of the diet, such as green vegetables,
fruits, and oatmeal.
Food in Health.--As will be seen from many of these articles, the
question of diet is one of the greatest importance, in health as well
as in disease. The onset of disease is, in fact, often due to
long-continued abuse of the whole digestive system through the use of
unsuitable food. By unsuitable food, we mean not so much food that is
bad in itself, but rather that which is not suited to the temperament
or work of the eater, or to the climate and circumstances in which he
finds himself. A ploughman or fisherman, for example, may thrive on
diet which will inevitably produce disease in the system of one whose
work confines him to the house for the most of his time. One condition
of a healthy life is, therefore, careful consideration of our work and
circumstances before deciding on our diet. Also, a man of excitable and
irritable temperament will need different diet from one of a slow and
quiet nature. The food which will only stimulate the latter will
over-excite the former, and may even make him quite ill. What is
commonly called bad temper is often only the result of wrong diet, and
will disappear under a milder course of food. It will, of course, be
seen at once from this, that the case of every man must be considered
by itself. A decision as to proper diet can therefore only be made when
all the facts about a case are known, and in this matter the man
himself must decide a good deal for himself; nevertheless some general
directions can be given which will help our readers to a decision in
their own case.
In the first place, we would guard against a very common error--viz.,
that a smaller quantity of food, _chemically_ of a less nutritive kind,
means less nourishment to the body. On this head we refer to the
articles on Digestion and Assimilation. It may only be remarked here
that what the _body actually uses_, and what is _taken into the
stomach_, are two very different things. It is often the case that food
containing less actual nourishment will give greater nourishment to the
body than chemically richer food, because the former fits the state of
the digestive system better. What each one must consider is, not what
food has most of the chemical elements needed by the body, but what
food will give up to his own body the most of these elements.
Another error is that the use of medicine can for long assist the body
to use heavier food. In a case of disease, medicine often is of the
greatest value as a temporary aid to digestion, but its continual use
is the parent of great evils, and at last defeats the very end for
which it was given. If a person needs continually to use medicine,
there is probably either some organic disease present, _or, more
commonly, great errors in the diet taken_. Avoiding medicine, then,
except as a very temporary resource, and remembering that food is to be
judged more by the way it agrees with us than by its chemical
constitution, what rules can we give for diet in certain common cases?
First, diet should vary in summer and winter as the season varies.
Foods rich in fat, such as ham and bacon, should be for winter use
only, and should even then be more or less used as the weather is cold
or mild. For summer diet, milk foods, such as milk puddings, etc., ripe
fruits, and green vegetables should predominate, being varied also with
the heat or coolness of the weather. In very hot summer weather, animal
food should be very sparingly partaken of. It must also be borne in
mind that warm clothing or heated rooms may convert a winter climate
into a summer one.
Second, diet should vary according to the occupation of the eater. The
writer and brain-worker will do best, as a rule, on little butcher
meat, taking chiefly fish, eggs, and light milk foods, with vegetables
and fruits. Alcohol in any form is especially fatal to brain-workers,
and must be avoided, if there is to be really good health.
Third, food must vary according to temperament, age, etc. To give rules
under this head is almost impossible. The growing boy will need
proportionately more food than the adult, the man more than the woman.
It is indeed true here that what is one man's food is another man's
poison, and that every man must find out for himself what he needs. It
may be generally said that the food which digests without the eater
being aware in any way of the process is the best for him.
It may safely be affirmed in relation to this question of food in
health, that the middle and upper classes eat quite too much. Hence the
stomach trouble and goutiness (often in a disguised form) that they
suffer from. Too much carbonaceous food will produce corpulency, and
too much animal food URIC ACID (_see_). On the other hand, the poor,
for want of knowledge of really economical nourishing foods, suffer
from want of nutrition.
An opportunity is always present, in case of sickness among the poor,
by philanthropic persons to inculcate the value of good food. Instead
of bringing a basket of beef tea, tea, and jelly, take oatmeal, fruit,
milk, and vegetables.
What we have said should be sufficient as a hint to those who wish to
regulate their diet on common-sense principles. A little careful
thought should enable any one to work out a satisfactory scheme of diet
for his own particular case. Regularity in meals is of great
importance. There should be fixed hours for meals, with which nothing
should be allowed to interfere, no matter how pressing the business may
be. Do not assume, however, that it is necessary to eat at meal times,
no matter whether appetite for food be present or not. To eat without
appetite is an infringement of natural law, and it is far better to go
without the meal if nature does not demand it than to yield to custom,
or to imagine it necessary to eat because the dinner bell has rung. If
not hungry do not eat at all, wait till the next meal time; do not take
a "snack" in an hour or two. Three meals are, as a rule, better than
more, and many have found two suit them best. Probably one-half the
human race (the inhabitants of China and Hindostan) live on two meals a
day.
Food in Illness.--Light, easily digested food is of the first
importance in many illnesses. To know easily procured and simple foods,
which are really light, is a great matter. Saltcoats biscuits (_see_
Biscuits and Water) form one of the best and most nourishing foods. So
does oatmeal jelly, prepared by steeping oatmeal in water for a night,
or for some hours, straining out the coarse part, and boiling the
liquor until it will become jelly-like when cold. Oatmeal steeped in
buttermilk for a time, and then moderately boiled, makes an excellent
diet. Wheaten meal or barley meal may be used for these dishes instead
of oatmeal, according to taste. Many other dishes, with rice,
arrowroot, sago, etc., will suggest themselves to good cooks; but for
sustaining the invalid and producing healthy blood, none surpass those
described.
Fright.--Some most distressing troubles come as the result of frights.
In many cases much may be done to relieve such troubles, which arise
from severe shock to the brain and nervous system. The results may be
very various--from mere stomach troubles to paralysis--but the cure in
all cases lies mainly in giving fresh energy to the nervous system.
If a blanket fomentation is placed all up and down the back, over a
rubbing of warm olive oil, and the excited person is laid on that, one
good step will have been taken in the way of restoration. Then this may
be aided by cool cloths very cautiously laid over the stomach and
bowels, so as to cool in front, while heat is given at the back. This
will be specially desirable if the heat at the back is rather high.
When the blanket loses its heat it need not be taken off, but a
poultice of bran, highly heated, may be placed under it, so that the
heat from the bran may come gradually and comfortably through, and pass
into the body in that gradual way. So soon as a sense of genial comfort
spreads over the back, it will be found that a right state is stealing
over the organs that were threatened by paralysis through the alarm.
The defect very soon disappears.
Gangrene.--_See_ Cancer in Foot.
Gatherings.--_See_ Abscess; Ankle; Armpit; Bone, Diseased.
Giddiness and Trembling.--This comes very often as the result of loss
of nerve power in the spinal system, due to weakness, shock, or simply
old age. A great deal may be done to relieve, and in many cases to
completely cure, by the following simple means. Wrap the patient round
the middle in a soapy blanket, rubbing well afterwards with hot olive
oil. Give an hour's fomentation at a time each night for a few nights;
rest for a day or two, and repeat. The fomentation must be a blanket
one, but should only extend from the armpits to the hips, not over the
limbs. For treatment of giddiness arising from the stomach see
Indigestion. Half a teacupful of hot water every ten minutes for five
hours is usually an effective cure. This should be done daily for three
days. Let it be kept in mind that we must not have "hard" water--that
is, water impregnated with mineral substances, such as lime or iron. We
must have "soft" water, that is, such as rain water nicely filtered, or
"distilled" water, which can be had from any good chemist for twopence
a quart.
Glands of Bowels.--_See_ Bowels.
Glands, Swollen.--This is a very common trouble, especially in the
young. To restore the skin to healthy action is the first important
matter. This may be done by bathing the feet (_see_ Bathing the Feet)
until free perspiration ensues, wrapping the patient meanwhile in a
warm blanket. Dry well, and sponge with hot vinegar and water; dry
again, rub with hot olive oil, and put to bed. As a diet, Saltcoats
biscuits and water for some time have of themselves formed a complete
cure (_see_ Biscuits and Water). The _comfort_ of the patient will
regulate the amount of bathing. Do this every night for a fortnight,
except on the Sabbath (when rest from all treatment seems best). If the
swelling be slight, two days' treatment may cure it; if the case be
severe and of long standing, a longer time will be required.
For treatment of the neck, if there is no sore, put round it a cloth
dipped in hot vinegar, and a good poultice of bran or moist hot bag
round over this. Put this on for half-an-hour before rising in the
morning. After taking them off, rub with warm olive oil, and wipe that
off gently. Put a single band of fine new flannel round the neck for
the day. If there be suppuration, or running sores, treat in the same
way unless the vinegar prove painful, when it may be weakened with
water until comfortable. This treatment will, we know, cure even a very
bad case of tubercular glands. _See_ Wounds.
There are men so skilful in medicine that they can aid wonderfully in
such cases, and surgeons so apt at operating that they too, can do much
good. But we should not for a moment think of leaving patients to
depend on what can be swallowed, or what lancet and probe can do, when
the very sources of life itself are neglected, and cures waited on for
months that may be secured in a week or even less. Above all, when you
know how to do it, infuse new life in the body, and promote the
throwing off of that used-up matter which is showing itself in the
disease. How many parents bow down before the idea that swollen glands
are constitutional to their children, when the fact is that these
children have very fine skins, and need to have these kept in extra
good order, not merely in the way of washing, but so that they shall
perform their part of throwing off this used-up material of the body
efficiently. Some of the most beautiful of our race are thus lost to
the world when they might easily be saved.
In some cases swollen glands are caused by bad teeth, running from the
EAR (_see_), sores or insects on the head, or inflamed tonsils. If such
causes are present, they should be removed. Extract bad teeth, cure
running ears, and properly cleanse the head. Gargle the throat for
swollen and inflamed tonsils with warm water, in which a little salt is
dissolved.
Gout.--Some have a predisposition to this most painful disease, and
require to keep a strict watch on their diet. Meat, specially the
internal organs, meat extracts, alcohol, tea, and coffee must be
avoided, and milk, buttermilk and porridge, cheese, eggs, and
vegetables, especially green vegetables, made into light and digestible
dishes, should be relied on solely. Further, the diet should be a small
one, most thoroughly and slowly masticated, and plenty of pure water is
advisable, in order to help the elimination of the waste which causes
the trouble. _See_ Uric Acid.
If the feet be affected, apply gentle heat to the lower part of the
spine by Fomentation (_see_). Sometimes a cold cloth on the lower spine
will soothe, but more often heat is the true cure. Wrap the sore foot
in softest cotton, and foment _very gently_ through this, using only
_warm_ cloths, and taking care to avoid giving pain. The cloths should
be just a little _below_ blood heat. Cold cloths are a serious mistake,
but at a temperature a little below blood heat a gentle soothing is
produced. Care must in every case be taken to do only what the patient
feels comforting.
Gravel.--Sometimes mere internal inflammation is mistaken for this
disease. In the case of inflammation of the bladder, apply a large hot
BRAN POULTICE (_see_) to the lower back, and change cold towels over
the front of the body where the pain is. Afterwards rub all parts over
with hot olive oil, and wipe dry. Take only plain food, oat or
wheat-meal porridge, Saltcoats biscuits, etc.
Where actual stones are formed, or a tendency to their formation
exists, all water drunk should be distilled, or boiled rain water.
Where stones are present the heat may be applied to the back, but _no
cold in front_. The soft water tends to dissolve the stones, the heat
assists in their expulsion from the body. Diet same as in GOUT (_see_).
Growth of Body.--See Limb, Saving a.
Guaiacum.--This drug is a West Indian gum, and is one of those remedies
we are glad to say will do no harm, while in rheumatism and gout it is
most beneficial. A teaspoonful of the tincture in a cup of hot water,
or one or two of the tabloids now so easily had, may be taken three
times a day.
Hæmorrhage.--See Bleeding; Wounds.
Hair Coming off.--There are many forms of this disfiguring trouble,
both in the case of young and old persons. It is chiefly due to a wrong
state of the skin of the head, which is best treated with careful
rubbing with vinegar or weak acetic acid, and finishing with good olive
oil. The acid must not be used too strong--not stronger than ordinary
vinegar. This may be done every evening, and should be rubbed on for
fifteen minutes, till a comfortable feeling is aroused. Dry the head,
and then rub on olive oil for five minutes. The vinegar should rather
be dabbed than rubbed on. Wash all over in the morning with M'Clinton's
soap. Or this treatment may be applied every other night, and on
alternate nights the head may be packed up with lather (_see_ Head,
Soaping). This treatment is quite safe, and will usually effect a cure,
which is more than can be said of the expensive hair washes so much
advertised. Many of these are most dangerous. As far as possible go
with the head uncovered, and brush the hair frequently. Brushing
stimulates the grease glands, and causes the hair to become glossy.
Probably the reason men lose their hair so much more than women is that
the brushing and combing the latter must give it stimulates the hair
roots. Massaging the skin of the scalp with the fingers night and
morning will greatly promote growth of the hair. _See_ Head, Massaging.
Hands, Clammy.--Rub the hands and arms well twice a day with CAYENNE
LOTION (_see_).
Hands, Cold.--Much more than is readily believed depends on the state
of the hands and feet. We are already familiar with the subject of
coldness in the feet, but we meet with cases in which the coldness of
the hands is as striking. It is not readily thought that cold hands
have anything to do with such illness, for instance, as that of bad
action in the stomach. There are cases in which a very great deal can
be done to relieve a congested state of the vessels of the stomach, and
even a similar state of the lungs, by only bathing the hands in hot
water and then rubbing them with hot oil till they have been thoroughly
heated and reddened, as they are when effectually warmed.
Half-an-hour's bathing of hands in water just a little above blood heat
produces a wonderful effect on an invalid when there is too great
weakness to stand longer treatment. This is well known to be true of
half-an-hour's good feet bathing. In some cases bathing both of hands
and feet is much needed. The overburdened heart finds it a vast benefit
when by such a bathing the blood is allowed to flow easily through the
vessels of the feet and hands.
Hands, Dry and Hard.--Pack the hands in SOAP LATHER (_see_) mixed with
a little fine olive oil. The soap must be finely lathered with a brush,
not _melted_. Pure soft water, never too hot nor too cold, should be
used, and the hands thoroughly dried after washing. _See_ Chapped
Hands.
Hay Fever.--A most effective preventive and cure for this is the
inhaling through the nostrils the vapour of strong acetic acid. The
acid may be on a sponge enclosed in a smelling bottle, and its vapour
may be freely inhaled. Sponge all over each night with hot acid and
water. The head also may be wet with pretty strong acid, and tied up so
as to keep in the vapour. Do not, however, use a waterproof covering.
Headache.--There is a vast variety of ailments associated with what is
called headache. In itself, it is just more or less _pain_ in the head.
When there is such pain, it means that some of the nerves in the head
are in a wrong state, probably in nearly all cases a state of more or
less _pressure_. This pressure hinders the free flow of vital action
along the nerve, and this hindrance we feel as pain. To remove the
pressure is, then, to relieve the pain. Pressure from overwork often
causes headache on week-days, which goes off on Sabbath. The _rest_
here removes the pressure, and so the pain. The pressure results from a
failure of energy in some part of the head, slight swelling then taking
place. To increase the energy is to effect a cure. This may be done by
first, at bedtime, soaping the back with warm water and SOAP (_see_).
Then dry, and rub firmly yet gently with hot olive oil, until the whole
back glows with warmth. This may take perhaps fifteen minutes. Then
give three minutes of warm water pouring over the back. Dry again, and
oil with hot oil, and put the patient to bed. Avoid much tea. Avoid
altogether tobacco and alcoholic liquors, which of themselves will
often cause the trouble. This treatment applies to all that numerous
class of headaches which arise from overwork and fag. A cure may often
be had by its means, without taking a holiday. But where this can be
done, it is well to take it.
The headache, however, may be caused indirectly by the failure of some
of the organs to do their duty, when other methods must be adopted. The
use of tobacco so injuriously affects the whole system that headache
often results, and refuses to be cured unless the tobacco be given up.
It is hard to do this, but the difficulty must be faced. Cold, damp
feet are a common cause of headaches. Let these be well bathed (_see_
Bathing Feet) for some days, even twice or three times a day, and many
kinds of headaches will be cured. Constipation, or sluggish action of
the bowels, frequently causes headache. The cure is obvious (_see_
Constipation). Imperfect action of the kidneys also causes it. In such
a case apply a large, warm bran poultice (_see_) across the back behind
the kidneys. Oil the skin before and after poulticing. Do this once a
day at bedtime for a week, if necessary, but not longer than a week at
a time. Take half a teacupful of water before each meal. Use freely the
lemon drink described in Drinks, Refreshing.
Headache, Sick.--The stomach and head affect each other powerfully, and
a disordered stomach causes severe headache, known as _sick headache_.
In many cases a few tablespoonfuls of hot water, taken at intervals of
five minutes, will effect a cure. He is himself "simple" who laughs at
this as "simple." If a dose of hot water _cures_, and removes any need
for expensive drugs, that is a matter for thankfulness and not for
laughter. When some substance not easily dissolved has lodged in the
stomach, hot water is often all that is needed to remove the trouble.
But it must be remembered that over-eating, or the eating of
indigestible food, must be given up, and the food must be masticated
till it is reduced to a liquid condition.
Many will say they have not time for this, but time must be taken, and
half the quantity of food well masticated will nourish better than the
whole imperfectly masticated.
Headache on waking in the morning is a frequent result of stomach
disorder. In such a case take two teacupfuls of hot water, with an
interval of ten minutes between. In many cases a slice of lemon in the
hot water powerfully aids to cure. Especially is this the case where
pains in the bowels are felt along with the headache. If lemons cannot
be had, a few drops of vinegar will form a good substitute. Continue to
take half a teacupful at intervals all day.
Sick headache may, however, arise from the head causing disorder in the
stomach. The head may then be fomented gently, and if necessary soaped
(_see_ Head, Skin of) or massaged (_see_ Head, Rubbing, Massage), which
should in most cases remove the trouble if carefully and well done.
Headaches are frequently caused by anxiety and worry, which have all
the marks of sick headache. Dull pain and heat, more or less
persistent, also arise from this cause. The treatment for such cases is
given in the preceding article for pressure from overwork. It is well
to see, in such cases, that the mental and spiritual cures be applied,
as well as the material. Let there be resolute putting away of all
worrying ideas at night, and during every leisure time. Let perfect
trust in a loving Heavenly Father relieve us of all burdens. Much may
thus be done to cure even a sore head and weary brain. We are of "more
value than many sparrows" to One whose power and wisdom are really
infinite. Take both sides of this great truth, the spiritual and the
material, and you will find it a glorious help in worry and
disappointing failure. What a remedy it is when good medical treatment
and true faith in God come together to give peace to the weary one!
_See_ Worry.
Head Baths.--_See_ Baths for Head.