Mother's Remedies
by Thomas Jefferson Ritter · English · Gutenberg #17439 · 2,859,927 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Mother's Remedies
Author: Thomas Jefferson Ritter
Release date: January 1, 2006 [eBook #17439]
Most recently updated: March 5, 2009
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/17439
Credits: Produced by Don Kostuch
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTHER'S REMEDIES ***
Produced by Don Kostuch
[Transcriber's Notes]
Some of the suggestions in this book may be helpful or at least have a
placebo effect. Beware of the many recipes that include kerosene (coal
oil), turpentine, ammonium chloride, lead, lye (sodium hydroxide),
strychnine, arsenic, mercury, creosote, sodium phosphate, opium, cocaine
and other illegal, poisonous or corrosive items. Many recipes do not
specify if it is to be taken internally or topically (on the skin). There
is an extreme preoccupation with poultices (applied to the skin, 324
references) and "keeping the bowels open" (1498 references, including
related terms).
I view this material as a window into the terror endured by mothers and
family members when a child or adult took ill. The doctors available (if
you could afford one) could offer little more than this book. The guilt of
failing to cure the child was probably easier to endure than the
helplessness of doing nothing.
There are many recipes for foods I fondly remember eating as a child.
Note the many recipes for a single serving that involve lengthy and
labor-intensive preparation. Refrigeration was uncommon and the
temperature of iceboxes was well above freezing, so food had to be
consumed quickly.
Many recipes use uncooked meat and eggs that can lead to several diseases.
Obvious typographical errors have been corrected but contemporary spelling
and usage are unchanged. Page headers are retained, but are moved to the
beginning of the paragraph where the text is interrupted. Page numbers are
shown in brackets [ ].
The author claims the material is directed toward non-medical "family"
members, but many passages are obviously copied from medical textbooks.
The following glossary of unfamiliar (to me) terms is quite lengthy and
does not include incomprehensible (to me) medical terms and many words and
names I could not find in several reference books. The book's own 16 page
dictionary is on page 893.
I recommend the article on "hydrophobia" (page 241) as an interesting
history of the Pasture treatment.
Don Kostuch
Transcriber's Dictionary
These entries are absent or brief in the original dictionary on page 893.
A short cooking dictionary is on page 831. Check there for items not found
here.
acetanilide (also acetanilid)
White crystalline compound, C6H5NH(COCH3), formerly used to relieve pain
and reduce fever. It has been replaced because of toxicity.
Aconite
Various, usually poisonous perennial herbs of the genus Aconitum, having
tuberous roots, palmately lobed leaves, blue or white flowers with large
hoodlike upper sepals, and an aggregate of follicles. The dried leaves
and roots of these plants yield a poisonous alkaloid that was formerly
used medicinally. Also called monkshood, wolfsbane.
actinomycosis (lumpy jaw)
Inflammatory disease of cattle, hogs, and sometimes humans, caused by
actinomyces; causes lumpy tumors of the mouth, neck, chest, and abdomen.
Addison's disease
Caused by partial or total failure of adrenocortical function;
characterized by a bronze-like skin color and mucous membranes, anemia,
weakness, and low blood pressure.
ad libitum
At the discretion of the performer. Giving license to alter or omit a
part.
affusion
Pouring on of liquid, as in baptism.
ague
Alternating periods of chills, fever, and sweating. Used in reference to
the fevers associated with malaria.
aletris farinosa (Colicroot, star grass, blackroot,
blazing star, and unicorn root )
Bitter American herb of the Bloodwort family, with small yellow or white
flowers in a long spike (Aletris farinosa and A. aurea).
algid
Cold; chilly.
alkanet
European perennial herb (Alkanna tinctoria) having cymes of blue flowers
and red roots. The red dye extracted from the root. Plants of the
Eurasian genus Anchusa, having blue or violet flowers grouped on
elongated cymes.
allyl
Univalent, unsaturated organic radical C3H5.
aloin
Bitter, yellow crystalline compound from aloe, used as a laxative.
alum
Double sulfates of a trivalent metal such as aluminum, chromium, or iron
and a univalent metal such as potassium or sodium, especially aluminum
potassium sulfate, AlK(SO4)2 12H2O, widely used in industry as
clarifiers, hardeners, and purifiers and medicinally as topical
astringents and styptics.
anemonin
Acrid poisonous compound containing two lactone groups; obtained from
plants of the genus Anemone and genus Ranunculus, containing the
buttercups.
aneurysm (aneurism)
Localized, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel caused by disease
or weakening of the vessel wall.
animadversion
Strong criticism. Critical or censorious remark:
anise
Aromatic Mediterranean herb (Pimpinella anisum) in the parsley family,
cultivated for its seed-like fruits and the oil; used to flavor foods,
liqueurs, and candies.
anodyne
Relieves pain.
antipyrine (antipyrin, phenazone)
Analgesic and antipyretic (reduces fever) C11H12N2O formerly used, but
now largely replaced by less toxic drugs such as aspirin.
antrum
Cavity or chamber, especially in a bone. Sinus in the bones of the upper
jaw, opening into the nasal cavity.
apomorphine
Poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C17H17NO2, derived from morphine
and used to induce vomiting.
arnica
Perennial herbs of the genus Arnica. Tincture of the dried flower heads
of the European species A. montana, applied externally to relieve the
pain and inflammation of bruises and sprains.
articular
Relating to joints: the articular surfaces of bones.
asafetida (asafoetida)
Fetid (offensive odor) gum resin of Asian plants of the genus Ferula
(especially F. assafoetida, F. foetida, or F. narthex). It has a strong
odor and taste, and was formerly used as an antispasmodic and a general
prophylactic against disease.
atresia
Absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as
the anus, intestine, or external ear canal. Degeneration and resorption
of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been
reached.
atropine
Poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C17H23NO3, obtained from
belladonna and related plants. Used to dilate the pupils of the eyes and
as an antispasmodic.
bainmarie
Large pan of hot water in which smaller pans may be placed to cook food
slowly or to keep food warm.
barberry
Shrubs of the genus Berberis having small yellow flowers, and red,
orange, or blackish berries.
baryta
A barium compounds, such as barium sulfate.
baste
Sew loosely with large running stitches to hold together temporarily.
batiste
Fine, plain-woven fabric made from various fibers and used especially
for clothing.
bedizen
Ornament or dress in a showy or gaudy manner.
belladonna (deadly nightshade)
Poisonous Eurasian perennial herb (Atropa belladonna) with solitary,
nodding, purplish-brown, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries.
An alkaloidal extract of this plant used in medicine.
benne (sesame)
Tropical Asian plant (Sesamum indicum) bearing small flat seeds used as
food and as a source of oil.
benzoin
Balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asian trees of the genus
Styrax and used in perfumery and medicine. Also called benjamin, gum
benjamin, gum benzoin. A white or yellowish crystalline compound, C14
H12 O2, derived from benzaldehyde.
berberine
Bitter-tasting yellow alkaloid, C20H19NO5, from several plants such as
goldenseal. Used medically as an antipyretic and antibacterial agent.
bergamot
Small tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) grown in southern Italy
for its sour citrus fruits. The rinds yield an aromatic oil (bergamot
oil) used in perfume.
beri-beri
Deficiency of thiamine, endemic in eastern and southern Asia and
characterized by neurological symptoms, cardiovascular abnormalities,
and edema.
Berserker
Ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy
before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury.
bijouterie
Collection of trinkets or jewelry; decorations.
bilious
Relating to bile. Excess secretion of bile. Gastric distress caused by a
disorder of the liver or gallbladder. Resembling bile, especially in
color: a bilious green. Peevish disposition; ill-humored.
bistort
Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with cylindrical spikes of
pink flowers and a rhizome used as an astringent in folk medicine.
blue flag
Several irises with blue or blue-violet flowers, especially Iris
versicolor of eastern North America.
blue stone (blue vitriol, blue copperas, chalcanthite)
Hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulfate.
bobbinet
Machine-woven net fabric with hexagonal meshes.
boil
Painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammation of the skin and
subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal infection.
Also called furuncle.
bolster
Long narrow pillow or cushion.
bombazine
Fine twilled fabric of silk and worsted or cotton, often dyed black for
mourning clothes.
boracic acid (boric acid)
Water-soluble white or colorless crystalline compound, H3BO3, used as an
antiseptic and preservative.
boutonniere
Flower or small bunch of flowers worn in a buttonhole.
bryonia
Small genus of perennial old world tendril-bearing vines (family
Cucurbitaceae) having large leaves, small flowers, and red or black
fruit; Dried root of a bryony (Bryonia alba or B. dioica) used as a
cathartic.
bubo (buboes)
An inflamed, tender swelling of a lymph node, especially in the area of
the armpit or groin, that is characteristic of bubonic plague and
syphilis.
bubonic plague (black death)
Contagious, often fatal epidemic disease caused by the bacterium
Yersinia (syn. Pasteurella) pestis, transmitted from person to person or
by the bite of fleas from an infected rodent, especially a rat; produces
chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and the formation of buboes.
buchu
South African shrubs of the genus Agathosma, especially A. betulina and
A. crenulata; the leaves are used as a mild diuretic and provide an
aromatic oil used for flavoring.
burdock
Weedy, chiefly biennial plants of the genus Arctium.
cachexia
Weight loss, wasting of muscle, loss of appetite, and general debility
during a chronic disease.
cajeput (paperbark)
Australian and southeast Asian tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia, M.
leucadendron) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae); yields a pungent
medicinal oil; grown in Florida.
calamine
White or colorless mineral, essentially Zn4Si2O7(OH)2.H2O
(hemimorphite). Pink, odorless, tasteless powder of zinc oxide with a
small amount of ferric oxide, dissolved in mineral oils and used in skin
lotions.
calcareous
Composed of calcium carbonate, calcium, or limestone; chalky.
cale
Variety of cabbage in which the leaves do not form a head, being nearly
the wild form of the species; also called kail.
calomel
Colorless, white or brown tasteless compound, Hg2Cl2, used as a
purgative and insecticide. Mercurous chloride.
cambric
Finely woven white linen or cotton fabric.
cantharis (pl. cantharides) (also called Spanish fly)
Brilliant green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria or Cantharis
vesicatoria) of central and southern Europe. Toxic preparation of the
crushed, dried bodies of this beetle, formerly used as a
counter-irritant for skin blisters and as an aphrodisiac.
capsicum
Topical American pepper plants, genus Capsicum, especially C. annuum and
C. frutescens.
capsid (mirid bug, mirid)
Variety of leaf bug.
carbolic acid (phenol)
Caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from
benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute
form as a disinfectant and antiseptic.
carbuncle
A painful localized bacterial infection of the skin that usually has
several openings discharging pus.
cardamom
Rhizomatous (horizontal, usually underground stem) Indian herb
(Elettaria cardamomum) having capsular fruits with aromatic seeds used
as a spice or condiment. Plants of the related genus Amomum, used as a
substitute for cardamom.
carminative
Inducing the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines.
cascara (See Rhamnus purshiana)
A buckthorn native to northwest North America; the bark yields cascara
sagrada.
cassia
Tropical or subtropical trees, shrubs, or herbs of the genus Cassia in
the pea family, having yellow flowers, and long, flat or cylindrical
pods. Tropical Asian evergreen tree (Cinnamomum cassia) having aromatic
bark used as a substitute for cinnamon.
Castile soap
Fine, hard, white, odorless soap made of olive oil and sodium hydroxide.
castor oil
Colorless or pale yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the
castor-oil plant, used as a laxative and skin softener.
catarrh
Inflammation of mucous membranes, especially in the nose and throat.
catechu (cutch, Acacia catechu, betel palm)
Spiny Asian tree with yellow flowers, and dark heartwood. A raw material
obtained from the heartwood of this plant, used in the preparation of
tannins and brown dyes.
caudal
Near the tail or hind parts; posterior. Similar to a tail in form or
function.
caustic potash (potassium hydroxide)
Caustic white solid, KOH, used as a bleach and in the manufacture of
soaps, dyes, alkaline batteries.
cerate
Hard, unctuous, fat or wax-based solid, sometimes medicated, formerly
applied to the skin directly or on dressings.
chambray
Fine lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp.
chancel
Space around the altar of a church for the clergy and sometimes the
choir, often enclosed by a lattice or railing.
chary
Cautious; wary; not giving or expending freely; sparing.
chelidnium
Herbs of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) with brittle stems, yellowish
acrid juice, pinnately divided leaves, and small yellow flowers that
includes the celandine. Preparation of celandine (Chelidonium majus)
used formerly as a diuretic.
Cheviot
Breed of sheep with short thick wool, originally raised in the Cheviot
Hills. Fabric of coarse twill weave, used for suits and overcoats,
originally made of Cheviot wool.
chicken pox
Caused by the varicella-zoster virus; indicated by skin eruptions,
slight fever, and malaise. Also called varicella.
chilblain
Inflammation and itchy irritation of the hands, feet, or ears, caused by
moist cold.
chloral hydrate
Colorless crystalline compound, CCl3CH(OH)2, used as a sedative and
hypnotic.
chlorosis
Iron-deficiency anemia, primarily of young women, indicated by
greenish-yellow skin color.
cholera infantum
Acute non-contagious intestinal disturbance of infants formerly common
in congested areas with high humidity and temperature.
cholera morbus
Acute gastroenteritis occurring in summer and autumn exhibiting severe
cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. No longer in scientific use.
chorea
Nervous disorders marked by involuntary, jerky movements, especially of
the arms, legs, and face.
Chrysarobin
Bitter, yellow substance in Goa powder (from the wood of a Brazilian
tree Vataireopsis araroba), and yielding chrysophanic acid; formerly
called chrysphanic acid.
cinchona (Jesuit's bark, Peruvian bark)
Trees and shrubs of the genus Cinchona, native chiefly to the Andes and
cultivated for bark that yields the medicinal alkaloids quinine and
quinidine, which are used to treat malaria. Dried bark of these plants.
Cinnamyl
Hypothetical radical, (C6H5.C2H2)2C, of cinnamic compounds. Formerly,
cinnamule.
clonic
The nature of clonus--contraction and relaxation of muscle.
cocculus
Poisonous bean-shaped berry of a woody vine (Anamirta cocculus) of the
East Indies that yields picrotoxin.
cochineal
Red dye made of the dried and pulverized bodies of female cochineal
insects.
coddle
Cook in water below the boiling point: coddle eggs. Treat indulgently;
baby; pamper.
codling (codlin)
Greenish elongated English apple used for cooking. Small unripe apple.
Cohosh (baneberry, herb Christopher)
Plant of the genus Actaea having acrid poisonous berries; especially
blue cohosh, black cohosh.
colchicum
Various bulbous plants of the genus Colchicum, such as the autumn
crocus. The dried ripe seeds or corms (short thick solid food-storing
underground stem) of the autumn crocus which yield colchicine.
collodion
Highly flammable, colorless or yellowish syrupy solution of pyroxylin,
ether, and alcohol, used as an adhesive to close small wounds and hold
surgical dressings, in topical medications, and for making photographic
plates.
colocynth (bitter apple)
Old World vine (Citrullus colocynthis) bearing yellowish, green-mottled
fruits the size of small lemons. The pulp of the fruit is a strong
laxative.
colombo (calumba)
Root of an African plant (Jatrorrhiza palmata, family Menispermaceae)
containing columbin; it is used as a tonic called calumba root or
colombo root.
colostrum (foremilk)
Thin yellowish fluid secreted by the mammary glands at birth, rich in
antibodies and minerals. It precedes the production of true milk.
coltsfoot (galax)
Eurasian herb (Tussilago farfara), naturalized in parts of North America
with dandelion-like flower heads. Dried leaves or flower heads of this
plant have been long used in herbal medicine to treat coughs.
consomme
Clear soup or bouillion boiled down so as to be very rich.
contretemps
Unforeseen disruption of the normal course of things; inopportune
occurrence.
copaiba
Transparent, often yellowish, viscous oleoresin from South American
trees of the genus Copaifera in the pea family, used in varnishes and as
a fixative in perfume.
copperas (ferrous sulfate)
Greenish crystalline compound, FeSO4.7H2O, used as a pigment,
fertilizer, and feed additive, in sewage and water treatment, and in the
treatment of iron deficiency.
corrosive sublimate
Mercuric chloride.
costal
Relating to or near a rib.
costive
Constipated
cranesbill (geranium, storksbill)
Plants of the genus Geranium, with pink or purplish flowers. Various
plants of the genus Pelargonium, native chiefly to southern Africa and
widely cultivated for their rounded and showy clusters of red, pink, or
white flowers.
cream of tartar
Potassium bitartrate. White, acid, crystalline solid or powder,
KHC4H4O6, used in baking powder, in the tinning of metals, and as a
laxative.
Creasote (creosote)
Colorless to yellowish oily liquid containing phenols and creosols,
obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, especially from
beech, and formerly used as an expectorant in treating chronic
bronchitis. Also used as a wood preservative and disinfectant. May cause
severe neurological disturbances if inhaled.
crepe de Chine
Silk crepe used for dresses and blouses.
cretonne
Heavy unglazed cotton, linen, or rayon fabric, colorfully printed and
used for draperies and slipcovers.
croton oil
Brownish-yellow, foul-smelling oil from the seeds of a tropical Asian
shrub or small tree (Croton tiglium); formerly used as a drastic
purgative and counterirritant. Its use was discontinued because of its
toxicity.
croup
Condition of the larynx, especially in infants and children, causing
respiratory difficulty and a hoarse, brassy cough.
Culver's root
Perennial herb (Veronicastrum virginicum) native to eastern North
America; the root was formerly used as a cathartic and an emetic.
cupping
Therapeutic procedure, no longer in use; an evacuated glass cup is
applied to the skin to draw blood to the surface.
Cuprum
Copper.
Curacao
Flavored with sour orange peel. Popular island resort in the Netherlands
Antilles.
cystitis
Inflammation of the urinary bladder.
damask
Rich patterned fabric of cotton, linen, silk, or wool. Fine, twilled
table linen.
deadly night-shade (bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, climbing
nightshade, poisonous nightshade, woody nightshade, Solanum dulcamara)
Perennial Eurasian herb with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining
black berries; extensively grown in United States; roots and leaves
yield atropine (belladonna, Atropa belladonna).
decollete
Cut low at the neckline. Wearing a garment that is low-cut or strapless.
demi-monde
Class of women kept by wealthy lovers or protectors; prostitutes; group
whose respectability is dubious or whose success is marginal.
demulcent
Soothing, usually mucilaginous or oily substance, such as glycerin or
lanolin, used to relieve pain of irritated mucous membranes.
diathesis
Hereditary predisposition to disease, allergy, or other disorder.
digitalis
Plant of the genus Digitalis, including foxgloves. Drug prepared from
the seeds and dried leaves used as a cardiac stimulant.
dilatory
Delay or postpone.
discomfit
Make uneasy or perplexed; disconcert; embarrass; thwart the plans of;
frustrate.
dry cupping
See cupping.
dysmenorrhea
Painful menstruation.
effusion
Seeping of serous, purulent, or bloody fluid into a body cavity or
tissue. The effused fluid.
eiderdown (eider down)
Down of the eider duck, used to stuff quilts and pillows. Quilt stuffed
with the down of the eider duck.
empyema
Pus in a body cavity, especially the pleural cavity.
ennui
Listlessness, dissatisfaction, lack of interest; boredom:
Epsom salts
Hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O, used as a cathartic and to
reduce inflammation.
ergot
Fungus (Claviceps purpurea) infecting cereal plants; forms compact black
masses of branching filaments that replace many of the grains of the
host plant. Disease caused by such a fungus. The dried sclerotia of
ergot obtained from rye is a source of several medicinal alkaloids and
lysergic acid.
erigeron
Genus of composite herbs having flower heads resembling asters. Formerly
used as a diuretic and as a hemostatic in uterine hemorrhage
erysipelas
Acute skin disease caused by hemolytic streptococcus; marked by
localized inflammation and fever. Also called Saint Anthony's fire.
eschar
Dry scab or slough formed on the skin caused by a burn or by the action
of a corrosive or caustic substance.
eucaine
A crystalline substance, C15H21NO2, used as a local anesthetic,
substituting for cocaine, in veterinary medicine.
eucalyptol (cineole)
Colorless oily liquid, C10H18O, from eucalyptus; used in
pharmaceuticals, flavoring, and perfumery.
eucalyptus
Trees of the genus Eucalyptus, native to Australia; they have aromatic
leaves that yield an oil used medicinally.
farcy (see glanders)
Chronic form of glanders that affects the skin and superficial lymph
vessels.
febrile
ferverish
felon
Painful purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area
surrounding the nail. Also called whitlow.
ferrocyanate
Salt of ferrocyanic acid; a ferrocyanide.
fistula
An abnormal duct or passage resulting from injury, disease, or other
disorder that connects an abscess, cavity, or hollow organ to the body
surface or to another hollow organ.
flounce
Strip of decorative, gathered or pleated material attached by one edge,
as on a garment or curtain.
fondant
Sweet creamy sugar paste used in candies and icings. Candy containing
this paste.
fontanelles
The soft membranous gaps between the incompletely formed cranial bones
of a fetus or an infant. Also called soft spot.
formaldehyde
Colorless gaseous compound, HCHO, used to manufacture resins,
fertilizers, dyes, and embalming fluids and in aqueous solution as a
preservative and disinfectant.
formalin
Aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is 37 percent by weight.
fossa
A small depression, as in a bone.
foulard
Lightweight twill or plain-woven fabric of silk or silk and cotton,
often having a small printed design. Necktie or scarf, made of this
fabric.
Fowler's solution
Solution of arsenite of potassium in water; named for Fowler, an English
physician who brought it into use.
frock coat
Man's dress coat or suit coat with knee-length skirts.
fuller's earth
Highly adsorbent (attaches to other substances without any chemical
action) clay-like substance consisting of hydrated aluminum silicates;
used in talcum powders.
fly blister
Blister caused by the vesicating (blistering) body fluid of certain
beetles.
fusiform
Tapered at each end; spindle-shaped.
galatea
Durable, often striped cotton fabric used in making clothing.
galax (beetleweed, coltsfoot, wandflower)
Stemless evergreen perennial plant (Galax urceolata) of the eastern US,
with a rosette of glossy, heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in
spike-like clusters.
gallic acid
Colorless crystalline compound, C7H6O5, derived from tannin used as a
tanning agent, ink dye, in photography, and paper manufacturing.
gamboge
Brownish or orange resin from trees of the genus Garcinia of
south-central Asia and yielding a golden-yellow pigment.
gaucherie
Awkward or tactless act, manner, or expression.
gelsemium
Genus of climbing plants. The yellow (false) jasmine (Gelsemium
sempervirens) is a native of the Southern United States; the root is
used for malarial fevers.
gentian
Plants of the genus Gentiana, having showy, variously colored flowers.
The dried rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered European gentian, G.
lutea, used as a tonic.
germander
Aromatic plants of the genus Teucrium, with purplish or reddish flowers.
gingham
Yarn-dyed cotton fabric woven in stripes, checks, plaids, or solid
colors.
glace
Smooth, glazed or glossy surface, such as certain silks or leathers.
Coated with a sugar glaze; candied.
glairy
Slimy consistency, like egg white; cough producing glairy sputum.
glanders
Contagious, usually fatal disease of horses, caused by the bacterium
Pseudomonas mallei; causes swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and
ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin. Communicable to other mammals,
including humans.
glaubers salts
(Na2SO4.10H2O); colorless salt used as a cathartic.
gleet
Inflammation of the urethra caused by chronic gonorrhea with a discharge
of mucus and pus; the discharge that is characteristic of this
inflammation.
Glonoin
Dilute solution of nitroglycerin used as a neurotic.
glycerite
Preparation made by mixing or dissolving a substance in glycerin.
glycyrrhiza
Widely distributed perennial herbs of the family Leguminosae that
include licorice. Dried root of a licorice of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G.
glabra); used to mask unpleasant flavors in drugs or to give a pleasant
taste to confections called licorice.
goiter (goitre)
Enlargement of the thyroid gland; often results from insufficient intake
of iodine.
golden seal
See hydrastis.
groats
Hulled, usually crushed grain, especially oats.
grosgrain
Closely woven silk or rayon fabric with narrow horizontal ribs. Ribbon
made of this fabric.
gruel
Thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal). See page 574.
guaiacum (guaiac )
Tree of the genus Guaiacum; a lignum vitae. Greenish-brown resin from
this tree, used medicinally and in varnishes.
gustatory
Concerning the sense of taste.
haematuria
Blood in the urine.
hamamelis
Genus of shrubs or small trees (family Hamamelidaceae), including the
witch hazels. Dried leaves of a witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) of
the eastern U.S. used formerly as a tonic and sedative.
hartshorn
Antler of a hart, formerly used as a source of ammonia and in smelling
salts. Ammonium carbonate.
hellebore
Plants of the genus Helleborus, native to Eurasia, most of which are
poisonous. Plants of the genus Veratrum, especially V. viride of North
America, yielding a toxic alkaloid used medicinally.
henbane (black henbane, insane root)
Poisonous Eurasian plant (Hyoscyamus niger) having an unpleasant odor,
sticky leaves, and funnel-shaped greenish-yellow flowers. It is a source
hyoscyamus, hyoscamine and scopolamine.
henna
Tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant
white or reddish flowers. Reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the
dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye and for
coloring leather and fabrics. To dye (hair, for example) with henna.
Hepar
Liver of sulphur; a substance of a liver-brown color, sometimes used in
medicine. Fformed by fusing sulphur with carbonates of the alkalies
(esp. potassium), and consists essentially of alkaline sulphides. Called
also hepar sulphuris. A substance resembling hepar; in homeopathy,
calcium sulphide, called also hepar sulphuris calcareum.
hepatica (liverleaf)
Woodland plants of the genus Hepatica, especially H. americana of
eastern North America, having three-lobed leaves and white or lavender
flowers.
Herpes Zoster
Varicella-zoster virus: A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and
shingles. Causes an acute viral infection--inflammation of the sensory
ganglia of spinal or cranial nerves and the eruption of vesicles along
the affected nerve path. It usually strikes only one side of the body
and is often accompanied by severe neuralgia.
Honduras Bark
Dried bark of a tropical American tree (Picramnia antidesma) formerly
used in the treatment of syphilis and skin diseases.
Hunyadi (Hunyady )
Hungarian noble family, partly of Romanian origin. The first recorded
member of the family was Serbe, who settled in Hunyad county in
Transylvania from Wallachia.
hydrastis
Genus of herbs (family Ranunculaceae) with palmately lobed leaves and
small greenish flowers and including the goldenseal (H. canadensis). The
dried rhizome and roots of the goldenseal formerly used in pharmacy as a
bitter tonic and antiseptic called also goldenseal.
hydragogue
Cathartics that aid in the removal of edematous fluids and promote the
discharge of fluid from the bowels.
hydrophobia (rabies)
Viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals. Transmitted
by a rhabdovirus (genus Lyssavirus) in infected saliva of a rabid
animal. Causes increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and paralysis
and death when untreated
hypophosphite
Salt of hypophosphorous acid.
hyoscine (scopolamine)
An alkaloid, C17H21NO4, from plants such as henbane; used as a mydriatic
(dilatate the pupils) and sedative, and to treat nausea and motion
sickness.
hyoscyamus
Poisonous Eurasian herbs of the family Solanaceae that have simple
leaves, irregular flowers, and include the henbane (H. niger). Dried
leaves of the henbane containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and
scopolamine, used as an antispasmodic and sedative.
ichthyol
Oily substance prepared by the dry distillation of a bituminous mineral
containing fossil fishes. Used as a remedy for some skin diseases.
ignatia
Dried ripe seeds of the Saint-Ignatius's-bean used like nux vomica.
impetigo
Contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, indicated by
the eruption of superficial pustules with thick yellow crusts, commonly
on the face.
incommode
Cause inconvenience; disturb.
inspissate
Undergo thickening or cause to thicken, as by boiling or evaporation;
condense.
intercostal
Relating to or near a rib.
iodoform
Yellowish crystalline compound, CHI3, used as an antiseptic.
ipecac
Tropical American shrub (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) that yields emetine.
Medicinal preparation made from this shrub used to induce vomiting.
Iris Florentina (Florentine iris, orris, Iris germanica
florentina, Iris florentina)
German iris having large white flowers and a fragrant rhizome.
Irish moss (carrageen)
Edible North Atlantic seaweed (Chondrus crispus) that yields a
mucilaginous substance used medicinally and in preparing jellies.
iritis
Inflammation of the iris of the eye.
jalap
Eastern Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga) with tuberous roots that are dried,
powdered, and used as a cathartic.
jocose
Given to joking; merry; humorous.
kamala
Asian tree (Mallotus philippinensis) that bears a hairy capsular fruit;
vermifugal powder is obtained from the capsules of this tree.
kino
Reddish resin from several Old World trees of the genera Eucalyptus,
Pterocarpus, and Butea and from tropical American trees of the genera
Coccoloba and Dipteryx.
kumiss (koumiss)
Fermented milk of a mare or camel, used as a beverage in western and
central Asia.
La Grippe
Influenza.
lancinating
Sensation of cutting, piercing, or stabbing.
lard
White solid or semisolid rendered fat of a hog.
laudanum
Tincture of opium, formerly used as a drug.
leukemia (leucemia, leukaemia, leucaemia)
Disease in humans and other warm-blooded animals involving the
blood-forming organs; causes an abnormal increase in the number of white
blood cells in the tissues with or without a corresponding increase in
the circulating blood.
lime (calcium oxide)
White, caustic, lumpy powder, CaO, used as a refractory, as a flux, in
manufacturing steel and paper, in glassmaking, in waste treatment, in
insecticides, and as an industrial alkali.
Slaked lime is calcium hydroxide, a soft white powder, Ca(OH)2, used in
making mortar, cements, calcium salts, paints, hard rubber products, and
petrochemicals.
litmus
Coloring material from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue
in alkaline solutions.
Liveforever (orpine, orpin, livelong, Sedum telephium)
Perennial northern temperate plant with toothed leaves and heads of
small purplish-white flowers.
lobelia
See Herb Department, page 428.
lochia
Normal uterine discharge of blood, tissue, and mucus from the vagina
after childbirth.
lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus. Chronic skin conditions characterized by
ulcerative lesions that spread over the body. No longer in scientific
use.
lupulin
Minute yellowish-brown hairs in the strobili of the hop plant, formerly
used in medicine as a sedative.
lycopodium
Plant of the genus Lycopodium, including club mosses. The yellowish
powdery spores of certain club mosses, especially Lycopodium clavatum,
are used in fireworks and as a coating for pills.
madras
Cotton or silk cloth of fine texture, usually with a plaid, striped, or
checked pattern. Large handkerchief of madras cloth.
malines
Thin, stiff net woven in a hexagonal pattern, used in dressmaking.
mandrake (may-apple)
Southern European plant (Mandragora officinarum) having greenish-yellow
flowers and a branched root. This plant was once believed to have
magical powers because its root resembles the human body. The root
contains the poisonous alkaloid hyoscyamine. Also called mandragora. See
podophyllin.
marseille
Heavy cotton fabric with a raised pattern of stripes or figures.
meatus
Body opening or passage, such as the opening of the ear or the urethra.
menorrhagia
Unusually heavy or extended menstrual flow.
menstruum
Solvent used to extract compounds from plant and animal tissues and
preparing drugs.
messaline
Lightweight, soft, shiny silk cloth with a twilled or satin weave.
mezereon
Poisonous Eurasian ornamental shrub (Daphne mezereum) with fragrant
lilac-purple flowers and small scarlet fruit. The dried bark of this
plant was used externally as a vesicant (blistering agent) and
internally for arthritis.
miliary
Appearance of millet seeds. Small skin lesions with the appearance of
millet seeds.
mullein
Eurasian plants of the genus Verbascum, especially V. thapsus. Also
called flannel leaf, velvet plant.
muriate
Chloride; compound of chlorine with another element or radical;
especially, a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid called.
myrrh
Aromatic gum resin from trees and shrubs of the genus Commiphora of
India, Arabia, and eastern Africa, used in perfume and incense.
methyl salicylate
Liquid ester C8H8O3 obtained from the leaves of wintergreen (Gaultheria
procumbens) or the bark of a birch (Betula lenta); now made
synthetically, and used as a flavoring and a counterirritant.
motherwort
Eurasian plants of the genus Leonurus, especially L. cardiaca, a weed
having clusters of small purple or pink flowers.
mugwort
Aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. vulgaris, native
to Eurasia; used as a condiment.
mustard plaster (sinapism)
Medicinal plaster made with a paste-like mixture of powdered black
mustard, flour, and water, used as a counterirritant.
nephritis
Various acute or chronic inflammations of the kidneys, such as Bright's
disease.
naphthalene (naphthaline, tar camphor)
White crystalline compound, C10H8, derived from coal tar or petroleum
and used in manufacturing dyes, moth repellents, and explosives and as a
solvent.
nebulize
To convert a liquid to a fine spray; atomize.
To treat with a medicated spray.
nainsook
Soft lightweight muslin used for babies.
Neroli
An essential oil made by distilling the flowers of the orange; it is
used in perfume.
nitre (niter, saltpeter)
Potassium nitrate, KNO3, used in making gunpowder.
nux vomica
Tree (Strychnos nux-vomica) native to southeast Asia, having poisonous
seeds that are the source of the medicinal alkaloids strychnine and
brucine.
ocher (ochre)
Yellow, brown, or red mineral oxides of iron used as pigments.
oil of vitriol
Sulfuric acid; highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, H2SO4, colorless to
dark brown depending on its purity and used to manufacture a wide
variety of chemicals and materials including fertilizers, paints,
detergents, and explosives.
omentum
Folds of the peritoneum (membrane lining the abdominal cavity) that
connect the stomach with other abdominal organs.
ophthalmia neonatorum (infantile purulent conjunctivitis)
Various forms of conjunctivitis in newborns, usually contracted during
birth from passage through the infected birth canal of the mother.
orchitis
Inflammation of the testes, often the result of mumps or other
infection, trauma, or metastasis.
organdy (organdie)
Stiff transparent fabric of cotton or silk, used for trim, curtains, and
light apparel.
Origanum
Marjoram. Genus of mint-like plants (Origanum). The sweet marjoram (O.
Majorana) is aromatic and fragrant, and used in cooking. The wild
marjoram of Europe and America (O. vulgare) is less fragrant.
orris
Several species of iris with a fragrant rootstock, especially Iris
germanica, used in perfumes and cosmetics.
panada
Paste or gruel of bread crumbs, toast, or flour combined with milk,
stock, or water; used for soups or thickening sauces.
Paralysis Agitans (Parkinson's disease, shaking palsy)
Progressive nervous disease causing destruction of brain cells that
produce dopamine, muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial
paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness.
paregoric
A camphorated tincture of opium, taken internally for the relief of
diarrhea and intestinal pain
Paris green
Poisonous emerald-green powder, C4H6As6Cu4O16, used as a pigment,
insecticide, and wood preservative.
pedicle (pedicel)
Small stalk or stalk-like structure, especially one supporting or
connecting an organ or other body part. Slender foot-like part, as at
the base of a tumor.
pell mell
Jumbled, confused manner; helter-skelter; frantic disorderly haste;
headlong:
pemphigus
Several acute or chronic skin diseases characterized by groups of
itching blisters.
pennyroyal
Eurasian mint (Mentha pulegium) with small lilac-blue flowers that yield
an aromatic oil. Aromatic plant (Hedeoma pulegioides) of eastern North
America, having purple-blue flowers that yields an oil used as an insect
repellent
peptonize
Convert protein into a peptone (water-soluble protein derivative
produced by partial hydrolysis of a protein by an acid or enzyme ).
Dissolve (food) by means of a proteolytic enzyme.
pernicious anemia (Addison's anemia, malignant anemia.)
Severe anemia in older adults, caused by failure absorb vitamin B12;
causes abnormally large red blood cells, gastrointestinal disturbances,
and lesions of the spinal cord.
pharyngitis
Inflammation of the pharynx.
phenacetine (phenacetin)
White, crystalline compound, C10H13O2N, used as an antipyretic.
phlox
North American plants of the genus Phlox, having opposite leaves and
flowers.
phytolacca decandra (Scoke, Poke, Pokeweed)
Tall coarse perennial American herb with small white flowers followed by
blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are
edible; berries and root are poisonous.
picric acid
Poisonous, yellow crystalline solid, C6H2(NO2)3OH, used in explosives,
dyes, and antiseptics.
piece de resistance
Outstanding accomplishment. Principal dish of a meal.
pilocarpus
Small tropical American shrubs (family Rutaceae) with small greenish
flowers.
pilocarpine muriate
3-ethyl-4-[(3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methyl]oxolan-2-one hydrochloride
C11H17ClN2O2
pique
Vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; feeling of wounded
pride.
pleurodynia
Paroxysmal pain and soreness of the muscles between the ribs. Epidemic
disease caused by a coxsackievirus, causing pain in the lower chest and
fever, headache, and malaise.
podophyllin
Bitter-tasting resin from the dried root of the may apple; used as a
cathartic.
pokeweed (pokeberry, pokeroot.)
Tall North American plant (Phytolacca americana) with small white
flowers, blackish-red berries, and a poisonous root.
prickly ash
Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Zanthoxylum.
probang
Long, slender, flexible rod with a tuft or sponge at the end; used to
remove objects from or apply medication to the larynx or esophagus.
proteid (obsolete term)
Protein.
proud flesh
Swollen flesh that surrounds a healing wound, caused by excessive
granulation (Small, fleshy, bead-like protuberances--new capillaries--on
the surface of a wound that is healing).
pruritus
Severe itching, often of undamaged skin.
Prunus Virginiana (Chokecherry)
Astringent fruit of a species of wild cherry; the bush or tree which
bears such fruit.
pterygium
Abnormal mass of tissue on the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the
eye that obstructs vision by covering the cornea.
pulsatilla
Dried medicinal herb from a pasqueflower (especially Anemone pulsatilla)
formerly used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
punctilio
Fine point of etiquette. Precise observance of formalities.
purpura
Hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes having the appearance of
purplish spots or patches.
pyemia
Septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by pyogenic (producing pus)
microorganisms in the blood, often resulting in the formation of
multiple abscesses.
pyrogallic Acid
White, toxic crystalline phenol, C6H3(OH)3, used as a photographic
developer and to treat certain skin diseases.
quassia
Tropical American shrub (Quassia amara) with bright scarlet flowers. A
bitter substance from its wood is used in medicine and as an
insecticide.
Queen of the meadow (Meadowsweet)
European herbaceous plant (Spiraea Ulmaria). North American shrubs
(Spiraea alba or S. latifolia) having umbel-shaped clusters of white
flowers. Perennial herbs of the genus Filipendula in the rose family.
quinine
Bitter, colorless, powder or crystalline alkaloid, C20H24N2O2-3H2O,
derived from cinchona barks and used to treat malaria.
quince
Western Asian shrub or tree (Cydonia oblonga) with white flowers and
hard apple-like fruit.
quinsy
Acute inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissue, often leading
to an abscess.
rabies
see hydrophobia
ranunculus bulbosus
Perennial Old World buttercup with yellow flowers in late spring to
early summer.
red precipitate
Mercuric oxide (HgO) a heavy red crystalline powder formed by heating
mercuric nitrate, or by heating mercury in the air.
repousse
Ornamented with patterns in relief made by pressing or hammering on the
reverse side;
resorcinol (resorcin)
White crystalline compound, C6H4(OH)2, used to treat certain skin
diseases and in dyes, resin adhesives, and pharmaceuticals.
Rhamnus Purshiana (Cascara buckthorn )
Buckthorn of the Pacific coast of the United States, which yields
cascara sagrada.
rhatany
Dried root of South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea)
used as an astringent and in toothpaste and mouthwash.
rheumatic fever
Acute inflammatory disease occurring after an infection from group A
streptococci, marked by fever and joint pain. Associated with
polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, and endocarditis; frequently causes
scarring of the heart valves.
rheumatism
Painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues. Chronic
auto-immune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked
deformities.
rhus
Genus of vines and shrubs including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison
sumac.
rickets (rachitis)
Childhood disease caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium and from
insufficient exposure to sunlight, characterized by defective bone
growth.
Rochelle salts
Potassium sodium tartrate; colorless efflorescent crystalline compound,
KNaC4H4O6.4H2O, used in making mirrors, in electronics, and as a
laxative
ruche
Ruffle or pleat of lace, muslin, or other fine fabric used to trim
women's garments.
rumex Crispus (chrysophanic acid)
Yellow crystalline substance found in the root of yellow dock (Rumex
crispus).
rush
Stiff marsh plants of the genus Juncus, having pliant hollow or pithy
stems and small flowers with scale-like perianths (outer envelope of a
flower,).
sago
Powdery starch from the trunks of sago palms; used in Asia as a food
thickener and textile stiffener.
sal-ammoniac
ammonium chloride; white crystalline volatile salt NH4Cl, used in dry
cells and as an expectorant called.
saleratus
Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda.
salicylate
Salt or ester of salicylic acid.
salicylic acid
White crystalline acid, C6H4(OH)(COOH), used to make aspirin and to
treat skin conditions such as eczema.
salol
White crystalline powder, C13H10O3, derived from salicylic acid and used
in plastics, suntan oils, analgesics and antipyretics. Was a trademark.
saltpetre (potassium nitrate, saltpeter, niter, nitre)
(KNO3) used especially as a fertilizer, explosive and a diuretic.
salt rheum
Popular name in the United States, for skin eruptions, such as eczema.
Eczema; inflammatory skin disease, indicated by redness and itching,
eruption of small vesicles, and discharge of a watery exudation, which
often dries up, leaving the skin covered with crusts;--called also
tetter, and milk crust.
sanguinaria
Rhizome (horizontal, underground stem) and roots of the bloodroot
(Sanguinaria canadensis) used formerly as an expectorant and emetic.
sedulous
Persevering and constant in effort or application; assiduous.
senna
Plants of the genus Cassia, having showy, nearly regular, usually yellow
flowers. Dried leaves of Cassia angustifolia or C. acutifolia, used as a
cathartic.
santonin
Colorless crystalline compound, C15H18O3, wormwood, especially
santonica; used to expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms.
sarsaparilla
Tropical American plants, genus Smilax, with fragrant roots used as a
flavoring. Dried roots of any of these plants. Sweet soft drink flavored
with these roots.
savin
Evergreen Eurasian shrub (Juniperus sabina) with brownish-blue
seed-bearing cones and young shoots that yield an oil formerly used
medicinally.
scrofula (struma)
A form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, especially of the
neck. Common in children. Spread by unpasteurized milk from infected
cows.
scurf
Scaly or shredded dry skin, such as dandruff.
scurvy
Disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C (citrus fruit; oranges,
limes,..); causes spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and
extreme weakness.
Seidlitz
A village in Bohemia (also Sedlitz). Seidlitz powders, effervescing
salts, consisting of forty grains of sodium bicarbonate, two drachms of
Rochell salt (tartrate of potassium and sodium) and thirty-five grains
of tartaric acid. The powders are mixed in water, and drunk while
effervescing, as a mild cathartic; the result resembles the natural
water of Seidlitz. Also Rochelle powders.
senega
Dried root of seneca snakeroot containing an irritating saponin and was
formerly used as an expectorant
sesquioxide
Oxide containing three atoms of oxygen with two atoms (or radicals) of
some other substance; thus, alumina, Al2O3 is a sesquioxide.
shirr
Cook (unshelled eggs) by baking until set.
sinapism.
See mustard plaster.
sitz bath
Bathtub shaped like a chair, used to bathe only the hips and buttocks.
slaked lime
See lime
sling
Drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually
lemon-flavored.
smallpox
Contagious febrile (feverish) disease characterized by skin eruption
with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation. It is caused by a poxvirus
(genus Orthopoxvirus) that is believed to exist now only in lab
cultures.
smilax (catbrier, greenbrier)
Slender vine (Asparagus asparagoides) with glossy foliage, greenish
flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and bluish to black berries; popular as a
floral decoration.
Socotrine
Pertaining to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, on the east coast
of Africa.
sordes
Dark brown or blackish crust-like deposits on the lips, teeth, and gums
of a person with dehydration resulting from a chronic debilitating
disease.
spermaceti
White, waxy substance from the head of the sperm whale used for making
candles, ointments, and cosmetics.
spematorrhea (spermatorrhoea)
Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm
spigelia (pinkroot )
Genus of American herbs (family Loganiaceae) related to the nux vomica
and used as anthelmintics (expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms).
sprue
Chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterized by diarrhea, emaciation,
and anemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the
intestinal tract.
squill (sea onion)
Bulbous Eurasian and African plants of the genus Scilla, having narrow
leaves and bell-shaped blue, white, or pink flowers. The dried inner
scales of the bulbs used as rat poison and formerly as a cardiac
stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic.
stephanotis
Woody climbing plants of the genus Stephanotis, especially S. floribunda
of Madagascar, cultivated for its showy fragrant white flowers.
staphisagria (stavesacre)
Eurasian plant of the genus Delphinium (D. staphisagria). Ripe seeds of
the stavesacre contain delphinine, are violently emetic and carthartic,
and have been used to kill head lice called also staphisagria
steppage
Peculiar gait seen in neuritis of the peroneal nerve and in tabes
dorsalis; high stepping to allow the drooping foot and toes to clear the
ground.
stertorous
Harsh snoring or gasping sound.
stevia
Plant of the genus Stevia or Piqueria, having white or purplish
flowers.
stiletto
Small dagger with a slender, tapering blade. Small, sharp-pointed
instrument used for making eyelet holes in needlework.
stillingia
Genus of widely distributed herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae). The
dried root of a plant of the genus Stillingia (S. sylvatica) was
formerly used as a diuretic, and laxative.
stomachic
Relating to the stomach; gastric. Beneficial to digestion. An agent that
strengthens the stomach.
strychnine
Extremely poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C21H22O2N2, derived from
nux vomica and related plants, used to poison rodents and topically in
medicine as a stimulant for the central nervous system.
stupe
Hot, wet, medicated cloth used as a compress.
St. Vitus' Dance
See chorea
stye (hordeolum)
Inflamed swelling of a sebaceous gland at the margin of an eyelid.
suety
Consisting of, or resembling, suet (hard fatty tissues around the
kidneys of cattle and sheep, used in cooking and for making tallow.)
sugar of lead
lead acetate, a poisonous white crystalline compound, Pb(C2H3O2)2.3H2O,
used in hair dyes, waterproofing compounds, and varnishes.
sumbul
Root of a plant of the genus Ferula (F. sumbul); formerly a tonic and
antispasmodic.
Summer complaint (summer diarrhea)
Diarrhea of children that in hot weather; often caused by ingestion of
food contaminated by microorganisms.
Sulphonal
Produced by combining mercaptan and acetone; employed as a hypnotic.
sulphuric ether
Ethyl ether; formerly called Naphtha vitrioli (naphtha of vitriol).
sumac (sumach)
Shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus, having compound leaves,
clusters of small greenish flowers, and usually red, hairy fruit. Some
species, such as the poison ivy and poison oak, cause an acute itching
rash on contact.
suppuration
Formation or discharge of pus. Also called pyesis, pyopoiesis, pyosis.
suprarenal
Located above the kidney; a suprarenal part, especially an adrenal
gland.
sweet william
Annual, biennial, or perennial herb (Dianthus barbatus), native to
Eurasia, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its flat-topped dense
clusters of varicolored flowers.
synechia
Adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea caused by trauma or
eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataracts; may cause
blindness
terebenthene
Oil of turpentine.
terebinth
Mediterranean tree (Pistacia terebinthus), a source of tanning material
and turpentine.
tetter
Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, herpes) that cause eruptions and
itching.
thrall
Slave or serf, who is held in bondage. One intellectually or morally
enslaved.
thrush
A contagious childhood disease caused by a fungus, Candida albicans.
Causes small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, and
usually accompanied by fever, colic, and diarrhea.
thuja (arborvitae)
A North American or east Asian evergreen tree or shrub of the genus
Thuja, having flattened branchlets with opposite, scale-like leaves and
small cones; used as ornamentals and timber. A similar plant of the
genus Platycladus or Thujopsis.
thymol
White, crystalline, aromatic compound, C10H14O, derived from thyme oil
and other oils or made synthetically and used as an antiseptic, a
fungicide, and a preservative.
tolu (balsam of tolu, tolu balsam)
Aromatic yellowish brown balsam from the tolu balsam tree used in cough
syrups.
tormentil (Potentilla erecta)
Plant of northern Europe found in clearings and meadows. The root has
been used to stop bleeding, for food in times of need and to dye leather
red.
torpid
Lacking the power of motion or feeling.
tragacanth
Thorny shrubs of the genus Astragalus, especially A. gummifer, of the
Middle East, yielding a gum used in pharmacy, adhesives, and textile
printing.
trephine
Surgical instrument with circular edges, used to cut out disks of bone
from the skull.
trillium (birthroot, wake-robin)
Plants of genus Trillium, of North America, the Himalaya Mountains, and
eastern Asia, having a cluster of three leaves and a variously colored,
three-petaled flower.
trional
Contains three ethyls. Similar to sulphonal, used as a hypnotic.
turbinated
Shaped like a top. A small curved bone in the lateral wall of the nasal
passage.
tulle
Fine, starched net of silk, rayon, or nylon, used for veils, tutus, or
gowns.
turmeric (tumeric)
East Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family
(Zingiberaceae) used as a coloring agent, a condiment, or a stimulant.
Yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric.
typhus (prison fever, ship fever, typhus fever.)
Infectious diseases caused by rickettsia bacteria, especially those
transmitted by fleas, lice, or mites. Symptoms are severe headache,
sustained high fever, depression, delirium, and the eruption of red
rashes on the skin.
ulster
Loose, long overcoat made of rugged fabric.
umbrage
Offense; resentment. Affording shade. Vague or indistinct indication; a
hint.
Uva Ursi
Common bearberry; a procumbent (trailing along the ground but not
rooting) evergreen shrub 10-30 cm high with red berries.
Valerianate (Valerianic)
One of three metameric acids; the typical one (called also inactive
valeric acid), C4H9CO2H, is from valerian root and other sources; it is
a corrosive, oily liquid, with a strong acid taste, and the odor of old
cheese.
valvular
Resembling or functioning as a valve. Relating to a valve, especially of
the heart.
varioloid
Mild form of smallpox occurring in people previously vaccinated or who
previously had the disease.
vegetable marrow
Squash plants with elongated fruit and smooth dark green skin and
whitish flesh.
veratrum
Poisonous alkaloid from the root hellebore (Veratrum) and from sabadilla
seeds. Used externally to treat neuralgia and rheumatism.
verdigris
Blue or green powder, basic cupric acetate used as a paint pigment and
fungicide. A green patina of copper sulfate or copper chloride on
copper, brass, and bronze exposed to air or seawater.
vermifuge
Medicine that expels intestinal worms.
vervain (verbena)
New World plants of the genus Verbena, especially those with showy
spikes of variously colored flowers.
Vichy water
Sparkling mineral water from springs at Vichy, France or water similar
to it.
vis-a-vis
One that is face to face with or opposite to another.
vitiate
Reduce the value; impair the quality; corrupt morally; debase; make
ineffective; invalidate.
voile
Light, plain-weave, sheer fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or wool used
for dresses and curtains.
wahoo
Shrubby North American tree of the genus Euonymus (E. atropurpureus)
having a root bark with cathartic properties.
Waldorf salad
Diced raw apples, celery, and walnuts mixed with mayonnaise.
wen
Harmless cyst, usually on the scalp or face, containing the fatty
secretion of a sebaceous gland.
whortleberry
Two deciduous shrubs, Vaccinium myrtillus, of Eurasia, or V. corymbosum,
of eastern North America, having edible blackish berries.
wontedness
Being accustomed.
yarrow
Plants of the genus Achillea, especially A. millefolium, native to
Eurasia. Also called achillea, milfoil.
yellow fever (yellow jack)
Infectious tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by
mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, especially A. aegypti, and Haemagogus;
it causes high fever, jaundice, and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging.
yerba reuma
A low California undershrub (Frankenia grandifolia).
Zingiber
Tropical Asiatic and Polynesian perennial plants: ginger.
zwieback
Sweetened bread baked as a loaf and then sliced and toasted.
The following table is copied from page 636.
20 grains equal 1 scruple
3 scruples " 1 dram
8 drams " 1 ounce
12 ounces " 1 pound
The pound is the same as the pound Troy. Medicines are bought and sold in
quantities by Avoirdupois Weight.
1 grain equals 1 drop or 1 minim
60 grains or drops " 1 teaspoonful
1 teaspoonful " 1 fluid dram
8 drams (or 8 teaspoonfuls) make " 1 fluid ounce
2 tablespoonfuls make " 1 fluid ounce
1/2 fluid ounce is a " tablespoonful
2 fluid ounces is a " wineglassful
4 fluid ounces is a " teacupful
6 fluid ounces is a " coffee cup
16 ounces (dry or solid) is a " pound
20 fluid ounces is a " pint
The remaining tables are copied from contemporary (circa 2005) sources
Measurement Unit Conversion
From Multiply by To get
inches 25.4 millimeters
inches 2.54 centimeters
feet 30.48 centimeters
yards 0.91 meters
miles 1.61 kilometers
teaspoons 4.93 milliliters
tablespoons 14.79 milliliters
fluid ounces 29.57 milliliters
cups 0.24 liters
pints 0.47 liters
quarts 0.95 liters
gallons 3.79 liters
cubic feet 0.028 cubic meters
cubic yards 0.76 cubic meters
ounces 28.35 grams
pounds 0.45 kilograms
short tons (2,000 lbs) 0.91 metric tons
square inches 6.45 square centimeters
square feet 0.09 square meters
square yards 0.84 square meters
square miles 2.60 square kilometers
acres 0.40 hectacres
millimeters 0.04 inches
centimeters 0.39 inches
meters 3.28 feet
meters 1.09 yards
kilometers 0.62 miles
milliliters 0.20 teaspoons
milliliters 0.06 tablespoons
milliliters 0.03 fluid ounces
liters 1.06 quarts
liters 0.26 gallons
liters 4.23 cups
liters 2.12 pints
cubic meters 35.32 cubic feet
cubic meters 1.35 cubic yards
grams 0.035 ounces
kilograms 2.21 pounds
metric ton (1,000 kg) 1.10 short ton
square centimeters 0.16 square inches
square meters 1.20 square yards
square kilometers 0.39 square miles
hectacres 2.47 acres
Temperature Conversion Between Celsius and Fahrenheit
C = (F - 32) / 1.8
F = (C x 1.8) + 32
Condition Fahrenheit Celsius
Boiling point of water 212 100
A very hot day 104 40
Normal body temperature 98.6 37
A warm day 86 30
A mild day 68 20
A cool day 50 10
Freezing point of water 32 0
Lowest temperature
by mixing salt and ice 0 -17.8
U.S. Length
Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent
inch 1/12 foot 2.54 centimeters
foot 12 inches or 1/3 yard 0.3048 meter
yard 36 inches or 3 feet 0.9144 meter
rod 16 1/2 feet or 5 1/2 yards 5.0292 meters
furlong 220 yards or 1/8 mile 0.2012 kilometer
mile (statute) 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards 1.6093 kilometers
mile (nautical) 2,025 yards 1.852 kilometers
U.S. Liquid Volume or Capacity
Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent
minim 1/60 of a fluid dram 0.0616 milliliters
ounce 1/16 pint 29.574 milliliters
wineglassful 2 ounces .0591 liter
gill 4 ounces 0.1183 liter
pint 16 ounces 0.4732 liter
quart 2 pints or 1/4 gallon 0.9463 liter
gallon 128 ounces or 8 pints 3.7853 liters
barrel
(wine) 31 1/2 gallons 119.24 liters
(beer) 36 gallons 136.27 liters
(oil) 42 gallons 158.98 liters
U.S. Dry Volume or Capacity
Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent
pint 1/2 quart 0.5506 liter
quart 2 pints 1.1012 liters
peck 8 quarts or 1/4 bushel 8.8098 liters
bucket 2 pecks 17.620 liters
bushel 2 buckets or 4 pecks 35.239 liters
U.S. Weight
Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent
grain 1/7000 pound 64.799 milligrams
dram 1/16 ounce 1.7718 grams
ounce 16 drams 28.350 grams
pound 16 ounces 453.6 grams
ton (short) 2,000 pounds 907.18 kilograms
ton (long) 2,240 pounds 1,016.0 kilograms
U.S. Geographic Area
Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent
acre 4,840 square yards 4,047 square meters
Cooking Measures
Unit Equal to Metric Units
drop 1/76 teaspoon 0.0649 milliliter
teaspoon 76 drops or 1/3 tablespoon 4.9288 milliliters
tablespoon 3 teaspoons 14.786 milliliters
cup 16 tablespoons or 1/2 pint 0.2366 liter
pint 2 cups 0.4732
quart 4 cups or 2 pints 0.9463
British Liquid Volume or Capacity
Unit British Units U.S. Units Metric Units
minim 1/20 of a scruple 0.0592 milliliters
pint 1/2 quart 1.201 pints 0.5683 liter
quart 2 pints or 1/4 gallon 1.201 quarts 1.137 liters
gallon 8 pints or 4 quarts 1.201 gallons 4.546 liters
British Dry Volume or Capacity
Unit British Units U.S. Units Metric Units
peck 1/4 bushel 1.0314 pecks 9.087 liters
bushel 4 pecks 1.0320 bushels 36.369 liters
Apothecary Weights
Unit Apothecary Units U.S. Units Metric Units
grain 160 dram or 1/5760 pound 1 grain 64.799 milligrams
dram 60 grains or 1/8 ounce 2.1943 drams 3.8879 grams
ounce 8 drams 1.0971 ounces 31.1035 grams
pound 12 ounces or 96 drams 0.8232 pound 373.242 grams
[End Transcriber's Notes]
MOTHER'S' REMEDIES
Over One Thousand
Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of
the United States and Canada.
Also
Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diet, Nursing,
Treatments, Etc., of Every Known Disease.
Poisons, Accidents, Medicinal Herbs and
Special Departments on Women, Children and
Infants,
by
DR. T. J. RITTER
Formerly connected with Medical Faculty of
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich.
REVISED with INTRODUCTION
by
DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS
PUBLISHED BY
G.H. FOOTE PUB. CO.
DETROIT
MICH
1921
Copyright, 1910
by
G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO.
All rights reserved
Copyright, 1915
by
G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO.
All rights reserved
RIVERSIDE PRINTING COMPANY
PORT HURON
MICHIGAN
PREFACE. [iii]
Medicine is not an exact science, and it is reasonable to presume that
even Time, with all its qualifying influences, will fail in its effects on
this one branch of science. As the millions of faces seem each to present
some differentiating feature, so each human system seems to require
special study of its individual temperament.
So physicians find it necessary to have more than one remedy for a given
ill; they still find truth in the old adage, "What is one man's meat is
another's poison." But Mother finds a variety of remedies necessary for
another reason. Her medicine-chest is usually lacking the full quota of
drugs required to meet the many emergencies, and she must turn to the
"remedy at hand."
Necessity has again proved its influence and with the years thousands of
simple home concoctions have found their way to the relief of the daily
demands on Mother's ingenuity. These mothers' remedies have become a
valuable asset to the raising of a family, and have become a recognized
essential in a Mother's general equipment for home-making.
For fifteen years the Publisher has handled so-called home medical works;
during that time he has had occasion to examine practically all the home
medical works published. He has been impressed with the utter uselessness
of many, perhaps most, of these books because the simple home remedies
were lacking.
A few years ago he conceived the idea of gathering together the "Mothers'
Remedies" of the world. This one feature of this book he claims as
distinctly his own. Letters were sent by him to Mothers in every state and
territory of the United States, and to Canada and other countries, asking
for tried and tested "Mothers' Remedies." The appeal was met with prompt
replies, and between one thousand and two thousand valuable remedies were
collected in this way.
Through courtesy to these Mothers who helped to make this book possible,
the book was named "MOTHERS' REMEDIES."
Dr. T. J. Ritter, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a graduate of the regular School
of Medicine at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later one of
the medical staff of the University, consented to furnish the necessary
material to complete the Medical Department. Dr. Ritter, in over thirty
years of actual practice, has met with all the exigencies of both city and
country practice which have brought to him the ripe experience of what
would be called a "physician's life-time." His success has been, in part,
due to his honesty, kindliness and conscientiousness, as well as to his
thorough training and natural adaptability to the profession.
Besides writing the Causes, Symptoms, Preventives, Nursing, Diet,
Physicians' Treatment, etc., he has examined each and every one of the
Mothers' Remedies and added, when possible, the reason why that remedy is
valuable. In short, he supplied in his remarks following each Mother's
Remedy the Medical virtue or active principle of the ingredients. This
lifts each Mother's Remedy into the realm of science,--in fact, to the
level of a Doctor's Prescription.
In writing his part, Dr. Ritter consulted, personally or through their
works, considerably over one hundred of the acknowledged Medical
Specialists of the world. Thus he has brought to you the latest
discoveries of modern science,--the Medical knowledge of the world's great
specialists.
Dr. Ritter, therefore, wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to the
following: On the subject of Theory and Practice, to Dr. Wm. Osler, Oxford
University, England; Dr. James M. Andres, Ph. D., Medico-Chirurgical
College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. Hughes Dayton, Vanderbilt Clinic-College
of Physicians and Surgeons; Dr. Hobart A. Hare, Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. Temple S. Hoyne, Hahnemann Medical College,
Chicago, Ill.; Dr. A. E. Small, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, Ill.;
Dr. C. G. Raue, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. John
King, Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. On the subject of
Materia Medica to Dr. John Shoemaker, Medico-Chirurgical College,
Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. Hobart A. Hare; Drs. Hemple and Arndt, Homeopathic,
and others. On the subject of Obstetrics, to Dr. W. P. Manton, Detroit
Medical College, and others. On the subject of Surgery, to the American
Text Book on Surgery, edited by Drs. Keen and White, of Philadelphia, and
many contributors. On the subject of Nervous Diseases, to Dr. Joseph D.
Nagel and others. On the subject of the Eye, to Dr. Arthur N. Alling, of
Yale University. On the subject of the Ear, to Dr. Albert H. Buck, College
of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City; Dr. O. A. Griffin, University
of Michigan and others. On the Nose and Throat, to Dr. James B. Ball,
London, England. On the Skin, to Dr. James N. Hyde, Rush Medical College,
Chicago, Ill.; Dr. Alfred Schalek, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. On
the Rectum and Anus, to Dr. Samuel G. Gant, Ph. D., Post-graduate College,
New York City. On the Diseases of Children, to Dr. L. Emmett Holt, College
of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City; Dr. Koplik, New York City; Dr.
Charles Douglas, Detroit College of Medicine; Dr. Henry E. Tuley,
University of Kentucky; Dr. Tooker, Chicago. On the subject of Nursing, to
Isabel Hampton Robb, and on Dietetics, to Dr. Julius Friedenwald, College
Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md. On the Baby to Drs. Holt, Douglas,
Tooker, Koplik and Coolidge. On Insanity, to Dr. Selden Talcott, formerly
superintendent of the Middleton State Hospital for the Insane, New York
State. Besides the above a great many other physicians and their works
might be mentioned, and to all appreciation is gratefully acknowledged.
Mrs. Elizabeth Johnstone, who writes the department on "Manners and Social
Customs," is the only daughter of the late Francis Gardiner, one of the
early settlers of Washtenaw County, Michigan. She was educated at the
State Normal School, now the Normal College at Ypsilanti, and taught for
several years after graduation. In 1880 she married the late Robert
Ferguson Johnstone, editor of the Michigan Farmer, and after his death
became editor of the Household Department of that paper. In 1895, the
Farmer having passed into other ownership, she became a member of the
Editorial Staff of the Detroit Free Press, where,--continuing to write
under the pseudonym of "Beatrix" she has become widely known through the
vast circulation of that paper.
Years of experience have enabled her to write on topics of interest to
women with comprehension of their needs, and to answer social inquiries
with exactness.
Miss Edna Gertrude Thompson, who supplies the chapter on Domestic Science,
is a graduate of the Northern State Normal of Michigan. She was for a time
a teacher in the Public Schools of Michigan and New York State. Miss
Thompson later graduated from and is now the director of the Domestic
Science Department of the Thomas Normal Training School of Detroit,
Michigan.
Miss Thompson has won an enviable reputation in Domestic Science work. She
has avoided all of the quackery, self-exploitation and money schemes,
which have proved a temptation to many in the work, and which have tended
to brand the science as an advertising scheme, and confined herself to
study, teaching and the legitimate development of the science. Her work in
the Normal and in giving lectures on Domestic Science brings her in touch
with large numbers of intelligent and practical women who realize that
housekeeping and cookery must be reduced to a science. Luxuries of fifty
years ago are necessities today. The increase in the cost of living
without a corresponding advance in wages has made it imperative that
method and system he installed in the home.
Domestic Science is still in the embryo, but let us hope it will, in a
measure at least, prove a panacea for modern domestic ills and receive the
encouragement and speedy endorsement that it deserves.
TABLE OF CONTENTS [vii]
Beginning on Page
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 1
Mother's Diagnosis 1
Respiratory Diseases 6
Animal Parasites, Diseases Caused by 44
Skin, Diseases of 52
Digestive Organs, Diseases of 97
Kidney and Bladder, Diseases of 152
Infectious Diseases 166
Blood and Ductless Glands, Diseases of 249
Nervous System, Diseases of 261
Constitutional Diseases 314
Circulatory System, Diseases of 337
Eye and Ear, Diseases of 346
Deformities 369
Intoxicants and Sunstrokes 371
Accidents, Emergencies and Poisons 376
Herb Department 408
Homeopathy 448
Patent Medicines and Secret Formula, 465
Woman's Department
Diseases of Women 489
Obstetrics or Midwifery 515
All About Baby 544
Nursing Department 623
Schools of Medicine, Leading 669
Operations 662
Hot Springs of Arkansas 666
Common Household Articles, Medical Uses of 668
Mothers' Remedies, Unclassified 674
MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 683
BEAUTY AND THE TOILET 790
NURSERY HINTS AND FIRESIDE GEMS 800
DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT 817
CANNING, PICKLING, PRESERVING, ETC 831
CANDY DEPARTMENT 848
MISCELLANEOUS, GENERAL 856
DICTIONARY, MEDICAL 893
INDEX
Medical 909
Manners and Social Customs 944
Miscellaneous 946
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS [viii]
ADENOIDS Opposite Page 8
APPENDIX, VERMIFORM (Showing Different Types) 116
APPENDIX, VERMIFORM (When Affected by Inflammation
and Gangrene, Necessitating an Operation) 116
ARDIS (Baby Photo) 544
BANDAGING, HOSPITAL METHOD 384
BRONCHIAL TUBES AND LUNGS Opposite Page 6
CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Opposite Page 337
DIPHTHERIA Opposite Page 184
DROWNING (Schaefer Method of Resuscitating) Opposite Page 399
EYE BANDAGE, PLAN OF BORSCH'S Page 386
HAND ARTERIES Opposite Page 392
HAND NERVES Opposite Page 292
HEART, STOMACH AND APPENDIX Opposite Page 97
HERB PLATES:
Bearberry Opposite Page 411
Blood Root Opposite Page 413
Boneset Opposite Page 414
Canada Fleabane Opposite Page 430
Chamomile, True Opposite Page 417
Elder Flowers Opposite Page 422
Elecampane Opposite Page 446
Ginseng Opposite Page 424
Indian Tobacco or Lobelia Opposite Page 417
Mandrake or May-apple Opposite Page 429
Marigold, Marsh Opposite Page 430
Mustard Opposite Page 432
Partridge Berry Opposite Page 432
Pleurisy Root Opposite Page 434
Rock Rose Opposite Page 431
St. John's Wort Opposite Page 443
Scouring Rush Opposite Page 414
Seneca Snake Root Opposite Page 438
Snake Head Opposite Page 408
Tansy Opposite Page 437
Wahoo Opposite Page 445
Wormsted, American Opposite Page 446
Wormwood Opposite Page 443
KIDNEYS, URETERS AND BLADDER Page 153
MUSCULAR SYSTEM Opposite Page 323
NERVOUS SYSTEM Page 262
OBLIQUE BANDAGE OF THE JAW 380
RITTER, DR. T. J. (Photo) Opposite Title Page
SCIATIC NERVE Opposite Page 266
SKELETON Opposite Page 369
SKIAGRAPH (X-RAY PHOTOGRAPH) OF THE HAND 316
SPIRAL BANDAGE OF THE FINGER 384
SPIRAL BANDAGE OF THE FOOT 384
SPIRAL REVERSED BANDAGE OF THE JAW 386
TASTE BUDS 308
THYROID GLAND (Goitre) Opposite Page 258
PHYSICIAN'S INTRODUCTION [x]
"Of the things which man can do or make here below, by far the most
momentous, wonderful, and worthy, are the things we call Books."
--CARLYLE.
"A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the most patient and
cheerful of companions. It does not turn its back upon us in times of
adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness."
--S. SMILES.
Of making books there seems no end. Some are good, some bad, and many just
an encumbrance upon the book-shelves, neither of much use nor particularly
harmful. Some books are to be read for cheer and amusement; some for
reproof and correction; others to be studied for useful information and
profit.
The Ideal Book.
There is a wide felt need for a worthy book of sound hygienic and medical
facts for the non-medical people. The Ideal Book for this mission should
be compact in form, but large enough to give the salient facts, and give
these in understandable language; it must not be "loaded" with obsolete
and useless junk of odds and ends which have long ceased to be even
interesting; it must carry with it the stamp of genuine reliability; it
should treat all the ordinary and most common forms of ailments and
accidents; it must be safe in its teachings; it needs to be free from
objectionable language and illustrations, so that all of any family may
study and use it with profit; it must frequently warn of dangers ahead and
urge the summoning of professional skill promptly, for there are many
cases requiring the services of experienced physicians and surgeons in
their treatment; it should advise remedies readily obtainable, as well as
those for which long journeys to a drug store are required; and finally
the book should be reasonable in price that those who most need it can
afford to own it.
Need of Brevity.
The facts of hygiene and therapeutic measures are widely scattered through
medical literature, and extend over hundreds of years of time. Many
volumes have been written on diseases of the eye, the heart, liver, and
stomach, brain and other organs, to understand which requires special
technical education. It would be the height of folly to present these
discussions to the laity in their original form, hence the necessity for
condensation and presentation of the needful facts in the language of the
people in whose interests the book is printed. In a book of fiction there
may be need for useless verbiage for the sake of "making pages," but facts
of vital importance and usefulness in our daily welfare need to be well
boiled down and put into shape for ready reference. This has been done in
"Mothers' Remedies" and I think it quite fulfills the ideal I have
outlined above.
The title is rather odd upon first seeing it, but the most plausible when
you become acquainted with its import. It surely becomes the best friend
of the whole family. "It does not turn its back upon us in times of
adversity," but cheerfully answers a thousand and one questions of vital
importance to the household. In the hour of distress, when illness or
accident befalls the dear ones, you may turn again and again to its pages
without meeting disappointment.
Its Value. [x]
There are many books on household medicines, but in my opinion
this is the most useful of them all, a very present help in time of need.
You can go to it for helpful information without failing to find it. Is
there serious illness in the house? It will tell you about it concisely
and plainly, describing its symptoms, nature and course, and advise you to
consult the family physician if of a serious nature before it is too late.
In the chapters on accidents, emergencies and poisons, it tells you what
to do at once while awaiting the doctor's arrival. He will be much pleased
to see that you have made the proper effort to treat the case. Prompt
treatment makes for prompt recovery.
The real value of any book, or what is sometimes called its intrinsic
value, or utility, consists in what it avails to gratify some desire or
want of our nature. It depends, then, wholly upon its qualities in
relation to our desires. That which contributes in ever so small degree to
the wellbeing of humanity is of greater value than silver or gold. This
book contains hundreds of prescriptions, anyone of which will repay the
small cost in money that it requires to possess it. In fact, the financial
investment is so small when compared with the benefit derived from its
pages that this feature need not be considered.
Examples.
In the stillness and loneliness of the night, away from medical help,
there comes the hoarse barking cough of the child, perhaps, and a case of
croup is upon the responsibility of the parents. The struggles and terror
of the little patient throws the household into consternation, and all is
excitement in a moment. If the mother ever knew what to do in such a case
she is likely not able to recall the exact remedy at this time, the doctor
is miles away, and the case is urgent.
A reference to the medical index of "Mothers' Remedies" under croup shows
that on pages 27, 28 and 29, is a full description of the attack, and
there are fifteen (15) home remedies given, many of which can be found in
the house, and the spasm may be stopped by the use of one of them.
This is only one example of the use of this book. There are innumerable
times when cases come up in the home, or accidents befall a dear one and a
ready remedy is required; the book most likely contains it, and is willing
to tell you if you consult it carefully.
Tuberculosis.
The article on tuberculosis is full of valuable rules on diet and hygiene
for every person, whether he has the disease or not. A knowledge of the
dangers and mode of spreading the disease is the best safeguard against
having it. Where one person in every seven (7) dies of consumption it
becomes imperative that full knowledge of the disease and its prevention
should become widespread.
Accidents and Poisons. [xii]
Another department that illustrates the value of the book is that on
Accidents and Poisons, where quick action is needed to prevent great
suffering and danger and the salvation of life itself. One cannot always
get the doctor in time. A quick reference to this part of the book will
give the proper course of action to follow. The indicated mother's remedy
or the physician's treatment as given here applied in the "nick of time"
will save many a life in cases of burns, or accidental poisoning, or
hemorrhage. I have been called in such cases where a simple drink of warm
mustard water promptly used would have saved a life in carbolic acid
poisoning. It is in the emergencies where a ready knowledge of the ways
and means necessary to conserve life is most valuable; and it is in just
such emergencies that one is most apt to forget what is best to do that a
copy of Mothers' Remedies becomes a priceless boon of helpfulness.
All About Baby.
The Woman's Department, and the chapter on "All About Baby," alone contain
priceless information for the guidance of the women of the home. It is
like having a good doctor right in the house who is ready and able to
answer more than 500 questions of vital interest about Baby. The book is
thoroughly reliable, free from exaggerated statements and written in the
plainest language possible so as to make it useful to every member of the
home. The Herb Department gives a brief description of the more common and
most useful plants and roots, with the time for gathering them, and the
dose and therapeutic indication for their use. The botanical illustrations
are correct and worthy of careful study.
THE INDEX.
Mothers' Remedies is unique in arrangement, and full of detail, but so
well indexed that any portion of it, or any disease and remedy, can be
readily found, and when found you will have a choice of home remedies
ready at hand. This is one of the features of the book that distinguishes
Mothers' Remedies from the usual home medical books heretofore sold.
This feature of the book cannot be too strongly impressed. Its value
becomes apparent as soon as one consults its pages. Long chapters of
descriptive reading filled with high sounding, technical terms may look
very learned because the average reader does not understand it fully. But
it is what one can obtain from a book that is usable that makes it
valuable. In Mothers' Remedies this idea has been excellently carried out.
The Home Remedies.
If there was any question regarding the success of the book in this
homelike arrangement, the utilization of the home remedies, in addition to
the strictly medical and drug-store ingredients; it was promptly dispelled
when the book was printed and presented to the people interested. It has
proved to be the most wonderful seller on the market--the most usable and
useful book ever offered the non-medical reader; because never before has
a medical book contained the hundreds of simple home remedies from
mothers. Because a physician tells you why the remedies are useful--the
reason why the things used are efficacious.
Medical Terms. [xiii]
Frequently one comes across technical terms in the secular papers which,
unless understood, obscure the sense of the reading. There is a dictionary
of medical terms as a separate department which adds much to the
usefulness of the work; the spelling, pronunciation and definition being
concisely given in English.
Other Departments.
There are other departments, such as chapters on Manners and Social
Customs, by an expert. Nursery Hints, Candy Making, Domestic Science, and
Miscellaneous departments which interest every member of any average
family in health as well as in sickness. The Candy Department provides
many an evening's enjoyment for the young people.
In addition, the book gives under each disease the physician's remedies,
the symptoms, causes, preventives wherever important, the diet, nursing,
necessity for operations, and much other needful information for the
sick-room. A complete chapter on Nursing and a detailed account of the
Baby and its care is perhaps the most useful portion of the book to the
mothers who desire to learn all about the baby. Many home medical books
are of doubtful value by reason of exaggerated statements or vague and
unusable directions regarding treatments. Mothers' Remedies stands
squarely upon the foundation of utility and practical every-day
usefulness. No matter how many other home medical books one may have, this
is also needful because there's none other on the market like it. One of
the missions of Mothers' Remedies in the home is the prevention of disease
through its sound sanitary teachings. It was written exclusively for home
use, and its instructions can be followed by anyone who can understand
plain English, and the home remedies are extensively explained and
recommended so that in emergencies one can always find something of value
to use while awaiting the surgeon's arrival. It is a well-spring of
usefulness in any home, and it gives me genuine pleasure to call attention
to it in these few lines, and to bespeak for it the continued enthusiastic
reception with which it has met heretofore.
(Signed) WM. ELLWOOD ZIEGENFUSS, M.D.
Detroit, July 2, 1914.
The National Narcotic law makes it practically impossible for the laity to
have prescriptions filled which contain opiates or cocaine.
We therefore have substituted other remedies quite as good whenever this
was possible and still retain the efficiency of the prescription.
DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS.
August, 1918.
MEDICAL DEPARTMENT [1]
MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS
STRIKING, CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS
of Many Diseases for Quick Reference and Comparison
WHEN IN DOUBT
BEFORE CALLING THE DOCTOR.
APPENDICITIS.--Loss of appetite. There may be nausea and vomiting; there
is usually a sudden onset of pain, often sharp and severe in the whole or
part of the abdomen. Later the pain settles in the right groin. Patient
lies on his back with his right knee drawn up. The muscles become rigid on
the right side and later a lump appears in the right groin (iliac fossa).
ANEMIA.--This disease is a diminution of the total quantity of the blood
of its red cells, or red corpuscles or of their Haemoglobin, the coloring
matter of the red corpuscles. Some difficulty of breathing. Palpitation
on least exertion, tendency to faint, headache, tired, irritable, poor or
changeable appetite, digestive disturbances, constipation, cold hands and
feet, difficult and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), irregular
menstruation, leucorrhea. And when the skin is pale, yellowish green
tinge, with perhaps flushed cheeks, it might properly be called chlorosis
or "green sickness."
ADDISON'S DISEASE.--Great weakness, stomach and bowel disorders, weak
heart and dark coloring (pigmentation) of the skin.
BRIGHT'S DISEASE.--Albumin and casts in the urine. The onset is usually
gradual. There is paleness and puffiness of the eyelids, ankles or hands
in the morning. Later increased dropsy of face and the extremities, pasty
yellow complexion, dyspepsia, constipation and heart symptom.
[2 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
BRONCHITIS, ACUTE. (Cold on the Chest.)--There is a feeling of
tightness under the breastbone, with a dry hard cough and headache. This
cough may make the chest feel raw and sore, especially in front.
CHOLERA MORBUS.--The onset is usually sudden with nausea, vomiting, and
cramp-like bowel pains; vomits at first the stomach contents. Purging
follows; vomiting and purging with severe cramps in abdomen and legs.
CROUP.--Child wakes up suddenly, perhaps at midnight, with a harsh barking
cough, with difficulty of breathing, and it looks as if it could not get
another breath. Then there is an easy spell and soon the spasm recurs.
CANCER OF THE STOMACH.--There is anemia and a gradual loss of weight. A
peculiar color of the skin (cachexia), irregular vomiting, some bleeding
of "coffee-ground" color. Progressive loss of weight. Dragging or burning
in the region of the stomach.
CHICKEN POX.--Slight fever, chilly feelings. In twenty-four hours the
eruption appears upon the body, face and forehead often only a few
separate red pimples which soon become rounded vesicles; however, there
may be few or many.
DIABETES.--The onset is gradual, glucose (sugar) is persistently in the
urine. Great quantity of urine passed; six to forty pints in twenty-four
hours. Thirst is great. Large quantities of water is taken. Loss of
strength and weight, mouth is dry, tongue is red and glazed, skin is dry
and wrinkled.
DIPHTHERIA.--This disease begins gradually, as a rule, with chilly
feelings, pain in the back and limbs, pulse is faster, with a general
redness of the throat before the formation of the membrane; with such
symptoms there are great weakness, paleness, and a bad smelling breath.
Soon a spot or spots may be seen on the tonsils, uvula or soft palate, but
in a day or two a dirty white patch is seen on the tonsils and this may
spread, and with it there is increased weakness, pallor, loss of appetite
and fever. When the membrane is taken off of the tonsils there is left a
raw surface, and the membrane rapidly reforms.
DYSENTERY.--The onset may be marked by diarrhea, followed by a severe,
cramp-like bowel pain, with frequent small stools containing blood and
mucus and accompanied by much straining (tenesmus).
DYSPEPSIA, ACUTE. (Acute Gastritis, Acute Indigestion).--Distress in the
stomach, headache, thirst, nausea, vomiting, tongue heavily coated, foul
breath, distaste for food, tender stomach.
[3 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
ERYSIPELAS.--The onset is sudden, high fever, and a local redness with a
sharply defined margin between it and a healthy skin. It frequently
appears upon the nose and spreads over one cheek or both. It may show only
a smooth raised skin, or there may be vesicles.
EARACHE.--This is very common in children. It comes frequently as an
extension through the eustachian canal of a cold. The ache is only an
evidence of congestion or inflammation in the ear. The child bursts out
crying violently and nothing seems to make it stop. It may cry for some
time then stop. When it is very young it is restless, and wants to move
constantly, and refuses to be comforted by the soothing embraces of its
mother. It is quiet only a few moments at a time and again renews its
cries and restlessness. The cries are moaning and seem like hopeless
cries. A child or infant that cries that way and will not be quieted,
should be suspected of having earache, and hot applications of dry or wet
heat should be applied to the ear. If such symptoms are neglected, in a
few days you are likely to have a discharge running from the external
canal (meatus) and perhaps permanent injury may be done to the drum
membrane by ulceration. Warm water poured in the ear frequently relieves
common earache.
GALL STONES.--Sudden agonizing pain in the right upper abdomen in the
region of the liver, with vomiting, prostration, tenderness in that
region. Pain generally comes at intervals in paroxysms. There may be pains
in the stomach during the weeks when the attack is absent and the patient
may think the stomach is the seat of the trouble.
IRITIS.--Pain is severe and worse at night, the iris looks cloudy, muddy,
the pupil is small. There is congestion around the iris (ciliary
congestion).
KIDNEY STONES.--Pain goes from the kidneys down through the ureter into
the bladder and into the scrotum. There may be sand in the urine that
makes it look like blood.
LA GRIPPE--The onset is usually sudden, with a chill, and all of the
symptoms of an active fever, headache, bone-ache, a general ache all over.
A feeling of extreme weakness; feels miserable and sick.
LOCK-JAW (Tetanus).--History of a wound. The muscles of the jaw may be
stiff and set. When there are spasms the muscles remain stiff and hard for
some time.
MALARIAL FEVER.--Chill, fever, and sweat, or one stage may be absent.
There may be only a slight chilly feeling with fever almost all day and
then remission.
[4 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
MUMPS.--The swelling is in front and below and behind the ear. Hard to eat
and the swallowing of vinegar is almost impossible.
MEASLES.--Comes on gradually. There is a feeling of tiredness and languor,
headache followed shortly by sneezing, cold symptoms, running at the eyes,
dry throat, cough, much like an ordinary cold in the head, but with a
persistent, hard racking cough. The eruption appears first in the sides of
the mouth, in the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, gums and soft palate,
in size from that of a pin-head to that of a split pea. It appears then
about the eyes and then on the face, chest and extremities. It is first in
red spots and then gets blotchy. This is usually three to six days after
the appearance of the cold (catarrh) symptoms.
MEASLES (German).--Chilliness, slight fever, pain in the back and legs,
coryza. The eruption appears on the first or second day, on the face, then
on the chest and in twenty-four hours over the whole body. The glands
under the jaw enlarge.
OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM. (Inflammation of Eyes at Birth).--A severe
conjunctivitis in the newly-born baby, swelling and redness usually of
both eyes, occurring on the second or third day after birth; very soon
there is a discharge and shortly it becomes creamy pus which runs from the
eyes when the lids are parted.
PLEURISY.--The onset may be sudden or gradual. Sudden with a chill, fever,
a severe sharp pain, stitch in the side, made worse by respiration,
coughing or moving. The cough is dry. The pain is near the breast and
sometimes it extends to the back.
PNEUMONIA.--It begins with a chill, fever, pain in the lungs,
expectoration with cough, and the material spit up may be mixed with blood
(rusty sputa). Then also rapid rise of temperature, "grunting" breathing,
the nostrils dilate, and the cheeks are flushed.
RHEUMATIC FEVER OR INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM.--A number of joints become
involved. It spreads from one joint to another, very painful joints;
profuse sweating.
SMALLPOX.--The onset is sudden and ushered in by a chill, nausea and
vomiting, headache, and severe pains in the back and legs, without grip
symptoms. There is a rapid rise of temperature. Usually on the fourth day
after the onset small red pimples appear on the forehead, along the line
of the hair and on the wrists. The temperature falls with the appearance
of the eruption.
SPOTTED FEVER.--Marked loss of appetite, chill, projectile vomiting,
severe headache, pain and stiffness of the back and neck. Later head is
drawn back, often the back is rigid. The muscles of the neck and back are
very tender.
[5 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS]
SCARLET FEVER. (Scarlatina).--Comes on suddenly with loss of appetite,
headache, sick stomach, perhaps vomiting, high fever, sore throat,
vomiting may persist. The tongue is coated, edges are red; later it is red
and rough; the so-called strawberry tongue. Usually within twenty-four
hours an eruption appears, first upon the neck and chest which spreads
rapidly over the face and the rest of the body. The eruption consists of
red pimply elevations about the size of a pin-head, very close together,
so that the body seems to be covered with a scarlet flush. If you look
closely you can see these little pimply elevations.
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE LUNGS.--Irregular temperatures, respiration is more
frequent than normal, pulse is rapid, cough, expectoration, night sweats,
perhaps, and general failure of strength.
TONSILITIS. (Smooth and Follicular).--Commences with a chill, rapid rise
of temperature, general aching in the back, and legs especially. The
tonsils are large and red and spots may appear on them in a few hours.
There may be no spots but a smooth; red, swollen tonsil, sometimes swollen
to an enormous size. The spot and membrane, if any exists, are easily
rubbed off and when this is done a glistening surface is seen, but not
raw, as in diphtheria.
TYPHOID FEVER--There is a feeling of illness for a week or two and the
patient is not able to work much, does not sleep well, dreams, has a dull
headache, back of the neck may be stiff, nosebleed sometimes, with a
feeling as if there was some fever, increasing feeling of weakness, and
sick feeling. Finally the fever, etc., becomes more prominent with
constipation and diarrhea.
ULCER OF THE CORNEA.--Light hurts the eyes very much, tears run freely and
there is a feeling of something in the eye. The eyeball shows a rim of
pink congestion about the cornea. The ulcer can be seen.
ULCER OF THE STOMACH.--Pain, local tenderness, bleeding. Distress after
eating and vomiting of a very acid fluid. Pain in the region of the
stomach and usually sharp pain in the back is the most constant symptom.
It is increased by food at once and relieved by vomiting. The tenderness
upon pressure is usually marked and is localized.
WHOOPING-COUGH.--Begins with symptoms of a cold in the eyes, nose, and the
chest. The cough gradually becomes worse, usually in from seven to ten
days; it comes in paroxysms (spells) and then the whoop.
RESPIRATORY DISEASES [6]
Including CROUP, COLDS, SORE-THROAT, HOARSENESS,
BRONCHITIS, ASTHMA, HAY-FEVER, PLEURISY,
ADENOIDS, PNEUMONIA, ETC.
With Definition, Cause, Symptoms, Preventives,
Mothers' Remedies, Physicians' Treatment;
also Diet, Nursing and Sanitary Care; all for Home
Use and Reference.
THE ANATOMY OF THE NOSE.--The nose is divided by a middle partition
(septum) into two cavities (nasal chambers or fossae) each being a
wedge-shaped cavity, distinct by itself and extending from the nostril or
anterior nares in front to the posterior openings behind and from the base
of the skull to the hard palate below. Where the posterior opening or
nares ends is called the nose-pharynx, The pharynx joins there with the
cavities and hence called nose-pharynx. The partition (septum) is thin,
one-tenth to one-eighth of an inch in thickness and is composed in front
of cartilage (gristle) and behind of bone. In its normal state this
partition (septum) should be perfectly straight, thin and in the middle
line, The cartilaginous (gristle) portion is seldom found in this
condition as, owing to its prominent location and frequent exposure to
injury, blows and falling on the nose, the partition (septum) is often
bent or turned to one side or the other so far in some cases as to close
the nostril. The posterior part is composed of bone, and being well
protected, is seldom found out of position or displaced, even when the
cartilaginous portion is often badly deformed, The floor of the nose is
formed by the upper jaw bone (maxillary) and the palate bone. The outer
wall of the nose or nose cavity is the most complicated, for it presents
three prominences, the turbinated bones, which extend from before
backwards and partially divide the nose cavity into incomplete spaces
called meatus passages. The turbinated bones are three in number, the
inferior, middle and superior. They vary in size and shape, and owing to
the relations they hear to the surrounding parts, and to the influence
they exert on the general condition of the nose and throat, are of great
importance. The inferior or lower turbinate bone is the largest and in a
way is the only independent bone. The middle and superior are small. They
are all concave in shape and extend from before backwards, and beneath the
concave surface of each one of the corresponding passages or openings
(meatus) is formed. The inferior or lower (meatus) opening or passage is
that part of the nasal (nose) passage which lies beneath the inferior
turbinate bone and extends from the nostrils in front to the passage
behind the nose (post-nasal) (posterior nares) toward the pharynx. The
middle opening (meatus) lies above the inferior turbinate bone and below
the middle turbinate bone. The superior opening (meatus) is situated above
the middle turbinate bone.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 7]
[Illustration: Bronchial Tubes and Lungs.]
The mucous membrane lining the nasal passages is similar to other mucous
membranes. It is here called the Schneiderian membrane after the name of a
German anatomist named Schneider. It is continuous through the ducts with
the mucous membrane of all the various accessory cavities of the nose. It
is quite thin, in the upper part over the superior turbinate bone and
partition (septum) while it is quite thick over the lower turbinate bone,
the floor of the nose cavity and the lower part of the partition. It is
well supplied with blood vessels, veins, and glands for producing the
necessary secretion.
The nose is an organ of breathing (respiration) and it warms and moistens
the air we breathe and arrests particles of dust in the air before they
enter the lungs. If the air we breathe is of an uneven temperature, or of
marked degree of dryness, or if it is saturated with impurities, it always
acts as a source of irritation to the mucous membrane of the upper
respiratory tract, like the larynx. By the time the air reaches the
pharynx, through the nose, it has become almost as warm as the blood, and
also is well saturated with moisture. The mucous membrane that lines the
nose cavity and especially that part over the lower turbinate bone,
secretes from sixteen to twenty ounces of fluid daily. This fluid cleanses
and lubricates the nose and moistens the air we breathe. Conditions may
arise which interfere with this natural secretion. This may be due to the
fact that some of the glands have shrunk or wasted (atrophied) and the
secretion has become thick. This collects in the nose, decomposes and
forms scabs and crusts in the nostrils. In this condition there will be
dropping of mucus into the throat. This condition is usually only a
collection of secretions from the nose,--which are too thick to flow
away,--collect in the space behind the nose, and when some have
accumulated, drop into the pharynx.
[8 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
In order to be in good health it is necessary to breath through the nose,
and to do this there must be nothing in the nose or upper part of the
pharynx to interfere with the free circulation of the air through these
cavities. The cavities of the nose may be partly closed by polpi (tumors)
on the upper and middle turbinate bone, a spur on the (septum) partition,
deviation of the partition or enlarged turbinate bones, or adenoids in the
upper part of the pharynx. These troubles almost close up the nose
sometimes and the person is compelled to breathe through his mouth. He not
only looks foolish, talks thick, but is laying up for himself future
trouble. By correcting the trouble in the nose and removing the adenoids
in the upper part of the pharynx the patient can breathe through the nasal
passages. If you take a tube you can pass it straight back through the
lower channel (meatus) into the pharynx. It will touch the upper back wall
of the pharynx. If the tube has a downward bend you can see it behind the
soft palate and by attaching a string to that end you can draw it back out
through the nostrils. In that way we plug the posterior openings (nares).
The upper part of the pharynx reaches higher up behind than a line drawn
horizontally above the tip of the nose to the pharynx. It reaches forward
above the soft palate on its front surface. Its front surface is almost
directly on a vertical line with tonsil, above the soft palate. On its
upper part and on the side near the nose cavity is the opening of the
eustachian tube.
The name naso-pharynx means the junction of the nose and pharynx.
Sometimes the upper posterior wall of the pharynx, called the vault of the
pharynx, especially the part behind each eustachian tube, is filled almost
full with adenoids. These are overgrowths or thickenings of the glandular
tissue in the upper posterior wall of the pharynx (vault of the pharynx).
ADENOIDS. (Pharyngeal Tonsil, Lursehkas Tonsil, Adenoid Vegetation, Post-
nasal Growth.)--Adenoids are overgrowths or thickenings of the glandular
tissue in the vault (top) of the pharynx. They are on the upper posterior
wall of the pharynx, often filling the whole space, especially the part
behind the ear-tube--eustachian tube.
They are a soft pliable mass, well supplied with blood vessels, especially
in children. Some are firmer and these are the kind seen in adults. The
color varies from pale pink to dark red. The structure is similar to
enlarged tonsils.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 9]
[Illustration: Adenoids]
Symptoms.--Children breathe chiefly or wholly through the mouth. They are
apt to breathe noisily, especially when they eat and drink. They sleep
with their mouth open, breathe hard and snore. They have attacks of slight
suffocation sometimes, especially seen in young children. There may be
difficulty in nursing in infants; they sleep poorly, toss about in bed,
moan, talk, and night terrors are common. They may also sweat very much
during sleep. A constant hacking or barking cough is a common symptom and
this cough is often troublesome for some hours before going to bed.
Troubles with the larynx and pharynx are common and spasmodic laryngitis
appears to be often dependent upon adenoids. Bronchial asthma and sneezing
in paroxysms are sometimes connected with them. The chest becomes
deformed. The prolonged mouth-breathing imparts to adenoid patients a
characteristic look in the face. The lower jaw is dropped and the lips are
kept constantly apart. In many cases the upper lip is short, showing some
part of the upper teeth. The dropping of the jaw draws upon the soft parts
and tends to obliterate the natural folds of the face about the nose,
lips, and cheeks. The face has an elongated appearance and the expression
is vacant, listless, or even stupid. The nose is narrow and pinched, from
long continued inaction of the wings of the nose (alae nasi). The root of
the nose may be flat and broad. When the disease sets in during early
childhood, the palate may become high arched. If the disease continues
beyond second teething, the arch of the palate becomes higher and the top
of the arch more pointed. The upper jaw elongates and this often causes
the front teeth to project far beyond the corresponding teeth in the lower
jaw. The high arched palate is often observed to be associated with a
deflected partition (septum) in the nose.
The speech is affected in a characteristic way; it acquires a dead
character. There is inability to pronounce the nasal consonant sounds; m,
n, and ng and the l, r, and th sounds are changed. Some backwardness in
learning to articulate is often noticed.
Deafness is frequently present, varying in degree, transient and
persistent. Attacks of earache are common and also running of the ears.
The ear troubles often arise from the extension of catarrh from the
nose-pharynx through the eustachian tubes to the middle ear. Sometimes the
adenoids block the entrance to the tubes. The ventilation of the middle
ear may be impeded. Dr. Ball, of London, England, says: "Ear troubles in
children are undoubtedly, in the vast majority of cases, dependent upon
the presence of adenoid vegetation" (growths).
Children with adenoids are very liable to colds in the head, which
aggravate all the symptoms, and in the slighter forms of the disease the
symptoms may hardly be noticeable, except when the child is suffering from
a cold.
[10 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
Chronic catarrh is often caused by adenoids. A chronic pus discharge often
develops, especially in children. There is often a half-pus discharge
trickling over the posterior wall of the pharynx from the nose-pharynx.
And yet some children with adenoids never have any discharge from the
nose. There may be more or less dribbling of saliva from the mouth,
especially in young children, and this is usually worse during sleep.
Headache is not uncommon when these growths persist into adult life: they
continue to give rise to most of the symptoms just described, although
these symptoms may be less marked because of the relatively larger size of
the nose-pharynx. The older patients seek relief, usually, from nasal
catarrh symptoms. They complain of a dry throat on waking and they hawk
and cough, In order to clear the sticky secretion from the throat. The
adenoids have often undergone a considerable amount of shrinking, but they
frequently give rise to a troublesome inflammation of the nose and
pharynx. Rounded or irregular red elevations will often be seen on the
posterior wall of the pharynx, outgrowths of adenoid tissue in this
region. Similar elevations are sometimes seen on the posterior pillars of
the fauces. The tonsils are often enlarged. A good deal of thick discharge
will sometimes be seen in the posterior wall of the pharynx proceeding
from the nose-pharynx.
Although adenoids, like the normal tonsil, usually tend to diminish and
disappear with the approach of youth, they constitute during childhood a
constant source of danger and trouble and not infrequently inflict
permanent mischief. Also children afflicted with adenoids are less able to
cope with diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, whooping-cough, etc.
Deafness, mouth-breathing habit, and imperfect resonance of the voice, as
well as the characteristic expression of the face, will often remain as
permanent effects of the impairment of function due to these growths in
childhood, even though they have more or less completely disappeared. The
collapsed state of the wings of the nose, and wasted condition of their
muscles, resulting from long disease, often contributes to the
perpetuation of the mouth-breathing habit. On the other hand the rapid
improvement, after a timely removal of the growths, is usually very
striking.
Treatment.--The only thing to do is to remove them soon, no matter how
young the patient may be. An anaesthetic is usually given to children. The
operation does not take long and the patient soon recovers from its
effects. The result of an operation, especially in young children, is
usually very satisfactory. Breathing through the nose is re-established,
the face expression is changed for the better. The symptoms as before
described disappear to a great extent.
COLDS. (Coryza. Acute Nasal Catarrh. Acute Rhinitis).--This is an
inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose.
Causes.--Exposure to cold or wet when the body is overheated; sudden or
extreme changes in the atmosphere; inhaling irritating fumes or dust.
Symptoms.--A chilly feeling, limbs ache, tendency to sneeze, severe
headache above the nose, eyes are dry, stopped-up feeling in the nostrils.
Then there is a thin watery discharge, usually of an irritating character,
very thin at first, but it soon becomes thicker; sometimes the ears ring
(tinnitus). The nose and lining is red and swollen.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Colds. Borax for Cold Settled in Throat. "For a
cold in the throat, dissolve a piece of borax, the size of a pea, in the
mouth and don't talk. It will work like a charm." This is an old and well
tried remedy and is very good for colds or sore throat. It acts by
contracting the tissues and in that way there is less congestion in the
parts.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 11]
2. Colds, Valuable Caution and Treatment for.--Mrs. Maxwell, of Cleveland,
writes in the Cleveland Press as follows: "If you intend to treat the cold
yourself, take it up at the outset. Don't wait for it to develop. To break
it up, nothing is better than the full hot bath at bed time, or the foot
bath with mustard, followed by a hot drink. It is old-fashioned, but
scientific, for nine colds out of ten are due to clogged pores. Benjamin
Franklin said a hundred years ago that all colds come from impure air,
lack of exercise, and over-eating, and nobody has ever bettered his
conclusion. Even contagious colds will not be taken if the bodily
resistance is kept at par. More fresh air, less grip. Avoid people who
have colds, and keep out of badly ventilated rooms. Stuffy street cars are
responsible for half the hard colds, not because people get chilled, but
because the air is foul. And when you have a cold keep away from the baby.
If the baby takes a cold, let it have medical attention at once. Don't
experiment upon it with remedies intended for grown-ups."
3. Colds, Molasses-Vinegar Syrup for.--"One-half cup of molasses, butter
the size of a hickory nut, one tablespoon vinegar, boil together. Dose:
One teaspoonful or less as the case requires. Take often until relieved."
This is an old remedy and a good one.
4. Colds, Quinine and Ginger for.--"Give plenty of quinine and drink hot
water with ginger in it." Quinine, as we all know, is an old remedy for
colds and therefore we all know how it acts. The ginger warms up the
system and produces sweating. Care should be taken when using this remedy
not to take cold, as the pores are all opened by the quinine.
5. Colds, Boneset for.--"Boneset tea steeped and drank cold cures a
cold." Boneset simply acts by causing a better circulation in the system
and in that way sweating is produced and we all know that a good sweat
will usually cure a cold if taken in time.
6. Severe Cold or Threatened Consumption.--"One pint of molasses; one pint
of vinegar; three tablespoonfuls of white pine tar; let this boil not
quite half down; remove from the stove and let stand until next day; then
take and skim tar off from the top, throwing tar away. Jar up and take as
often as necessary. Spoonful every half to two hours."
7. Colds, Rock Candy Syrup for.--"Ten cents worth of rock candy; one pint
of whisky; one pint of water; fifteen cents worth of glycerine; mix all
together; this will syrup itself." Take one teaspoonful as often as
necessary. This is excellent.
8. Colds, Skunk's Oil for.--"Skunk's oil has cured colds quickly by
rubbing on chest and throat." The oil penetrates quickly and relieves the
congestion. This remedy can always be relied upon.
[12 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
9. Colds, Lemons and Mustard for.--"A hot lemonade taken on going to bed
and put the feet in a hot mustard bath; taken in time will break up a
cold." The idea of the foot bath is to equalize the circulation, as so
many of our colds begin in the head and by drawing the blood from the head
the congested parts of the head are relieved.
10. Colds and Cough, Hops or Catnip Poultice for.--"Hops or catnip put in
little bags and steamed until hot, then placed on lungs and throat." This
is a very good remedy, as the hot bags act as a poultice and draw the
congestion from the diseased parts. It produces not only local, but
general perspiration.
11. Colds, Honey for.--"Eat honey. I have tried this many times and it is
very good." The honey is very soothing, but if a little hoarhound or lemon
is added it would make it much more effective. This is a good remedy for
children, as they most all like honey.
12. Colds, to Break Up at the Outset.--"To break up a cold soak the feet
in hot water and drink all the cold water you can." This has been known to
cure many severe colds if taken at the beginning.
13. Cold in the Chest, Mutton Tallow and Red Pepper for.--"If cold is in
the chest, render enough mutton tallow for one cupful and add one
teaspoonful of red pepper and rub on chest and apply a flannel to keep out
the cold. This is an old-time remedy and a good one."
14. Colds, Lard and Turpentine for.--"Melt a half cupful of lard and add
one and one-half teaspoonfuls of turpentine, rub on chest and apply
flannel cloth."
15. Cold, Milk and Cayenne as a Preventive.--"Drink a glass of milk with a
pinch of cayenne in it. This will warm the stomach and prevent headache."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Colds.--Preventive. Avoid the known causes of
the trouble. A daily cold bath, if well borne, is held to be an effectual
prevention against taking cold. Have the adenoids removed if your
physician so recommends it. If seen early it can frequently be aborted.
Bathe the feet in hot mustard water, a small handful of mustard to a pail
half full of hot water. At the same time, drink hot teas, like hoarhound,
ginger, lemonade, etc. Then put the patient to bed and place hot water
fruit jars around him. This treatment will produce a good sweat. After the
sweating has continued for some time and the patient feels uncomfortable
because of the sweat, bathe him with a towel dipped in warm water, and dry
the parts as you go along. Of course, all of this is done under cover.
After you have bathed and dried the patient, put on a clean and well-aired
night shirt and clean sheets, also well aired. This simple treatment will
abort most colds. The patient should keep in bed for at least twelve hours
after such a sweating. Plenty of cold water and lemonade can be given,
especially after the patient has become cooler. Plenty of water is good
for any cold; hot outside and cool for the inside. The bowels should be
opened with salts. A Dover's powder (ten grains) will produce sweating,
but why use it when sweating can be produced by the means first mentioned.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 13]
1. Camphor and Vaseline Mixed, or Camphor and Cream, rubbed in the nose is
good to stop the cold and soreness.
2. A few drops (two or three) of camphor taken internally every three
hours will abort some colds, especially if the nose is all the time
pouring out drops of water.
3. Aconite in small doses, one-tenth of a drop, every two hours is a
splendid remedy at the beginning. My experience has shown me that aconite
does better work in these small doses. Put one drop in ten teaspoonfuls of
water and give one teaspoonful at a dose.
4. The following is good for a thick discharge: in oil spray.
Menthol 6 grains
Chloroform 5 drops
Camphor 5 grains
Liquid Alboline 2 ounces
Mix and make into a solution. Use in an atomizer, every two hours.
To cleanse the nostrils wash out each nostril gently with a solution made
of one teaspoonful of listerine, or glyco-thymoline, or borolyptol, or
one-quarter teaspoonful of common salt in a half glass of warm water.
You can use a vaporizer and this solution:
Menthol 5 grains
Camphor 5 grains
Compound tincture benzoin 1 dram
Liquid Alboline 1 ounce
Mix and make solution and use frequently in a nebulizer.
Never snuff a solution into the nose, and do not blow the nose hard after
using. Some of the solution or nasal discharge may be forced into the
eustachian tube.
5. Lard or camphorated oil rubbed on the nose and throat twice a day is
good.
6. To Restore the Loss of the Voice.--
Oil of wintergreen 2 drams
Lanolin or vaseline 1 ounce
Mix and rub on the throat at night and put on flannel until morning. This
will relieve the loss of voice very promptly.
7. Put a quart of boiling water in a pitcher; add from two to four drams
of the compound tincture of benzoin and inhale the hot vapor. Wrap both
head and pitcher in a towel. This is very good for sore throat also.
8. Herb Teas for.--Ginger tea, catnip, hoarhound, pennyroyal, etc.; hot,
are all good to produce sweating and thus relieve cold.
9. From Dr. Ball, a London, England, Specialist.--
Menthol 30 grains
Eucalyptol 30 drops
Carbolic acid 2 drams
Rectified spirits of wine 1 dram
Mix thoroughly; a teaspoonful to be put into a pint (or less) of hot water
and the steam to be inhaled through the nose for four or five minutes.
This is useful in acute colds, especially in the later stages, and in
chronic catarrh, etc.
[14 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
10. When the stage is rather marked or prolonged spray or syringe out the
nose with tepid solution once or twice a day using the following:
Bicarbonate of soda 3 to 5 grains
Borax 3 to 5 grains
Tepid water 1 ounce
Use a spray, douche, or gargle in chronic catarrh and chronic pharyngitis.
When you wish to use a large quantity, mix an equal quantity each of soda
and borax and put a couple teaspoonfuls to each pint of warm water and
use.
CATARRH. (Chronic Inflammation of the Nose, Chronic Rhinitis). Causes.--
Frequent attacks of colds, irritating gases and dust, adenoids, enlarged
tonsils, spurs on the septum (partition bone) or foreign bodies in the
nose, like corn, beans, stone, etc.
Symptoms and Course.--There are alterations of the secretions: the amount
varies in the same case at different times. Sometimes it is thin and
watery, or thick, sticky mucus or this may alternate with more watery
discharges. It may be mucus and pus or entirely pus. Frequently the
secretions discharge into the throat and cause efforts to clear it by
hawking and spitting. The secretion sometimes dries and forms crusts in
the fore part of the turbinated bones and partition. Patients frequently
pick the nose for this crust and ulceration may result at that point from
its doing. Bleeding often occurs from picking the scales from the ulcers,
and perforation of the partition may take place from extension of the
ulceration. There is a feeling of stuffiness. There is some obstruction to
breathing. If there is much thickness of the structures, nasal obstruction
is a persistent symptom. Changed voice, mouth-breathing, etc., are
noticed. A sensation of pain or weight across the bridge of the nose is
sometimes complained of and this symptom is especially found associated
with enlargement of the middle turbinated body on one or both sides, etc.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Catarrh, Successful remedy for.--- "Dissolve in
one-half ounce olive oil as much camphor gum as it will take up. Moisten a
little finger with the oil, rub into the nostrils and snuff well up into
the head." The olive oil is very soothing to the diseased parts and the
camphor contracts the swollen mucous membranes, thereby relieving the
catarrh. This is an excellent remedy.
2. Catarrh, Cleansing Antiseptic Remedy for.--"Snuff about one teaspoonful
of salt in cup of warm water every morning in nostrils. I have found this
remedy simple but fine for catarrh and also having sleeping room well
ventilated summer and winter will help in curing disease." This remedy
will be found very effective in catarrh because it loosens up the
secretions and cleanses the nose of the foul secretions and also has an
antiseptic action. This can be used twice daily. Snuffing should be done
very gently so as not to draw the water too far back.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 15]
3. Catarrh, Witch-Hazel for.--"Pond's extract applied with nose spray."
Pond's extract is simply witch-hazel water and everyone knows that
witch-hazel water is healing and soothing to the membranes of the nose.
This may be used regularly twice a day.
4. Catarrh, Cure for.--
Menthol 10 grains
Camphor Gum 10 grains
Chloroform 10 drops
Fluid Alboline 8 ounces
Mix. Apply in the nasal cavities with alboline atomizer.
5. Catarrh of head, Mullein Leaves. Treatment, etc., for.--"Smoke dried
mullein leaves and blow the smoke through the nose, and in addition to
this, put a heaping tablespoonful of powdered borax in a quart of soft
water; syringe this up in the nose, and in addition to both of the above,
frequently inhale a mixture of two drams of spirits of ammonia, half a
dram tincture of iodine and fifteen drops of carbolic acid; smoke the
mullein, syringe the borax water and inhale the last mixture all as
frequently as convenient and it frequently will cure if kept up
faithfully."
6. Catarrh, Milk and Salt Wash for.--"Mix together one teaspoonful common
salt, a teacupful milk, and half pint of warm water. Inject this into the
nostrils three times a day. You may use the same quantity of borax in
place of the salt, if you choose to do so."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Catarrh.--If the patient is run down, give
tonics, plenty of fresh air and sunshine in the sleeping room, change of
climate to a dry, unchangeable climate is sometimes necessary.
Local.--Attend to any disturbing cause, such as adenoids, spurs on the
partition, turbinate bone, etc. It is first necessary to render the parts
clean, through the use of some mild antiseptic solution, such as
glyco-thymoline, listerine, borolyptol, salt, etc. Salt should not be used
stronger than one-quarter teaspoonful in a glass half full of water. The
others can be used in one to two teaspoonfuls, to same amount of warm
water. The solution should always be mild and warm. To use any solution
pour it gently through the nose, tilting the head backward, with the mouth
open; then as the solution flows through the head should be put forward
and downward. The solution flows out of the mouth, and also out of the
other nostril. A nasal douche cup made purposely should be used if
possible.
1. Spray for.--After cleansing the nostrils with the solution the
following soothing mild spray will be found of great benefit.
Menthol 5 grains
Camphor 5 grains
Liquid Alboline 2 ounces
Mix and make a solution. Use in an atomizer or nebulizer.
[16 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
2. Powders for.--Antiseptic powders are also very useful in some cases,
such as, compound stearate of zinc and boric acid, or compound stearate of
zinc and alum or compound stearate of zinc and menthol. One or two drams
is enough to buy at once as it is very light; always use it in a powder in
the following way:
First take a long breath and while holding the breath, puff some of the
powder into each nostril; then gently puff the breath out through each
nostril. Do not snuff powder up the nose or use the powder-blower while
breathing. If this is done, some will get into the pharynx and larynx and
cause annoying coughing.
3. Solution for.--
Bicarbonate of soda 1/2 ounce
Borax 1/2 ounce
Salt 1/2 ounce
White sugar 1 ounce
Mix all. Half a teaspoonful to be dissolved in one-half tumbler of warm
water; used with spray producer or a syringe.
4. Spray, for.--
Bicarbonate of soda 1-1/2 drams
Listerine 6 drams
Water 1 ounce
Use as a spray.
OZENA.--(Foul odor from nose, not breath, due to catarrh of the nose). The
membrane is dry and shrunken. It is a very offensive odor, thus called
"ozena."
Causes.--It is usually seen in people who are very much debilitated, in
young factory girls, and sometimes in healthy boys. Retained secretions in
the nose, usually cause the odor. These decompose and ferment. The nose is
large and roomy, the nostrils are filled with scabby secretions; hard
masses are formed which sometimes fill the nostril.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--The first few weeks, cleansing the nose with
peroxide of hydrogen will stop the odor. First, remove the scabs with
forceps and then wash and cleanse the nose with the peroxide solution. It
can be used from one-quarter strength to full strength, but warm. This
will leave the nose in a foamy, soapy condition and this can be cleansed
with a mild solution of glyco-thymoline or salt water.
HOME TREATMENT.--This is very important. The patient should use a douche
three or four times a day. In the solution glyco-thymoline or borolyptol
one or two teaspoonfuls to one-half cup of warm water, and follow by a
nebulizer or atomizer in which the following solution can be used:
1. Lysol 10 drops
Oil of Pine 15 drops
Liquid Alboline 2 ounces
Mix and make a solution, spray into the nose after douching.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 17]
2. The following ointment can be used if there is no atomizer or nebulizer
at hand:
Iodol 5 grains
Boric Acid 10 grains
Cold cream 2 ounces
Mix and make into an ointment, and rub a little into each nostril before
retiring.
3. Dr. Ferguson of New York uses the following: A new antiseptic enzymol.
This is used as follows.--Use one part of enzymol, three parts of warm
water. Rub and cleanse the nose thoroughly with the solution, saturate a
piece of absorbent cotton with this solution, place it in the nostril and
leave it there fifteen to twenty minutes.
HAY FEVER. (Rose Cold, June Cold or Hay Asthma).--This inflammation of the
nose occurs in August and September. It is really a nervous affection of
the nose membrane.
Causes.--A predisposition: A peculiar sensitive area in the mucous
membrane of the nose. An exciting cause circulating in the air, the dust
or pollen of certain plants, such as rag-weed, hay and barley; the odor of
certain flowers, such as roses and golden rod; dust of some drugs as
ipecac and benzoic acid; the odor of some animals. It usually comes about
the same date each year, growing worse each year and, in time, affects the
bronchial tubes.
Symptoms.--The earliest symptoms are, usually, an itching sensation in the
roof of the mouth and the palate, or itching and burning at the inner
corner of the eyes. Irritation within the nose is also experienced and
very soon spells of sneezing set in. The nose soon feels stuffy and
obstructed, and there is a clear water discharge from the nose, which is
especially copious after sneezing. The eyes look red and watery and the
eyeballs pain and there is also pain in the forehead above the nose. It
may take several days to develop these symptoms. They are usually worse in
the morning. After some days these symptoms become more persistent and
severe. The nostrils are completely closed, and the patient must breathe
through the mouth, and the spells of sneezing are very violent. The
conjunctiva becomes congested and red, a profuse watery discharge runs
from the eyes and the lids are swollen. In severe cases the face looks red
and swollen. The mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and tonsils is more
or less reddened and irritated, smell and taste are impaired and sometimes
the patient is slightly deaf. The patient feels tired, weak, and it is
hard to study or do manual labor. Slight feelings of chillness are common.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Hay fever, Quick Relief from.--"For hay fever and
other slight forms of diseases which produce sneezing, there is no remedy
more quickly effective, and often curative, than a vapor of heated salt
and alcohol. Heat it very hot and breathe the vapor for ten minutes at a
time, four or five times a day."
2. Hay fever, Remedy Worth Trying for.--"A mixture composed of ten grains
of sulphate of zinc, half teaspoonful of borax, and about four ounces of
rose water. This is very good to inject into the nostrils if there is much
irritation of eyes and nostrils."
[18 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
3. Hay fever, Our Canadian Remedy for.--"Inhale smoke from ground coffee
(sprinkle over coals). This relieved a case for me of five years
standing."
4. Hay Fever, Medicine That Helps.--"Use phenol sodique as directed on the
bottles. This was recommended to me by Mrs. Levi Weller, who said her
husband had found more relief from this remedy than any other he had
tried."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hay Fever.--1. The following gives relief from
the distressing symptoms. (But first the nose should be examined, for
often there is local trouble there.). Then give suprarenal extract
tablets, each five grains. Take one every four or five hours.
2. Pill Blennostasin.--Each pill contains five grains. Take one every four
hours.
3. The following solution gives temporary relief:--
Dionin 10 grains
Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 5 drams
Water 2 ounces
Mix solution and spray into the nose every two hours.
4. After using the above spray which will shrink the mucous membrane apply
the following oil spray:--
Thymol 5 grains
Menthol 5 grains
Camphor 5 grains
Liquid Alboline 1 ounce
Mix and make a solution and spray into the nose three or four times a day.
5. In some cases a drying powder does well, such as compound stearate of
zinc and alum one dram; puff it into the nose with a powder-blower every
hour.
6. Dr. Ball of London, England, gives the following.--A spray of a four
per cent of cocaine, or direct application of cotton-wool soaked in a
stronger solution will be found to afford immediate relief. But the after
effect is likely to be bad. Hence menthol is a better application.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 19]
7. Another from Dr. Ball.--A one to five per cent solution of menthol in
liquid paraffin may be painted or sprayed on the mucous membrane, or a
little cotton-wool soaked in an oily solution may be inserted in the
nostrils. We must confess our weakness as physicians, when we treat this
disease. There are local measures, such as give relief for the time being,
but they must be carefully used. Diseases of the nose, tumors or "spurs"
frequently cause in the first place; bad tonsils, and adenoids are likely
to aggravate the trouble. A change of climate is the only real help. Tone
the general health. If the patient is very nervous fifteen grains of
bromide of sodium three or four time a day gives relief. People subjected
to hay fever should be treated between the attacks to make them strong and
to remove any local nose trouble and just before the time of year arrives
for the attack it is well to take five grains three times a day of the
suprarenal tablets or blennostasin the same way, and also spray the nose
twice daily with a mild adrenalin solution as the following:-
Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 1 dram
Water 2 ounces
Change of climate is frequently quite beneficial. Some are relieved in the
dry mountain air, while others are more benefited by the seashore or an
ocean trip.
TUMOR OF THE NOSE. (Nasal Polypus).--This tumor consists of a soft jelly-
like whitish growth, usually found in the upper front part of the nostril.
It may extend to the bottom (floor) of the nose, is quite soft and
moveable, being easy to push aside with a probe. The air passing through
the nostril will move it backward and forward. There may be one or several
and they may completely fill the nostril. They sometimes grow from the
back end of the middle turbinate bone, and gradually extend backward
filling up the back part of the nostril and even extending into the space
behind the nose and, if large, they may be seen below the soft palate.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--The only thing to do is to remove them. This is
usually done by a wire placed around the polypus and by the thumb-screw in
the instrument, tighten the wire until it has cut through the base.
DEVIATION OF THE SEPTUM (Partition).--Deviation is the bending or curving
of the partition (septum) to one side or the other, leaving one nostril
very large and roomy and closing the other nostril wholly or partly.
Causes.--Blows, falls, etc., high-arch palate. It is seldom seen under
seven years of age.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--The treatment is to replace if possible, the part
in the proper position. This requires an operation.
NOSEBLEED. Mothers' Remedies.--1. Nosebleed; remedy sent us by a Public
School Teacher.--"Make a compress of paper soaked in cold water; put it
under the upper lip and have the patient press the lip with the fingers.
Remarks.--Tried with success in many cases by a school teacher." By
putting under the lip and pressing on it, you press on an artery and stop
bleeding. Be careful to use nothing but white paper, as ink or colors
would come out when wet.
2. Nosebleed, Alum as a cure for.--"Apply cold water to face and back of
neck; snuff powdered alum." The powdered alum contracts the blood vessels,
thereby shutting off the supply of blood. The cold water applied to the
back of the neck affects the nervous system in such a manner that the
blood vessels are contracted and so the blood supply is diminished.
[20 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
3. Nosebleed; Remedy that succeeded in a severe case.--"Put pieces of ice
in cloth. Lay a piece each side of the nose and on the back of the neck.
Remarks.--My neighbor's daughter had nosebleed which refused to stop until
they were much frightened but this treatment soon stopped it, after which
she rested quietly for a time,"
4. Nosebleed, Simple Remedy for.--"Place the finger on the side of the
nose tight for ten or fifteen minutes. My mother has stopped her nose from
bleeding when other remedies failed." This shuts off the circulation and
helps to form a clot.
5. Nosebleed, Another Home Remedy for.--"Hold the head back as far as
possible, press up the end of the nose with the end of the finger." Best
to lie on the side so blood will not run down the throat and choke the
patient.
6. Nosebleed, Puff-Ball for.--"Find an old brown puff-ball from the
ground, pick out the soft inside part and put it in nose and let remain
for some time."
7. Nosebleed, Vinegar and Water for.--"Wet a cloth in very cold water or
strong cold water and vinegar and apply to back of neck, renewing as it
gets warm. Have seen this tried and know it to be good."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Nosebleed.--Place the patient on his side half
lying, head and shoulders raised and apply a cold compress to the
forehead, nose, and to the back of the neck. Press the end of the nose
firmly against the partition between the nostrils, for some minutes. This
presses directly upon the bleeding point, as a rule. Also, when lying in
this position, the blood does not flow into the throat so readily. Raise
the arms above the head, apply cold to the spine or to the scrotum of men
and breasts of women. Mustard foot baths are good, injection of cold
water, or the injection of hot water, 120 F., into the nostril will often
help: Cold water, Or salt water, can be gently snuffed. Alum solution on a
cloth put in the nostril often helps. A piece of bacon cut to bits and
placed in the nostril often stops it. Vinegar injected into the nostril is
good, or you can use a cloth saturated with vinegar and placed in the
nostril. White oak bark tea, strong, is effective; juice of lemon applied
same way or injected is helpful.
How to plug the nostrils; (front or anterior nares).--Do this with narrow
strips of sterilized gauze, by placing the first piece as far back as
possible, then with a narrow pair of forceps pushing in a little at a time
until the nostril is filled. The gauze should be only one-half inch wide.
If the bleeding still continues the posterior opening (nares) should be
plugged. This can be known by seeing the blood flowing down the throat
(pharynx).
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 21]
How this is done? Pass a soft rubber catheter, along the floor (bottom) of
the nose until its end is seen passing down behind the soft palate into
the throat. Grasp this with a pair of forceps and pull it forward into the
mouth. Tie a stout string to the end of the catheter (about 1-1/2 feet
long) and tie the other end of the string around the centre of a plug of
lint or gauze, 1-1/2 inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide. Then
pull the catheter back through the nostril, very gently. This will pull
the plug into the posterior opening of the nose, and plug it. . Hold this
same end firmly and with a pair of forceps fill the anterior nostril with
strips (1/2 inch wide) of gauze, pushing them back to the posterior plug.
The end of the string in the mouth may be fastened to a tooth or to the
side of the cheek (if long enough) with a piece of adhesive plaster. The
plug should not be left in position more than forty-eight hours, and it
should be thoroughly softened with oil or vaselin before it is removed.
Remove the anterior part first, gently and carefully and then with cocaine
(if necessary) and more oil, the posterior plug is softened and removed by
pulling the end of the string which is in the mouth gently and slowly.
SORE THROAT (Acute Pharyngitis--Acute Pharyngeal Catarrh--- Inflammation
of the Pharynx--Simple Angina).--This is a common complaint especially
among some adults. A predisposition to it is often due to chronic
pharyngitis, chronic enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids of the wall
of the pharynx as well as chronic nasal obstruction. Rheumatic persons are
especially subject to it and acute articular rheumatism is often observed
to be preceded by an attack of pharyngitis. Tonsilitis is said to have the
same influence also.
Symptoms.--The throat is dry and feels stiff. There may be tenderness at
the angle of the jaw and outside of the neck. Pains some to swallow. In a
day or two there is a mucous secretion, making the patient inclined to
clear the throat by hawking or coughing. The throat looks red and in the
early stage this is more noticeable on the anterior pillars of the fauces,
the soft palate and uvula. On the back wall you see bright red spots, the
inflamed lymph follicles. It usually gets well in two to seven days. It
may become chronic after repeated acute attacks.
Chronic.--This is very common in persons who smoke or drink to excess,
also people who use their voice in public speaking as preachers do, or in
calling loudly as hucksters, railroad brakemen, stationmen, etc.
Prevention of chronic kind.--Ascertain the cause and remove it. Too hot
food or too much spiced food cause the chronic kind. Rest the voice.
Remove any existing catarrh.
Prevention of acute kind.--Avoid undue exposure to cold and wet, wear warm
comfortable flannel underwear. Bath the neck and chest daily with cold
water. This is good cold preventive. The wearing of handkerchiefs,
mufflers, around the neck is injurious unless you are driving. Accustom
your neck to the cold from the beginning in the fall and winter months.
Wearing a full beard is said to be a good preventive.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Sore throat, Used for Years Successfully.--"Salt
pork dipped in hot water then covered thick with black pepper. Heat in the
oven and lay or bind on the throat or lungs. This has been a favorite
remedy with us for years." Sew the pork to a piece of cotton cloth and
bind over the sore parts after you have sprinkled the pork with salt and
pepper. Leave this on as long as the patient can endure it. When the pork
is removed, rub the affected parts with cold cream or vaselin and put a
clean muslin cloth on to keep person from taking cold.
[22 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
2. Sore throat, Splendid Liniment for.--
"Olive oil 1/2 pint
Ammonia 1/2 pint
Turpentine 1/2 pint
One egg.
Shake till it forms emulsion. This can be used as a blister."
This is a very effective remedy, but you must watch the throat very
carefully as this will blister quickly. After removing the liniment,
grease the parts with oil or cold cream.
3. Sore throat, Simple Gargle for.--
"Soda 1 teaspoonful
Salt 1 teaspoonful
Borax 1 teaspoonful
Dissolve in pint of warm water; use as a gargle frequently."
This is a very good gargle. It contracts the parts and acts as an
antiseptic and thoroughly cleanses the parts.
4. Sore throat, Home Made salve for.-
"Beeswax 1 ounce
Rosin 1 ounce
Camphor gum 1 ounce
Lard about the size of an egg."
Mix the above ingredients together and apply to the outside of the throat.
This causes the skin to become red thus drawing the inflammation out of
the throat and relieving the trouble.
5. Sore Throat, Cold Packs, Sure Cure for.--"Put cold packs on the throat.
Remarks: Was in Washington once and my little girl had a very sore throat.
I put cold packs on the throat the first half of the night and the next
day she was out seeing the sights as well as ever." Gargle with very hot
water and a little soda. This makes it very effective.
6. Sore Throat, Ointment for.--
"Oil Turpentine 1/2 ounce
Oil of Hemlock 1/2 ounce
Oil of Peppermint 1/2 ounce
Oil of Encaliptus 1/2 ounce
Mix with one cup warm lard, apply warm to the throat."
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 23]
7. Sore Throat, Remedy from a mother in Johnson City, Tenn.--"Fat meat
stewed in vinegar and bound to the neck. Kind friends:--After waiting so
long I will help you what I can, and where is the mother that won't want
the book? I am truly glad you have such an interest in the welfare of
suffering humanity. I hope this book will soon be out on its good mission.
Kind friends, I think it a wonderful kindness to the rich as well as the
poor to have a friend in time of need. I think a good honest book of home
remedies tried by our good mothers and grandmothers will be accepted and
looked to by all mothers, for we all think mother knows best. I certainly
want this book completed and in my home."
8. Sore Throat, Gargle and Local Application for.--
"Common salt 2 tablespoonfuls
Strained honey 2 tablespoonfuls
Vinegar 3 tablespoonfuls
Camphor 1/2 teaspoonful"
Use as a gargle. External applications, wring a cloth out of salt and cold
water and keep it quite wet, bind tightly about the neck and cover with a
dry cloth. It is best to use this at night."
9. Mild Sore Throat, Vinegar Gargle for.--"Gargle with vinegar and hot
water. This will help to sooth the irritation and in a mild sore throat is
a sure cure."
10. Sore Throat, Alum and Vinegar for.--"One glass of warm water; one
tablespoonful of vinegar; one teaspoonful of sugar; one-half teaspoonful
of alum; dissolve well and gargle throat several times daily."
11. Sore Throat, Kerosene for.--"Dip a flannel cloth in coal oil,
(kerosene) and bind on the throat. I have tried this; in fact it is what I
always use. It is almost sure to cure."
12. Sore Throat and Cough, Remedy always at hand.--"Equal parts of alcohol
and glycerin make a good gargle, or use three tablespoonfuls of vinegar
and one of salt to a tumbler of water. Or simply hot water and salt when
nothing else is to be had. The hot water alone is very good."
13. Tickling in Throat, Simple Remedy for.--"Take bread crumbs and swallow
them."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sore Throat.--1. Inhalation of steam either with
or without medicine is good. (See treatment of tonsilitis-Inhaling steam)
I treated a man once who had a terrific pharyngitis, All the parts were so
terribly swollen, that he was unable to swallow or talk. I induced him to
inhale steam from a teakettle. He was able to put his mouth over the spout
of the kettle and he was relived in a few minutes. I think it saved his
life. I put no medicine in the water for that case. Very few persons can
inhale the steam directly from the kettle. Other method is given under
tonsilitis. A dose of salts at first is good. Remain in the house for a
few days.
2. Sulphur and Cream for.--Mix some sulphur with cream and put some of it
on the sore membrane.
3. Good Old Mother's Remedy.--"Steep a medium sized red pepper in one-half
pint of water, strain and add one-fourth pint of good vinegar and a
heaping teaspoonful each of salt and powdered alum and gargle with it as
often as needed. This is a very good remedy."
[24 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
1. Physicians' Local Treatment.--A wet compress on the neck is useful at
the onset. Sucking ice or gargling with ice or cold water, or applying an
ice bag to the throat will be found useful.
Later on, warm gargles and steam inhalation are more grateful. If there is
great pain in swallowing, cocaine painted on the throat or sucking a
cocaine lozenge before taking food will be found very useful.
2. When the attack is mild medicine may not be needed. When there is fever
and the throat is real sore, you can use one drop doses of tincture of
aconite every hour. This will frequently check it.
3. I like the following at the beginning. Give tincture of aconite and
mercury biniodide, called the pink tablet, alternately. Put ten drops of
the aconite in one-half glass of water and give from one-half to two
teaspoonfuls everyone or two hours, alternating with one or two tablets of
one-hundred grain tablet of mercury biniodide. After the first twenty-four
hours stop the acoite and give the mercury biniodide every three hours.
4. For Chronic Catarrh remaining after, lozenges containing rhatany or
tannin are useful.
5. Other gargles.--
Menthol 3 to 5 grains
Camphor 2 to 4 grains
Liquid paraffine 1 ounce
For irritable and catarrhal conditions of nasal membrane use a spray.
8. Snuff.-
Hydrochloride of Cocaine 1 grains
Menthol 1 grain
Sugar of Milk 2 drams
Mix very thoroughly.
When using the Menthol preparation do not use the preparation very hot.
HOARSENESS. Inflammation of the Larynx. (Acute Laryngitis) Causes.--Due to
taking cold or over using the voice; hot liquids, poisons. It may occur in
influenza and measles; from irritating gases; some are subject to it.
Symptoms.--Tickling in the larynx; cold air irritates, and breathing may
cause some pain; dry cough; the voice may be altered. At first it may be
only husky. In children breathing may be very difficult, after a day or
two there may be a light expectoration and finally there may be a loose
cough and a slight fever. The trouble is in the region of "Adam's Apple."
There is little or no danger in these attacks if proper care is taken. The
attack generally lasts two to four days.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Hoarseness, Borax for.--"For hoarseness dissolve a
piece of borax the size of a pea in the mouth and don't talk. It will work
like a charm." The borax does away with the inflammation of the inflamed
parts and gives relief very quickly.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 25]
2. Hoarseness, Egg and Lemon for.--"Beaten white of one egg, juice of one
lemon, with sugar enough to thicken, then add one teaspoonful olive oil."
Take one teaspoonful every hour until relieved.
3. Hoarseness, Horseradish for.--"Horseradish root; eat plenty of it. This
has been tried and proved successful."
4. Hoarseness, Successful Remedy for Adults.--"Take two ounces of fresh
scraped horseradish root, infuse in a close vessel in one-half pint of
cold water for two or three hours; then add four ounces of acid tincture
of lobelia and one-half pound of honey. Boil altogether for one-half hour,
strain and take a teaspoonful four times a day. This is a very good
remedy, especially for adults."
5. Hoarseness, Lemon and Sugar for Children.--"Take the juice of one lemon
and saturate with sugar, take a teaspoonful several times a day. It is
sure to give relief. This is very pleasant to give to children, as they
most all like it."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hoarseness.--1. Rest of the voice and if the
case is severe keep in bed in a room with an even temperature and the air
saturated with moisture from a steaming teakettle, etc.
2. An ice bag on the throat or cold water cloths to the front of the
throat often give relief.
3. Tincture of Aconite.--This is given in the beginning when there is
fever. The dose depends upon the age, and the amount of fever. You can
give it to a child by putting one drop of aconite in twelve teaspoonfuls
of water and then give one teaspoonful every one to three hours according
to the case. For an adult you can put ten drops of aconite in ten
teaspoonfuls of water and give one teaspoonful every hour or two.
4. Citrate of Potash is given every four to five hours in adults.
5. Full dose of five grains of Dover's powders at night for the irritating
cough.
6. For a cough, for a child one year old you can give one-half
teaspoonful, every two hours, of the following:--
Syrup of Dover's powder 1 fluid dram
Tincture of Aconite 10 drops
Simple syrup Enough to make two ounces
Shake before using.
TICKLING IN THROAT. Mothers' Remedies. Mullein Leaf Smoke Beneficial
for.--"Smoke dried mullein leaves, just a few puffs are needed, and should
be drawn into the throat. Myron H. Grinnel of Albion, Mich., says his
grandmother always gathers mullein leaves for this purpose and finds them
an excellent remedy. Too much would cause dizziness." Mullein leaves are
good for inflamed membranes like the ear and throat. If a person does not
wish to gather the leaves themselves they may buy them at a drug store.
2. Tickling in Throat, Good Northern Canada Remedy for.--"Chew some of the
bark of slippery elm and gargle the throat with saliva. This stops
tickling in a few minutes."
[26 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
3. Tickling in Throat, Tested Gargle for.--"Gargle from four to six times
daily with following:--
Strong Sage Tea 1 pint
Salt 2 tablespoonfuls
Cayenne Pepper 2 tablespoonfuls
Vinegar 2 tablespoonfuls
Honey 2 tablespoonfuls
Mix thoroughly and bottle for use."
The above ingredients are all excellent for sore throat and it is an old
tried remedy and can easily be obtained. If it is too strong dilute with
warm water to the desired strength.
SWELLING OF THE GLOTTIS. (Oedematous Laryngitis. Oedma of the
Glottis).--Swelling or oedma of the glottis or more correctly of the
structure which forms the glottis, is a very serious affection. It may
follow acute laryngitis or may be met with in chronic diseases of the
larynx and from other diseases. It is dangerous.
Symptoms.--Difficulty of breathing which increases in intensity so that
the condition becomes very serious in a short time. There is whistling
breathing, the voice is husky and disappears.
Acute Laryngitis.--Inhalations and sprays.
Menthol 10 grains
Oil of pine 1 dram
Tincture of benzion 1 dram
Liquid alboline 2 ounces
Make a solution. Use one teaspoonful in a pint of boiling water; inhale
with a cone placed over the dish or put a shawl over the head and dish and
inhale the steam. Or this one to inhale same way:
Tincture of benzoin 1 dram
Oil of tar 1 drain
Liquid alboline 2 ounces
Make a solution and use one teaspoonful to a pint of boiling water as
above.
It may be necessary in order to save life, to have a physician make an
opening by incision into the windpipe for the admission of air into the
lungs. This process is called Tracheotomy.
Diet in Laryngitis.--Hard and dry toasts should be avoided, for they give
pain on being swallowed, same reason applies to highly seasoned foods.
Milk, custards, eggs, scraped beef may be taken. Difficulty in swallowing
may be overcome by allowing the patient to lie flat on the bed, etc., with
his face over the edge. Food can be sucked through the tube from a vessel
placed below; or the patient can lean forward while eating.
"CHILD CROWING" (Spasm of the Glottis.)--This is usually peculiar to
children.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 27]
Cause.--It is purely a nervous affection and it occurs between six months
and three years, and is most commonly seen in children with rickets.
Symptoms.--It may come in the night or day; or when the child awakes. The
breathing is arrested, the child struggles for breath, the face is
flushed, and then with a sudden relaxation of the spasm, the air is drawn
into the lungs with a high pitched crowing sound. Convulsions may occur.
Death rarely occurs. There may be many attacks during the day.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Child Crowing. Preventive.--The gums should be
carefully examined and if they are swollen and hot they should be lanced.
The bowels should be carefully regulated, and as these children are
usually of a delicate nature and afflicted with rickets, nourishing food
and the treatment in diet and medicine should be given for rickets. Cod
liver oil is a good general remedy. (See rickets).
Cold Sponging.--In severe cases, the child should be placed in a warm bath
tub and the back and chest thoroughly sponged for a minute or two with
cold water. This plan may be used even when a child is in a paroxysm,
though the attack is severe and the child looks blue, it is much better
than to dash cold water in the face. Sometimes the attack can be stopped
by introducing the finger far back into the throat.
CROUP, Spasmodic.--This disease gives the parents a terrible shock if they
have never seen any attacks of the kind. The symptoms which attend the
attack are out of all proportion to the real danger. It is generally the
result of exposure to cold or to the cold wind. Irritating, undigested
food, often causes it.
Symptoms.--Usually the child goes to bed perfectly well, or has a slight
cold and wakes up an hour or two later, coughing and gasping for breath,
due to a spasm in the wind pipe. The cough is shrill, more like a bark;
the cough is repeated at intervals and soon the patient breathes quickly
and laboriously. It must sit up for it can breathe easier sitting. The
voice is oftentimes nearly or quite lost, or at least only a hoarse
whisper; the face is bluish or perspiring. The spasm lasts for a variable
period, but rarely exceeds one-half hour, sometimes only a few minutes.
The croupy cough and oppressed breathing may last longer than this, but
these too subside after a time, after which the child drops to sleep and
usually rests quietly for the rest of the night. There is a tendency to
recurrence on succeeding night unless obviated by treatment.
Treatment. Preventive.--Guard against such children's exposure to cold
winds and dampness, dress them warmly. The living and sleeping rooms
should not be too warm. Do not give them food hard to digest at any time,
especially before bedtime. Foods hard to digest frequently cause the
attack.
[28 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Croup, Cold Application for.--"Apply to throat a
flannel wrung out of cold water, lay a dry cloth over it." This is an
excellent remedy for a mother to try in case of an emergency when no other
medicine can be obtained. This very often will relieve a child until other
remedies can be secured and has been known to save many children's lives:
The cold water helps to draw the blood away from the larynx and air
passages and also dilates the tubes and gives relief. Take great care not
to wet the child, as this will cause it to take more cold and may prove
fatal.
2. Croup, Sure Cure for.--"Give child anything that will make it vomit,
soak feet in hot water, apply onion drafts to bottom of feet, roast onions
and put on the chest, keep warm. My mother has cured me at least one
hundred times with the above remedy. She generally gave me pig's foot oil,
or oil from the feet of a chicken, sometimes melted lard. Croup has to be
attended to at once or it is fatal with the child." This is a very good
remedy.
3. Croup, Immediate Relief from Steaming.--"Put a small shawl over the
child's head to retain steam, then put a small chunk of unslaked lime in a
bowl of water under shawl. The steam affords immediate relief, usually, if
child inhales it." This is very good; shawl should cover the child's head
and bowl in which lime is dissolved.
4. Croup, for Baby or Older Child.--"Take a teaspoonful alum, pulverize it
and sprinkle it on the whites of two fresh eggs in a cup or glass, let it
stand for a few minutes, until the combination has turned to water, or
water is produced; then give one-half teaspoonful to a child six months
old or less and increase the dose to one teaspoonful for older children,
and repeat the dose in fifteen or thirty minutes as the case may require.
Remarks: From personal experience in my own and neighbors' families, I
have never known a case where it did not bring relief and cure. The dose
must produce vomiting."
5. Croup, Remedy that Never Fails.--"Two tablespoonfuls of liquor or
brandy and one-quarter teaspoonful of glycerin, one teaspoonful of sugar,
one tablespoonful of water; stir up well and give one teaspoonful every
hour or oftener if necessary. Then at same time take a flannel and soak
well in cold water, wring it gently and put around neck with a heavy, dry
flannel over the damp one. If damp flannel becomes hot take it off, dampen
it in more cold water and apply again, and so on until relieved. Do not
allow the patient to get chilled. Better results are obtained if patient
will go to bed. Remarks: I have used this in my family, and have always
found it to be the best croup cure I have ever seen, and it will be found
to give immediate relief. The external application is extremely good."
6. Croup, Coal Oil (kerosene) and Sugar for.--"Coal oil and sugar; put a
few drops on a teaspoonful of sugar." The coal oil produces vomiting,
relieving the trouble. If the first dose does not have this effect upon
the child, repeat it.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 29]
7. Croup, Pork and Onion Poultice for.--"Put pork and onions on the
throat. Drink plenty of hot water." Bind the pork and onions on the
throat, acting as a poultice. The virtue of this can be increased by
cooking the onions and pork together. Onion syrup may be given internally
to produce vomiting, even in very small babies.
8. Croup, Bloodroot for.--"One teaspoonful powdered bloodroot mixed with
molasses or sugar. Have taken this myself and it relieved at once. If one
dose does not seem enough it may be repeated." This is a very effective
remedy, but is very weakening. Care should be taken not to repeat dose any
oftener than absolutely necessary.
9. Croup, Time Honored Remedy for.--"Pulverized alum and sugar or honey or
molasses; mix together and give half teaspoonful doses or less. For
infants use only in emergency cases." This is one of the good
old-fashioned remedies that nearly every mother has used. It acts simply
by producing vomiting and causing the air tubes to relax. Repeat in five
to twenty minutes until it causes vomiting.
10. Croup, Ipecac for.--"One-third teaspoonful of powdered ipecac
dissolved in one teaspoonful of water, one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on
one teacupful of boiling water and let boil down to a half cup, Dose: One
teaspoonful for adults; children in proportion every two hours; or, if
needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes." If you
cannot secure the powdered ipecac, the syrup can be bought at any drug
store, and is already prepared, Dose: Ten to fifteen drops as the case may
need.
11. Croup, Vaselin for.--"Vaselin rubbed on the chest, cover with a hot
flannel, and take 1/4 teaspoonful of vaselin internally occasionally."
Dissolve vaselin and repeat dose if necessary to produce vomiting.
12. Croup, Ice Application for.--"Ice applied to the throat is almost
instant relief." It is best to break the ice up fine and sprinkle salt on
same, putting it in a cheese cloth bag, binding on the throat with a
flannel, and change as soon as it shows signs of wetting.
13. Croup, Salt for.--"Parched salt put on the throat hot." The parched
salt acts the same as mustard plaster, by producing a redness on the
throat. Salt is something that we can always have on hand and by using
this remedy we are always prepared for an emergency in case of croup.
14. Croup, Castor Oil Breaks up.--"Castor oil, given before bedtime, is
good. Dose.--From one-half to one teaspoonful. I have taken this when I
was small." Castor oil is good when the bowels are constipated or the
stomach is full.
15. Croup, Coal Oil, Turpentine and Snuff, a Canadian Remedy for.--"A
little coal oil and a few drops of turpentine soaked up by snuff, and used
as plaster. Makes the child sneeze after a few minutes. The poultice
loosens the phlegm and the sneezing throws it off."
[30 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Croup.--Active. 1. Dr. Douglas says wring cloths
out of cold water and apply very freely to the throat, and recommends the
following syrup:
Syrup of Ipecac 3 fluid drams
Hive Syrup 4 fluid drams
Water 1-1/2 ounces
Mix, and give one teaspoonful every half hour until the child vomits, then
repeat the dose every two hours as needed.
2. Place the child in a hot bath, wrap hot or cold cloths about the throat
and put one teaspoonful of common soda in a glass of water and give one
teaspoonful every fifteen minutes until relieved.
3. Dr. Holt of New York, says.--The room should be very warm, hot cloths
or poultices should be applied over the throat (Adam's apple and below)
and either a croup kettle or ordinary teakettle kept boiling in the room.
This is more efficacious if the child is placed in a tent made by a raised
umbrella or some like method with a sheet thrown over it, and the steam
introduced beneath the tent. If the symptoms' are urgent ten drops of the
syrup of ipecac should be given every fifteen minutes until free vomiting
occurs.
Whenever the symptoms reach a point where the breathing becomes difficult,
a doctor should be summoned without delay. It might be some other disease.
4. Home Treatment.--One-half teaspoonful of alum mixed with molasses or
honey will produce vomiting and help. This is very good when the croup is
due to indigestion. At the same time, fry onions in lard and put them on
the neck in front, or hot wet cloths may do. The alum can be given once or
twice if necessary, half an hour apart, about in one-fourth or one-half
the first dose.
5. Goose grease, or lard dissolved, and enough given to produce vomiting
will do good. This idea is not only to cause vomiting but to cause a sick
feeling after and at that time, which will cause the spasms to relax. A
very good thing to do in addition is to put the child's feet in hot water,
while local applications are put on the throat. These things tend to relax
the muscles and this relieves the spasm.
6. Steam is Very Useful. It relaxes the spasm by local contact and by
producing general sweating. Cover the child's head and a pitcher with a
shawl and inhale the steam from the boiling water in pitcher. You can put
in the pitcher one teaspoonful of oil of tar or one to two teaspoonfuls of
tincture of benzoin. This can be kept up for some time.
COLD IN THE CHEST. (Acute Bronchitis. Inflammation of Bronchial Tubes).--
This is an acute inflammation of the larger and medium sized bronchial
tubes.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 31]
Causes.--Youth and old age are more predisposed to it. Lack of fresh air
and exercise, dusty work, poor general health, dampness and changeable
weather in winter and early spring. It may be secondary to cold,
pharyngitis, measles, typhoid fever, malaria, asthma, and heart disease.
Symptoms.--There is a feeling of oppression with chilliness and pain in
the back, a dry, tight feeling beneath the breastbone with a dry harsh
cough. This may cause headache and pain, and a raw feeling in the chest,
chiefly in front. There may be a temperature of one hundred or one hundred
three or less. After a few days there is a thick, sticky secretion; it is
profuse. The other symptoms, except the cough, subside. This generally
stops in ten days in a favorable case, or it may become chronic. In
infants or old people it may extend to the smaller tubes causing
broncho-pneumonia. There is more danger in infants than in older people.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Bronchitis, Camphor and Lard for.--1. "Grease a cloth
well with lard to which has been added some camphor gum, then sprinkle on
some dry baking soda and lay it on the chest. The camphor and lard should
be made into a salve, then put on the soda. The lard and camphor gum
penetrates the affected parts, relieving the inflammation and tightness in
the chest. It is well in children to put a layer of cotton cloth over the
chest keeping them warm and getting better results from the remedy."
2. Bronchitis, Grandmother's Remedy for.--
"Hoarhound 5 cents worth
Hops 5 cents worth
Wild cherry bark 5 cents worth
Licorice root 5 cents worth
"Boil and simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the
strength out of the ingredients, strain, add three cups sugar, then add
enough good whisky to keep from souring, say a half pint." This
combination is not only good for bronchitis, but for the cough left from
the effects of bronchitis. The hoarhound, wild cherry bark and licorice
root have a very soothing effect on the bronchial tubes, and the hops
quiets the nervous system. This is also good for a common cough.
[32 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
3. Bronchitis, Antiphlogistine Plaster for.--"Antiphlogistine is fine for
bronchitis, where there is any inflammation, pleurisy, any kind of a
scratch, especially rusty nails; pneumonia, Set can in water long enough
to heat, but not hot, spread on with case knife as thick as a silver
dollar, spread cotton batting over it, keep on twenty-four hours, before
changing. This is a very useful remedy to keep on hand." Antiphlogistine
is very good to apply to the body wherever inflammation is present, as it
withdraws the blood from the organ or part of the body that is affected.
It does this by drawing the blood into the external circulation. It has
the same effect upon the diseased parts as the old-fashioned mustard, but
does not blister. In using the mustard plaster you are in fear of
blistering, and then having the outward blister and inward inflammation to
contend with. The antiphlogistine can be purchased at drug stores. Set the
can in warm water until it is warm, then spread on a piece of cotton cloth
and apply to the affected parts, where it may remain for twenty-four
hours, then repeat if necessary. Should always be put on warm, but not
hot. It usually drops off when dry and no longer effective.
4. Bronchial, or any Severe Cough. One of the best Home Remedies.--
"Hoarhound (herb form) 1 ounce
Irish moss 1 ounce
Flax Seed (the seed not pulverized) 1 ounce
Boneset 1 ounce
Licorice Root (cut up fine) 1 ounce
Place the above in some suitable pan or dish for such purpose in a gallon
of cold water, and put it on the back of the stove, so that it will simmer
slowly until reduced to one-half gallon, which may require one day or
more, then strain and place in a bottle, or bottles. Dose.--One
wineglassful three times a day. Add a little sugar if desired." This is a
very fine cough remedy, as the hoarhound loosens the cough, the flax seed
soothes the membrane, and the boneset by its general action on the system
produces sweating. The Irish moss is a sort of food for the whole system
and helps to build a person up.
5. Bronchitis, Camphorated Oil and Steaming for.--"Bathe the chest and
throat up around the head with camphorated oil; drink water and steam the
throat and mouth over hot water. Have tried this recipe and found it
effectual. Have a bronchial cough now and am treating it myself." The
camphorated oil seems to have a very soothing effect upon the chest, in
fact it acts about the same as camphor and lard, only is more pleasant to
use, and can be bought already prepared. Drinking plenty of water cleanses
the system by acting upon the stomach, bowels and kidneys, carrying off
the impurities. The breathing of steam is very soothing and healing to the
throat and air passages.
6. Bronchitis, General Relief for.--"Dose of castor oil every night; one
teaspoonful for child. Grease well with camphorated oil or any good oil."
The castor oil is very good for carrying off the phlegm from the stomach
and bowels that children always swallow instead of coughing up like an
older person. It is well in addition to the above remedy to give a little
licorice or onion syrup to relieve the bronchial cough.
7. Bronchitis, Lard Poultice for.--"Take a piece of cotton batting large
enough to cover chest and fit up close to the neck; wring out of melted
lard as hot as the patient can stand it, and apply. Change as often as it
gets cold. Also give dose of castor oil."
8. Bronchitis, Mustard Plaster for.--"Mustard plasters are very good."
This acts as a counter-irritant, as it draws the blood to the surface and
relieves the inflamed bronchial tubes.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 33]
9. Bronchitis, Well-Known Remedy for.--
"Cod Liver Oil 2 ounces
Ginger Syrup 2 ounces
Mucilage of Gum Arabic 2 ounces
Oil of Cloves 6 drops
Dose :-Teaspoonful before meals and at bedtime."
This is a very good remedy, as the cod liver oil by its general action
tones up the whole system. The ginger tones and stimulates the stomach and
takes away the sickening effect of the cod liver oil.
10. Bronchitis Remedy and General Tonic.--"Take small doses of glycerin
and one teaspoonful three times a day of codfish oil." This remedy, though
simple, is very effective. The glycerin and codfish oil are both soothing
to the affected parts, and the codfish oil is a very good tonic to tone up
the general system.
1. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bronchitis. Sweating Remedy for.--Take a hot
bath and then go to bed, and take hot drinks after. See that the bowels
are open. Nourishment is especially important in infants and old age. You
can sweat them as directed under la grippe. Drink hot drinks, such as
hoarhound, ginger, flaxseed, hot lemonade or slippery elm. These will
produce sweating and will give much relief. An onion poultice applied over
the breastbone where the pain and tightness are, will do good.
2. Steaming Remedy.--Inhaling steam from plain boiling water is good, or
you can add one to two teaspoonfuls of compound tincture of benzoin or
turpentine. The steaming will be more effective if you make a tent, by
fastening four sticks to the cradle or bed and cover with a sheet,
introducing the steam underneath this at the foot of the bed, etc. A
rubber tube can be fastened to the kettle. In this same way you can
produce, if you wish, sweating by putting the end of the tube under the
clothes elevated a little above the patient. Be careful not to scald the
patient.
3. Steaming With Pitcher.--If the soreness of the bronchial tubes is not
relieved by this means, inhalations of steam arising from boiling water
may be practiced, either through a cone, one end of which covers the top
of a pitcher, and the other end of which covers the mouth and nose of the
patient, or by covering the head and pitcher with a towel. The usefulness
of this method may be much increased by the addition of from two
teaspoonfuls to one tablespoonful of compound tincture of benzoin to each
pint of water in a pitcher. This latter method can also be used in
tonsilitis, pharyngitis and quinsy.
4. Rub the chest with a camphor liniment and give the following:
Tincture of Aconite 10 drops
Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 drams
Distilled water to make 4 ounces
Mix--One-half teaspoonful to a child, or dessert spoonful to an adult in
water every hour.
[34 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
5. For Adults.--Compound licorice mixture one to two drams every three to
four hours; or five grains of Dover's powders every three to four hours.
Diet in Bronchitis (similar to Laryngitis).--Drinks are useful in the
dryer forms, such as hot flaxseed tea sweetened and flavored with lemon
juice. It should be taken in large quantities. Hot milk and lemonade are
also useful.
CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. Causes.--People over middle age are more liable to it.
It comes chiefly in winter, in changeable, cold and damp climates. It may
follow repeated acute attacks.
Symptoms.--These are variable and are present chiefly in winter and damp
weather. The cough is worse at night, and in the morning, expectoration is
usually great. There may be slight fever at times. Often the patients are
entirely free from the trouble during the summer.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chronic Bronchitis. Preventive.--Warm equable
climate, such as southern California, Florida, or the south of France,
especially in the colder months; warm clothing, avoid exposure and
fatigue.
1. First you can take three grains of ammonium chloride three to four
times a day.
2. Ammonium Chloride 2 drams
Fluid Extract of Licorice 2 drams
Distilled water brought to 3 ounces
Mix and take one teaspoonful every three hours.
3. If the cough is troublesome the following is good:
Ammonium Chloride 2 drams
Hive Syrup 4 drams
Fluid Extract Licorice 1 ounce
Paregoric 6 drams
Distilled water enough to make 2 ounces
Mix. Teaspoonful every three to four hours.
COUGHS. Causes.--There are many causes; inflammation of the larynx,
bronchial tubes, lungs, also stomach and liver; and a nervous cough is
present in our day. Remove the cause when possible. There are many good
cough medicines now put up, and they can be bought at any drug-store.
Cough lozenges of all kinds are plenty, and a sure cure is claimed by
each.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Dry Cough and Tickling.--l. "Raspberry Tincture. Take
one-half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil; take off scum;
pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce
cloves; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take
from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to
take,"
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 35]
2. Cough, Honey and Vinegar for.--"Honey and vinegar." This is an old and
tried remedy and a good one. The vinegar cuts the phlegm in the throat and
bronchial tubes, and the honey is very soothing.
3. Cough of Long Standing, Excellent Syrup for.--
"Carbonate Ammonia 40 grains
Syrup Senega 6 drams
Paregoric 4 drams
Syrup Wild Cherry 6 drams
Syrup Tolu 4 ounces"
This is a very good syrup, and is especially good for chronic cough or
chronic bronchitis. Dose.--One teaspoonful every three hours.
4. Cough, Reliable Mixture in Severe Cases.--
"Oil of Anise 1/2 ounce
Syrup of Balsam of Tolu 1/2 ounce
Black Stick Licorice 1/2 ounce
Best Rye Whisky 1 pint
Shake well before using. Dose:--One teaspoonful at intervals of one hour
or oftener; if cough is very bad."
5. Cough, Mullein Leaf Tea for--"Mullein leaves steeped with loaf sugar
cures a cough." Take four ounces of mullein leaves and boil for ten
minutes in water: then add the loaf sugar. This is very soothing to the
sore parts and also helps to loosen up the secretion so it can be raised
easily.
6. Cough, Lemon Juice and Sugar for.--"Lemon juice and sugar is a good
remedy for coughs." It is surprising to see how quickly the lemon juice
will cut the phlegm in throat, and sugar is always good for cold.
7. Cough, Standard Remedy for.--
"Hoarhound Five cents worth
Hops Five cents worth
Wild cherry bark Five cents worth
Licorice root Five cents worth
Boil or simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the
strength out of the ingredients; strain, add three cups sugar. Add enough
good whiskey to keep from souring, say one-half pint. This will cure a
stubborn cough."
8. Cough, Ipecac Syrup for.--"One-third teaspoonful of ipecac dissolved in
one teaspoonful of water; one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on one
teacupful of boiling water and let it boil down to half cup. Dose.--One
teaspoonful for adults, and children in proportion, every two hours, or,
if needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes."
[36 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
9. Cough Remedy for Adults (not for children).--
"Laudanum Three cents worth
Anise Three cents worth
Essence of Peppermint Three cents worth
Licorice (liquid) Three cents worth
Brown Sugar 1 cup
Molasses 1 cup
Boiling water 2 cups
Let this come to a little more than a boil. Take a teaspoonful of it as
often as necessary." This is for adults. Do not use for children.
10. Coughs, Very Simple Remedy for.--"Take one-half tablespoonful hogs'
lard or salt pork grease, heat it hot, fill spoon with coal oil and
swallow while hot. Have used this, will stop and cure the worst cough."
Not to be given to children.
11. Coughs, Glycerin, Brandy and Paregoric with Lemon, Good
for.--"Glycerin, one ounce; brandy, one ounce; paregoric, one ounce; lemon
juice, one ounce. Mix well; one teaspoonful every hour." This makes a very
effective cough syrup. The glycerin and brandy cut the phlegm, and the
paregoric is soothing and quieting. The lemon juice is healing to the
membranes of the throat.
PHYSICIANS'TREATMENT. For Coughs.--
1. Flaxseed (unground) 3 teaspoonfuls
Extract of Licorice 30 grains
Boiling water 10 ounces
"Allow the mixture to stand one to four hours in a warm place. Then add a
little lemon juice and sugar and place one to two teaspoonfuls of gum
arabic in the pitcher containing the mixture." A little paregoric (ten
drops to the dose for adults) can be taken with it if the cough is very
bad. Dose.--Drink freely every two to three hours.
2. A good combination is the following:
Chloride of Ammonia 2 drams
Fluid Extract of Licorice 2 drams
Distilled water 20 ounces
Mix. Teaspoonful every two hours or longer.
3. Ammonium Carbonate 1/2 dram
Syrup Senega 4 drams
Wine of Ipecac 3 drams
Syrup Totu 1 ounce
Spirits of Chloroform 3 drams
Syrup of Wild Cherry enough to make 4 ounces
Mix. Take one to two teaspoonfuls every hour or two until better.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 37]
4. Ammonia Chloride 2 drams
Hive Syrup 5 drams
Paregoric 6 drams
Syrup of Wild Cherry 4 ounces
Mix. Teaspoonful every three hours until cough is better.
5. Many other combinations could be given. Hoarhound tea. Sugar enough to
sweeten makes a good cough remedy.
6. Onion syrup is good for children. The bowels should always be kept
open.
BRONCHIAL ASTHMA. (Spasmodic Asthma.) Causes.--It occurs in all ages, but
usually begins in the young, particularly males. It often follows
whooping-cough. It may come from diseases of the mouth such as adenoids,
polypi. Exciting causes are change of climate and residence, dust, smoke,
odors, errors in diet, emotion, and cold.
Symptoms.--The onset is often sudden, often during the night. Difficulty
of breathing is intense. The patient cannot lie down, but often sits at an
open window, resting the elbows on a table. The face is pale and the
expression is anxious. There is a feeling of great oppression in the chest
and often dread of suffocation. Respiration (breathing) though labored, is
not unusually frequent, as expiration (out breathing) is much prolonged.
In severe or prolonged attacks there are blueness, sweating, coldness of
the extremities, with small and frequent pulse and great drowsiness. The
attack lasts a few minutes to many hours, and may pass off suddenly,
perhaps to recur soon, or on several successive nights, with slight cough
and difficulty in breathing in the intervals. The cough is nearly dry at
first and the sputum is very tenacious.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Asthma, Raspberry Tincture for Adults.--"Take a half
pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil, take off the scum; pour
boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves;
mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one
teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take." The
above remedy is very effective, as the honey has a soothing effect upon
the inflamed parts, and the lobelia causes the bronchial tubes to dilate,
relieving the patient. The raspberry tincture makes it more pleasant to
take. In severe cases it will be necessary to give enough of the above
remedy to cause vomiting which relieves the phlegm.
2. Asthma, Simple but Effective Remedy for.--"Take pieces of ordinary
blotting paper and saturate it with a strong solution of saltpetre, then
dry the paper. When a paroxysm is felt ignite a piece of the paper and
inhale the smoke. This remedy is very good and acts quickly, doing away
almost entirely with the distressing symptoms and shortens the paroxysm."
[38 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
3. Asthma, Lobelia Tea for.--"There is no medicine that is half so
effective as lobelia in removing the tough, hard ropy phlegm from the
asthmatic persons." This remedy is very good, but care should be taken not
to give it to consumptives, because it is too weakening. To obtain the
best results, enough of the remedy should be given to produce relaxation
of the bronchial tubes. Dose.--For adults should be from fifteen to sixty
drops according to the strength of the patient. This will cause a little
sickness of the stomach and vomiting, thus relaxing the muscles and
relieving the asthma.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Asthma.--1. Inhale chloroform, or break a pearl
of amyl nitrite in a handkerchief and inhale the fumes; or smoke saltpetre
paper; or cigarettes containing stramonium (thornapple). Sometimes hot
coffee fumes are good.
To Prevent Recurrence.--Take five to twenty grains of iodide of potash
three times a day. Do not eat much at night. Do not eat foods that cause
gas or that are hard to digest. A change of climate is often good. Hot
foot baths and hot drinks are helpful. Tincture of lobelia can be given in
severe cases, fifteen drops repeated every half hour until the patient
feels sick at the stomach.
2. Vapo-Cresolene burned in a room is very good. This can be bought in
twenty-five cent bottles in any drug store, with directions around the
bottle.
3. Tartar Emetic in one-hundredth grain, two given every half hour until
there is a little sickening is a very good remedy. These can be bought at
a drug store or from a homeopathic doctor or pharmacist.
BLEEDING FROM THE WIND-PIPE AND LUNGS. (Haemoptysis).--This is a spitting
of blood. It may come from the small bronchial tubes and less frequently
from the blood vessels in the lung cavities or their walls.
Symptoms.--In incipient consumption of the lungs, bleeding develops
suddenly as a rule, a warm salty taste, lasting but a few moments,
generally preceded by the spitting up of blood. The blood is coughed up
and the bleeding may last only a few minutes or it may continue for days,
the sputum being apt to remain blood-stained for a longer time. The
immediate effect of the bleeding is to alarm the patient and family, no
matter how slight it may be, inducing heart palpitation and other nervous
symptoms. A small bleeding is not attended with any bad result, but large
ones give rise to the symptoms of shock (sometimes immediate death)
combined with anemia following the loss of blood. When the bleeding is
large, blood by the mouthful may be ejected with each cough, and in these
instances of such profuse bleeding is shown by dizziness, faintness, cold
extremities, excessive pallor, sweating and rapid, small feeble pulse.
This is followed, if the attack does not prove speedily fatal, by
restlessness, and later by mild delirium and some fever. In few cases does
the patient have a single bleeding; more frequently there are several at
shorter or longer intervals. Large or small bleedings may precede by
weeks, months, or even years any rational symptoms of consumption.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 39]
Quantity.--This varies greatly. There may be less than an ounce or it
might amount to a pint or more before the bleeding stops. In advanced
cases, in which large cavities have formed, large blood vessels may be
eaten through and this followed by copious and alarming bleeding.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Bleeding from the Lungs. Salt Water for.--"Give the
patient half a teaspoonful of common salt every hour or two until
hemorrhage abates."
2. Bleeding from the Lungs. Herb Tea for.--"Two ounces each of bistory
root, tormentil root, oak bark, and comfrey root, boil in three quarts of
water down to one pint, strain and add one tablespoonful of ground ginger.
Give a wine glass full every half hour until relieved. Place the feet in
hot mustard water, keep the bowels open with a little senna and ginger tea
and if necessary give a vapor bath,"
3. Bleeding from the Lungs, Effective Remedy for.--
"Powdered Sugar 3 ounces
Powdered Rosin 3 ounces
Mix. Dose one teaspoonful three times a day."
4. Bleeding from the Lungs, Tannin and Sugar for.-
"Tannin 30 grains
Powdered Sugar 1 dram
Mix. Make ten powders and give one every ten minutes until relieved."
Either one of the above remedies is excellent for this trouble, as the
tannin and rosin contract the arteries and acts as an astringent.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Wind-pipe and Lungs.--In many
cases the bleeding is slight and no more need be done than to keep the
patient quiet and absolute rest. If the bleeding is free, the patient
should be placed in bed, not allowed to speak above a whisper nor to
change his position.
1. First Thing to Do.--Eating ice, and using ice drinks are useful
measures. The drinking of a little salt water at a time with one
tablespoonful of salt in a glassful of water is good. In most cases more
can be done by assuring the patient he will not die and keeping him quiet
and at rest. Medicines should be given to satisfy the patient and family.
The most cases stop of themselves.
2. If Caused by Coughing.--If cough causes the bleeding one-half grain of
opium should be given to control it, hypodermically, or even morphine
one-eighth grain.
3. Alum for.--Alum solution six grains to three ounces of water in fine
spray is good. This goes right to the wind-pipe and contracts the vessels;
use a vaporizer.
4. White Oak Bark Tea can be used as a spray in a vaporizer. If these
produce coughing, they should be discontinued.
[40 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
5. Hot Water and Salt for.--A teaspoonful of salt in a pint of hot water
is good also, used as a spray, or to inhale. But the patient must lie
down.
6. Other Easily Obtained Remedies.--Ergot in dose of one-half to one
teaspoonful is very good; this contracts the vessels. Bromide of potash in
a dose of five to fifteen grains; or chloral hydrate in dose of five to
seven grains, if there is not heart trouble. If there is, chloral hydrate
cannot be used. These quiet the nervous system and do much good. Strong
hop tea will do the same thing if taken freely. Witch-hazel water thirty
drops at a dose is good.
Cautions.--Quiet the patient; keep quiet yourself. If the bleeding is bad
the extremities should be bandaged, beginning at the toes and fingers.
Thirst.--Give small quantities at a time of ice-water.
Diet.--Peptonized or plain milk, liquid beef peptonoids, fresh beef juice,
bouillon, should be given in small quantities, two or three ounces every
two or three hours. If there is a tendency to constipation give rectal
enemata. Return to the regular diet as soon as possible. Alcohol in any
form is best avoided. If given as a stimulant it should be given in small
quantities.
BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. (Acute Inflammation of the Smaller Tubes and Lungs).--
Causes.--Most common under two years and in old people. Taking cold,
whooping cough and measles.
Symptoms.--A primary case begins suddenly with a convulsion or chill,
vomiting and rapid rise of temperature. Breathing is frequent and brain
symptoms are marked.
Secondary Cases.--After an ordinary case of whooping-cough, measles,
bronchitis, etc., there is more fever. The pulse is more frequent, and
also the respiration, difficulty in breathing and severe and often painful
cough. Temperature rises to 102 to 104; respirations are very fast, up to
60 to 80; the breathing (inspiration) is hard, labored, while the wings of
the nose dilate; expiration may be grunting. Face looks anxious and
bluish. This color may increase, other symptoms decreasing as suffocation
deepens, rattling in chest and death from heart weakness.
Prevention.--Avoid exposure to sudden changes of temperature. For the
attack, jacket of oil silk or flannel to prevent sudden exposure, keep the
temperature warmed up to 68 to 70 degrees night and day; the air must be
fresh and pure and changed regularly.
[RESPIRATORY DISEASES 41]
Children should be given ample room and not hampered by extra clothing, as
they like change of position, to get relief. The hot bath must be used
often to redden the skin and relieve the pressure on the lungs, till they
can be given relief. If you wish to use a poultice the following is a nice
way to make it. Take a piece of muslin or linen, or cheese-cloth, wide
enough when doubled to reach from the lower margin of the ribs to well up
under the arm pits, and long enough to go a little more than around the
chest, open the double fold and spread the hot mass of poultice on
one-half of the cloth and fold the other over it. It should be applied as
hot as it can be comfortably borne and covered with oil silk or paraffin
paper, so as to the longer retain the heat and moisture. The poultice
should be renewed as often as it gets cold, and a fresh poultice should be
all ready to put on when the old one is taken off. Place the end of the
poultice uppermost, so that the contents will not fall out.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Pneumonia, Herb Tea and Poultice for.--"Congestion
of the lungs. One ounce of each of the following, slippery elm bark,
crushed thyme, coltsfoot flowers, hyssop or marshmallow. Simmer in two
quarts of water down to three pints; strain and add one teaspoonful of
cayenne. Dose:--Wineglassful every half hour. Apply hot bran poultices or
chamomile scalded in vinegar, changing often until the violence of the
symptoms abate. If the bowels are confined, give an injection of half pint
of hot water in which one-half teaspoonful each of gum myrrh, turkey
rhubarb and ginger powder have been well mixed. If possible give vapor
bath. Apply hot stones or bottles to the feet."
2. Pneumonia, Home Remedy for.--"This can easily be relieved by the use of
cayenne and vapor bath. This promotes the circulation in every part of the
body, diminishing the pressure upon the lungs. These bat
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