It is plainly seen by an inquiring mind that, aside from the selection
and preparation of food, there are many little things constantly
arising in the experience of everyday life which, in their combined
effect, are powerful agents in the formation (or prevention) of
perfect health. A careful observance of these little occurences, an
inquiry into the philosophy attending them, lies within the province,
and indeed should be considered among the highest duties, of every
housekeeper.
That one should be cautious about entering a sick room in a state of
perspiration, as the moment you become cool your pores absorb. Do not
approach contagious diseases with an empty stomach, nor sit between
the sick and the fire, because the heat attracts the vapor.
That the flavor of cod-liver oil may be changed to the delightful one
of fresh oyster, if the patient will drink a large glass of water
poured from a vessel in which nails have been allowed to rust.
That a bag of hot sand relieves neuralgia.
That warm borax water will remove dandruff.
That salt should be eaten with nuts to aid digestion.
That it rests you, in sewing, to change your position frequently.
That a little soda water will relieve sick headache caused by
indigestion.
That a cupful of strong coffee will remove the odor of onions from the
breath.
That well-ventilated bedrooms will prevent morning headaches and
lassitude.
A cupful of hot water drank before meals will relieve nausea and
dyspepsia.
That a fever patient can be made cool and comfortable by frequent
sponging off with soda water.
That consumptive night-sweats may be arrested by sponging the body
nightly in salt water.
That one in a faint should be laid flat on his back, then loosen his
clothes and let him alone.
The best time to bathe is just before going to bed, as any danger of
taking cold is thus avoided; and the complexion is improved by keeping
warm for several hours after leaving the bath.
To beat the whites of eggs quickly add a pinch of salt. Salt cools,
and cold eggs froth rapidly.
Hot, dry flannels, applied as hot as possible, for neuralgia.
Sprains and bruises call for an application of the tincture of arnica.
If an artery is severed, tie a small cord or handkerchief above it.
For bilious colic, soda and ginger in hot water. It may be taken
freely.
Tickling in the throat is best relieved by a gargling of salt and
water.
Pains in the side are most promptly relieved by the application of
mustard.
For cold in the head nothing is better than powdered borax, sniffed up
the nostrils.
A drink of hot, strong lemonade before going to bed will often break
up a cold and cure a sore throat.
Nervous spasms are usually relieved by a little salt taken into the
mouth and allowed to dissolve.
Whooping cough paroxysms are relieved by breathing the fumes of
turpentine and carbolic acid.
Broken limbs should be placed in natural positions, and the patient
kept quiet until the surgeon arrives.
Hemorrhages of the lungs or stomach are promptly checked by small
doses of salt. The patient should be kept as quiet as possible.
Sleeplessness, caused by too much blood in the head may be overcome by
applying a cloth wet with cold water to the back of the neck.
Wind colic is promptly relieved by peppermint essence taken in a
little warm water. For small children it may be sweetened. Paregoric
is also good.
For stomach cramps, ginger ale or a teaspoonful of the tincture of
ginger in a half glass of water in which a half teaspoonful of soda
has been dissolved.
Sickness of the stomach is most promptly relieved by drinking a
teacupful of hot soda and water. If it brings the offending matter up,
all the better.
A teaspoonful of ground mustard in a cupful of warm water is a prompt
and reliable emetic, and should be resorted to in cases of poisoning
or cramps in the stomach from over-eating.
Avoid purgatives or strong physic, as they not only do no good, but
are positively hurtful. Pills may relieve for the time, but they
seldom cure.
Powdered resin is the best thing to stop bleeding from cuts. After the
powder is sprinkled on, wrap the wound with soft cotton cloth. As soon
as the wound begins to feel feverish, keep the cloth wet with cold
water.
Eggs are considered one of the best remedies for dysentery. Beaten up
slightly, with or without sugar, and swallowed, they tend by their
emollient qualities to lessen the inflammation of the stomach and
intestines, and by forming a transient coating on those organs, enable
Nature to resume her healthful sway over the diseased body. Two, or at
most, three eggs per day, would be all that is required in ordinary
cases; and, since the egg is not merely medicine, but food as well,
the lighter the diet otherwise, and the quieter the patient is kept,
the more certain and rapid is the recovery.
Hot water is better than cold for bruises. It relieves pain quickly,
and by preventing congestion often keeps off the ugly black and blue
mark. "Children cry for it," when they experience the relief it
affords their bumps and bruises.
For a sprained ankle, the whites of eggs and powdered alum made into a
plaster is almost a specific.