Chapter 15

Orange Flower Water, triple 6 ounces Deodorized Alcohol 1-1/2 ounces Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten in a mortar 1 ounce White Wax 1 dram Spermaceti 1 dram Oil of Benne 1 dram Shaving Cream 1 dram Oil of Bergamot 12 drops Oil of Cloves 6 drops Oil of Neroli Bigrade 6 drops Borax 1/5 ounce

Dissolve the borax in the orange flower water, slightly warmed. Mix the wax, spermaceti, oil of benne and shaving cream in a bainmaire, at gentle heat. Then stir in the perfumed water and almonds. Strain through a clean muslin strainer, place in a mortar and while stirring gradually work in the alcohol in which the oils have been previously dissolved."

2. Face Cream, When Facing our North Winds, in Canada, I Use this.--"Honey, almond meal, and olive oil to form paste. Use after getting skin cleaned. I used it myself and find it good when going out driving."

3. Face Cream, Lanolin Cream.--

Lanolin 1 ounce Sweet Almond Oil 1/2 ounce Boric Acid 40 drops Tincture of Benzoin 10 drops

This is a good skin food to be rubbed into the skin with the tips of the fingers."

4. Face Cream, Cucumber Lotion.--

"Expressed Juice of cucumbers 1/2 pint Deodorized Alcohol 1-1/2 ounces Oil of Benne 3-1/4 ounces Shaving Cream 1 dram Blanched Almonds 1-3/4 drams

[SKIN DISEASES 95]

The preparation of this is the same as for almond lotion. It is an excellent cosmetic to use in massaging the face and throat, as it not only tones any relaxed tissues, but also may be used to cleanse the skin during the day. A complexion brush is an excellent investment; one should be chosen that has fine camel's hair bristle's. It should be used in connection with good soap."

5. Face Cream, Almond Lotion to Whiten and Soften the Skin.--

"Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten 4 ounces Orange Flower Water 12 ounces Curd Soap (or any fine toilet soap) 1/2 ounce Oil of Bergamot 50 drops Oil of Cannelle 10 drops Oil of Almonds 20 drops Alcohol (65% solution) 4 ounces

Powder or break up the soap; dissolve in the orange flower water by heating in a bain-maire, gradually work almonds into the soap and water. Strain and finish as directed above. This is a bland lotion, very cleansing, whitening and softening."

6. Face Cream. the Cold Ontario Wind Harmless When Using this.--"Wash in warm water, rub face dry with corn-meal. This takes place of bottle cream."

FROST BITES.--Keep the patient in a cold atmosphere, or put into a cold bath and the frozen part rubbed with snow or ice until sensation is felt and color returns; then discontinue the rubbing and apply ice water compresses. Stimulants such as brandy, coffee and hot drinks are given, but external heat is only gradually permitted, for the circulation returns very slowly to the frost-bitten parts, and in trying to hasten it, we run the risk of producing or, at least, increasing the tendency to gangrene of the frozen parts.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--l. Frost Bites. Remedy from Northern New York.--"Soak the parts affected in kerosene oil; this will soon draw out the frost."

2. Frost Bites, Roasted Turnips for.--"Roasted turnips bound to the parts frosted." This is a very soothing application, but should not be put on warm. Cold applications are what are needed in frost bites.

[Transcriber's Note: From the Mayo Clinic (2005): 1. Get out of the cold. 2. Warm hands by tucking them into your armpits. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands. 3. Don't rub the affected area, especially with snow. 4. If there's any chance of refreezing, don't thaw out the affected areas. If they're already thawed out, wrap them up so they don't refreeze. 5. Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm--not hot--water.]

BUNIONS.--This is a lump over a joint usually of the big toe, usually due to pressure and a wrong position of the surfaces of the joint.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Bunions, Remedy from Your Flower Garden.--"Peel the outside skin from the leaf of 'Live Forever' and apply as a poultice. Repeat until cured. This is a very good remedy and one that should be tried if you are troubled with bunions or corns."

[96 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

2. Bunions, A Cure for.--

"Tincture of Iodine 2 drams Tincture of Belladonna 2 drams

Apply twice a day with camel's hair brush."

This mixture when applied will have a drawing effect, and care should be taken not to leave it on too long, as it will irritate the parts and make it very sore.

3. Bunions, Iodine for.--"Apply tincture of iodine to the bunion night and morning. This will reduce size; if used at first will entirely remove."

4. Bunions, Tested Remedy for.--"Take about one teaspoonful salicylic acid in two tablespoons of lard, and apply night and morning. Before doing this apply adhesive plasters to the affected parts." This is a standard remedy.

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bunions.--Rest of the part, cold applications and liniments.

CHILBLAINS. (Erythema Pernio).--This occurs usually in people with a feeble circulation or scrofulous constitution, usually seen in the young or very old. The redness shows most, as a rule, on the hands and feet. The redness may be either a light or dusky shade. It itches and burns especially when near artificial heat. The redness disappears on pressure, and the parts are cool rather than hot. It is an inflammation that follows freezing or a frost-bite. It may return for years at the return of cold weather.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chilblains, a Cure for.--"Equal parts of extract of rosemary and turpentine. Apply night and morning until cured." The rosemary is very soothing, and the turpentine creates a drawing sensation. It has cured many cases of chilblains.

2. Chilblains, Witch-hazel for.--"Bathe feet in lukewarm water and soda and apply carbolized witch-hazel." This remedy is very soothing, and always give relief.

3. Broken Chilblains, Ointment for.--

"Sweet Oil 1/2 pint Venice Turpentine 1-1/2 ounce Fresh Lard 1/4 pound Beeswax 1-1/2 ounce

Simmer gently together in a pan water bath until the beeswax is melted, stirring until cool. When it is ready for use apply on going to bed on a soft rag."

4. Chilblains, Vinegar Cure.--"Soak the feet in a weak solution of vinegar, then rub good with vaselin or oil."

5. Chilblains, Home-made Salve for.--

Fresh Lard 2 ounces Venice Turpentine 1/2 ounce Gum Camphor 1/2 ounce

Melt together, stirring briskly. When cold it is ready for use.

6. Chilblains, Common Glue for.--"Put a little common (dissolved) glue in hot water and soak the feet in it. Repeat if necessary." This is very good and gives relief.

[SKIN DISEASES 97]

7. Chilblains, the Onion Cure for.--"Raw onion rubbed on chilblains every night and morning." The onion seems to have a very soothing effect upon the chilblains, and this remedy has been known to cure many stubborn cases. It is always well to soak the feet well before applying this treatment, as the juice from the onion will penetrate more quickly.

8. Chilblains, the Hemlock Remedy for.--"Hemlock twigs mixed with lard and pounded until it is green, then bound on."

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chilblains.--Thick woolen stockings, mittens and ear protections should be worn. Daily cold baths, especially of such parts, should be taken. Alcohol applied to the parts, full strength, will harden the tissues. Camphor also is good.

Internal.--Iron should be given to establish a better circulation and give strength. Tincture of iron, five drops three times a day, is good.

External.--1. Alum as a wash applied to the parts.

2. Ointment of ichthyol, one-half strength, is very good in some cases.

3. Rosin made in an ointment is also good to relieve some cases.

4. Lard and iodine ointment is excellent for some.

5. The following is also good:

Prepared Chalk 1 ounce Powdered Camphor 10 grains Linseed Oil 2 ounces Balsam of Peru 20 drops

Mix and apply.

DIGESTIVE ORGANS, DISEASES OF.

CANKER SORE MOUTH. (Aphthous Stomatitis.)--This is a variety of inflammation of the mouth where there are one or more vesicles (cankers) upon the edges of the tongue, the cheek or the lips.

Causes.--They are most common in children between two and six years of age; but are not rare in adults. Predisposing causes are spring and autumn, tuberculosis, teething, poor nutrition, stomach and bowel disorders.

Symptoms.--The vesicles soon rupture and leave the ulcer (canker). There may be a few or many, pin-head or split pea in size, along the edges of the tongue, inside the cheeks. They are very tender.

[98 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Canker Sore Mouth, Raspberry Leaf for.--"Infuse a handful of raspberry leaves in a half pint of boiling water for fifteen minutes; when cold strain and add two ounces tinc. of myrrh, rinse the mouth with a little of it two or three times a day, swallow a little each time until relieved. This is also good for spongy gums, loose teeth, bad breath and for gently correcting and cleansing the stomach."

2. Canker Sore Mouth, Oak Bark Tea for.--"Red Oak bark, a little salt and pepper." The bark should be boiled down to make a good strong tea, according to age of person. The salt has an astringent effect upon the mouth and is also a good antiseptic. The pepper should not be used when the parts are very red and inflamed. It should be used only when they are rather sluggish.

3. Canker Sore Mouth, Boracic acid for.--"Rinse the mouth with a solution of boracic acid and put some of the dry powder on the canker," This is a very good remedy as the boracic acid is a good antiseptic and is especially good for children and mild cases of canker sore mouth.

4. Canker Sore Mouth, Canker Weed Tea for.--"Apply canker weed found in the woods. A small plant with dark green leaves spotted with white." Make a tea of the canker weed by steeping it, then strain and apply to the affected parts. This is a very good remedy.

5. Canker Sore Mouth, Honey and Borax for.--"Honey and borax used as a mouth wash or swabbing is excellent." The honey is very soothing and the borax is a good antiseptic.

6. Canker Sore Mouth, Wild Turnip for.--"Dried wild turnip grated fine and put in mouth. I know this is excellent."

7. Canker Sore Mouth, Alum for.--"Take a piece of alum, rub on the canker often."

8. Canker Sore Mouth, Borax Water for.--"Rinse the mouth well with a weak solution of borax water, then put a little dry borax on the canker. They will generally heal after one or two applications."

9. Sore Mouth, Common and Effective Remedy for.--"Make an infusion of sumach bobs (not the poison ones, of course). Good for sore throat when used as a gargle and a little swallowed frequently." This is a very effective remedy and is also good for sore mouth.

10. Sore Mouth, Shoemaker Root and Borax good for.--"Take the inside bark of shoemaker root and steep it; strain, add a little borax; have known it to take off canker where doctors failed." If the above cannot be secured make a tea from common strawberry leaves. You can use this for a baby by swabbing the mouth, and I have known some mothers to throw in a small piece of alum making it stronger for an older person.

[DIGESTIVE ORGANS 99]

1. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Canker Sore Mouth.--If from the diseases mentioned treat them. In the meantime to relieve the local conditions keep the mouth clean and use as a mouth wash boric acid, one teaspoonful to a cup of warm water.

2. Burnt alum applied directly to the part is good.

3. Nitrate of silver pencil applied directly to the canker until it turns whitish, cures in a few applications. Use twice a day.

4. A wash of sage tea is good also, but it must be strong.

5. The juice of a ripe tomato is good applied locally. Sore mouth should be kept absolutely clean. Thrush frequently comes from uncleanness.

GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS.--This is a rapidly spreading gangrenous affection of the cheeks and forms a rare occurrence and ending fatally in most cases. The trouble may extend to the jaws and lips.

Causes.--It is more common in girls and boys and usually appears between the ages of two and five years. It is worse in the low countries like Holland, but it is not contagious. It is more likely to attack the sickly children suffering from the effects of overcrowding. It may follow diseases like scarlet fever, typhoid fever, smallpox, etc.

Symptoms.--It usually affects first the mucous membrane of one cheek, near the corner of the mouth, as a dark, ragged, sloughing ulcer and spreads for two or three days before the substance of the cheek is infected. If you grasp the cheek between the thumb and finger you can then feel a hard and sensitive lump. The cheek may be eaten through by the third day, though a week generally passes before this happens. There is a burning watery discharge from the unhealthy wound. The breath smells terribly and it is almost unbearable. The gangrene may spread over one half of the face of the side affected.

TREATMENT.--The death rate is eighty to ninety per cent. This is a very dangerous disease and a doctor must be in attendance. Cut, away all the dead tissue by using burning caustics, such as fuming nitric acid, solid zinc chloride, nitrate of silver, carbolic acid on the actual canker. Sometimes mild applications like sub nitrate of bismuth, chloride of potash or the following do well:--

Sulphate of copper 2 drams Powdered cinchona 1/2 ounce Water enough to make 4 ounces

Mix and apply. Peroxide of hydrogen is good as a disinfectant or boric acid solution, etc., may be used. Keep up the patient's strength.

Fortunately this disease is rare. I have never seen a case in practice.

Salivation.--Stop the mercury, keep the bowels open and use the same antiseptic washes as directed for sore mouth.

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Chlorate of Potash Solution, Soda Solutions, Boracic Acid Solutions.--Brush the ulcers with nitrate of silver sticks. Keep the mouth clean with hot water washes and some of the antiseptics put in the water as boric acid, soda, glycothymotine, listerine, etc.

ACUTE DYSPEPSIA.--(Acute Indigestion, Acute Gastritis). "Gaster" is the Greek for stomach; "itis" means inflammation,--thus acute inflammation of the stomach. It may be acute or chronic. When acute it may be called acute gastritis, acute gastric catarrh, acute dyspepsia or acute indigestion. When chronic it may be called chronic gastritis, chronic catarrh of the stomach, chronic dyspepsia or chronic indigestion.

Causes.--This is a very common complaint and is usually caused by eating foods that are hard to digest, which either themselves irritate the stomach, or remain undigested, decompose, and so excite an acute dyspepsia, or indigestion, or it may be caused by eating or taking in more than the stomach can digest. A frequent cause is eating decomposing food, particularly in hot weather. Alcohol is another great cause.

Symptoms.--In mild cases. Distress in the stomach, headache, weary feeling, thirst, nausea, belching of wind, sour food, and vomiting; the tongue is heavily coated and the saliva increased. In children there are loose bowels and colicky pains. It lasts rarely more than twenty-four hours. Vomiting usually relieves the patient.

Severe cases.--These may set in with a chill; fever 102 or 103. The tongue is much coated, breath foul and frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, great thirst, tenderness in region of the stomach; repeated vomiting of food at first, then of bile stained fluid with mucus; constipation or diarrhea. Attacks last one to five days.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Mustard and Molasses for.--"Mustard is an excellent household remedy kept in every home. A tablespoonful of white mustard mingled with two ounces of molasses and then taken once a day will act gently on the bowels and is a beneficial remedy in dyspepsia." By acting upon the bowels it relieves the stomach of any food that may have caused a disturbance and relieves the dyspepsia.

2. Flatulent Dyspepsia, Wormwood tea for.--"Wormwood, one to two teaspoonfuls, water one pint. Make a tea and take from one to four teaspoonfuls daily." This is an old tried remedy and one that should be given a trial if affected with dyspepsia.

3. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Dry salt for.--"One-half teaspoon dry salt taken before each meal. Knew a gentleman who was nearly worn out with this trouble and entirely cured himself with this simple remedy." It is always well to give these simple remedies a fair trial, before resorting to strong drugs. Salt is a good stimulant.

[DIGESTIVE ORGANS 101]

4. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chicken Gizzard Skin for.--"Four ounces good brandy, one-fourth pound of loaf sugar, one tablespoonful pulverized chicken gizzard skin, one teaspoonful Turkish rhubarb dried on paper stirring constantly; this prevents griping; the chicken gizzard skin is the lining of the gizzard which should be thoroughly cleaned and dried then pulverized. To prepare put brandy and sugar together (crush the sugar), light a paper and set fire to the brandy; let burn until sugar is dissolved, then add the gizzard skin and rhubarb, stir together and if too thick add a little water and boil up. Dose :--Infant, one-half teaspoonful every four hours; child, one teaspoonful every four hours; adult, one tablespoonful every four hours. Have used this remedy for a great many years and given it to a great many people who have worn out all other remedies."

5. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, an Excellent Tonic for.--

"Tincture Gentian Compound 2 ounces Tincture Rhubarb 2 ounces Tincture Ginger 1/2 ounce Essence Peppermint 2 ounces Bicarbonate Soda 1/2 ounce Water to make 8 ounces

Mix.

For acute cases of indigestion where the stomach and bowels are full and distended, or sour stomach, spitting up of food. This will often relieve at once and with continued use relieves entirely."

6. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Fruit Diet Cure for.--"Persons afflicted with this disease would find great relief if they would confine themselves to a diet of fruit only for several days." This gives the stomach an opportunity to rest up and get back to its natural state.

7. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hickory Ashes for.--"Take a swallow of hickory limb ashes and water three times a day."

8. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Salt and water for.--"Drink sal and water before eating breakfast."

9. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Slippery Elm for.--"Chew slippery elm; it aids digestion."

10. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Cold Water for.--"A glass of cold water half hour before eating."

11. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hot Water for.--"Sip a cup of boiling hot water before eating anything."

12. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Yolk of Egg and Salt for.--"A very simple but good remedy is the yolk of one egg, with a small quantity of common salt before breakfast. This treatment has been tried and known to cure in many cases."

13. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Lemon Remedy for.--"Drink a half glass of water into which has been put the juice of a lemon (no sugar) morning and evening. This is a fine remedy."

[102 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

14. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hops Excellent for.--"Pour one quart of boiling water over one-half ounce of hops, cover this over and allow the infusion to stand for fifteen minutes; the tea must then be strained off into another jug. A small cupful may be drank in the morning, which will create an appetite and also strengthen the digestive powers. It is an excellent medicinal drink." Hops does its work by the soothing and quieting action on the whole system, and should be taken regularly for some time.

15. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Tested Remedy for.--"A good digestive is made as follows:

Tincture of Leptandrin 1 ounce Tincture of Hydrastis 1 ounce Tincture of Colombo 1 ounce Wine of Pepsin 1 ounce

Mix. Dose, two teaspoonfuls after each meal."

The leptandrin acts on the liver, the colombo is a bitter tonic and hydrastis is a good tonic for the stomach.

16. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chamomile Tonic for Aged Persons also for Children.--"Put about one-half ounce chamomile flowers into a jug, pour a pint of boiling water upon them, cover up the tea, and when it has stood about ten minutes pour it off from the flowers into another jug; sweeten with sugar or honey. A cupful in the morning will strengthen the digestive organs, a teacupful in which is stirred a large dessert spoonful of moist sugar and a little grated ginger is an excellent thing to give to aged persons a couple of hours before dinner," It is remarkable to see how this treatment aids the digestion, especially in chronic cases. It may also be given to fretful children in small doses.

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT in mild cases of acute Dyspepsia.--These recover by themselves by giving the stomach rest, and taking a dose of castor oil. Hot water is good to help to clean out the stomach.

Treatment in severe forms.--Promote vomiting by drinking large amount of warm water. This cleans the stomach of the sour, foul, decomposing food. If warm water does not cause vomiting, give any simple emetic you may have at your hand, such as mustard, etc., one teaspoonful. If the stomach tastes very sour, take some baking soda; subnitrate of bismuth (ten grains) is good, if you have it. If the bowels are constipated you should take an enema (injection) or salts. Soda water can be drank freely. Rest the stomach for a day from food. For the thirst cracked ice is relished. As the patient is usually very thirsty the mouth should be rinsed frequently with cool water and some can be swallowed. As stated before for nausea and sour belching, baking soda or bismuth subnitrate can be used when there is much gas, sour belchings; crust coffee is very good. Burn the toast and make a hot coffee of it.

[DIGESTIVE ORGANS 103]

DIET.--Given us by the Lady Superior of one of the largest Catholic Hospitals in Ohio.

May take--

Soups--Clear thin soups of beef, mutton or oysters.

Fish--Oysters raw, shad, cod, perch, bass, fresh mackerel.

Meats--Beef, mutton, chicken, lamb, tripe, tongue, calf's head, broiled chopped meat, sweetbread, game, tender steak.

Eggs--Boiled, poached, raw.

Farinaceous--Cracked wheat, hominy, rolled oats, rice, sago, tapioca, crackers, dry toast, stale bread, corn bread, whole wheat bread, graham bread, rice cakes.

Vegetables--Spinach, string beans, green peas, lettuce, cresses, celery, chicory, asparagus.

Desserts--Rice, tapioca or farina pudding, junket, custards, baked apples, apple snow, apple tapioca, ripe fruits--raw or stewed.

Drinks--One cup of milk and hot water equal parts, or one glass of pure cool water, sipped after eating, Panopepton or cracked ice.

Must Not Take--Rich soups or chowders, veal, pork, hashes, stews, turkey, potatoes, gravies, fried foods, liver, kidney; pickled, potted, corned or cured meats; salted, smoked or preserved fish; goose, duck, sausage, crabs, lobster, salmon, pies, pastry, candies, ice cream, cheese, nuts, ice water, malt or spirituous liquors.