The Home.

White Ribbon, Volume 1, Issue 6, 1 December 1895, Page 6

The Home.

By A. W.

The frequent prevalence of this disease is our excuse for offering thereon a few practical suggestions on the natural method of treatment. We would advocate strongly, on the first symptoms, the steam bath, followed by the cold sitz. The steam bull may be very simply and easily arranged. A little spirit lamp (one can be purchased for is 6d) with three burners, should be lighted and set between two bricks lying lengthwise? Over it, placed on the bricks, put a small tin (a cake tin will very well serve the purpose), about halt full of boiling water. The patient is seated on a cane-bottomed chair, which is set o\er the steaming apparatus. I lie seat of the chair should

be covered with two or three layers of an old tov’el or thin blanket. The feet and legs should he 1 placed in a bucket of water as hot as is compatih!" i with comfort. Two or three big blankets should then he wrapped right round the patient, allowing comfortable freedom for the neck. If tue patient perspires >vith difficulty it will he well, if it can U* borne, to cover the head. Ihe steaming may tik • from fifteen to thirty minutes or more if it suits the patient s feeling. After the steam bath ac> >1 ing process must be resorted to by means of a hip hath. 1 lie patiint must sit in a bath in which the water should reach to the thighs, the body should then he gently laved with the cold water the warmer the bo ly, the less it feels the cold. After the hip hath the body should again be warmed ; this may be effected by rubbing with warm olive oil, or if this is impracticable, gentle exercise should he taken. If, however, the patient is very weak, hot pads should he applied to the hack and feet. 1 lie diet should be as simple as possible. W r e here would strongly recommend digestive scones made of wheat meal sifted and boiling water, baked well in a good oven. These are extremely palatable if well made, and are invaluable as an aid in constipation. At intervals sips of acetic acid an I water (a tea-spoonful of acid to a teacup of water) should be taken. This acts as an excellent t >nic, and is a great aid in the cleansing of the stom ich As alternative treatment with the steam bath, the hot soapy sitz, followed by the cold sitz, may he employed. If the chest is affected, a hot water hag, covered with a wet cloth, or a hot bran poultice, should he applied between the shoulders, and at the same time a cold cloth should be placed on the chest, and changed when it gets uncomfortably warm. After this application the back and chest should be well rubbed with warm olive oil. If the head is hot, cloths wrung out of cold water should be frequently applied. The feet and legs should always be kept warm.

INFLUENZA.