BURNS AND SCALDS

428. We mention several remedies which have obtained popular reputation in these accidents, and which are valuable not only as giving more or less relief, but as being generally at hand, or to be readily procured in every dwelling. They are, wheat flour, which may be thickly sprinkled over the injured parts with a common kitchen dredger, till a perfect crust is formed--an excellent application. Finely-scraped chalk or magnesia, applied in the same way. These act both by excluding the atmospheric air, and absorbing the fluid secreted by the vessels of the inflamed surface. Another application reported to be very efficacious in allaying the pain, is a piece of lint wetted with a saturated solution of carbonate of soda. A poultice of grated raw turnip or potato, applied cold, is quickly productive of ease in slight burns, but requires renewing often enough to keep up the sensation of coldness.

429. _Burns._--Apply to, or wrap round the burnt part, some folds of cotton bought in sheets; however severe the pain may be, it will abate in a few hours. Should blisters arise, they may next day be carefully pricked with a needle, so as to break the skin as little as possible; and the cotton kept on till the cure is effected.

430. _A remedy for a Burn or Scald._--Apply immediately a thick covering of wool to the burnt part, and bind it on tight; in the course of half an hour very little pain will be felt, and scarcely any blister will remain. As this remedy is so simple, no housekeeper should be without loose wool at hand, in case of an accident. This remedy was discovered by the child of a woolcomber having been dreadfully scalded: its mother laid it in a basket of newly carded wool, whilst she ran for a doctor; when she returned, she found the child fast asleep amongst the wool, and when it awoke the excessive pain had subsided. We have frequently tried it, and invariably with success.

431. _For Burns and Scalds._--Plunge the injured part into cold spring or ice water; or, lay on it pounded ice wrapped in linen.

Or, dissolve four ounces of alum in a quart of hot water; dip a cloth into it, and lay it on the part. As soon as it becomes hot and dry, repeat the application.

Apply to a burn, bruise, or cut, the moist surface of the inside coating of the shell of a raw egg; it will adhere of itself, and heal without pain.

432. _Efficacy of Vinegar in curing Burns and Scalds._--Vinegar is a great antiseptic and corrector of putrescence and mortification. The progressive tendency of burns of the unfavorable kind, or those that are ill-treated, is to putrescence and mortification. When the outward skin is not broken, it may be freely used every hour or two; where the skin is broken, and if it gives pain, it must be gently used. But, equal parts of tepid vinegar and water applied every three or four hours, is the best rule to be directed by.

433. _Vitriol Accidents._--For a burn by vitriol, or any similar cause, lay on, with a feather, the white of eggs mixed with powdered chalk, and immediate relief will follow.

Or, immediately after the accident, plunge the scalded limb in spirit of turpentine, and keep it there a few minutes.

Or, dissolve in water or fresh soap-boilers' lees, a little soda or potash, and apply it instantly, and it will prevent all injury to the person or clothing.

434. Feverish symptoms in young children may be reduced, and often entirely cured by sponging in tepid or cold water, according to the age and condition of the patient. Rest, in a clean bed, after sponging, is necessary. Should the fever continue, a gentle emetic may be given. Cold water is the best beverage in fevers, but if very thirsty, give the child a little warm tea.

435. _Dr. Dickson's cure for a Fever._--When a man is hot, and his skin dry all over, no matter what the cause be, you may bring his condition to the state of health by throwing cold water over him. You may do the same by an emetic. Oh! an emetic has a wonderful power in fever; and the old physicians treated all fevers in the first instance by emetics. They did not trouble themselves much about the cause. The _state_ of the patient was what they cared most about. When he was cold, they warmed him, sometimes with one thing, sometimes with another. When hot, they cooled him; not in the Sangrado fashion of these days, by draining him of his life's blood; but by the employment of an emetic, or by sponging him over with cold water!

436. _Easy and almost instantaneous cure for the Fever and Ague._--An hour or two before the fit comes on, take a new-laid egg, in a glass of vinegar or brandy, and go to bed immediately.

This very simple recipe has cured a great many, after more celebrated preparations have proved unsuccessful.

437. _Cure for Yellow Fever._--The New Orleans Tropic gives the following recipe, which is said to be used with great success in Mexico, in cases of yellow fever: "A tumbler two-thirds full of olive oil, well mixed with the juice of _two limes_, and a tea-spoonful of fine table salt, is the common remedy in that country; that he has seen it used in hundreds of cases, many of them the most desperate he ever saw, and that he never knew it fail to produce a cure in a solitary instance! It sometimes causes the patient to vomit; in such cases it should be repeated until the stomach will retain it."

438. _Treatment of Scarlet Fever--important prescription._--Dr. Lindsly, of Washington, strongly recommends the mode of treatment of scarlet fever, resorted to by Dr. Schneemann, physician to the King of Hanover. It is as follows, and exceedingly simple:

_Treatment of Scarlet Fever by inunction._--From the first day of the illness, and as soon as we are certain of its nature, the patient must be rubbed morning and evening over the whole body with a piece of bacon, in such a manner that, with the exception of the head, a covering of fat is everywhere applied. In order to make this rubbing-in somewhat easier, it is best to take a piece of bacon the size of the hand, choosing a part still armed with the rind, that we may have a firm grasp. On the soft side of this piece slits are to be made, in order to allow the oozing out of the fat. The rubbing must be thoroughly performed, and not too quickly, in order that the skin may be regularly saturated with the fat. The beneficial results of the application are soon obvious; with a rapidity bordering on magic, all, even the most painful symptoms of the disease are allayed; quiet, sleep, good humor, appetite, return; and there remains only the impatience to quit the sick room.

439. _Inflammatory Fevers._--In diseases termed "inflammatory," what measure so ready or so efficacious as to dash a pitcher or two of cold water over the patient--_Cold Affusion_, as it is called? Whilst serving in the army, I cured hundreds of inflammatory fevers in this manner--fevers, that, in the higher ranks of society, under the bleeding and starving systems--would have kept an apothecary and physician--to say nothing of nurses and cuppers--visiting the patient twice or thrice a day for a month, if he happened to live so long.

Gentlemen, with the cold dash you may easily,

"While others meanly take whole months to slay, Produce a cure in half a summer's day."--DR. DICKSON.

440. _Beverage for Fevers._--Boil two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk, and strain. The draught is a wine-glassful.

441. _Mustard Poultices._--Make a bag of the size required of fine, close muslin; mix equal quantities of mustard and flour, (or a larger proportion of mustard, should the case require it), with boiling water, until of a proper consistency. Fill the bag with it; sew it up, and, covering it with a handkerchief or piece of clean, soft linen, apply it to the part affected. When it has been on long enough, take it off, and lay on another piece of soft linen.

442. _Bread Poultice._--Mr. Abernethy directs a bread and water poultice to be made as follows:--Put half a pint of hot water into a pint basin; add to this as much of the crumb of bread as the water will cover, then place a plate over the basin, and let it remain about ten minutes; stir the bread about in the water, or, if necessary, chop it a little with the edge of a knife, and drain off the water, by holding the knife on the top of the basin, but do not press the bread as is usually done; then take it out lightly, spread it about one-third of an inch thick on some soft linen, and lay it upon the part. If it be a wound, you may place a bit of lint dipped in oil beneath the poultice. There is nothing better than the bread poultice for broken surfaces.

443. _Linseed Poultice._--Is made by simply mixing linseed meal into a paste with hot water.

444. _Management of Blisters._--Spread the plaster thinly on paper or linen, and rub over it a few drops of olive oil. In this way the blister acts speedily, and with less irritation than usual.

445. _Simple Ointment._--This is made by melting in a pipkin, by the side of the fire, without boiling, one part of yellow or white wax, and two parts of hog's lard or olive oil.

446. _Spermaceti Ointment._--This consists of a quarter of an ounce of white wax, three-quarters of an ounce of spermaceti, and three ounces of olive oil, melted as before. This is the common dressing for a blister.

447. _Elder-flower Ointment._--This is the mildest, blandest, and most cooling ointment which can be used; and it is very suitable for anointing the face or neck when sun-burnt. It is made of fresh elder-flowers, stripped from the stalks, two pounds of which are simmered in an equal quantity of hog's-lard till they become crisp; after which, the ointment, whilst fluid, is strained through a coarse sieve.

448. _Calamine Ointment, or Turner's Cerate._--This consists of half a pound of yellow wax and a pint of olive oil, which are to be melted together; this being done, half a pound of calamine powder is to be sifted in, and stirred till the whole be completely mixed.

449. _Sulphur Ointment._--This is made by rubbing well together three ounces of flowers of sulphur and half a pound of hog's lard. This ointment, if properly applied, is a certain cure for that nastiest of all nasty, and most easily-caught disease, the itch, which, although generally found among poor people, occasionally steals into the houses of the wealthy. The proper mode of managing it is, for the infected to rub himself well all over with the ointment, night and morning, for three days, during which time he must wear, without change, some old body-linen, stockings, and gloves, and lie in a pair of old sheets or blankets. Washing in the least degree is to be carefully avoided as the plague, for it will protract the cure. On the fourth day let him go into a warm bath, wash himself clean, and he will then be found quite well. Everything which had been worn during the cure should be burnt, sheets and all; but the blankets may be scoured.

PLASTERS, BLISTERS, OINTMENTS, &c.

450. The beneficial influence obtained from all such local applications depends upon the change of temperature they are capable of producing. Their results will vary with constitutions. Most patients, who suffer from chronic disease, point to a particular spot as the locality where they are most incommoded with "cold chills." This is the point for the application of the galbanum or other "warm plaster." A plaster of this kind to the loins has enabled me to cure a host of diseases that had previously resisted every other mode of treatment. The same application to the chest, when the patient complained of chilliness in that particular part, has materially aided me in the treatment of many cases of phthisis. In both instances, where _heat_ was the more general complaint, cold sponging has been allowed by an equally beneficial effect.

The ingredients of plasters, blisters, ointments, lotions, &c., what are they but combinations of the agents with which we combat fever? Their beneficial influence depends upon the change of motion and temperature which they produce by their electrical or chemical action on the nerves of the part to which they are directed. Cantharides will not blister the dead--they have very little effect even on a dying man!--_Dr. Dickson's Lectures._

451. _Liquid Opodeldoc._--Dissolve one ounce of camphor in a little spirits of wine, and two ounces of soft soap in a little water; put these into a bottle, add half a drachm of oil of rosemary and the same of oil of thyme; shake them well together; add three-quarters of a pint of spirits of wine, and a quarter of a pint of water; set it in a warm place, and shake it occasionally, for a few days. This is an excellent remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, &c.

452. _Extract of Arnica, for Bruises, Sprains, Burns, &c._--Take one ounce of arnica flowers, dried; that prepared by the Shakers is considered the best; and put them in a wide-mouthed bottle; pour just enough scalding water over them to moisten them, and afterwards about a pint or a pint and a half of spirits of wine. In case of a burn or bruise, &c., wet a cloth in the arnica and lay it on the part affected. Renew the application occasionally, and the pain will soon be removed.

453. _For a Sprain._--Mix equal parts of spirit of camphor, distilled vinegar, and turpentine, and rub the part affected.

Cold water applications are excellent for sprains; as, to bathe the part in cold water, to pour cold water upon it, or to put bandages wet in cold water around it.

Extract of arnica, applied to a sprain, will remove the pain in a short time.

454. _Contusions or Bruises._--In slight bruises, and those not likely to be followed by much inflammation, nothing more is usually necessary than to bathe the part in cold water, or with spirit, as eau de Cologne, brandy, &c., mixed with an equal proportion of vinegar and water. In more severe cases, however, and where the accident is near an important part, as the eye, or any of the joints, it becomes a desirable object to prevent the approach of inflammation. This is to be attempted by the application of leeches, repeating them according to circumstances; purgatives and a low diet may become necessary. In the last stage of a bruise, where there is merely a want of tone in the parts, and swellings from the effused blood, &c., friction should be employed, either simply, or with any common liniment, as opodeldoc. Wearing a bandage, pumping cold water on the part, succeeded by warm friction, also a saturated solution of common salt in water, have each been found beneficial. The roots of bryony and Solomon's seal, bruised and applied as a poultice, are efficacious in hastening the disappearance of the lividity of bruises.

455. _Lime Water._--Pour three quarts of water upon eight pounds of unslaked lime; let stand half an hour, when add three gallons of water, and pour it off.

It is useful in cases of derangement of the digestive organs.

456. _Walnut Water._--This is recommended as a remedy in subduing nausea and vomiting, if administered in doses of a wine-glassful every half-hour. It is distilled from green walnuts, angelica-seeds, and brandy.

457. _Uses of Borax._--Powdered borax, mixed with honey, or conserve of roses, is an excellent remedy for inside sores of the mouths of children.

If a little of the mixture be dissolved in warm water, it will form, when cold, an efficacious gargle for an ulcerated sore throat.

If a weak solution of borax in rose-water be constantly applied, by means of a fine linen cloth, over the redness which often affects the noses of delicate persons, it will relieve the sense of heat, and remove the redness. Many other spots on the face may be similarly removed.

It is likewise a very useful application to chilblains.

458. _The virtues of Sage._--This valuable herb was held in such high esteem among the ancients, that they have left us a Latin verse, which signifies--

_"Why should a man die whilst he has sage in his garden?"_

It is reckoned admirable as a cordial, and to sweeten and cleanse the blood. It is good in nervous cases, and is given in fevers, with a view to promote perspiration. With the addition of a little lemon-juice, it is very grateful and cooling.

459. _Sage Tea._--Wood sage, which grows naturally, is the finest kind; with a little alum it makes an excellent gargle for a sore throat. It may be made as tea, but is better if boiled.

460. _Senna Tea._--Macerate for an hour, in a covered vessel, one ounce and a half of senna, a drachm of ginger, sliced, and a pint of boiling water; the dose is from one-half to a wine-glassful. Or, mix two drachms of senna, with a little Bohea tea, in a quarter of a pint of boiling water, and add, when poured off clear, a little sugar and milk.

461. _Chamomile Tea._--Take of chamomile flowers one ounce, boiling water, one quart; simmer for ten minutes, and strain.

Chamomile tea is well known as an emetic, when taken in a tepid state. In some parts of England, a strong infusion of chamomile is frequently taken at bed-time, as hot as it can be swallowed, when it produces perspiration, and next morning acts as a purgative. It is also there considered as one of the best remedies for indigestion, colic, pains and obstructions of the bowels, especially when arising from cold. A cup of coffee taken hot on an empty stomach, will frequently be as efficacious as the chamomile, in either of the above cases.

A small cupful of the tea, cold, taken in the morning, fasting, is often serviceable for indigestion. Chamomiles are also employed in fomentations, their greatest use being to retain the heat of the application.

462. _Linseed Tea._--Pour two quarts of boiling water upon one ounce of linseed, and two drachms of liquorice-root, sliced; let it stand six hours.

463. _Mint Tea._--Mint, to be used as tea, should be cut when just beginning to flower, and should be dried in the shade. The young leaves are eaten in salads, and some eat them as the leaves of sage, with bread and butter.

464. _Nitre_ is a cheap and valuable medicine, both cooling and purifying to the blood. In the feverishness that attends a cold, from seven to ten grains of purified nitre, in a glass of water, may be taken two or three times a day, with safety and advantage. For old wounds, such as are commonly called "a bad leg," great benefit will be derived from taking a solution of nitre, prepared thus:--In one pint of boiling water, dissolve two ounces of saltpetre; of which take a table-spoonful twice a day. If it should occasion pain, a little hot ginger-tea will soon give relief.

465. _To make Verjuice._--The acid of the juice of the crab or wilding is called by the country people, verjuice, and is much used in recent sprains, and in other cases, as an astringent or repellant.

466. _Medicines in Travelling._--In case of change of food disagreeing with the stomach, dissolve a tea-spoonful of Epsom salts in half a pint of water, as warm as it can be drunk, and repeat the dose every half-hour, until it operates.

For diarrhœa, or acidity of stomach, mix one drachm of compound powder of kino, with half an ounce of compound powder of chalk; divide into six powders, and take one or two a day, in three table-spoonfuls of water, and a tea-spoonful of brandy.

467. _To prevent Sea-sickness._--Pass a broad belt round the body, and place within it, on the region of the stomach, a pad stuffed with wool or horse-hair; this, when tightly braced, restrains the involuntary motion of the stomach, occasioned by the lurching of the vessel. During sickness, very weak cold brandy and water will be found the best means of allaying the heat and irritation.

The frequent use of any sea-sickness preventive is, however, attended with danger.

468. _Valuable properties of Cherry-tree Gum._--The gum that exudes from the trunk and branches of the cherry-tree is equal to gum-Arabic. Hasselquist relates that, during a siege, more than an hundred men were kept alive for two months nearly, without any other sustenance than a little of this gum taken into the mouth sometimes, and suffered gradually to dissolve.

469. _How to get Sleep._--How to get sleep is to many persons a matter of high importance. Nervous persons who are troubled with wakefulness and excitability, usually have a strong tendency of blood on the brain, with cold extremities. The pressure of the blood on the brain keeps it in a stimulated or wakeful state, and the pulsations in the head are often painful. Let such rise and chafe the body and extremities with a brush or towel, or rub smartly with the hands to promote circulation and withdraw the excessive amount of blood from the brain, and you will sleep in a few moments. A cold bath, or a sponge bath and rubbing, or a good run, or a rapid walk in the open air, or going up or down stairs a few times, just before retiring, will aid in equalizing circulation, and promoting sleep. These rules are simple and easy of application in castle or cabin, and minister to the comfort of thousands who would freely expend money for an anodyne to promote "Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep."

470. _Remedy for Bad Breath._--Take from five to ten drops of muriatic acid, in an ale-glassful of barley-water, and add a little lemon-juice and lemon-peel to flavor; mix for a draught to be taken three times a day, for a month or six weeks at least, and, if effectual, it may be continued occasionally. Another medicine of this kind, which has often proved beneficial when the stomach has been wrong, and the bowels costive, is the following: Take one drachm of sulphate of magnesia, two drachms of tincture of calumba, one ounce and a half of infusion of roses; make a draught, to be taken every morning, or every other morning, an hour before breakfast, for at least a month.

471. _Corpulence._--Those who are afflicted with corpulence should not allow themselves above six hours' sleep in the twenty-four. They should take as much exercise as possible, and avoid cream, malt liquors and soups--at least until they have succeeded in reducing their bulk. Salt provisions are good, having a tendency to promote perspiration, and carry off fat. Soda water is also beneficial. _Recipe_: Take Castile soap, in the form of pills, or electuary, of from one to four drachms dissolved in a quarter of a pint of soft water, when going to bed. But let not our lovely girls abuse their constitutions by drinking vinegar for this purpose, for consumption has often been produced by that habit.

472. _Leanness._--This is not a disease; on the contrary, lean people are generally healthy, muscular, strong, and active, and remarkable for a keen appetite. But when there appears a diminution of strength--when the spirits sink, and the food does not freely digest--then leanness is the sign of lurking disease. Such patients should take a cup of milk warm from the cow every morning, or cold milk, with two raw fresh eggs beaten up with it. A pint of the best porter or stout at dinner, and the same at supper. Tea is better than coffee, and salad with strong supplies of oil, not much vinegar, are recommended.

473. _Cure for Stammering._--Impediments in the speech may be cured, where there is no malformation of the organs of articulation, by perseverance for three or four months in the simple remedy of reading aloud, with the teeth closed, for at least two hours in the course of each day.