Of the tough Phlegm, which usually precedes an attack of asthma.
Many individuals, especially those far advanced in life, are much subjected to a collection of tough phlegm, which adheres to the bronchial tube, or inner surface of the windpipe, in the morning, and renders their breathing most difficult and painful; occasioning hoarseness, and producing violent fits of coughing, until the matter is discharged. This affection is not, strictly speaking, a disease; and although it is most troublesome and disagreeable, as well as painful to its subject, and to others, there are but few persons who consult the physician for its removal.
This complaint should not, however, be neglected, for, by inattention to its early symptoms, it will be much increased, and often terminate in Asthma; and some have fallen a sacrifice to its consequences, by the rupture of a blood vessel, occasioned by violent straining. If it were asked of medical men, what medicine would cure this infirmity, and be a safe preventative to its return, the question would be with difficulty answered. No remedy could afford effectual relief, otherwise compounded than the Balsam before alluded to. The patient should have recourse to it on retiring to rest at night, and early in the morning, or on rising from bed; one or two tea-spoonsful in a little honey, or on lump sugar, will constitute the regular dose. Relief will be experienced from it the first day, and progressively increase, until the recovery is complete. It will, nevertheless, be advisable to take minute supplies occasionally, for a short period afterwards, to prevent a tendency to relapse: and if at any subsequent period, after the removal of the cold, the complaint again appear, the same course must be again adopted, and duly persevered in, until it is totally removed.