31. In old Chronic spreading and gangrenous Ulcers so common amongst natives, the following forms an excellent application: Finely powdered Alum, four drachms; finely powdered Catechu, one drachm; Opium, half a drachm; Ceromel (167), or Kokum butter, or Ghee, one ounce. First, rub down the opium with the ceromel till thoroughly mixed, and then incorporate the other ingredients. A portion of this, spread on soft rag, should be applied to the ulcer night and morning. If it occasion much pain, the proportion of ceromel should be increased. For Bed-Sores or where these are likely to occur, Dr. Aitchison describes as an excellent remedy—a mixture of 30 grains of burnt alum and the white of an egg. It should be well painted over the part.
32. For Enlargement of the Joints, especially that of the Knee, and for other Swellings resulting from Blows, Bruises, or Sprains, the following lotion has been found useful; Alum, four drachms, Vinegar and Arrack, of each a pint; dissolve, and keep cloths wet with this lotion constantly to the affected part. In Scorpion Bites, Alum moistened with water and locally applied often affords instantaneous relief (Dr. Saunders).
33.
Asafœtida.
Hing (Hind., Duk., Beng., Pung., Mah., Guz.), Yang (Kash.), Káyam, Perun-gáyam (Tam.), Inguva (Tel.), Perun-gáyam, Káyam (Mal.), Perun-káyam (Cing.), Shinkhu or Shingu (Burm.), Hingu (Malay).
34. Asafœtida of good quality may be obtained in most bazaars. The moister and most strongly smelling kinds should be chosen for medical purposes. It may be given in the form of pill, in doses of from five to ten grains; or in that of mixture, prepared by rubbing down in a mortar five drachms of Asafœtida in a pint of hot water, and straining and setting aside to cool. Of this solution, which is thick and milky, the dose is from one to two table-spoonfuls. Its nauseous taste is a great objection to its use.
35. In Hysterical Fits and in Fainting, Nervous Palpitations, and other affections connected with Hysteria, Asafœtida proves most useful. When the symptoms are urgent, as in fits, &c., it is best given in the liquid form (ante), but where the object is rather to combat the tendency to this state, and to make an impression on the system, the solid form should be preferred. For this purpose it may be advantageously combined with Aloes, as advised in Sect. 19.
36. In Flatulence, Flatulent Colic, and Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels, especially when connected with hysteria, it is best given in the form of enema (30 grains in four ounces of water); but if this is not practicable, it may be given by mouth in the liquid form advised above. A teaspoonful of the mixture, with a little Omum water, is often very effectual in relieving the Flatulent Colic of Children. It may also be tried in the Convulsions of pale, weakly children. An Asafœtida enema is an effectual means of removing Thread worms from the rectum and lower bowel.
37. In the obstinate Coughs of Childhood, remaining after attacks of inflammation, and also the advanced stages of Hooping Cough, the mixture has also occasionally been found of great service in doses of a teaspoonful four or five times daily. It has also been recommended in the Chronic Bronchitis and Asthma of Adults; its disagreeable smell and taste is a great bar to its use, but this may, in a great measure, be obviated by giving it in the form of pill.
38.