Heartburn (so called) is a common result of too much fatty food, and the handiest remedy is to pound up a little charcoal, mix with water and drink. Another troublesome result of a disordered stomach is the eruption known as Hives. Wash with saleratus and water, and take Cream of Tartar as directed in a former paragraph. Do not put on any greasy salve.
Exposure or carelessness in changing the clothing often results in what is commonly called a “cold.” A few hot drinks and a night under warm blankets will usually bring relief; but if it get troublesome, drink plenty of hot water or tea, wrap in blankets and sweat it out. If the stomach revolts at the hot water, make an infusion of the leaves and twigs of the snapwood (Benzoin odoriferum) or of checkerberry leaves (Gaultheria procumbens). When the disturbance is seated in the bowels, it often results in a colic, for which there is nothing better than black-pepper tea. Pour hot water over a teaspoonful of pepper to make a large cupful and drink as hot as possible. The remedy is nearly as bad as the disease, but not as fatal.
Neuralgia may generally be eased by cloths wrung out in hot water and applied to the affected part. If in a tooth that is decayed, a hot raisin will often soothe the pain. In earache apply a roasted onion as hot as can be borne. I cannot recommend any of the popular headache remedies. They should never be used except by a physician, and even in that case are often dangerous. I shall not explain this as it may be considered libel by the doctor.
If there is sore throat, a cold water bandage will generally relieve it by the next morning. For an aggravating cough an infusion of Mullein leaves (Verbascum) drunk freely will afford relief. Nothing is really necessary except to allay irritation and hot water slowly sipped will often be sufficient.
A combination of exposure, indigestion and fatigue, that often comes to the camper, sometimes results in an inflammation of the pleura, indicated by an excruciating pain in the side. This may be allayed by a mustard plaster. Watch that it does not blister; for in camp that may prove very serious.
Muscular cramps generally affect the legs, and in this case, get the feet warm, rub the part affected briskly, and straighten out the toes, forcibly if necessary. Hot stones wrapped in cloth or even cloths wrung out in hot water will serve to warm the feet.
If a medicine case is considered necessary, a box containing the following materials is suggested, in addition to the remedies mentioned on page 15.
- Cream-of-Tartar.
- Carron-oil (Linseed oil and Limewater).
- A small vial of 1/8 grain Morphine pills.
- Package of Seiler’s Antiseptic Tablets.
- Roll of bandages.
I cannot recommend Carbolic Acid nor Corrosive Sublimate as antiseptics. The tablets are better and perfectly safe.
Above all, mix all remedies with common sense. If you carry drugs, be sure to know their action before you start from home.