The Kaffir surgeon or domestic sympathiser tries to extract the offending tooth by means of a strip of thong tied to it.

Speaking generally the Kaffirs have splendid teeth and take great care of them by frequent cleansing.

Headache.

a. I-yeza Elininyama (Anemone Caffra) is used; the root being dried, powdered and used as a snuff. Should this fail the upper rootstalk is burned and the smoke inhaled; while a paste of the leaves is rubbed into or bound on the affected part. [[76]]

b. Um-hlavutwa (Ricinus communis) is also used externally as a paste and internally in decoction.

A common practice is to bind the head firmly with a thong.

[[Contents]]

H. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM.

Thrush. Ama-vila, said to be caused by the child eating green mealies off the cob and leaving its saliva on a cob that is accidently burnt; or putting its father’s pipe into its mouth.

Treatment. The mouth is frequently washed out, either with an infusion of the leaves of Isi-duli (Brachylæna elliptica) or an infusion of Mimosa bark.