TO BREAK UP SUDDEN ATTACKS OF COLDS, FEVERS, AND INFLAMMATIONS.—It is only in these sudden and severe attacks of acute diseases that we recommend the Pellets to be taken in active purgative doses, and in these cases only one large or cathartic dose of say 5 or 6 Pellets should be taken.
In colds, fevers, and inflammatory attacks, warm sweating teas should be taken freely, and hot foot baths, or a hot general bath, employed to assist in equalizing the circulation of the blood and restoring the equilibrium of the system.
SUPPRESSED MENSTRUATION.—This combined treatment of an active dose of Pellets, coupled with the use of a hot bath, foot bath, or, better still, a hot sitz-bath, will bring on menstruation, when suppressed from taking cold. In the latter case the effect will be insured if, in addition to the use of the Pellets and baths, a full dose of Dr. Pierce's Compound Extract of Smart-Weed, or Water Pepper, be also used.
CAUSTICS.
Caustics are substances which have the power of destroying or disorganizing animal structures. By their action they destroy the tissue to which they are applied, and form a crust, which is thrown off by a separation from the parts beneath. Their caustic property may be destroyed by dilution with other substances, to such an extent that they will only irritate or stimulate, and not destroy. Much care is necessary in their employment, and it is not expected that the unprofessional reader will have much to do with them; hence, we have deemed it best not to give a list of these agents.
COUNTER-IRRITANTS.
Counter-irritants are substances which produce irritation of the part to which they are applied, varying in degree from a slight redness to a blister or pustule. They are applied to the surface with a view of producing an irritation to relieve irritation or inflammation in some other or deeper seated part. They are a class of agents which we very seldom employ, and, hence, we shall notice only a couple of the most simple.
Mustard (Sinapis). The flour of mustard, which is best adapted for domestic use, is employed in the form of a paste spread on cloth. It takes effect in a few moments; the length of time it remains in contact with the skin and the strength of the mustard determine the effect produced.
Horse-radish (Cochlearia Armoracia). The leaves are the parts used. Let them wilt and bind them on the part affected. They act nearly as energetically as mustard.