A Book of Medical Discourses, in Two Parts

by Rebecca Lee Crumpler

Treatment.—Wholesome food, frequent warm salt baths, comfortable clothing, sufficient sleep, and that in a comfortable place.

HEADACHE,

so frequently complained of by both sexes, generally denotes some irregularity, either in the manner of eating or sleeping. For instance, strong tea is binding in nature, but there are persons who “must have it,” yet, nevertheless, are usually constipated or nervous. Eating a lunch just before retiring will mostly insure headache, as will, also, over-taxation of the mind or body.

HEMORRHOIDS.

Hemorrhoids, or Piles, may be brought on by whatever irritates the folds of the rectum or back passage; as sudden cold, frequent attempts at stool with dry bowels; frequent and severe physicking, or the passage of fecal matter rendered acrid by the indulgence in highly-seasoned food, alcoholic drinks, or late suppers.

Cure.—Abstinence from heating food or medicines, bathing the lower portion of the spine with warm water, applying simple goose oil, or the simplest ointment, whether the sores extend to the opening or not. The patient should take, as a cooling potion, a teaspoonful of Epsom salts in warm water, two or three times a week. Nothing reduces the blood in the parts more speedily; and there is not the least danger, as is erroneously supposed by many, of taking cold by its use. There is a thousand times more danger in numerous other drugs and potions given under the cover of a great name, to cure the piles.

It is an error to suppose that certain remedies are only serviceable at certain times and in certain places, at certain times of the year. Every means possible should be put forth to reduce the piles before submitting to an operation; a thing that is seldom needed, but nevertheless is frequently done.

LEUCORRHŒA, OR WHITES.

This is a very common complaint among women of all ages and conditions of life; but not more so, probably, than seminal weakness in men,—a similar complaint, by the way. It frequently comes from taking cold, after fatigue, which may run its course with some degree of fever, languor and chill; during which time ulcers may form on the membranes of the vagina, or entrance to the womb. These ulcers may remain quite a while, and cause a continuance of the discharge, or they may come off, and leave weak patches, even in virgins. This complaint is not contagious, but if allowed to remain about the parts, may become offensive and excoriating. It requires much the same treatment as catarrh; hence frequently receives the name, catarrh of the womb. It may come from getting up too soon after confinement.

Treatment.—If ulcers are known to have formed, they should be removed in the surest manner, that the introduction of the speculum may be dispensed with as soon as possible. After their removal in that way, the cure can be accomplished sooner, but ulcers can be removed without the introduction of the speculum in very small women. If the evidence is conclusive that ulcers have formed, the remedy for their removal can be applied with less pain and displeasure with the vaginal syringe. No astringent washes, such as alum, oak, bark, or lead, are in place while ulcers remain. When there is no unhealthy discharge from the vagina, there can be no need of using a syringe. Salt sea or home baths, nourishing food and rest; applying a wet bandage, warm, during the hours of rest, and keeping the bowels free without the use of severe physic; avoiding laborious work for a while, will give great relief.