397. Relief for Asthma—another way.—Mix two ounces of the best honey with one ounce of castor oil, and take a tea-spoonful, night and morning.
398. Gargle for Sore Throat.—On twenty-five or thirty leaves of the common sage, pour a pint of boiling water; let the infusion stand half an hour. Add vinegar enough to make it moderately acid, and honey to the taste. Use it as a gargle, several times a day. This combination of the astringent and emollient principle seldom fails to produce the desired effect.
399. To prevent Lamps from being pernicious to Asthmatic persons, or others liable to Complaints of the Chest.—Let a sponge, three or four inches in diameter, be moistened with pure water, and in that state be suspended by a string or wire, exactly over the flame of the lamp, at the distance of a few inches; this substance will absorb all the smoke emitted during the evening or night; after which, it should be rinsed in warm water, by which means it will be again rendered fit for use.
400. The use of Tar-water in expanding the Lungs of Public Speakers, &c.—It has been found by the experience of many, that drinking tar-water very much deterges and opens the lungs, and thereby gives a very sensibly greater ease in speaking. A quart of tar is to be stirred six minutes in a gallon of water; but if there be somewhat less tar, it may do as well, especially at first, to try how it sits on the stomach. Take about one-fourth of a pint, at four several times, at a due distance from meals. Begin taking it in the spring for about fourteen days, and continue it for a greater length of time, as occasion may require.
401. To prevent Danger from Wet Clothes.—Keep if possible in motion, and take care not to go near a fire or into any very warm place, so as to occasion a sudden heat, till some time after you have been able to procure dry clothes.