Mother's Remedies / Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada

by Thomas Jefferson Ritter

[258 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

11. Blood Purifier, Burdock for.—"The root is the part employed eliminating very rapidly the specific poison from the blood. Best administered in decoction by boiling two ounces of the root in three pints of water, to two pints. Dose:—One tablespoonful four times a day." Burdock is a splendid blood purifier and is not expensive. It can be purchased at any drug store for a reasonable amount.

DISEASES OF THE THYROID GLAND.—Inflammation of the thyroid gland, (Thyroiditis),—Acute inflammation of the gland, simple or suppurative. It may develop in a patient with goitre, or acute infectious diseases, or from other parts, or from wounds. The gland is enlarged and soft and may contain abscesses.

Symptoms.—Pain, tenderness, and enlargement of the part or of all the gland. Fever may be present even in cases without signs of pus forming (suppuration). If there is great enlargement, there may be symptoms of compression of vessel, nerves or the windpipe.

Treatment.—If there is pus it must be carefully opened. The patient must remain quiet in bed. Sometimes cold applications relieve. Do not use warm applications. This disease is not frequent and the patient needs care and watching more than medicine.

GOITRE (BRONCHIAL). Causes.—No satisfactory explanation can be given for this disease. It seems to be more prevalent where lime-stone water is used. Heredity plays a part. This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Chronic enlargement of the thyroid is sporadic. Cases are scattered and endemic in certain mountainous regions. It affects young women most often. A great excess in lime drinking water may be the cause. It is very prevalent about the eastern shore of Lake Ontario and in parts of Michigan. It is a common complaint in this country.

Symptoms.—There is a gradual painless enlargement of the whole gland or one lobe, etc. It may press on the windpipe, and cause difficult breathing, also on the blood vessels and nerves.

Recovery.—This is usually favorable as to life, but not so favorable as a cure. It becomes chronic. A sudden fatal ending may come.

GOITRE, MOTHERS' REMEDIES,—1. Three Ingredient Remedy for.—"The following treatment is excellent, but must be continued for several months:

Extract of Belladonna 1/2 dram
Compound Ointment Iodine 1/2 dram
Vaselin 1/2 ounce