SIMPLE HOUSEHOLD REMEDIES 289 



Mustard and warm water, taken internally, is a good 

 emetic, in cases of poisoning. 



Vinegar taken internally will counteract the action of 

 caustic potash, caustic soda, or ammonia. 



Baking soda, or even the plaster from the wall, taken inter- 

 nally, will stop the action of all acids. 



Table salt will prevent excessive harm from silver nitrate 

 (lunar caustic). 



White of eggs, milk, and gelatinous drinks should be given 

 in most cases of poisoning, as they tend to coat the lining of 

 the stomach, as well as to form insoluble compounds with 

 many poisons. Encourage vomiting by mustard and warm 

 water. Send for a doctor at once. 



Besides the household materials, every home should have 

 on hand a few remedies such as corrosive sublimate, tincture 

 of iodine, alcohol, and arnica. All of these are poisons if 

 taken internally. 



A solution of corrosive sublimate, made by dissolving one 

 tablet in a pint of water, is the very best antiseptic wash for 

 cuts or bruises. It kills any microorganisms which may 

 enter, and allows new tissue to be built without loss of time. 



Tincture of iodine may be used in the place of a mustard 

 plaster and for sprains. 



Arnica and alcohol may be used for sprains and lameness, 

 and alcohol may be rubbed on the skin, after a hot bath, to 

 prevent a person from catching cold. See Section 11, First 

 Aid to the Burnt. 



References : 



1. 1501 : 148-154. Drugs and Poisons. 



2. 1503:417-418. Narcotics. 



3. Farmers' Bulletin No. 86. Thirty Poisonous Plants. 



4. Farmers' Bulletin No. 188. Weeds Used in Medicine. 



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