HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON DISEASES 729 



a curative measure. In some cases the inability to 

 evacuate the bowels is due to weakness of the abdom- 

 inal muscles, it being sometimes necessary to aid the 

 bowels by pressure of the hands. We have had several 

 cases in which there was inability to evacuate the 

 bowels when sitting in the usual position, but no diffi- 

 culty when a crouching position was assumed. 



Some cases of constipation tax the skill and inge- 

 nuity of the physician to the utmost, and cannot be 

 relieved by such simple measures as can be undertaken 

 at home. 



HOW TO BREAK UP A COLD 



During the winter months, a cold is one of the most 

 common of accidents. An ordinary cold is usually 

 cured in from two to six weeks, but not infrequently 

 a hard cold leaves behind it relics, recovery from which 

 may require months or even years. Sometimes a fatal 

 disease finds its beginning in a neglected cold. One of 

 the best means of breaking up a cold, especially if 

 taken by getting the feet wet, is to take a hot mustard 

 footbath, which may be made by adding a tablespoon- 

 ful of ground mustard to two gallons of water as hot 

 as can be borne, in an ordinary footbath or a wooden 

 pail. The bath should be continued fifteen to thirty 

 minutes, or until the skin is well reddened and tingling. 



While taking the footbath, swallow one or two pints 

 of hot water or hot tea of some sort,— catnip, winter- 

 green, cinnamon, or almost any herb tea will answer 

 the purpose. It is, of course, the hot water that pro- 

 duces the effect, so that it is a matter of small conse- 

 quence what is used as flavoring. 



After the footbath, dry the feet quickly, go to bed. 



