HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON DISEASES 737 



by being kept long after the animal was killed, and 

 such irritating substances as mustard, pepper, pepper- 

 sauce, and other condiments; also such indigestible 

 substances as pickles, preserves, pastry, fried foods, 

 rich gravies, and similar unwholesome viands. A free 

 use of even fresh meat is objectionable, as it readily 

 undergoes decomposition in the stomach, thus giving 

 rise to those poisons which are most likely to produce 

 rheumatism. 



Overeating must also be mentioned as a cause of 

 rheumatism, by introducing an excess of material into 

 the body, which, not being employed usefully, becomes 

 waste matter and a clog and hindrance to the vital 

 functions. 



Treatment.— A. severe case of rheumatism, of 

 course, requires the attention of a skilled physician. 

 A few hygienic suggestions may, however, prove of 

 value. In fact, the writer has cured many cases of 

 rheumatism by the simple means which will be outlined, 

 and without the administration of medicine. 



1. Abstinence from food for a few days,— three or 

 four days at least. If the patient finds it inconvenient 

 to abstain entirely from the use of food, which is doubt- 

 less preferable, fruits or fruit juices may be freely 

 used without special detriment. 



2. Drinking frequently of distilled or pure water. 

 A little lemon or other fruit juice may be added to the 

 water if desirable. Popular prejudice against the use 

 of lemons or other acid fruits in rheumatism is un- 

 founded. The amount of water taken should be con- 

 siderable. Our usual prescription is a glassful of 

 water every hour, when the patient is awake. 



3. Absolute rest in bed. 



4. For the first three days, continuous sweating, 



