102 FOMENTATIONS. 



FOMENTATIONS. 



Are to open the pores of tlie skin and promote 

 perspiration in the part, so as to abate local 

 swellings, relieve pain and lessen inflammation. 

 The effect depends upon the warmth of the water 

 and not upon any herb that may have been 

 boiled in it; they are best applied by means of 

 flannel dipped in the hot>water, or on which the 

 water is poured, which should be as hot as the 

 hand will bear. The fomentation should be 

 continued for 15 or 20 minutes, but if kept on 

 with for half an hour will be better. The parts 

 fomentated should be wrapped or covered up 

 warm. Great good has sometimes resulted from 

 fomentations. 



GENTIAN. 



Stands at the head of vegetable tonics, an 

 infusion of which is one of the best applications 

 for putrid ulcers known. 



