244 SCOUTING FOR GIRLS 
full strength milk. The usual proportion is two table- 
spoons of lime water to a half glass of milk, which makes 
about 1 part of lime water to 3 parts of milk. 
Alcohol may be used to disinfect the more delicate 
utensils as the thermometer. Most alcohol now obtain- 
able is wood alcohol or denaturated ; that is, mixed with 
powerful poisons , so that it should never touch the 
mouth. Never place a bottle of alcohol near a flame. 
If it is ever necessary to use an alcohol lamp, use the 
solid alcohol. It is much safer. 
Camphorated oil is often used to rub the chest and 
neck with in case of colds. It should be warmed and 
rubbed in thoroughly. Protect the bedclothes and the 
patient’s clothes with towels. After rubbing, wipe and 
cover the part with a flannel, to prevent chill. 
Spirits of camphor or aromatic spirits of ammonia, 
a few drops on a handkerchief or piece of cotton, held 
five or six inches from the nose, relieves faintness. In- 
haling the camphor in this way will often make it easier 
to breathe through the nose in case of a head cold. Fif- 
teen drops of aromatic spirits of ammonia in a table- 
spoonful of water may be given to anyone recovering 
from a faint* or to relieve nausea. 
Flaxseed tea is an old-fashioned remedy for coughs. 
Pour a quart of boiling water over two tablespoonfuls 
of flaxseed and let it simmer for two to three hours, 
or until reduced to about a pint of tea. Strain through a 
fine strainer several times so that it will not be stringy, 
flavor with lemon, and add honey or sugar. Put in a cov- 
ered jar, and take a teaspoonful at a time to relieve 
irritation in the throat. 
The Daily Clean-Out.— People, sick or well, should 
have a bowel movement once or twice a day. Taking 
medicine for this purpose is a very bad habit. If healthy 
people have the proper exercise and food, and drink 
