93. Fatigue and Over-exertion Blisters
If the feet be swollen or blistered, or the ankles ache after walking, a warm foot-bath may be used, to which a teaspoonful of the strong tincture of Arnica has been added, the relief afforded being immediate and permanent. If the hands or wrists ache after excessive or unaccustomed exertion, they may be bathed in about a pint of water, to which twenty or thirty drops of Arnica have been added. If necessary, in one or two hours the application may be repeated. In muscular fatigue from long-continued, or short but severe exertion, affecting the hips, thighs, etc., a hip- bath, containing a drachm of the strong tincture of Arnica is an excellent remedy.
The patient should remain in the bath about five minutes. Whatever kind of bath is used, and to whatever part applied, it should be warm if used in the evening or immediately after exertion, but cold or tepid in the morning. Apart from the external use of Arnica, that remedy should always be taken internally, as it has a wonderfully restorative effect in such cases. Alcoholic drinks should not be taken after a fatiguing day. The formation of blisters may be prevented by wearing easy but wellfitting boots that have become shaped to the feet, made of soft upper leather and stout soles.
After the evening bath, whiting should be rubbed into the feet. Before starting in the morning, spirits may be rubbed into the soles, heels, and sides of the feet. Before taking very long walks it is a good plan to soap the insides of the stocking feet. Silk stocking covered with woollen ones will lessen the friction. Woollen stockings are greatly to be preferred to cotton when silk cannot be obtained.
94. Poisons
1 For the treatment of the most frequent and common cases of poison see the chapter on “Poisons” in the larger Edition of the Homoeopathic Vade Mecum.
When it is known that a poisonous substance has been swallowed, immediate treatment should be proceeded with. A few minutes delay may cause the loss of the patient’s life.
There are two classes of poisons, one in which an emetic may be given, the other where an emetic must be avoided.
1. Where there are no signs of burning or corrosion about the mouth or lips, give an emetic.
2. Where these signs are present, an emetic must not be given.
If an acid has been swallowed: Oil of Vitriol (Sulphuric Acid) is the most common; this burning or staining on the lips will be seen. Dissolve some common baking-soda (the bi-carbonate) or washing soda, in some water and give the patient immediately. If neither of these are obtainable, scrape some plaster from the wall, mix it with water and give this. A dose of Castor oil may be given afterwards. Milk, or gruel made with milk, should be given to allay the great thirst accompanying this form of poisoning. If an alkali has been swallowed; Potash, Soda, Ammonia, Hartshorn, &c., acids must be employed. Vinegar, mixed with half its quantity of water; or diluted lemon juice, may be given freely, alternated with Olive or Salad oil.
If a metallic poison has been taken, such as Arsenic, Antimony, or Copper, an emetic of mustard and warm water should be given at once. If Corrosive Sublimate or White Precipitate be the substance swallowed, give an emetic, and follow this with white of egg, beaten up in water. This is the direct antidote, and may be given in any quantity. Belladonna (Deadly Nightshade), Digitalis (Foxglove). Food’s Parsley (Hemlock), are sometimes eaten by children. Give an emetic of mustard and water, followed by hot coffee or tea, and keep the patient warm.
The following is a convenient emetic: For a child: a teaspoonful of mustard to a teacupful of warm water; for an adult: a tablespoonful of mustard to a breakfast-cup of water. This may be repeated as often as necessary, so as to empty the stomach as completely as possible.
Poisoning by Opium (Laudanum). It is most important to keep the patient from sleeping; once let sleep overtake him, and his chances of recovery are indeed small. Ah emetic should be given. The patient should then be made to walk up and down in an airy place, supported by an attendant on each side (who can be relieved if necessary) for an hour or more, until he can sit down without going to sleep. As soon as he can swallow he should be given some hot and strong coffee, but alcohol in any form must be avoided. Opium is specially dangerous to children, even in small doses. The same treatment may be used but in addition, rubbing the limbs with hot flannels should be practised.
LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS; MEMBER OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS; LICENTIATE IN MIDWIFERY, LONDON AND EDINBURGH, ETC. PHYSICIAN TO THE READING AND BERKSHIRE HOMOEOPATHIC DISPENSARY.
Author of "The Stepping Stone to Homeopathy and Health,"
"Manual of Homoeopathic Treatment". Editor of "The Homoeopathic World."