Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-10-31
Remedies for Brain weariness,

am going to say something about medi-
cines and what / call brain tonics. but first
let me counsel little change of air, and
| mayhap change of companionship. Re-
member that seeing the same faces day
after day, and going through the routine of
work or pleasure, induces a WEAKNESS of
mind and body which is little short of pos
tive illness, and might lead to such
Nux vomica is much used in the treat
ment of nervous disorders, and it certainly
is very useful remedy when judiciously
administered. 1t should be remembered,
however, that nuy vomica in any shape or
form is a poison, and should be dealt with
most cautiously. 1t should be taken in
smaller doses than those usually prescribed
The tincture is the safest form, the dose to
be not over ten drops three times day, in
small wine-g lassful of quassia or gentian
water. This will often be found valuable,
though apparently simple, remedy for dys-
pepsia especially for the overworked), i'll
headache, in atomic constipation, in nerv-
Gus tremblings, acidity, etc
Some people, however, are very suscepti-
BILE to the influence of tincture of nux
vomica, so that the dose to begin with
should not be over five drops, and it should
not be used more than ten days at a time.
The system should be kept open while
taking a tonic, if not naturally so. This
may be effected by using mild aperient
pill at bedtime twice q week and glass Of
Pullna water in the morning.
Iron.-This is valuable blood tonic, but
much abused. 1t should be taken in small
doses, and do not know better form of it
than the muriated tincture, in doses of ten
drops, not more. three times day, in a
little water after meals. The danger of iron
lies in its being apt to produce constipation,
a NJ OILS IF ar;p
gans. But if no bad effects are felt it will
do good. The symptoms of its not agreeing
would be fullness of the head, ringing in
the ears, or heat of body.
Quinine.-Combined with iron in the
form of citrate, this is of great advantage in
the treatment of nervousness and brain
WEAKNESS. 1t must not be given, however.
in doses large enough to affect the head.
Although not homeopathic physician, l
must take this opportunity of remarking
that, as rule, tonics are given in too large
doses. To give larger doses than the blood
can take up is surely gross folly. Iron, for
example, is usually prescribed almost reck-
lessly; 1t passes through the body instead
of being taken up by the system, and it
does not do this without causing mischief.
| have long thought that as regards tonics
the doses should be extremely small, and
very frequently taken. Here is plan, for
example, that would be found advantageous
to person who must be at work all day
say at desk. Let him put thirty minims
OF the tincture of iron, and wine-glassful
of the infusion of quassia, INTO small de-
canterful OF water. Stand this on the table,
and sip it every now and then all day long
Mnc.-l believe that tlis is much more
valuable remedy in cases of nervousness
and brain exhaustion than many imagine.
The oxide of zinc is usually given in doses
commencing with one grain and gradually
increasing up TO ten, This should be made
into pill, with a tonic and aperient ex-
tract, and given three times a day after
meals. 1t may be continued for month
or six weeks.
Extract of Malt.-Thousands who cannot
take cOd-liver oil without causing dyspepsia
and loathing of food may take this deli ht-
full tonic. The dose is from dessert
spoonful to a tablespoonful three times a
day. 1t may be mixed with water.
There are dozens of other tonic remedies
which may be taken with advantage in
cases of debility of the brain, but those
which | have mentioned are the best
Beware of narcotics and stimulants they
invariably make matters worse.
| need hardly add, in conclusion, that at
tention to the diet is of the greatest conse-
quence, and that the morning tub, with a
dash of sea-salt in it, and plenty of whole
some exercise in the open air, must not be
forgotten by the individual who suffers
from brain weariness.-[ Casselrs Family
Magazine for November.