The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1885-04-03
The Hot Water Cure.
EFFECTS OF THE TREATMENT AND THE
POINTS IN ITS FAVOR.

FONTS IN ITS FAVOR.
1t may seem startling assertion,
but it is nevertheless fact, that more
persons are to-day taking hot water for
various ailments than any single drug
in our pharmacoppia. The spread
in the belief in the medicinal value of
hot water has travelled chiefly by
word of mouth. To apply hot water
incidentally could not have become 30
universally custom unless great bene.
fit had been bestowed by it upon
many.
1t was first employed in 1853, ac-
cordiug to DR.. Cutter by DR.. J. IL.
Salisbury, who made use of it in SER
les of experiments undertaken upon
animals and men, with reference to
the effects of animal food upon the
animal economy as a cause and cure
of disease. These experiments were
commented upon by the London Lam
Get as valuable American contriDu-
tion to medicine" according to DIR.
Gutter.
The benefits that result from the in
ternal use of the hot water must be
due, in part at least, if not wholly, to
heat, said DR.. Ambrose l.. Ranney in
recent lecture before the academy
of medicine in this city. Some of its
et.ecs are manifested almost mmedi-
ately in organs connected directly with
the digestive apparatus.
The water may be taken in doses of
from one goblet to one and half An
ordinary goblet contains about ten
ounces. The dose must be modift d in
accordance with its effects
1t must be drunk hot, and not warm
Q10 to $50 degrees). If necessary,
fifteen minutes or more may be con-
sumed in slipping gobletful. Wood
en- cups prevent the water from cooling
quickly. The water may be favored
with lemon, sugar, salt, ginger, ETC., if
necessary, but it becomes very agreea-
BILE to the palate without such after the
patient has taken it for short time.
The dose must be taken one hour
and half before each meal, with abso.
lutte punctuality, and one at bed time.
Patients have the first dose brought to
their bedside and consume it before
rising. The passage of the fluid into
the intestines, or its absorption before
the meal, is insured by this rule. The
quantity taken daily must be modified
according to the effects produced.
The temperature of the water should
be increased as fast as the patients can
bear it. 1t is remarkable how high a
degree of heat some patients can en-
dure after taking hot water for months.
AT first such temperature would
blister the mouth. Below 10 de-
grees the heat is not sufficient, as a
rule to have any effects save as an
emetic.
The administ,a of hot water
must be continued at least six months
in order to get its full effects. 1t will
be some weeks, as a rule, before any
beneficial effects become markedly ap-
parent. 1t is not sufficient for test of
its value that it be given at regular in
tervals, with variable degrees of TEN.
perature.
The use of cold fluids in the form of
beverages must be absolutely prohibi-
ted.
A restricted diet is often necessary
to the full effects of the treatment in
some forms of nervous arrangements.
1t is customary with some patients to
forbid all sweets, pastry, fresh bread
in any form, and fats. The condition
of the subject, in respect to tieeh, is a
guide, as rule to the character of the
diet prescribed, provided that marked
disturbances to digestion are not to be
combated.
On drinking goblet of hot water
for the first time sense of warmth
within the stomach will be produced,
unaccompanied with nausea. Eructa-
tions of gas from the stomach com
monty occur within few minutes af-
ter the first dose OF hot water. This
effect may persist for some weeks. Ex-
cessive eructation indicates that fer
mentation of food occurs after eat
ing.
The skin soon shows the effect of
the heat. A gentle glow with a ten
dency to perspiration is developed rap
idly. This is diffused the entire
body. Goodness of the extremities is
often very much benefited, and in a
short time, by this treatment, The
circulation of the body appears to be.
come more uniform.
The kidneys exhibit marked effects
OF this treatment early.
The accessory organs of digestion
0he liver and pancreas) seems to be
stimulated by the internal use of hot
water. Flatulence aud constipation
are enumerated as things of the past
The nervous system seems to be pro
foundly impressed by prolonged us,
of this agent. Especially is this the
case among that class of patients who
suffer from the effects of anemia OF
the brain and of the spinal cord and
spinal nerves.
This method Of treatment has Ger
tainly one thing in its favor that few
possess--viz., it is harmless. Becaus,
its remedial effects are so slow in som,
cases, it is no proof that they are moi
doubl y permanent.
Most of our nationality chill thei
stomach with ice water between meal
and during the act of eating. VIII,
would think of feeding a horse, an,
placing bucket of ice.water by hi
side? The question may be raised i
this one habit alone has not done NOR,
harm to the nervous systems of mel
than tobacco or alcohol.
The success OF the hot mineral wa
ters,as consumed at the famous no
springs of this country and Europe, 70
chronic diseases, probably depend
more upon employment of internal hes
than upon the mineral ingredients o
the waters themselves.
1t is harmless if properly administer
ed. A degree of temperature that cal
be endured by the mouth will not i'm
pair the integrity of the stomach
Many CT us drink coffee and tea at a
equally high temperature, and in a
large quantities as are compatible wit
| al. H..