The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-11-11
Remedies for Rrain WEAKNESS.

Remedies for Rrain Wcariness.
I am going to say something about
medicines and what I call brain tonics,
but first let me counsel a little change of
air, and mayhap change Of companion
ship. Remember that seeing tine same
faces day after day, and going through
the routine OF work or pleasure, induces
q WEAKNESS of mind and body which is
little short of positive illness, and might
lead to such.
Nux vomica is much used in the treat
ment of nervous disorders, and it GER
talnly is q very useful remedy when jul
diciously administered. 1t should be
remembered, however, that H. 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 a day, in a small
wine glassfull of quassia or gentian water.
This will often be found a valuable,
though apparently simple, remedy for
dyspepsia especially for the over
workcd), in headache, in atomic consti-
patton, in nervous %tremblings, acidity, etc.
Some people, however, are very sus-
ccptible to the influence of tincture of
nux vomica, 80 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. it not naturally so. This
may be effected by using a mild aperient
pill at bedtime twice a week and q glass
of Pullna water in the morning.
Iron.-This is a valuable blood tonic,
but much abused. 1t should be taken
in small doses, and I do not know q bet
ter form for it than muriatcd tincture,
in doses of ten drops, not more, three
times a day, in a little water after meals.
The danger of iron lies in its being apt
to produce constipation. and also con-
gestion of various internal organs. But
if no bad effects are felt, it will do good.
The symptoms of it's not agreeing would
be f~ullncss of the head, ringing in the
ears, or heat of body.
Quinine. -Comblned with iron III the
form of citrate, this is of great advan-
tage in the treatment of nervousness and
brain WEAKNESS. 1t must not be given,
however. in doses large enough to af-
feet the head.
Although not a Homeopathic physi-
clan, I must take this opportunity of re-
marking that, as a rule, ton!cs are given
in too large doses. To give larger doses
than the blood can take up is surely
gross folly. Iron. for example, is usu-
ally prescribed almost recklessly; it
plssess through the body instead of be-
ing 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 q
plan, for example, that would be found
ad vantageous to u person who must be
at work all day. say at a desk. Let him
put thirty minims of the tincture Of iron,
and q wine-glass full of the infusion of
ouassia, into a small d%ecanterful of
water. Stand this on the table, and sip
it every now and then all day long.
Zinc.-I believe that this is a much
more valuable remedy in cases of ner-
vousness 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 a pill,
with a tonic and aperient extract, and
given three times a dav after meals. 1t
may be continued for q month or six
weeks.
Extract of Malt.-Thousands who can
not take cod-liver oil without causing
dyspepsia and loathing of food may take
this delightful tonic. The dose is from
q dessert spoonful to a tablespoonful
three times a day. 1t may be mixed
with water.
There are dozens of other tonic RENE
dies which may be taken with advan-
tage in cases of debility of the brain, but
those which l have mentioned are the
best.
Beware of narcotics and stimulants;
they invariably make matters worse.
l need hardly add, in conclusion, that
attention to the diet is of the greatest
consequence, and that the morning tub,
with a dash of sea-salt in it, and plenty
of wholesome exercise in the open air,
must not be forgotten by the individual
who suffers from brain WEAKNESS. - Cas-
sells Family Magazine.