Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1890-04-04
THE HOUSEHOLD.



should consist in regulating food and hab
its to suit the child in question but this is
often a tedious process, the result Of which
the young and inexperienced mother awaits
impatiently, while longing for some allevi-
alton for her small sufferer. To many
such, out Of reach Of a good physician, the
knowledge Of the use of a few Of the
herbs on which our grandmothers placed
their reliance would never come amiss.
The virtues of these homely plants are as
they were then, and in this day of quack
medicines, syrups, balsams, cordials, etc,
the old plan has the merit in its use, but
not in its abuse, of being perfectly harm
less. think we would do wisely to return
to the good old custom of setting aside
special bed in the garden for the cultiva-
ton of herbs
For young babies often troubled with
collie, nothing brings up the wind and
soothes the screaming child better than
anise tea weak, slightly sweetened, and
given in small spoonfus till the wind be
gins to move-no longer, for it is better to
reserve its powers, even though "baby is
so fond of it," And here let me say do
not mean essense of anise or anisette, but
the infusion Of the simple herb, which it is
well to wash in bulk, putting into a strain
err and allowing cold water to drain through
it, then spreading upon paper to dry.
Sage is also useful in collie, and as a
safeguard against suspected cold, care being
taken as to exposure afterwards. But the
virtues of sage are its effect upon a stye,
which will soon disappear after a lukewarm
bath of it. 1t is strong astringent and
makes an admirable gargle for sore
throat, especially if honey be added to it.
Sage tea is also valuable for arresting the
falling out of the hair.
In the West essence of peppermint is CON
sdered a sovereign remedy, and especially
is it esteemed as gargle for IA sore throat
or in hot water on retiring to break up a
cold, or as a liniment for swollen tonsils
neuralgia, and even sprains. One touch of
the cork from the oil of peppermint bottle
upon the bridge of the nose and beneath
the nostris will insure easy breathing for
the night in influenza
Yarrow as a weak tea is invaluable in
persistent bowel troubles, while it quenches
that intUlerable thirst which is so often
present. For a weak and ailing child
daily bath of strong yarrow, using roots,
leaves, stems and blossoms, is very
strengthening.
Onions are almost a specific in Group,
and are always to be had. When that un-
mistakable respiration calls the mother to
act promptly, let her quickly cut them in
pieces, stew, fry, bake or boil, with, if pos
sible, small bit of pork or lard, and place
a bag of them at once upon the little ones
chest. Now let her have large onion cut
IN thick slices, sugar placed between each
two slices, aud as soon as the juice begins
to flow she has ready one of the best Group
syrups. 1t is quite as effective as ipecac in
ordinary cases, and in large doses will even
prove emetic. 1t loosens at once. Lard
should be used to protect the child from
drafts as onions open the pores Of the skin
A hot onion applied to the ear gives great
relief in cases of earache
Any kind of herb poultice is very sooth-
ing. Prepare the meal as if for mush and
then add the herbs. A hop poultice is es-
pecially soothing on account of opiate quail
tiles possessed by the hop, and for this rea
son hop pillow has happy effect ON a
person suffering from insomnia, while an
infusion is an excellent sedative. A small
bag of hops dipped in vinegar and placed
between the cheek and hot water bag or
hot hatiron gives speedy relief from tooth
ache
Slippery elm is valuable emolient, more
so even than gum arabic ANY one living
in region where this tree grows should
try to keep bundle of the bark always on
hand Dissolved in water it forms a sooth-
ing muciage, excellent for teething babe,
or for anyone suffering with inhamed throat
or stomach 1t is also very soothing When
applied externally to nhamed eyes.
1t is very unsafe for any one but skill
full physician to dispense, or even keep oil
hand, dangerous remedies If any mem
Der of a household is i'll enough TO requir,
these, he is i'll enough to call in physician
and no one else should administer stronl
or deadly drugs; but every country house
wife, far from a physician or drug store
should keep on hand stock of simple do
mestic remedies. suitable for the ordinar!
little ailments and accidents that are apt t,
befall children. She should not wait til
the emergency arises, but should prepar
her store of remedies beforehand, settinJ
. aside a special closet or shelf in a closet
as a receptacle for them.
| In addition to the domestic remedies al
ready referred to, would suggest that sh
+ should keep in this closet a good stock o
soft old linen rags, a piece of fine whit
CASTLE soap, roll of sticking plaster,
+ box of mustard, supply of alum and be
rax, and bottle of sweet oil, linseed oil
and arnica, each of them simple but use
r full remedy in its place, and capable of be
ing safely applied by any sensible house
wife, without the intervention of phys
Z | clan II Household.