Spring Tonics: Nature's Remedies for Health
By O. C. Godsmark
Having noticed in the two preceding articles the necessity and use of certain sanative agencies that should be properly employed by every one in need of a thorough blood purifier, we now consider some of nature’s own tonics. A tonic, according to Dunglison, is a “medicine which has the power of exciting slowly, and by insensible degrees, the organic actions of the different systems of the animal economy, and of augmenting their strength in a durable manner,” and he classifies cold water as one of these medicines, and, under the head of “mental tonics,” confidence, hope, and amusement. Then a tonic is that which will augment the strength of the various tissues in a durable manner; and if such a commodity can be obtained, which will also leave no final depressing influences upon the system, it is surely what is wanted. Aside from the food we eat, of which we spoke last week, there are four universal tonics within the reach of all, which our heavenly Father has provided, without money and without price. These are fresh air, pure, soft water, proper exercise, and sufficient rest. The vivifying effect immediately felt upon the system by filling the lungs with the fresh morning air, is so apparent to all that it seems strange that intelligent beings will remain housed up in overheated, illy-ventilated rooms day after day, when the life-giving element is all about them seeking to find admittance to their secluded abode. Sunshine is studiously kept from entering the rooms for fear of fading some precious bit of furnishing; or, from a defect in the building, proper windows were not provided for the direct entrance of the sun’s rays into the living apartments. Sometimes through sheer neglect the rooms are not sunned and aired each day as they should be. Oftentimes the housework assumes a mere round of endless duty, that drags its weary length along, day after day, and week after week, with no apparent changes save such as is common to the shifting seasons as they come and go. Such a life has become self-centered, and by thus continually looking only at self and self troubles, the soul’s horizon continually becomes narrower, until life itself becomes a burden, being but the center of a self-limited circle, whose circumference is oftentimes scarcely larger than the walls of the house the individual calls home. The Saviour of mankind seeks to draw the minds of such without themselves. “Consider the lilies, how they grow.” The plants, leaves,10grasses, flowers, trees, birds, in fact, all nature, is calling with audible voices for these weary ones to look beyond self, and behold the loveliness of all creation around. What purer, healthier, better tonics can there be than these that nature continually holds out for our reception? Drink these in. Live in them, and let the soul delight itself in the contemplation of the handiwork of nature’s God. The care of house plants in winter, and of a garden, small tho it be, in summer, will divert the mind from the morbid condition within, and as the soul expands under the vivifying influences of a consciousness of self-improvement, of a gradual return of the original image of God upon our distorted and sin-scarred features, the fountain of health will be opened wide, and the burdens of life will lighter grow. How the blood goes rushing to every part of the body, carrying with it life and nourishment to every organ, when once the pure, fresh air finds entrance to the lungs, and the direct sun’s rays fall full upon us! How soon the eye regains its luster, the cheeks their color, and the whole system its buoyant tone, when nature’s tonics, alternatives, and blood purifiers are intelligently and thankfully used! Persons with weak lungs or bronchial affections must use care in exposing themselves to the cold, damp, or piercing winds. The lungs, throat, and mouth must be properly protected. Exercise in the open air is most certainly to be recommended; but care must be used that the patient does not become fatigued. Exercise should never be continued to exhaustion. Bathing the whole body by wetting the hands in cool or tepid water, and then rubbing the skin briskly, followed by a thorough rubbing with a rough towel, is a most excellent tonic. This may be done upon first rising in the morning, but should never be practiced in a room so cold that the patient can not easily react from the shock. Much injury has been done by patients whose vitality was much exhausted, attempting to follow the heroic cold-water treatment, that, to a strong, robust person was perfectly proper. They became chilled—the blood that had been driven from the skin and superficial muscles rushed in upon and congested the delicate, internal, vital organs, and nature had not the power of restoring the equilibrium of circulation for so long a time that permanent injury followed. It is utterly impossible to make one person’s experience a criterion by which to treat and advise all others. A little sanctified judgment is a most appropriate coefficient in either advising others or adopting a course of treatment for ourselves. While many would be greatly improved in health by out-of-door employment, there are also many who are continually overworked, and who need rest—rest of body and rest of mind. Whatever our cares or troubles, we may cast them all upon the Lord. He is the great Burden-bearer. “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:28, 29. When we realize that, wherever he places us, there is where we are to work out the problem of patience, and that nothing short of tribulation can work patience (Rom. 5:3), then we will grasp something of the blessedness of the truth that he whom the Son makes free is free indeed (John 8:36). With a mind free from the anxiety of sin, we can better plan our work, and have more time for rest. “Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.” Prov. 3:23, 24.