HOT WATER | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 8, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 47.

HOT WATER.

Hall's Journal of Health publishes some interesting hints relative to hot water as a remedial agent. It says:—

"A strip of flannel or a napkin folded lengthwise and dipped in hot water and wrung, and then applied around the neck of a child that has the croup, will usually bring relief in ten minutes.

"A towel folded several times and dipped in hot water and quickly wrung and applied over the seat of toothache or neuralgia, will generally afford prompt relief. This treatment in colic works almost like magic. I have seen cases that have resisted other treatment yield to this in ten minutes. There is nothing which will so promptly cut short a congestion of the lungs, sore throat, or rheumatism as hot water when applied promptly and thoroughly.

"Pieces of cotton dipped in hot water and kept applied to old sores or new cuts, bruises, or sprains, is the treatment now generally adopted in hospitals. I have seen a sprained ankle cured in an hour by showering it with hot water from a height of three feet.

"Tepid water acts promptly as an emetic, and hot water taken freely half an hour before bed-time is the best of cathartics in the case of constipation, while it has a most soothing effect on the stomach and bowels. This treatment continued for a few months, with proper attention to diet, will cure any case of dyspepsia.

"Headache almost always yields to the simultaneous application of hot water to the feet and the back of the neck."

Too much can scarcely be said in favor of the use of hot water as a cure for dyspepsia. But care must be taken not to drink more than a few sips of either hot or cold water while there is undigested food in the stomach; and no food should be eaten within less than an hour after drinking any considerable quantity of water. Care in these particulars is especially necessary in cases of slow digestion. One fact should be borne in mind, namely, that there is no remedy which will avail much in dyspepsia unless the patient eats hygienically.