Herbal Cures For Rheumatism

It is likely that you may not have experience in diagnosing and treating the following medical conditions, so if in any doubt do not hesitate to contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Rheumatism - The name is derived from rheo, "to flow," and the primitive fathers of physics considered the disease to proceed from a defluction of humours which follow the track of the muscles, affecting the membranes thereof, attacking the knees, wrists, shoulders, hips, and other large joints, causing them to become swollen, stiff, and excruciatingly painful, which pain is much increased by motion.

Causes.—The causes inducing rheumatic affections are multifarious and almost innumerable. One of the principal causes is the taking of colds. In the spring and autumn rheumatic subjects are most affected; and those whose employment subjects them to alterations of heat and cold are particularly liable to this affliction.

Obstructing perspiration, occasioned either by wearing wet clothes, lying in damp linen, sleeping or sitting on the wet ground or in damp rooms, working in damp situations, exposure to cold air after excessive exercise, or by coming from crowded rooms into the cool air, are some causes which produce rheumatism. It is said there are many kinds of this emaciating complaint. It may be in the hip or the shoulder, the knee or the elbow; it is an obstruction of the vital juices of the body. Certainly it presents its unwelcomed self in a variety of shapes. Sometimes it is called gout, when in the feet, toes, and ankles; and sciatica when affecting the hips. The various symptoms may be prognostic of the character of the disease, as to its acuteness or chronicness.

Symptoms of Acute Rheumatism are usually lassitude and rigors, succeeded by heat, thirst, anxiety restlessness, and a full and quick pulse, and the tongue loaded with white fur; then pains up and down the different parts of the joints. Chiefly the foot and ankle are most painful; then swelling commences, leaving the skin red and sometimes shining.

Occasionally there is a considerable swell-ling without redness, in some instances a blush of redness. In the course of the disease a considerable degree of perspiration usually occurs, of a peculiar and acid odour; but that seldom relieves the pain. There is neither nausea nor vomiting, but the bowels are usually costive. While sweating is going on the afflicted part is generally cold and dry. The urine is scanty, and as the disease progresses a lactiferous sediment is deposited. With these symptoms the disease is called rheumatic fever, and this is the milder character in which this protean monster afflicts its victims.

Treatment of Acute Rheumatism.—We should first endeavour to remove the general fever by stimulants, hot bricks, and the vapour bath; and relieve the local affections. I recommend a concoction of 1 ounce of Horseradish; 1 ounce of Dandelion Root; 2 drachms of Capsicum; 2 drachms of Hops; and 1 ounce of Yarrow boiled in 1 quart of water. Strain, and take a wine glassful six times a day. At night give the vapour bath. Continue the concoction and add to each glass 6 drops, increasing to 12 of the wine of Colchicum. The bowels must at all times be well regulated; and when in bed the feet must be kept warm with hot bricks and vinegar cloths.