Fomentations. In domestic practice hot fomentations are, although a simple, yet a very useful remedy for allaying pain, relieving irritation, relaxing and removing spasms, and inducing not only local, but even general perspiration. Cloths dipped in very hot water, wrung out and instantly applied on the seat of the pain, will be frequently of very great service. But in some cases it adds to the efficacy of the application to employ substances possessing medical properties in addition to the mere application of heat. In every process of fomentation there should be two flannels, each (say) three yards long, with the ends sewed together, to admit of the boiling water being wrung out of them, and the one flannel should be got ready whilst the other is applied.

5156. Anodyne Fomentation

5156.    Anodyne Fomentation. White poppy heads, 3 ounces; elder flowers, £ ounce; water, 3 pints. Boil until the liquor is reduced to 2/3 of its original quantity, and strain it; 2 or 3 tea-spoonfuls tincture of opium or laudanum, and 30 drops tincture of cayenne, may in some cases be added to it. This fomentation relaxes spasm, and relieves acute pain.

5157. Fomentation for Ordinary Occasions

5157.     Fomentation for Ordinary Occasions. Dried mallows, 1 ounce; chamomile flowers, dried, £ ounce; water, 1 pint. Boil for 1/4 hour, and strain the liquor.

5158. Strengthening Fomentation

5158.      Strengthening Fomentation. Decoction of oak bark, 2 pints; alum, 3 drachms. Mix. This is a powerful astringent, and often of great use when applied to weak parts.

5159. Arnica Fomentation

5159.    Arnica Fomentation. Flowers of arnica, 2 ounces; rue leaves, 1 ounce; boiling water sufficient to strain 6 fluid ounces of infusion after an hour's maceration at nearly boiling temperature. Used in contusions, especially as an application to black eyes.

5160. Stimulating Fomentation

5160. Stimulating Fomentation. Cayenne pepper, 3 ounces; mustard seed just bruised, 2 ounces; whiskey, 2 quarts. Simmer all together a few minutes. Excellent external application in cholera, paralysis, palsy, rheumatism, etc.. A less quantity may be made.