MEDICAL NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13722, 11 April 1908, Page 6 (Supplement)

MEDICAL NOTES.

HOT MILK FOR THE SKIN. [' i Hot milk for the complexion has proved to ! be. of the greatest benefit, and many women 1 nay 1 hey owe an;' -jiovemeut of their com- : plexion .to the constant use of hpfc milk, ap- ; plied every morning and night U. their i faces. A woman prominent in tiie'litcrary world, and whose complexion is equal to :> young girl's, sasid that of all the.many precautions she had taken to keep her skin in good condition, none was-ho efficacious as hot milk "When lam frightfully fatigued,' she said, "from the rush d the life I lead, 1 get a gallon of milk and put it in my bath-tub, adding sufficient hot water to cover the body. I lie in thu mixture for ten minutes, and come out feeling thoroughly refreshed and with a. new life to the skin, which previous to the bath had a dead look." HYGIENIC VALUE OF OLIVE OIL. Olive oil has become so necessary an adjunct to salad, and so' indispensable in a culinary sense, generally, that we may be glad to know something of its hygienic value. Olive oil is an ideal substitute for animal fats, and in many instances more economical,, as .it does not absorb in the process of cooking; the foul retains its natural flavour, free from greasy suggestion*, and is tempting, appetising, and easy of digestion. Pure olive oil is practically tasteless, or agreeably palatable whether used as a, table delicacy, in cooking, or as an adjunct to the family medicine cheat-.'" Its' efficiency as a household remedy is becoming more and more widely known, and acknowledged as an important factor in keeping the system in a healthy, condition. Medical authorities commend it foi its miidij laxative and soothing action upon the digestive organs. ' Ties use of pure olive oil is recommended as a safeguard against the dreaded attacks of appendicitis and kindred ill* duo m largely to impaired digestion, and naturally lends'the glow of health to the complexion of the user by aiding Nature in her digestive and secretory functions. As a home remedy for ills incident to childhood, a* well as for adult ailments, it is unsurpassed as a. simple and safe resort, unoffending to the palate oi most sensitive stomach. QUINSY. Consist* of inflammation of the tonsils and of the subjacent mucous membrane. Symptoms: Heat, redness, and rapid swelling of the tonsils,, with hoarseness. severe throbbing pain, difficult swallowing and expectoration, and general fever. If prompt and skilful means be employed the pain, swelling, and other inflammatory symptoms gradually subside; otherwise matter forms, indicated by shivering, throbbing, and darfin<, pains extending to the ears. Causes: The predisposing are scrofulous constitution, abuse of mercury, and previous attacks of quinsy: the exciting causes are cold, atmospheric changes, wet feet, etc. Treatment: Aconitum (for sore throat, with general feverish symptoms thirst, headache, dizziness, and restlessness). Generally required at the commencement. Mercury: Swollen throat; copious accumulation of saliva in the mouth, swelling of the gums and of tlie tongue: shooting pain on swallowing ; an inclination to. swallow the salvia, although painful;'' «- disagreeable taste in the mouth ;•' foetid,odour of the breadth; ulcers on the sides of the mouth ; pains extending from the throat to the ear. . Administration : In cases subacute, a dose every three hours; during convalescence, every six or twelve hours. When swallowing is; extremely difficult or impossible, two drops on a small piece of sugar may be placed on the tongue. Accessory means': In severe cases, a hot poultice across the throat, extending nearly to each ear: in mild cases the throat compress may be applied in the following maimer: —A piece of linen or flannel should !:•:• wrung out of cold water and wrapped in two or.three thicknesses around the throat; this should be covered with oiled silk, or gutta-percha tissue, and then two or three thicknesses of flannel added to maintain the waunth. A piece of silk wetted in cold water and tied round the throat, and then two or three thicknesses of flannel to maintain the warmth will answer as well. Frequent inhalation of the steam of: hot water, or a warm milk and water gargle, will be found soothing and useful. "