Useful in chronic headache. 234 Hand-Book of Modern Treatment, IJ Acidi salicylici, 5j. Ferri pyrophosphatis, ^j* Sodii phosphat., gr. xij. Aquae destil., q. s. ad 3vj. Misce. Sig. : One tablespoonful in water. Indication: Useful in gouty headache with anemia.
<Callout type="tip" title="Tip for Chronic Headaches">For chronic headaches, consider using salicylic acid and iron salts mixed in distilled water.</Callout>
Acidi nitrici diluti, 3j. Aquae, Jvj. Misce. Sig. : Teaspoonf ul in a wineglassful of water three times daily. Indication: Useful for vertical headaches with flushings.
Caffeinae citratae, gr. j. Sodii bromidi, gr. x. Sodii bicarbonatis, gr. xxx. Pulv. acidi tartarici, gr. v. Misce et fiat chartula no. j. Sig.: Take in water while effervescing. Indication: Useful in neurasthenic headaches associated with low vascular tension.
IJ Acidi nitrohydrochlorici diluti, fSij. Strych. sulpha tis, gr. ^. Spt. chloroformi, f3vj. Tinct. zingiberis, fSiij. Aquae, q. s. ad f^iij. Misce. pig.: One teaspoonful in water three times a day. Indication: Nervous headache.
IJ Quininae valerianatis, gr. xv. Ext. colchici, gr. iv. Ext. digitalis, gr. iv. Ext. aconiti, gr. ij. Misce et fiant pihilae no. xij. Sig.: One after dinner and at night. Indication: Useful in gouty headache.
Hand-Book of Modern Treatment. 235 Since there are various forms of headache, and since the remedy that will relieve one patient will utterly fail to relieve another with seemingly the same kind of head-pain, it is neces- sary that the physician should be armed with a variety of reme- dies.
For some time past we have found minimum doses of iodide of potassium of great service in frontal headache. A heavy, dull headache, situated over the brow, and accompanied by langilor, chilliness, and a feeling of general discomfort, with a distaste for food, which sometimes approaches to nausea, can generally be removed by a 2-grain dose of the potassic salt dis- solved in half a wineglassful of water, and this quietly sipped, the whole quantity being taken in about ten minutes. In many cases the effect of these small doses has been simply wonderful.
A person who, a quarter of an hour before, was feeling most miserable and refused all food, wishing only for quietness, would now take a good meal and resume his wonted cheerfulness. The rapidity with which the iodide acts in these cases constitutes its great advantage. We make no claim of originality in the use of the remedy. If we mistake not, it was an Australian physician who first recommended it.
The morbid condition here described is so very common we would invite others to give this remedy a trial.
Five grains of the sulphite of soda three or four times a day will cure those cases of headache where the tongue is broad and pale and covered with a yellowish-white coat.
<Callout type="warning" title="Warning for Anaemic Headaches">Be cautious when using sodium sulfite; it may cause adverse reactions in some individuals.</Callout>
HEADACHE FROM EYESTRAIN. Dr. Casey A. Wood states that this form of headache is most frequently encountered in strain of the ciliary muscles. He recommends very cold or very hot compresses, gently pressed over the closed eyes and forehead, and advises them to be re- peatedly changed for ten minutes, and repeated every hour while the headache lasts.
For local application he recommends : — B Spts. camphorse, 5ss. Spts. lavendulse, |iss. Alcoholis, 3iss. Misce. Sig.: Apply locally.
Or:— IJ Camphor 86, 3j. Tinct. aconiti, 3j. • 01. menthse pip., 3j. Chloroformi, |j. Alcoholis, q. s. ad |iij. Misce. Sig.: Shake well and apply every two or three hours.
He further states that relief may be obtained by applying the galvanic current to the eyes, using a current-strength of 3 to 5 milliamperes, and placing the positive pole to the nucha, and the negative to the closed lids, for five or six minutes.
B Ammonii muriatis, 5iij- Tinct. belladonnse, 5j. Tinct. hyoscyami, 3ij. Aquae menthse pip., ^iv. Aquae camphorse, q. s. ad f^xvj. Misce. Sig.: One-half to one teaspoonful in a little sweetened water every two or three hours. Indication: Useful in hemicrania and all forms of neuralgia.
I( CafTeinae citratis, gr. iij. Menthol is, gr. iij. Quininae sulphatis, gr. vj. Misce et fiant chartulae no. iv. Sig.: One powder every two hours. Hand-Book of Modern Treatment, 237
^ — - Q Quininse valerianatis, gr. xxx. CafTeinse citratis, gr. xv. Ext. cannabis Indicse, gr. iij. Misce et fiant pilulse no. xx. Sig. : One twice or three times daily. Indication: Useful in hemicrania.
I( CafTeinae citratis, gr. xij. Phenacetini, 3j. Camphorse monobromatee, gr. xij. Misce et fiant pilulse no. xv. Sig.; One every three or four hours. Indication: Useful in migraine or neuralgic headache.
Q Acetanilidi, gr. xx. Camphorse monobro., gr. v. CafTeinae citratis, gr. xl. Misce et pone in capsulas no. xx. Sig.: One every three hours until relieved.
HEART DISEASE. I( Sodii arsenatis, gr. Vm* Potassii iodidi, gr. V*. Pulv. nucis vomicae, gr. Vs* Pulv. rhei, gr. /• Extracti dulcamarae, gr. iss. Misce et fiant pilulae no. j. Sig.: One pill daily. Indication: Useful in fatty heart.
I( Potassii iodidi, gr. x. Sparteinae sulphatis, gr. iss. Julapii, |iij. Syrupi amarae aurantii, fSj. Misce. Sig.: One tablespoonful every three hours so that entire amount be taken during the twenty-four hours. Indication: Heart disease with arterioscle- rosis.
238 Hand-Book of Modern Treatment. ADOLESCENT HEART-STRAIN. Adolescent heart-strain is due to a want of muscular power of the cardiac muscles only, especially the musculi papillares, whose weakened condition permits of the regurgitant murmurs heard at the apex. The bruit present at the base is secondary to anaemia of the general system. Treatment should consist of rest in bed, seclusion, the administration of digitalis pushed until one has the physiological effects, and strychnine, preferably in the form of the tincture of nux vomica on account of its stimulating and appetizing properties.
B Pulveris digitalis foliorum, gr. xx. Quininae hydrochloridi, gr. xx. Extracti nucis vomicae, gr. v. Misce et fiant pilulae no. xx. Sig. : One pill three times daily. Indication: Unpleasant effects of digitalis upon stomach can be overcome, with increase of appetite, by this threefold combination.
Q Glandulse suprarenalis siccse, 3ij. Pone in capsulas no. xxiv. Sig.: One capsule twice daily. Indication: Useful in cardiac enfeeblement due to obesity.
IJ Acidi arsenosi, gr. ij. Extracti digitalis, 3j. Extracti nucis vomicae, 3j. Misce et fiant pilulae no. Ix. Sig.: One pill three times daily. Indication: Useful in anaemia of feeble heart disease.
IJ Acidi hydrochlorici diluti, 3iij. Aquae, q. s. ad ^iv, Misce. Sig.: One teaspoonful three times daily. Indication: Useful in simple palpitation combined with sodium bromide, ten grains at each dose.
Hand-Book of Modern Treatment, 239 IJ Fulveris digitalis foliorum, gr. xx. Hydrargyri chloridi mitis, gr. xx. Syrupi scill®, gr. xx. Misce et fiant pilulae no. xx. Sig.: One pill after each meal. Indication: Useful in cardiac dropsy.
Q Digitalis, 3j. Spiritus glycerylis nitratis, mxxiv. Tinct. gentianse comp., ^iij- Misce. Sig.: One teaspoonful every three hours. Indication: Useful in atheromatous condi- tion.
B Tinct. digitalis, mxx. Tinct. aconiti, mxx. Tinct. belladonnse, mxxiv. Tinct. cardamomi comp., q. s. ad Jiij. Misce. Sig.: One teaspoonful every four hours. Indication: Useful in cardiac dropsy.
I^ Tinct. strophanthi, 3ss. Sig.: Five to ten minims three times daily or three minims to children. Indication: Useful when digitalis fails and also for children.
I( Morphinae sulphatis, gr. Vs* Tinct. strophanthi, gtt. vj. Spiritus frumenti, 3j. Misce. Sig.: Give in one dose. I^ Tinct. digitalis, f3ij. Tinct. opii, fSij. Misce. Sig.: Two to four drops every three hours. Indication r Useful in cardiac asthma and dyspnoea.
B Chloral is hydratis, gr. x-xx. Sodii bromidi, gr. x-xx. Misce. Sig.: One dose at bed time. Indication: Insomnia due to heart trouble.
240 Hand-Book of Modem Treatment. Q Sparteiiue sulphatis, gr. iss. Fluidextracti digitalis, gr. xv. Aquae, q. s. ad Bij* Misce. Sig.: A teaspoonful every two hours. Indication: Same as above.
Q Pulveris digitalis, gr. i-ij. Camphorse, gr. i-ij. Acidi benzoici, gr. ii-v. Misce. Sig.: One such dose three times daily. Indication: Useful in pulmonary congestion in heart disease.
Q Podophyllini, gr. ss. Hydrargyri chloridi mitis, gr. x. Pulv. aromatici, gr. ij. Misce. Sig.: Give in one dose and follow with digitalis if necessary. Indication: Useful for hepatic congestion complicating heart disease.
H Hyoscyaminse, gr. Vioo- Sig.: One dose at bed time. Indication: Useful in insomnia with dysp- noea in heart trouble.
HJEMOBBHOIDS. I^ Extracti opii, Sss. 01. olivfle, f3ij. I'ng. zinci oxidi, 5j. Pulv. gallse, 3ij. Misce. Sig.: Cleanse the parts thoroughly and ap- ply locally once or twice daily.
B Acidi galHci, 3j. Ext. opii, 3v. Ext. belladonnse, 3v. Ung. simp., Jiij. Misce. Sig. : Apply locally to the painful parts.
Hand-Book of Modern Treatment. 241 I^ Mentholis, gr. xv. Cocainse, gr. xxx, Fluidextracti secal. cornut., las. Fluidextracti hamamel. Virg., |ss. Misce. Sig. : Apply locally.
Or:— I^ Alumini, gr. Ixxv. Liq. plumbi subacet., gr. xv. Olel olivse, 3ss. Lanolini, ^iss. Misce et fiat unguentum. Sig.: To be applied locally night and morn- ing after thoroughly cleansing the affected areas.
Sir James Sawyer gives the following formula for an oint- ment for piles: Take the whole plant of the celadine (Ranun- culus ficaria), gathered when it is blooming in the spring, cut it into small segments, and keep it immersed in melted hog^s lard, at a temperature of about 100° F., in the pro- portion of 1 part by weight of the plant to 3 parts of lard, for twenty-four hours. Then squeeze, strain, and allow it to cool and solidify. This use of the plant has long been recog- nized, as one of its old English names is pilewort.
The following was prescribed by Darche for a man suffering with ulcerated haemorrhoids, and who wanted only palliative treatment : — I^ Mercurolis, gr. v. Chloretoni, gr. xv. Acidi borici, 3ss. Petrolati, 5j- Misce et fiat unguentum. Sig.: To be applied three times daily.
Martin combats the bleeding from internal haemorrhoids by the use of a suppository of adrenal chloride or one containing the following ingredients: — IB 242 Hand-Book of Modern Treatment. B Pulv. suprarenal gland, 3j. lodoformi, 3j. 01. theobrom., q. s. Misce et fiant suppos. no. xij. Sig. : One at night and one an hour before stool.
A writer cautions as to the use of these highly astringent suppositories, as he has seen severe attacks of strangulation brought on by their too free application. Coating the supposi- tory with lycopodium is bad, as the powder is exceedingly irritat- ing to the sensitive rectal mucosa.
The internal variety are rendered painless for a period of from two to three hours by a suppository of the following : — IJ Orthoformi, gr. xv. Ext. belladonnse, gr. j. 01. theobromae, q. s. Misce et fiat in suppos. no. x.
Or, if there be a tendency to slight haemorrhage from min- ute fissures, etc. : — I^ Acidi gallici, gr. xv. Ext. opii, gr. j. Orthoformi, gr. xv. Ext. belladonnse, gr. j. 01. theobromse, q. s. Misce et fiat suppos. no. x.
Dr. J. P. Tuttle favors the treatment of haemorrhoids by moans of injection, using a moderately strong solution of car- bolic acid in order to set up inflammatory induration, which will cut off a portion of the circulation to the growtli and result in gradual atrophy.
He claims, with the proper antiseptic precau- tions, tliat there is no dang(»r of sepsis, abscess formation, or sloughing. Ho recommends the following combination to pro- duce the results above stated : —
B Acidi carbol., 3ij. Acidi salicylici, 3ss. Sodii biboratis, 3j. Glycerini, q. s. ad 5j. Misce. Sig.: Five minims to be used as an injec- tion into the hsemorrhoid.
At the end of one week, as a rule, the remaining tumors may be similarly treated.
In the varicose style of external haemorrhoids prompt evacu- ation of the bowels should be obtained by administering a cold enema, after which the following ointment should be applied : — IJ Ung. acidi tannici, 5j. Ung. belladonnse, |j. Ung. stramonii, 5j. Misce. Sig.: Apply freely to the affected parts.
The following is recommended by Julie, as noted in Ameri- can Medicine. The parts should be thoroughly washed and an ointment of iodoform and vaseline applied to the haemorrhoidal mass; 15 minims of the following solution is then injected into the base of the mass : — I^ Zinci chloridi, gr. viiss. Cocainae hydrochlor., gr. iij. Aquae destil., f3v. Misce. Sig.: Use as advised above.
He states that patients do not complain of the pain, but the next day a slight inflammatory nodule is produced, which dis- appears on the fourth or sixth day. He does not believe that thromboses are liable to occur, especially if care is taken when making the injections to distribute the liquid.
244 Hand-Book of Modern Treatment. HiEMORRHOIDS WITH PAIN. Q Morphinse sulphatis, gr. vj. Cocainae muriatis, gr. xij. Hydrargyri chloridi mitis, gr. xl. Vaselini, 5j« Misce. Sig. : Apply locally night and morning.
Sawyer states that this combination is the best local appli- cation that can be made when pain is present. If itching is present, or in case of pruritus, he recommends : — B Mentholis, 3ss-3j. Vaselini, 5j. Misce. Sig. : Apply locally night and morning.
B Pulveris opii, gr. xx. Pulveris gallse, gr. xxx. Plumbi acetatis, gr. xxx. Ichthyoli, ^ss. Petrolati, 5j- Misce. . Sig.: Cleanse the parts and apply.
A writer has found more than once great relief or temporary cure speedily follow upon the free use of distilled extract of hamanielis as a rectal injection. The most convenient instru- ment for that purpose is the now well-known syringe designed for the injection of glycerine as an excitant of rectal contrac- tions.
The quantity to use is from 2 to 4 drachms frequently during tlie day and evening. He has not noticed any impleasant side-effects in those cases where he has had the opportunity of suggesting and watching the effect of this application of hama- nielis. It may be that those who have been disappointed trusted to internal administration or too scanty local application of the drug.
B Acidi gallici. 5ss- Fhiidextracti baniamelis, Jss. Tinct. benzoini comp., ^ss. Tinct. belladonna*, 3j. Olei oliva? (carbol. 3 per cent.), q. s. ad 5ij. Misce. Sig.: Apply with brush thrice daily.
Ten to 15 drops of pure ichthyol in capsules three times daily will cure almost all eases of haemorrhoids, through its action upon the intestines and liver.
Dr. H. A. Hare calls attention to the importance of non- operative treatment of the milder forms of haemorrhoids. He commends the use of the conical dilator, rubbed with a 10-per- percent, ointment of ichthyol in lanolin.
When the haemorrhoids are small with general congestion, use the following: — I^ Fluidextracti hamamelis, Sij. Fluidextracti ergot, Siiss. Fluidextracti Hydrastis, 3iiss. Tinet. benzo. comp., Siiss. Olei carbol. (5 per cent.), q. s. ad Siv. Misce. Sig.: Inject a teaspoonful in the rectum with a small syringe night and morning.
In- struct the patient to be quiet for a short time.
B Hydrastin, gr. x. Pulveris aluminis, gr. x. Cocainae, gr. vj. Olei theobromatis, q. s. Misce et fiant rectal suppos. no. xij. Sig.: Insert one into the rectum every night and in severe cases insert one night and morn- ing.
HEPATIC CIRBH0SI8. I^ Acidi hydrochlorici diluti, |j. Tinct. gentianue comp., ^j. Aquae, q. s. ad ^vj. Misce. Sig.: One teaspoonful after each meal. Indication: Useful to aid in digestion.
B Acidi nitrohydrochlorici, 3ij. Sig.: Three to five minims in water through a glass tube every four hours. Indication : Useful in early stages of hepatic cirrhosis.
246 Hand-Book of Modern Treatment Q Potassii iodidi, ^j. Aquae, q. s. ad Jiij- Misce. 8ig. : Six minims three times daily and in- crease three minims daily up to thirty.
B Sodii phosphatis, ^iv. Sig. : A dessertspoonful to a tablespoonful, in water, before meals.
HEPATITIS. IJ Potassii iodidi, 5j. Aquae, q. s. ad ^iij. Misce. Sig.: Thirty minims three times daily.
B Hj'drargj-ri ehloridi mitis, gr. iij. Pone in capsulas no. vj. Sig.: One every hour and follow with full dose magnesium sulpliate. Indication: Useful when constipation is marked.
IJ Potassii citratis, 3iv. Spiritus setheris nitrosi, 3iv. Aquae, q. s. ad 5iij. Misce. Sig.: Teaspoonful everj' two hours. Indication: Useful to prevent diuresis.
HERPES. H Spiritus eamphorae, f^j. Sig.: Apply several times daily.
B Zinci sulphatis, gr. xx. Aquae, ^iv. Misce. Sig.: Apply several times daily.
B Tinct. benzoini, 3iv. Ung. aquae rosae, 3iv. Misce. Sig.: Apply at frequent intervals.
Hand-Book of Modem Treatment. 247 9 Calamini, gr. xv. Zinci oxidi, gr. xxx. Alcoholis, 3iij. Acidi borici (sat. sol.), q. s. ad |iij. Misce. Sig.: Apply frequently.
Indication: Useful in progenital herpes.
B Zinci phosphidi, gr. v. Pone in capsulas no. xxx. Sig.: One capsule every four hours.
Indication: Useful in herpes zoster.
B Sodii salicylatis, 3iv. Aqufle, q. s. ad ^iv. Misce. Sig.: One teaspoonful four times daily.
IJ Mentholis, gr. xlv. Amyli, 3iv. Zinci oxidi, q. s. ad ^iij* Misce. Sig.: Apply to the side twice daily.
HICCOUGH. Chloral is perhaps the most generally useful drug in idio- pathic hiccough, given to an adult in doses of 10 grains (or even 20 grains) every hour until from 60 to 80 grains have been used. If after four or five hours the spasms still continue it will be inadvisable to go on with the chloral. Many times a sharp counterirritation on the surface of the epigastrium will stop the attack, used with or without the chloral internally.
Tlie simple act of sneezing will sometimes promptly check hiccough. Hiccough is usually of no consequence whatever, but dur- ing the course of acute diseases it becomes frequently a very dangerous and difficult complication. Dr. Kolipinski says that he was able to stop the hiccough in such a case by taking a large spoon-handle and pressing the tongue down and ])ack with a steady force.
<Callout type="tip" title="Tip for Hiccough">For idiopathic hiccough, try ingesting 10-20 grains of chloral every hour until the spasms subside.</Callout>
Key Takeaways
- Use a variety of remedies for different types of headaches.
- Iodide of potassium can be effective for frontal headaches.
- Non-operative treatment is recommended for mild haemorrhoids.
Practical Tips
- Keep a collection of common headache remedies in your survival kit, including salicylic acid and iron salts.
- For hiccoughs, try using chloral or applying counterirritation to the epigastrium.
- Use ichthyol for treating haemorrhoids as it can be effective when applied rectally.
Warnings & Risks
- Be cautious with sodium sulfite and avoid its use if you have a history of adverse reactions.
- Avoid using highly astringent suppositories without proper care to prevent complications like strangulation.
- Do not rely solely on internal administration for treating haemorrhoids; consider local application as well.
Modern Application
While the specific remedies and treatments described in this chapter are from an early 20th-century perspective, the principles of using a variety of methods to address different types of pain and conditions still apply. Modern survival kits can benefit from including these historical techniques alongside more contemporary ones, ensuring a comprehensive approach to medical emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the recommended treatment for chronic headaches according to this chapter?
The chapter suggests using salicylic acid and iron salts mixed in distilled water for chronic headaches. It recommen