water into which ten drops of laudanum
have been dropped, be injected." A cathartic is not necessary in all
cases. If the bowels have been moving freely do not take one. The douche
will give great relief providing the woman can take one while
menstruating. Some women can and some cannot.

[508 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--If the womb is displaced it should be corrected.
Any disease of the womb or ovaries should be treated. If the canal is too
much closed, gradual and careful dilation between the periods, will often
remove this cause in time. The bowels should be kept regular at all times.

1. For the attack.--Never take opium or alcohol for it in any form; it is
so easy to form the habit and a doctor who gives it is simply dodging
effective general and local treatment between the periods. If it is due to
taking cold, or from any local cause, the following treatment is good:
The patient should take a hot sitz bath, being well covered by a blanket,
while in the tub and afterwards, and should immediately get into bed as
soon as the buttocks are dried and remain there well covered. A turpentine
stupe is now to be used, prepared as follows: Place a tin cup containing
the turpentine in a vessel containing hot water. This will keep the
turpentine warm. Dip a piece of flannel into very hot water and wring it
out in a twisted towel, and after it is perfectly dry and no dripping, dip
it into the hot turpentine and wring it out again to free it from too much
of the drug. Apply the cloth while hot and allow it to remain until it
causes discomfort. Then withdraw it or it will blister the skin if left on
too long. Fomentations wrung out of teas like hop, pennyroyal, smart-weed,
etc., applied and kept warm often do much good. At the same time
pennyroyal tea can be drank freely. A five-cent package can be bought at
any drug store. Hot lemonade will help also. The object is to produce
relaxation of the tissues through the local applications and tea drinking.
If there is constipation, the bowels should be moved freely with epsom
salts, half ounce dose, in the morning before breakfast. If there is much
pain a belladonna suppository, one-half grain of the extract, can be
inserted into the rectum.

2. If the patient's nervous system is run down the "Rest Cure" will be of
benefit, and medicines to strengthen the nerves. Exercise, outdoor life,
horseback riding are of great benefit in toning the system.

3. Fluid extract