alcohol, is considered a necessity.

"The alcohol habit is not infrequently formed in this way. I
have in my mind several cases of inebriety which were traceable
to the habit of taking something to relieve pain at these
periods. A woman whose husband held a high official position,
thus acquired a craving for alcohol and became a confirmed
drinker. He was finally compelled to place her in an institution
for treatment.

"Alcohol affords relief, not by lessening the internal
congestion which causes the pain, but by paralyzing or benumbing
the nervous system. In fact, alcohol, instead of relieving,
aggravates the internal congestion. It is a deceiver, for it
makes the patient believe she is benefited when in fact the
condition is made worse. The uterus has become more congested by
its use, and when the paralyzing effect of the alcohol has worn
off the pain will be found more severe, and the demand for
alcohol increased correspondingly. The only safe and wise plan
when suffering from pain due to internal congestion is to remove
the cause. If uterine misplacement exists suitable treatment
must be taken to correct this. Almost immediate relief from
pain due to congestion of the pelvic organs may be obtained by
taking a hot full bath. A hot foot or leg bath is also a good
treatment since the warming of the extremities quickens the
circulation in the limbs and relieves congestion in the pelvic
region.

"There are various forms of dysmenorrhea or painful menstruation
and each form has a treatment by itself. The congestive type
which is due to taking cold is better relieved by a hot sitz
bath before the date expected, the temperature of the water
should be 101 deg.-103 deg. with the feet in water a degree or two
hotter. If at the time of the period the pain still continues,
an enema or vaginal douche will usually give the necessary
relief unless the patient should be exposed to cold by allowing
the hands, arms, feet or legs to become chilled.

"Many women do not dress their limbs warmly enough at any time.
Just before the menstrual period the tendency is for the pelvic
organs to become congested; there is a greater tendency to cold
feet then, than at any other time. I would therefore advise
warmer clothing on the limbs at such times. The drinking of hot
pepper tea, ginge