APPENDIX
SICKNESS IN CAMP
This subject was not forgotten in the design of this little camp companion, but the danger from the administration of drugs by incompetent hands is great, and the author felt that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and something that should be avoided. However, some of the readers have expressed opinions in the matter, and requested its insertion. In the preparation of a new edition of the book, a good opportunity presented itself, and a little advice is herewith offered. The author still advises that a physician be consulted, if it be possible, not only on account of the danger of taking a wrong medicine or too much of a proper one, but because few people are really competent to make a proper diagnosis.
In the list of supplies, a harmless laxative and a convenient stimulant, both familiar to every one, were included. In the majority of cases, these, with plenty of hot or cold water, will suffice for a remedy until proper medical advice can be obtained. It is considered only common sense that a convalescent or semi-invalid would come provided with remedies furnished by his medical adviser; but it is the unexpected that confronts us, and it is hoped that the same common sense may be used in such cases.
Illness in camp is generally due to one of three causes: injuries, disturbances of the digestive functions, or exposure. In the first case, accidents are generally due to carelessness, and perhaps in the other cases the same fact may be true; so, perhaps, the advice to observe proper precautions and KEEP WELL, may be thoroughly applicable.
Dislocations and broken bones are the province of the surgeon; but if the reader thinks he will ever need the knowledge, “First Aid to the Injured” is easily acquired before leaving for camp.
Simple cuts sometimes become inflamed, and should, then, be kept wet with cold water bandages. If a disinfectant is needed, Seiler’s Antiseptic Tablets are preferable to either Carbolic Acid or Corrosive Sublimate, both of which are exceedingly dangerous.
Burns and scalds should be bandaged and kept wet with cold water. A poultice of scraped raw potato will relieve inflammation. Sprinkle flour over the surface of the wound. Especially remember that it is needful to keep the air from the inflamed surface, therefore do not remove the bandages often. For Sunburn, apply linseed oil and limewater (Carron-oil). Bruises and sprains should be treated with hot water, applied with a cloth as hot as can be borne. I have used Haynes’ Arabian Balsam for many years and it has seldom failed. It works more quickly than the hot water and is more convenient when on a tramp.
Blistered feet are a nuisance and may generally be avoided by using proper foot-wear and ordinary attention to cleanliness. If a blister come, prick it, wash with hot water and cover with a tallowed cloth. Rub the inside of the sock with dry soap.
For choking, a sharp blow between the shoulders will usually dislodge the obstruction. If a fishbone lodges, which cannot be reached, swallow a bit of dry bread. A gargle of vinegar is said to soften a fishbone, but I have never tried it.
Stings and bites of insects are more troublesome than dangerous, and the irritation will generally be alleviated by salt and water. Pennyroyal leaves will allay irritation and also keep away the pests.
Ivy or dogwood poison will generally yield to any astringent wash like soda or ashes. An infusion of the leaves and twigs of the Spicebush, when it can be obtained, will cure the worst case. For inflamed eyes, use hot water bandages.
Nosebleed can generally be stopped by dashing cold water on the back of the neck. If serious, plug the nostrils to form a clot; but see that the blood does not run down the throat to cause suffocation. If the case is obstinate, put the feet in a pail of warm water and add hot water to it until it is unbearable.
Among the digestive troubles, disturbance of the bowels due to change of water and diet is the most common. In the case of constipation, a good dose of physic, followed by plenty of fresh water, will generally suffice. For this purpose a dose of Salts is as good as anything. Or mix a teaspoonful of Cream of Tartar with as much sugar, put in a glass of water, stir it well and drink. If taken before breakfast or on an empty stomach, relief will ensue in a short time. If the bowels are loose, a dose of Rhubarb will generally suffice as well as for the contrary condition. The principal point to be gained in any case of bowel disturbance is to clear the tract of any fermenting matter. If a diarrhœa becomes troublesome, make an infusion of blackberry vines and roots. I have found the running variety best. But be very careful not to check too quickly or a worse condition may be induced.
Occasionally a case of ptomaine poisoning appears, which may be caused by canned goods, especially if you are not careful to empty the can at once. Clear the bowels thoroughly and feed on milk and eggs for a day. If the patient does not recover at once, consult a doctor.
Headache is generally due to a disordered stomach, but may be induced by a cold or by getting over-heated. In the first case a dose of physic, and a good night’s sleep, will effect a cure; the ordinary treatment for a cold will fix the second; and in the last case, pack the head in ice or very cold water. If the patient gets stupid and breathless, take him into the shade, strip the upper body, douche the head with cold water and fan vigorously to induce respiration.
Heartburn (so called) is a common result of too much fatty food, and the handiest remedy is to pound up a little charcoal, mix with water and drink. Another troublesome result of a disordered stomach is the eruption known as Hives. Wash with saleratus and water, and take Cream of Tartar as directed in a former paragraph. Do not put on any greasy salve.
Exposure or carelessness in changing the clothing often results in what is commonly called a “cold.” A few hot drinks and a night under warm blankets will usually bring relief; but if it get troublesome, drink plenty of hot water or tea, wrap in blankets and sweat it out. If the stomach revolts at the hot water, make an infusion of the leaves and twigs of the snapwood (Benzoin odoriferum) or of checkerberry leaves (Gaultheria procumbens). When the disturbance is seated in the bowels, it often results in a colic, for which there is nothing better than black-pepper tea. Pour hot water over a teaspoonful of pepper to make a large cupful and drink as hot as possible. The remedy is nearly as bad as the disease, but not as fatal.
Neuralgia may generally be eased by cloths wrung out in hot water and applied to the affected part. If in a tooth that is decayed, a hot raisin will often soothe the pain. In earache apply a roasted onion as hot as can be borne. I cannot recommend any of the popular headache remedies. They should never be used except by a physician, and even in that case are often dangerous. I shall not explain this as it may be considered libel by the doctor.
If there is sore throat, a cold water bandage will generally relieve it by the next morning. For an aggravating cough an infusion of Mullein leaves (Verbascum) drunk freely will afford relief. Nothing is really necessary except to allay irritation and hot water slowly sipped will often be sufficient.
A combination of exposure, indigestion and fatigue, that often comes to the camper, sometimes results in an inflammation of the pleura, indicated by an excruciating pain in the side. This may be allayed by a mustard plaster. Watch that it does not blister; for in camp that may prove very serious.
Muscular cramps generally affect the legs, and in this case, get the feet warm, rub the part affected briskly, and straighten out the toes, forcibly if necessary. Hot stones wrapped in cloth or even cloths wrung out in hot water will serve to warm the feet.
If a medicine case is considered necessary, a box containing the following materials is suggested, in addition to the remedies mentioned on page 15.
- Cream-of-Tartar.
- Carron-oil (Linseed oil and Limewater).
- A small vial of 1/8 grain Morphine pills.
- Package of Seiler’s Antiseptic Tablets.
- Roll of bandages.
I cannot recommend Carbolic Acid nor Corrosive Sublimate as antiseptics. The tablets are better and perfectly safe.
Above all, mix all remedies with common sense. If you carry drugs, be sure to know their action before you start from home.
The suggestion was made that I give instructions for the use of Nature’s Remedies as found in the herbs and bushes, which would be very apropos if it were not for the fact that it would require a special botanical knowledge, instruction in which has no place here, and more time would be required in preparation than can usually be spared in camp. As well, an amount of space which the publisher would probably hesitate to provide. A few of them, however, are very useful and generally easily obtained. If a person has the necessary botanical knowledge, a remedy for any illness could, I have no doubt, be readily obtained near at hand in almost any camp; and if the reader wishes to charge his mind with the subject, the following list, with the aid of a little previous study, may be valuable.
Ginger-bush; spice-bush (Benzoin odoriferum) will break up a cold, relieve the irritation of ivy or dogwood poison, and incidentally cure the worst case of erysipelas. Steep the leaves and twigs in water and apply internally, externally and eternally.
Checkerberry; boxberry; teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens) will make a pleasant drink that will help break up a cold or cure indigestion. It is a fact, however, that almost any aromatic herb, (not poisonous), will make a good tea, the principal effect being due to the hot water.
Climbing wax-work root (Celastrus scandens) seethed in lard, will make a salve that will prove almost magical in case of burns either of fire or sun.
Bayberry root (Myrica cerifera) or Barberry bark (Berberis vulgaris) makes a good gargle for sore mouth or a wash for inflamed eyes. Do not be alarmed if you swallow a little of the infusion, it will do you good.
Blackberry root (Rubus Villosus) is valuable for bowel complaints.
Boneset or thoroughwort (Eupatorium) cures a cold; but be careful not to use too freely.
Dandelion root (Taraxacum dens-leonis) stimulates the appetite and aids digestion.
High-bush Cranberry bark; Cramp-wood (Viburnum opulus) is used for cramps in the stomach and bowels.
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) allays an aggravating cough.
Partridge-berry vines (Mitchella repens) relieves retention of the urine.
Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides) is a remedy for the stomach-ache or wind in the bowels.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) or Prickly-ash berries (Xanthoxylum) is a remedy for ague.
Of the common household materials, pepper-tea is a convenient irritant for bowel trouble. Mustard poultice is too well known to need comment. A roasted onion is a good poultice for a boil or abscess, and a poultice of tobacco leaves, generally common in any camp, will serve to apply to boils, stings, poisonous bites, etc. Use this latter carefully for it is a powerful poison, and the external application may produce an unpleasant result.
The preparation of these remedies is usually by infusion, which should be prepared from a handful of the leaves, bark or roots, placed in a dish and about a pint of boiling water turned over it, allowed to stand in a warm place to simmer for a time and drank warm generally.
Sweet Fern (Comptonia asplenifolia); Wild Cherry (Prunus Virginiana) bark or fruit; Hardhack or Steeple-bush (Spiraea tomentosa); or Mountain Cranberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi) are all remedies for diarrhœa which may be used on occasion. Nearly any astringent is useful in this case, but should be used only when the case refuses to yield to the action of a cathartic.
Poplar bark (Populus tremuloides); Spearmint (Mentha viridis) or almost any kind of mint which may be found in the nearest low land; or Button-bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) will serve as a febrifuge in case of a severe cold from exposure.
Gold-thread (Coptis trifolia) which is usually common in swamps: or Oak bark (Quercus sp.) are valuable in checking the canker or sore mouth which often comes after a diet of salt meats.
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginica) is a common remedy for irritated skin and many other ills, but I have never seen that it did much good other than to lubricate the surface.
Sweet-flag root (Acorus calamus) relieves the pressure of wind in the stomach and bowels, due generally to fermentation. This is a disagreeable condition and I have known obstinate cases to be cured by nibbling a bit of the root occasionally.
Labrador tea (Ledum latifolium) when the camper is far enough north to find it, makes a pleasant drink and is preferable to coffee or “store” tea. It is tonic and pectoral, giving the habitual user a sensation of comfort and cleanliness of the system.