CHAP. 52.—HYDROMEL: EIGHTEEN REMEDIES.
Hydromel is recommended, too, as very good for a cough: taken warm, it promotes vomiting. With the addition of oil it counteracts the poison of white lead;2727 of henbane, also, and of the halicacabum, as already stated,2728 if taken in milk, asses’ milk in particular. It is used as an injection for diseases of the ears, and in cases of fistula of the generative organs. With crumb of bread it is applied as a poultice to the uterus, as also to tumours suddenly formed, sprains, and all affections which require soothing applications. The more recent writers have condemned the use of fermented hydromel, as being not so harmless as water, and less strengthening than wine. After it has been kept a considerable time, it becomes transformed into a wine,2729 which, it is universally agreed, is extremely prejudicial to the stomach, and injurious to the nerves.2730