Around-the-world cook book

Convulsions — The immediate treatment of convulsions in young children is a hot bath — not too hot, remember. You should be able to bear your own elbow quite comfortably in the water. The elbow is much more sensitive than the hand, and can therefore, better test the heat, if a bath thermometer be not at hand. If a bath thermometer is obtainable let the temperature of water be not over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ovei-stoutness — The drinking of hot water, combined with a diet from which farinaceous foods, sugar, potatoes, and beer are eliminated, does much toward reducing a too superabundant amount of fat. The water should be taken in this manner: Take from % pint to 1 pint in the morning, either in bed, or while dressing; and take the same quantity an hour and a half before each meal, and half an hour before bedtime. The water should not be gulped down, but slowly sipped; taking from 5 to 15 minutes to drink — it can be rewarmed during the drinking, if necessary. By taking it in this manner uncomfortable distention is avoided. It is best to begin with a smaller quantity, and increase as it is found to agree. VEGETABLES AS MEDICINE Asparagus benefits the kidneys. Potatoes contain salts and potash. French beans and lentils give iron. Celery is good for rheumatism and neuralgia. Tomatoes stimulate the healthy action of the liver. Lettuce is good for tired nerves, and induces sleep. Cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach are beneficial to anemic people. Food specialists vote spinach as the most precious of vegetables. It contains salts of potassium and much iron. It is claimed that carrots form blood, beautify the skin, and improve the appetite. For that tired feeling that comes in the spring, the best vegetables are, parsley, horseradish, mustard, dock, dandelion and beet-tops, as they clear the blood, and regulate the system. MUSTARD PLASTERS To make a mustard plaster take equal parts of mustard and flour; stir together with a little warm water, just sufficient to make it into a thick paste. Spread it on a piece of linen that is large enough to fold over and prevent the paste from touching the skin. Apply the plaster to that part of the skin that it is desired to irritate. Ginger plasters may be made in the same manner, as mustard plasters, and produce the same results and do not blister. CURE FOR SEASICKNESS A glass of hot milk with a generous dash of cayenne will often cure seasickness. SICK HEADACHE The juice of half a lemon, in a cup of black coffee, without any sugar, has been found to cure a sick headache. TO CURE A BILIOUS ATTACK A strong, unsweetened lemon, taken before breakfast, will prevent and will cure a bilious attack. GRAPE- AND PINEAPPLE-JUICE These are great blessings in the sickroom. Only the juice of either should be swallowed. It allays thirst, and is nourishing, acting beneficially upon the liver and kidneys. FOR SPRAINS If the ankle is sprained, rest is all important. Handage the part and keep this bandage soaked with water as hot as the patient can bear, or with witch-hazel. For a sprained wrist, use the same treatment and put the arm in a sling. FOR NOSE BLEED Lay the sufferer on his back, with arms elevated above the head, and apply the coldest water obtainable to the nose, forehead, and back of the neck. FAINTING