People in general think they must go abroad for vapor-baths; but a very simple one can be made at home.  Place strong sticks across a tub of water, at the boiling point, and sit upon them, entirely enveloped in a blanket, feet and all.  The steam from the water will be a vapor-bath.  Some people put herbs into the water.  Steam-baths are excellent for severe colds, and for some disorders in the bowels.  They should not be taken without the advice of an experienced nurse, or physician.  Great care should be taken not to renew the cold after; it would be doubly dangerous.

Boiled potatoes are said to cleanse the hands as well as common soap; they prevent chops in the winter season, and keep the skin soft and healthy.

Water-gruel, with three or four onions simmered in it, prepared with a lump of butter, pepper, and salt, eaten just before one goes to bed, is said to be a cure for a hoarse cold.  A syrup made of horseradish-root and sugar is excellent for a cold.

Very strong salt and water, when frequently applied, has been known to cure wens.

The following poultice for the throat distemper, has been much approved in England:—­The pulp of a roasted apple, mixed with an ounce of tobacco, the whole wet with spirits of wine, or any other high spirits, spread on a linen rag, and bound upon the throat at any period of the disorder.

Nothing is so good to take down swellings, as a soft poultice of stewed white beans, put on in a thin muslin bag, and renewed every hour or two.

The thin white skin, which comes from suet, is excellent to bind upon the feet for chilblains.  Rubbing with Castile soap, and afterwards with honey, is likewise highly recommended.  But, to cure the chilblains effectually, they must be attended to often, and for a long time.

Always apply diluted laudanum to fresh wounds.

A poultice of elder-blow tea and biscuit is good as a preventive to mortification.  The approach of mortification is generally shown by the formation of blisters filled with blood; water blisters are not alarming.

Burnt alum held in the mouth is good for the canker.

The common dark-blue violet makes a slimy tea, which is excellent for the canker.  Leaves and blossoms are both good.  Those who have families should take some pains to dry these flowers.

When people have a sore mouth, from taking calomel, or any other cause, tea made of low-blackberry leaves is extremely beneficial.

Tea made of slippery elm is good for the piles, and for humors in the blood; to be drank plentifully.  Winter evergreen[4] is considered good for all humors, particularly scrofula.  Some call it rheumatism-weed; because a tea made from it is supposed to check that painful disorder.

[Footnote 4:  This plant resembles the poisonous kill-lamb, both in the shape and the glossiness of the leaves:  great care should be used to distinguish them.]