Mothers’ remedies.—­1.  Wind Colic, Yarrow Tea for.—­“Steep the yarrow tea the same as for catnip tea or any ordinary herb, and give as often as necessary.”  This is a remedy that has been very much used, and will help in a great many cases.  It is perfectly harmless, and no one need have any fear of trying it.

2.  Colic, Camphor Cure for.—­“One drop of camphor in a teaspoonful of water.  This remedy worked like a charm with my little girl.”  This acts quickly, and is sure to give relief as it warms up the stomach.

3.  Wind Colic, Castor Oil for.—­“Give large doses of castor oil.”  Colic, as we all know, is frequently caused by fermentation of the food in the stomach and bowels, and castor oil is one of the best known cathartics in a case of this kind.  This can be given to small babies, in small quantities of course.

4.  Wind Colic.—­A New York mother sends in the following relief for:—­“Give enough essence of wintergreen in water to make it taste for a small babe, and more according to age.  For mine I give 1/4 to 1/2, cup of warm sweetened water.  I have always used this remedy, as it was recommended to me by my mother.  It is better than peppermint as it is not so binding.”

5.  Wind Colic, a Good Herb Remedy for.—­Add enough water to one ounce of snake root to make one-half pint.”  Give in doses according to the age of the child.  This is a good remedy, and has been used by many mothers with good success.

6.  Wind Colic.—­A doctor in New York sends in the following remedy for.—­“One-half teaspoonful sweet spirits of nitre in one-third glass of water, for baby.  Increase the dose for older children or adults.  This warms the stomach, and is highly recommended.”

7.  Wind Colic, Cloves for.—­“Make an infusion of 1 or 2 ounces of cloves.  Cloves are warming, cordial and strengthening; they expel wind, and are good for the colic.”  This treatment has been known to give many a fretful baby a good night’s sleep, and will be found very useful in homes where babies have this disease.

[610 Mothers’ remedies]

Physicians’ treatment.—­Temporary relief is obtained in attacks of colic by emptying the bowels of irritating materials, either by an enema or medicine.  Peppermint, anise seed, catnip are effective, but may be harmful if continued long.  Gin and whisky, warm, are good when the gas is in the stomach and upper bowel.  It is always best to mix them with a solution like the following: 

Bicarbonate of soda               40 grains
Aromatic spirits of ammonia       30 drops
Enough peppermint water to make    2 ounces

Put one teaspoonful in a cup of hot water for a child one year old.

The following is good to move the bowels: