Warts refer to hard growths on the skin. They are common both in children and adults. Warts are capable of spreading, but they are usually harmless. They often disappear spontaneously.
Causes and Symptoms
Warts come in various shapes and sizes and usually appear as rough elevations on the skin. These elevations appear more frequently on the fingers, elbows, knees, face, and scalp. Those that appear on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts. They are very painful and the sufferer is not able to walk properly.
The main cause of warts is a virus infection of the skin. Plantar warts on the soles are usually contracted in swimming pools. Constitutional factors, however, appear to be at the root of the trouble. These factors lead to some defects in the proper development of the skin surface in certain areas.
Ginger: Ginger is another effective remedy for whooping cough. A teaspoon of fresh ginger juice, mixed with a cup of fenugreek decoction and honey to taste, is an excellent diaphoretic. The fenugreek decoction can be made by boiling one teaspoon of seeds in 250 ml of water till it is reduced to half.
Radish: A syrup prepared by mixing a teaspoon of fresh radish juice with an equal quantity of honey and a little rock salt, is beneficial in the treatment of this disease. It should be given thrice daily.
Almond Oil: Almond oil is valuable in whooping cough. Five drops of almond oil should be mixed with ten drops each of fresh white onion juice and ginger juice, and taken thrice daily for a fortnight It will provide relief.
Calamus: The herb calamus is another valuable remedy for whooping cough. A pinch of the powder of the roasted herb should be given with a teaspoon of honey. Being antispasmodic, it prevents severe bouts of coughing. For smaller children, the dose must be proportionately smaller.
Dietary Considerations
At the beginning of the treatment, the child should be kept on orange juice and water for a few days. The child may be put on an all-fruit diet for a few more days after the more serious symptoms have cleared up.
Other Measures
Epsom salts baths will be beneficial during the initial juice and water fast. In case of constipation, a mild laxative, preferably castor oil, should be administered. This will also relieve the pain in the abdominal muscles, which are usually strained during the paroxysms of coughing. The patient should be protected against exposure to cold and moisture as they are likely to aggravate the condition.