Part 41

ECZEMA

Whether or not eczema is a dis-ease caused by bacteria, it is obvious that the weapon with which to combat this disorder is pure blood with an abundance of the white corpuscles. These phagocytes of the blood may be properly called the police of the body.

The patient should observe the following general rules:

Drink an abundance of pure water both at meals and between meals. Omit cane-sugar and all acids.

Dress as lightly as possible, and do not wear woolen garments next to the skin.

Take sufficient vigorous exercise each day to cause perspiration. If this cannot be done, the Turkish bath should be resorted to once a week.

Spend as much time in the open air as possible.

The meals should be substantially as follows:

BREAKFAST

A few spoonfuls of wheat bran, cooked, and eaten with cream Two or three bran meal gems Two or three egg whites, whipped very thoroughly, to which add a spoonful of cream One ripe banana

LUNCHEON

A green salad, with nuts--liberal portion A fresh vegetable; preferably boiled onions or carrots A baked potato

DINNER

A salad of any green succulent plant Young onions Peas or asparagus A baked potato or baked beans

SUMMER MENU

ECZEMA

BREAKFAST

Raspberries, blackberries, grapes, or cantaloup A potato--sweet or white A cup of cocoa or sassafras tea (See recipe, p. 681)

LUNCHEON

Beets, asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or okra A potato--prepared choice

DINNER

Two fresh vegetables; choice of: Asparagus Corn Beans Eggplant Beets Onions Carrots A very ripe peach or a cantaloup

Just before retiring, eat a few very ripe peaches, and take a tablespoonful of wheat bran.

FALL MENU

ECZEMA

Either of the following menus may be chosen for a period of ten or twenty days. They are designed especially for the removal of all forms of autointoxication or self-poisoning which sometimes manifest themselves by skin eruptions. While autointoxication may not be the primary cause of eczema, it augments all zymotic conditions. The chief purpose of these menus is to give to the body an opportunity to throw off the dis-ease by removing all obstacles. I would therefore advise that the use of tobacco, tea, coffee, and all alcoholic stimulants be omitted.

MENU I MENU II

BREAKFAST