2. Wash the whole body every morning with cold water, by means of a
large sponge, and rub it dry with a rough towel, or scrub the whole
body for ten or fifteen minutes with flesh-brushes.
3. Drink water generally, and avoid excess of spirits, wine, and
fermented liquors.
4. Keep the body open by the free use of the syringe, and remove
superior obstructions by aperients pills.
5. Sleep in a room which has free access to the open air.
6. Keep the head cool by washing it when necessary with cold water,
and abate feverish and inflammatory symptoms when they arise by
persevering stillness.
7. Correct symptoms of plethora and indigestion by eating and
drinking less per diem for a few days.
8. Never eat a hearty supper, especially of animal food; and drink
wine, spirits, and beer, if these are necessary, only after dinner.
From The American Receipts Book,
1844
The Change of Life
Liquors, wines, strong tea, coffee, and
chocolate should be avoided. Exercise should be indulged in with
caution, and care taken to avoid excitement, severe mental or bodily
effort, and exhaustion. Once safely through this critical period,
the woman has a better chance for long life and a green old age than
the man of equal years. With the sweet consciousness of duty
performed, she is now prepared to assist others by intelligent
advice, cheerful counsel, and tender offices; she can now surround
herself with that saintly halo of kind words and good works which
wins a worthier love than passion offers; and, passing onward to the
silence of eternal rest, she will leave in the memory of all who
knew her pleasant impressions and affectionate reminiscences.
From The Physical Life of Woman:
Advice to the Maiden, Wife and Mother, 1887
