Rheumatism
Original title: Reumatismo
Folk remedies used in Madeira against rheumatism, including external applications of sulphur and paraffin, rubs with brandy or wine, herbal washes and avocado-leaf infusion.
Sulphur and paraffin applied externally, massage, mustard plasters, rubs with spirit (aguardente, distilled from sugar cane or wine), warm wine or camphorated alcohol, washes with a decoction of rosemary or trombeteira, and salt-water baths are of some benefit in treating rheumatism. We are told that some people have cured themselves of this disease with paraffin applied with a hen’s feather. An infusion of avocado leaves is being taken internally against rheumatism, and rubs or fomentations with paraffin mixed with a well-beaten egg white are said to have given good results in treating this disease.