DIET AND DIET REFORM

Chapter 42 : Precautions Against Ills of The Season (M.D.)

In the wake of rain has come malaria and we have two or three sick beds every now and then. But our precau­tions and aftercare have ensured plain sailing so far. The rigid rules we have laid down and are following may be of use everywhere during this season.
The first rule, ap­plicable to all, is the general rule to leave your meal when it tastes sweetest, i.e., to leave it partially hungry.
The second rule is to avoid foods containing an excess of proteins (all dais - pulses for instance) and to skip a meal as soon as you feel ready.
The third rule, as soon as you feel out of sorts, or have a feeling of feverishness is to have an opening dose of castor oil and a fast. Whilst a fever or cold is on, repeated doses of hot water and lime and salt (or gur or honey) is the usual treatment. All food, even milk, is to be scrupulously eschewed, and there should be no hurry to resume normal diet on the disappearance of cold or fever.
The forth rule, for those who can afford, is the use of a mosquito net and for the poorest to smear the exposed parts of the body, whilst sleeping, with kerosene oil.
In almost all cases here we have fought colds and fevers successfully by this treatment and have not had to have recourse to quinine (though quinine is by no means taboo).
M. D.

Harijan,
27-7-1935