To Give an Inhalation.

Inhalations are often ordered for head and chest colds. The usual medium is a jug of hot water with inhalant and a bath towel over the head. This is not the best way to give an inhalation, as the pores of the skin are opened to admit a chill and the eyes are parboiled. The correct way is to pour a pint of boiling water into a receptacle with the inhalant ordered, and leave for a minute or two to cool somewhat. Surround with a towel folded to form a funnel; the steam then goes directly into the nose and into the passages and lungs without the discomfort of steaming the face. Another way is to cover the receptacle with a brown paper bag with a small hole cut in the corner. After use, the paper bag should be burnt.

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