3A. SUDORIFICS & DIAPHORETICS

They are medicines promoting Sweat, or more properly, open the pores. They cut, attenuate and penetrate, exhale through the pores, carrying Serous Fluid and Vapors through the skin.

They are used to relieve Fever, and to through off diseases in the beginning, such as Colds, Influenza, Sinus, acute Headache. They are similar to Rarifying medicines in that they open the pores, and so some are also useful in some chronic disorders such as Arthritis and Rheumatism.

Diaphoretic medicines work several ways:

1. Stimulate sweat glands (Camphor)
2. Effect nerves of the Sweat Glands (Alcohol, Opium)
3. Dilate pores (rubefacients, external heat, hot bath etc.)

Diaphoretic treatments other than internal remedies

1. Application of Dry or Moist Heat–water bottle, hot bricks or stones, warm and wet towels etc.
2. Warm Air–various methods of applying warm air have been used to induce perspiration
3. Vapor or Steam Baths, Saunas
4. Warm Baths–a bath of 39–40 degrees C. warms the body and induces perspiration
5. Cold Wet-Sheet Wrap–wrapping in a cold, wet sheet then covering in layers of blankets was regarded as one of the most effective ways to promote perspiration
6. Hot Wet-Sheet Wrap–if the criculation is weak, the above method may be applied using a sheet or blanket wrung out of hot water.

Compounds