Stránka:roll 1931.djvu/220

204 Woodcraft Birch Bark Roll tient has a bucket of water and a cup. He pours water on the hot stones, and a dense steam arises which fills the lodge. The more water on the stones, of course, the greater the steam. Aromatic herbs or leaves are sometimes thrown in the water. The aroma of cedar is very pleasant in the lodge, and most beneficial to the patient. Meantime, the patient drinks plenty of water, and is soon in a profuse sweat. Fifteen minutes of this 1s enough for most persons. The patient then comes out, plunges into the cold lake for a moment, then is thoroughly rubbed down, rolled up in his blankets, and put away to sleep. The sweat bath is a splendid remedy for colds, rheuma- tism, sluggish skin, etc., if taken properly with the cold plunge so as to avoid getting chilled. It must not be taken too soon after a meal—not less than two hours after. It must also not be overdone, as it is then weakening; and is not good for those with weak hearts. Most Indians took it once a week, and some tribes took it