Orris is a powder obtained from the root of the iris flower; it was used previously in many kinds of cosmetics because it has a pleasant odor, its color is like that of the human flesh to which it clings firmly, and it holds its scent for a long period of time.

Cosmetics which contain no orris root are advertised as non-allergenic; however, no cosmetic can promise to be totally allergy-free. Commercial sources for orris-free cosmetics include: Elizabeth Arden, Botay, Mary Dunhill, Armand’s Sympathy, Max Factor’s Pancake, Ar-Ex Cosmetics, Almay, Marcille, Mansfields.

The mother of a child who is sensitive to orris should throw away her old powder puff and should not allow a barber to use any kind of cosmetic powder on the child’s head or face after a hair-cutting.

Cottonseed

After cotton is harvested, the fibers are separated from the seeds. The fibers may still contain some seeds, which can cause an extremely dangerous form of allergy. The following should be avoided:

Linters: The short cotton fibers clinging to the seeds and used as stuffing in high-grade mattresses, cushions, upholstery fillings, coarse cotton yarns, and to make miniature golf courses.

Hulls: Used in feeding beef and cattle (milk obtained from cows fed these hulls is a highly dangerous source of cottonseed allergy).

Cake: Used in feeding cattle, as fertilizer, or as flour to make doughnuts.

Oil: Used in making oleomargarine and mayonnaise (in general, this oil is a very weak allergen).

*22/99/5*

In earlier centuries, hypochondria was recognized as a ‘real’ illness, with a distinctive set of characteristics. And it was considered to be worthy of treatment. The dismissal of hypochondria by most doctors is a relatively new attitude, and one which is lamented by those that have studied this disorder. Robert Meister in his book Hypochondria writes: ‘Those physicians who shrug off a suffering patient because they regard his condition as psychosomatic or hypochondriacal are not acting as professional healers … The cultural and social norms that affect considerations of health and illness have established what might be called an unspoken “Acceptability Index” of various forms of illness. On such an index, bacterial pneumonia, which is regarded as a “real” illness, would indubitably outrank peptic ulcers, which are viewed suspiciously as being of “psychosomatic” origin, and all illnesses known to man would outrank hypochondria … The prevailing negative attitudes towards hypochondria are largely unexplained, unjustified and certainly unjust to victims of the condition.’

The best type of treatment for both psychosomatic complaints and hypochondria is some form of psychotherapy or hypnotherapy which should make it possible for the sufferer to identify the underlying emotions that are responsible for the symptoms. Once aware of the source of the problem, the patient can come to terms with these emotions and the physical symptoms should then diminish.

In some cases, however, the symptoms are a vital element in the way the patient deals with the world and with his or her own conflicts about life and relationships. For such people, the symptoms are indispensable and the best hope is to keep the condition within limits so that it causes the least possible disruption to the patient and his family.

*197\180\8*