Unfortunately, such patent medicines were not readily available on the Texas frontier of the 1850s. (digitalcommonwealth.org)
The summer of 1853 in North Texas was warm but not sultry. Strong breezes blew across the prairies almost constantly. For the most part, health was quite good. However, those who walked or rode horseback in the sun suffered from congestion attacks. These were more than likely due to the thick vegetation that caused allergies every spring and summer.
Homoeopathic medicine was a new branch of medicine first practiced in Germany and other Eastern European countries. There the use of mineral waters was believed to be an amazing curative. It was now the fad throughout Texas.
The most severe illnesses were fevers including Bilious Fever. Symptoms included fever with nausea or vomiting in addition to an increase of the internal body temperature as well as strong diarrhea according to the Homoeopathic Domestic Practices, a medical guide prepared for and by homoeopathic doctors.
Bilious Fever developed more quickly in the Southern or Western parts of the United States, especially in areas with marshy soil and newly settled areas with rich vegetation. That described North Texas perfectly from the 1830s to the Civil War. Persons with dissipation to eating or drinking alcohol, exposure to temperature changes, anger, fear, grief, headache, stomach problems, or uneasiness were more susceptible to the fever.
That fever attacked children, very old men, and very dissipated individuals more that healthier, younger men and women. By mid-August the heat registered 100 degrees in the shade as summer progressed. Farmers found it less stressful to do their work at night. By this time all crops had been planted but were not ready to be picked. The heat and dry conditions caused communities to initiate a form of water rationing they called an allowance of water. By the end of August welcomed rain quenched the land and water holes. The health of everyone improved drastically. Cooler weather and rains always brought better health.