The leptandrin acts on the liver, the colombo is a bitter tonic and
hydrastis is a good tonic for the stomach.
16. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chamomile Tonic for Aged Persons also for
Children.--"Put about one-half ounce chamomile flowers into a jug, pour a
pint of boiling water upon them, cover up the tea, and when it has stood
about ten minutes pour it off from the flowers into another jug; sweeten
with sugar or honey. A cupful in the morning will strengthen the digestive
organs, a teacupful in which is stirred a large dessert spoonful of moist
sugar and a little grated ginger is an excellent thing to give to aged
persons a couple of hours before dinner," It is remarkable to see how this
treatment aids the digestion, especially in chronic cases. It may also be
given to fretful children in small doses.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT in mild cases of acute Dyspepsia.--These recover by
themselves by giving the stomach rest, and taking a dose of castor oil.
Hot water is good to help to clean out the stomach.
Treatment in severe forms.--Promote vomiting by drinking large amount of
warm water. This cleans the stomach of the sour, foul, decomposing food.
If warm water does not cause vomiting, give any simple emetic you may have
at your hand, such as mustard, etc., one teaspoonful. If the stomach
tastes very sour, take some baking soda; subnitrate of bismuth (ten
grains) is good, if you have it. If the bowels are constipated you should
take an enema (injection) or salts. Soda water can be drank freely. Rest
the stomach for a day from food. For the thirst cracked ice is relished.
As the patient is usually very thirsty the mouth should be rinsed
frequently with cool water and some can be swallowed. As stated before for
nausea and sour belching, baking soda or bismuth subnitrate can be used
when there is much gas, sour belchings; crust coffee is very good. Burn
the toast and make a hot coffee of it.
[DIGESTIVE ORGANS 103]
DIET.--Given us by the Lady Superior of one of the largest Catholic
Hospitals in Ohio.