HINTS FOR THE CURE OF INDIGESTION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 23, 6 June 1891, Page 42

HINTS FOR THE CURE OF INDIGESTION.

It does not occur to us that an ailment is less troublesome because it is common ; there is certainly nothing more common than indigestion, and probably nothing more trying either ; it not only weakens the physical powers, but it also affects the mental organisation in a very distressing manner; its victim is constantly filled with nervous dread, feels that he is acting like a cowai <l, yet cannot throw off his cowardice, and has frequent periods of unconquerable gloom and depression, during which the most hopeless views as to his future affect him, and he may taste by anticipation the very bitterness of death itself. There are many cases which will yield only to a well-devised course of medicine; but as no doctor can do as much for a man in the throes of dyspepsia as he can do for himself, we have recommended this course : A morning sponging of whole body, or to waist at least, followed by nibbing with rough .towel till the operator feels as if his clothes were wholly Unnecessary, owing to the glow he has induced. An extra thiee minutes given to this exercise is well spent, and it should always be done near an

open window in order that the bather may inhale fresh air while he is at it. The throat should be well gargled, and the teeth washed with cold water, this being finished with the swallowing of two good mouthfuls of cold water. In cases where there is obstinate constipation, instead of the water a glassful of solution of Kochelle salts may l>e taken, say a full teaspoonful, in lukewarm water. Dressing may now proceed, except a little time is spent with dumb-bells. The meal should be of porridge and milk—granola, just tasted with sugar, if oatmeal heats the stomach—followed by cocoa with cold dry buttered toast. During the forenoon we recommend a cupful of hough soup with dry toast; for dinner, another cupful of soup, a little bit of lean roast meat, or steak or chop done before or over fire; one spoonful of stewed apple with biscuit or cold toast again, and milk of course ; during afternoon, cup of cocoa or soup, as in forenoon ; at ‘ tea’ a bit of whitefish boiled ; supper, dry toast buttered and drink of water. The science of the arrangement lies in frequent very light meals ; on no occasion should more be taken than just suffices to take the edge off the appetite. The cold toast, as we have explained, is good in itself, being easily digested ; it speedily kills the insatiable craving for food which annoys the dyspeptic, and there is not the slightest danger of anyone over-eating himself on it. As we have frequently stated, tomato, lentil, and fish soups may be taken occasionally instead of hough and tripe, both meat and soup, is invaluable. Then fish can be taken at breakfast and granola at night, to vary things if necessary. Some benefit by using the quassia mixture for a time—half ounce citrate of quinine andiron, with 2d worth of quassia chips, place in quart bottle, fill up with water, let stand for twenty-four hours, then take one to two tablesnoonfuls in water half an hour thrice daily before meals.— Exchange.