Diseases > Domestic medicine

DOMESTTC MEDICIN*. 41'i.
water, or a cup of tea, will generally give ease. If it j
proceeds from the use of greasy aliments, a drachm ’
of brandy or rum may be taken.
If acidity or sourness of the stomach occasions the
heart-burn, absorbents are the proper medicines.
In this case an ounce of powdered chalk, half an
ounce of fine sugar, and a quarter of an ounce of
gum-arabic, may he mixed in an English quart of
water, and a tea-cupful of it taken as often as is neces¬
sary. Such as do not choose chalk may take a tea¬
spoonful of prepared oyster-shells, or of the powder
called crabs-eyes, in a glass of cinnamon or pepper¬
mint water. But the safest and best absorbent is
magnesia alba. This not only acts as an absorbent,
but likewise as a purgative; whereas chalk, and
other absorbents of that kind are apt to lie in the
intestines, and occasion obstructions. This powder
is not disagreeable, and may be taken in a cup of tea,
or a glass of mint water. A large tea-spoonful is the
usual dose; but it may be taken in a much greater
quantity when there is occasion. These things are
now generally made up into lozenges for the con-
yeniency of being carried in the pocket, and taken at
pleasure.
If wind be the cause of this complaint, the most
proper medicines are those called carminatives; as
aniseeds, juniper-berries, ginger, canella alba,
cardamom seeds, &c. These may either be chewed,
lor infused in wine, brandy, or other spirits. One of the
^safest medicines of this kind is the tincture made by
'infusing an ounce of rhubarb, and a quarter of an
ounce of the lesser cardamom seeds, in an English
pint of Brandy. After this has digested for two or
three days, it ought to be strained, and four ounces
of white sugar-candy added to it. It must stand t®
digest a second time till the sugar be dissolved. A