338 MEALS MEDICINAL. 
moves upwards ; that of the liver is chiefly denoted by abdominal 
enlargement. In dropsy from congested kidneys it is always 
questionable whether diuretics are not likely to do harm by 
mischievously stimulating these organs already overfull of blood. 
GINGER AND GINGERBREAD. 
Except for its popular essence as a stomachic, Ginger is better 
known to the cook, and confectioner, than as a medicament. 
Nevertheless, this condimentary root-stock, crushed, or in 
powder, will serve most admirably as a stimulant in various 
bodily emergencies. Its restorative effect is immediate, and 
more telling than that of alcohol ; furthermore, its pain-relieving 
qualities are positive, though the modus operandi cannot be 
easily explained. Whenever there is a sudden reduction of the 
temperature, with coldness of the skin and extremities, and 
with a sense of depressing chill, all accompanying some severe 
pain, Ginger in a quickly operating form will afford prompt, 
and specific relief. It is the rhizome of a plant which grows in 
the East, and West Indies, and is scraped before importation. 
Its odour is due to an essential oil, and its pungent, hot taste 
to a resin. For gouty indigestion the root may be powdered 
in a mortar, and a heaped teaspoonful of it should then be 
infused in boiling milk, to be taken warm at supper, or at 
breakfast. Ginger is best suited for persons of relaxed habits, 
especially when from the pale peeled root. For making an essence 
of Ginger, take three ounces, freshly grated, and an ounce of 
lemon peel, cut thin; put these into a quart of French brandy, 
and let it stand for ten days, shaking it daily. Half a wineglassful 
of the same may be taken for a dose, with (or without) hot water. 
It will speedily subdue colic, or flatulent spasms. In cases of 
inert constipation, because the intestinal energies want rousing 
into activity, Ginger is an excellent spice, particularly in the 
form of Gingerbread, made also with honey, and brown treacle. 
Recipes for Ginger cake, and a Gingerbread loaf, as well as for 
Yorkshire “ parkin,” are given explicitly in Kitchen Physic. 
Preserved Ginger (imported) is a capital sweetmeat. which is 
cordial, and somewhat laxative. It is prepared by scalding the 
Ginger roots when they are green, and full of sap, then peeling 
them in cold water, and putting them into round jars with a 
