SPICES. 655 
appropriate the old proverb (of a double application), “If you 
crush Spice it becomes all the sweeter.” For the relief of 
Spasms, or internal colic, put a quarter of a pound of mixed 
Cloves, and Allspice, with some crushed Ginger, and Cinnamon, 
in a quart of the best brandy, and let this stand (bottled) in 
the sun, or by the hob for a few days until all the virtue is 
drawn out of the Spices. Then give as a dose one teaspoonful 
for an adult, (or ten drops for a young child,) in a small wine- 
glassful of water; also, if some of this be dropped on hot 
flannel, and applied externally, it will be found very effectual. 
For relieving local neuralgia a capital plaster may be made 
from Allspice berries, by crushing them, and boiling them 
gently down in quite a little water to a thick liquid extract, 
which can be spread on linen, and applied over the part in 
pain. Special virtues reside in the rind of the berries, through 
their combined savour of several stimulating spices. The 
berries themselves are somewhat sedative; because of their 
Sweet savour, and cordial taste they are put into curry powder. 
Allspice tea, made by pouring boiling water on the crushed 
berries, through virtue of the volatile oil, exercises a sedative 
effect when flatulent indigestion is oppressive. 
Recently the taking of Ginger, in the form of an essence, or 
strong tincture, is becoming revealed as a growing habit of 
inebriety both in this country and in America. Seeing that the 
alcoholic strength of such an essence, or tincture, is about 
double that of whisky, or brandy, the deleterious results of any 
excessive indulgence therein may be readily imagined. Many of 
the London chemists admit that they have regular customers 
for this pungent cordial, who buy it in comparatively large 
quantities every week. The Gingerists are persons with 
depraved stomachs, and over-wrought brains. But the issue 
of so baneful a practice is lamentably futile. After some relief 
to begin with, a completely disorded digestion, and a prostrate 
brain, are the inevitable consequences. 
Though not usually ranking as a Spice, yet the Olive, as pickled 
in salt, and served with dessert for giving a relish to the wine, 
may fairly be considered a digestive condiment. The Spanish 
Olive is larger than that of Italy, or France, and is more esteemed. 
The Greeks appreciated Olives highly, insomuch that the 
Athenians called this fruit the gift of Pallas Athene, the Goddess 
of Wisdom. Likewise the Romans set great value on Olives; 
