HOME REMEDIES FOR COMMON DISEASES 725 



tations, and, if possible, makes nervous dyspeptics of 

 them, so that they can the better appreciate his suffer- 

 ings. If by any chance any of his symptoms disappear, 

 straightway he goes to work to resurrect them, and he 

 invariably succeeds. He would not have one of those 

 precious symptoms get away for anything. He feels 

 sure that no one appreciates properly his agonies of 

 mind and body, and it is probable that his view of the 

 matter is quite correct. Fearing that his malady is 

 not considered so grave as it should be, he sometimes 

 exaggerates a little, not with the slightest intention 

 of telling a falsehood, but simply to add picturesque- 

 ness to the monotonous desert of his existence, to 

 heighten the interest of his friends in his distressing 

 case. Evidently the philanthropic purpose of his men- 

 dacity seems at times to render it excusable. 



Treatment. — The diet must be plain, unstimulating, 

 nutritious. Toasted wheat flakes, toasted rice flakes, 

 granose biscuit, toasted rice biscuit, granuto, granola, 

 and other thoroughly dextrinized whole-grain prepara- 

 tions are especially to be commended. Pepper and 

 other condiments must be avoided. A diet of fruits, 

 grains and nuts, and fresh vegetables is essential to the 

 best results. 



Fomentations and the various other local applica- 

 tions for the relief of pain must be employed as neces- 

 sary. In many cases fomentations over the stomach 

 will be found very useful, though in some cases the 

 nervousness will be aggravated by this application. 

 Wearing the abdominal bandage is a very excellent 

 means of increasing the activity of the stomach, and 

 also of promoting sleep. Patients of this class usually 

 need a great amount of rest, and judgment must be 

 used in advising exercise. A change of occupation is 



