340 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR, 
Infuse in a quart of boiling water ; strain, sweeten with lump 
sugar, and give a tablespoonful every hour with one drop of 
tincture of veratrum. Attend to the bowels by giving a dose of 
compound powder of leptandrum. Let the food be light and 
nourishing. The digestive food is always of this class. There 
are other diseases of the heart which we will deal with 
further on. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH (Gastritis). 
Any of the organs of digestion may become inflamed, and 
since the whole body is dependent for nourishment on the 
healthy performance of digestion, it need not be emphasised 
that the danger is great, and the utmost care in the treatment 
of inflammatory conditions of these organs of digestion should 
be exercised. First, and also the most important organ, 
the stomach claims our attention. Being an internal organ, it 
is not so much subject to dangers arising from exposure to 
colds, &c.; therefore, it is not often the seat of inflammation, 
and if it had a fair and rational treatment at the mouth of its 
possessor, it is doubtful if it would be inflamed at all; there- 
fore the first cause may be put down as errors In eating, and 
especially drinking. Some poisons destroy life through 
causing the stomach to inflame. Like other inflammation, 
there are different degrees of it, from a slight attack to one 
that may prove fatal in 24 hours. Symptoms: Pain or 
uneasiness is first felt, which may increase to a burning severe 
pain, with constant nausea and vomiting; it will increase by 
pressure. A strong desire for cold drinks, a deep inspiration 
by filling the chest and producing pressure will cause pain. The 
tongue is usually red, with sometimes a whitish fur in the 
middle. The bowels are constipated, unless some part of 
them (the mucous coat) is inflamed, which may cause a 
diarrhoea. The pulse is rapid with wiry feeling, skin hot and 
dry, breathing hurried, and the urine high coloured. }The 
most comfortable position is the back, on which the patient 
lies with the legs drawn up. The depression of spirits and 
anxiety is great. If the treatment has not been prompt and 
