The bicarbonate of soda relieves the gas and swelling of the stomach, while the rhubarb has a tonic action and relieves the bowels.  The spirits of peppermint stimulates the mucous membrane.

4.  Poor Circulation, Remedy for Stout Person.—­“Ten cents worth of salts, five cents worth of cream of tartar; mix and keep in a closed jar.  Take one teaspoonful for three nights, then skip three nights.”  This is an old-time remedy known to be especially good, as the salts move the bowels and the cream of tartar acts on the kidneys, carrying off the impurities that should be thrown off from these organs.

Physician’s treatment for palpitation.—­When caused by valvular trouble, digitalis can be given as above directed under heart failure.

When Caused by the Stomach.—­From gas or too much food, take salts to move the bowels.  Hot whisky is good when caused by gas; or soda, one teaspoonful in hot water is also good when gas causes palpitation.

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Difficult Breathing.—­If caused by gas, soda, hot whisky or brandy will relieve.  If caused by too fast beating of the heart, give digitalis as above directed.  If caused by dropsy, the regular remedies for dropsy.  If the dropsy is due to scanty urine you can use infusion of digitalis, dose one to four drams; or cream of tartar and epsom salts, equal parts, to keep the bowels open freely.

Physician’s cautions:—­Quiet the patient’s mind and assure him there is no actual danger; moderate exercise should be taken as a rule with advantage.  Regular hours should be kept and at least ten hours out of twenty-four should be spent in lying down.  A tepid bath may be taken in the morning, or if the patient is weakly and nervous, in the evening, followed by a thorough rubbing.  No hot baths or Turkish bath.  Tea, coffee and alcohol are prohibited.  Diet should be light, and the patient should avoid overeating at any meals.  Foods that cause gas should not be used.  If a smoker the patient must give up tobacco.  Sexual excitement is very pernicious, and the patient should be warned especially on this point.  Absolute rest for the distressing attacks of palpitation which occur with nervous exhaustion.  In these cases we find the most distressing throbbing in the abdomen, which is apt to come after meals, and is very much aggravated by the accumulation of gas.

Diet.—­A person with heart disease should not bring on palpitation from over-eating or eating the wrong kind of food.  Such a person dare not be a glutton.  The diet must be simple, nutritious, but food that is easily digested.  Any food that causes trouble must be avoided; starchy foods, spiced foods, rich greasy foods, are not healthy for such a person.  The stomach must be carefully treated by such a patient.  The bowels should move daily.  The kidneys should always do good work and pass enough urine and of the right color and consistency.