Stomach complaints
Original title: Molestias do estomago
Folk remedies for stomach complaints, chiefly camomile infusion, plus lemon balm, peppermint, black tea, hot water and warm poultices.
An infusion of chamomile (macela) is the remedy most used against colic, indigestion and other stomach complaints. For surfeit, an infusion of lemon balm is sometimes given, and for stomach pains an infusion of peppermint. In some cases a cup of black tea is enough to relieve disorders of the digestive functions caused by poor-quality food or by the amount eaten. A glass of very hot water, drunk on an empty stomach, is said to be very useful for dyspepsia and stomach pains. Linseed poultices are also useful for these pains, which may also disappear with the simple application of a suitably warmed baize cloth or a slice of bread soaked in hot wine.