Stomachics  may  be  divided  into  bitters,  aromatica (drugs
coutaiuiiag  a  volatile  oil  and  often  very  pungent),  and  aro-
matic bitters  (drugs  containing  a  yolatile  oil  and  a  bit-
ter principle).  While  both  the  bitters  and  aromatics  en-
hance the  appetite,  the  action  of  the  latter  is  more  jiowerful
and  fleeting.  Yery  large  doses  of  stomachics  are  distinctly
irritatiug,  and  cause  anorexia,  nausea,  and  vomiting  la.
animals  capable  of  the  act.
DBUaS  AOTINO  ON  THE  DIGESTIVE  OBQANB


n


8T0HACHIGS.
BITTKBS

ABOMATICS

t}entian

Coriander

-Calumba

Capsicum

■Qnassis

Pepper

Hydrastis

Ginger

Alcohol

Cardamon

Ether

Fennel

Chloroform

ABOMATIC  BITTKBS

Fenugreek

Alkalies  (see  Antacids)

CascarilU

Anise

Ctutmomile

Calamus

Serpentaria

Mustard

Spearmint

Peppermint

Uses. — Stomachics — particularly  bitters — are  service-
able in  improving  the  api)etite  and  gastric  digestion  in  atonic
indigestion,  and  in  enfeebled  states  of  the  digestive  organs
occorring  in  the  conrse  of  chronic  diseases  or  dnring^  conva-
lescence from  aonte  disorders.  The  aromatics  are  more
frequently  employed  for  their  action  on  the  intestines,  when
ihey  are  called  carminatives.  Bitters  are  contra-indicated
in  irritable  or  inflamed  conditions  of  the  alimentary  tract

Antacids  are  drags  which  are  ased  to  counteract  acidity
in  the  stomach  and  bowels  resulting  from  indigestion  and
fermentation,  or  from  excessive  secretion  of  gastric  juice.
Some  (not  ammonia  compounds)  are  also  occasionally  em-
ployed to  alkalize  the  blood  and  urine.
Paw1ow'i4  axperiments,  substantiated  l)y  many  others,
«bow  that  alkalies  inhibit  not  only  the  secretion  of  acid
gastric  juice,  but  also  all  the  other  digestive  secretions,  i.e.,
the  secretions  of  the  intestines,  liver  (bile),  and  pancreas
(pancreatic  juice).
If  administered  several  hours  after  eating,  antacids
counteract  acidity  due  to  fermentation  and  relieve  pain
caused  by  this  condition.  Since  fermentation  is  frequently
the  cause  of  tympanites,  the  antacids  are  conjoined  to  advan-
tage with  carminatives  (sodium  bicarbonate  and  ginger).
