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Chapter 26—Stimulants and Narcotics
Under the heading of stimulants and narcotics is classed a great
variety of substances that, when used as food or drink, irritate the
stomach, poison the blood, and excite the nerves. Their use is a
positive evil. People seek the excitement of stimulants because, for
the time, the results are agreeable. But there is always a reaction.
The use of unnatural stimulants always tends to excess, and it is an
active agent in promoting physical degeneration and decay.
Condiments
In this fast age, the less exciting the food, the better. Condiments
are injurious in their nature. Mustard, pepper, spices, pickles, and
other things of like character irritate the stomach and make the blood
feverish and impure. The inflamed condition of the drunkard’s stom-
ach is often pictured as illustrating the effect of alcoholic liquors.
A similarly inflamed condition is produced by the use of irritating
condiments. Soon ordinary food does not satisfy the appetite. The
system feels a want, a craving, for something more stimulating.
Tea and Coffee
Tea acts as a stimulant and, to a certain extent, produces intoxi-
cation. The action of coffee and many other popular drinks is similar.
The first effect is exhilarating. The nerves of the stomach are ex-
cited. These convey irritation to the brain which, in turn, is aroused
to impart increased action to the heart and short-lived energy to the
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entire system. Fatigue is forgotten. Strength seems to be increased.
The intellect is aroused, and the imagination becomes more vivid.
Because of these results, many suppose that tea or coffee is
doing them great good. But this is a mistake. Tea and coffee do not
nourish the system. Their effect is produced before there has been
time for digestion and assimilation. What seems to be strength is
only nervous excitement. When the influence of the stimulant is
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