It is valuable as an antidote in opium poisoning or in cases of alcoholism.
It is given to those addicted to liquor, as a milder stimulant when they are recovering from a spell of intoxication.
The only use of coffee as a food is that its pleasant aroma stimulates the flow of gastric juice.
Strong coffee, particularly that which has been boiled for a long time, retards digestion, and, if much is drunk, it will produce the same symptoms of over stimulation of the nervous system as are manifest in the tea habit. Heartburn, constipation, dyspepsia, and insomnia may result.
Sometimes the habit is manifested by excessive eating of the coffee bean. Such users show marked symptoms of nervousness; they are usually thin and their faces are drawn and anxious.
Each person must decide for himself whether or not coffee or tea is injurious to him and cease the habit if he finds it is interfering with the proper functioning of the system, remembering always that the purpose of food is to resupply body waste and produce heat and energy.
One who knows that coffee disturbs his digestion, and yet cannot break himself from the habit of drinking it, should have sympathy for the one who is addicted to liquor and finds it difficult to break the habit of depending on this so-called stimulant.
Cereal Coffee has been discussed under the heading “Cereals.”
“Crust” coffee is made by pouring boiling water on “caramelized” bread or bread deeply toasted, allowing it to stand ten minutes, then pouring off the liquid, which may be sweetened to taste or mixed with cream or milk. It is also made by using crusts of bread which have been dried in the oven without being allowed to brown.