By Jan Buffington
Special to the Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
After researching Hood’s Compound for this week’s Historical Treasure, I decided that the creation of the Federal Drug Administration was a good idea. Hood’s Compound told people of its time period that it was “A stomachic preparation for stimulating the appetite” and that adults could take up to a tablespoonful (with water) before meals and at bedtime. The list of ingredients tells us that it contains sarsaparilla, gentian, and bitter orange. It also mentions that it contains 13 percent alcohol.
So, what really is in this compound? I don’t need to explain alcohol, so I’ll go to the rest of the ingredients. Sarsaparilla is a root that is boiled and made into an extract that can be used as a flavoring or as a soft drink. If you watched the same cartoons as I did, you might remember Yosemite Sam plowing through a saloon door, guns drawn, and demanding “Sasparilly, and make it snappy!” I don’t like it that much; I think it tastes like a medicinal root beer with no carbonation.
Next is gentian. On one hand, it is believed to improve appetite and digestion in adults. On the other hand, there is a multitude of warnings. People who have a stomach disorder, stomach ulcer or high blood pressure should not take it. Gentian is not tested for purity by the FDA.
The last ingredient is bitter orange. It is a fruit that has many and varying medicinal purposes. It is supposed to help with heartburn, nausea, constipation, weight loss, fungal infections and nasal congestion.
You can find our bottle (in its original box) of Hood’s Compound in the Pharmacy on the first floor of the Historical Museum at 1411 S. Sixth St.
