Koumiss Therapy

the use of koumiss in combination with climatotherapy at health resorts and in the parts of the steppes of the Volga Region, Bashkiria, Kirghizia, Kazakhstan, and Buriatia suited to that purpose.

Koumiss therapy, especially in sanatorium conditions, strengthens the appetite, increases the secretion of gastric juice, and improves the digestion of food. Food proteins and fats become more assimilable and body weight increases. Weak koumiss is an intestinal laxative. Moderately strong and concentrated koumiss slows peristalsis.

The amount of koumiss prescribed to patients is strictly individualized. It starts with six doses daily, of 100 ml each (50 ml for a person in poor condition); eventually each dose is boosted to 250 ml. Koumiss is prescribed for certain forms of pulmonary tuberculosis (if the condition is not markedly progressive) and for tuberculosis of the lymph nodes (chiefly in patients with accompanying chronic gastritis, and especially in the presence of low acidity and insufficient motility and secretion). It is very effective in the lavage of fistulas, the instillation of the urinary bladder, and syringing. It is also used in vaginal tampons at the Shafranovo health resort. Cow’s koumiss, made from skim milk to which 25 percent water and sugar is added, is also used.