How to Cure Gas, 1685
Izaak Walton, The Compleat Angler (1653)
Against the Wind in the Belly. Apply a living Tench to the Patients Navel, the Head being upwards towards the Stomach; and tye it fast on with a Napkin; and there leave it twenty four hours, till it be dead; then bury it in the Dung, and you will see the Wind will vanish.
Nicolas Lémery, Modern Curiosities of Art & Nature
If anyone asks why you have a dying fish strapped to your abdomen, just explain that it’s for your wind problem. I promise they’ll leave you alone.
The wriggling and flapping of the dying fish no doubt moves things along inside. But 24 hours! Thank goodness for today's pink pills !