Part 4

FORM II.

Take of common salt, molasses, and lard, one table spoonful each, to which add one pint of warm water. If this do not operate as effectually as may be desired, the effect may be increased by the addition of a table spoonful of olive oil, or infusion of senna.

Purgative Injections.

FORM I.

Take of soft soap one table spoonful, of olive oil one half a pint, to which add a pint and a half of warm water. This is recommended by Dr. Jackson in cases of obstinate constipation.

FORM II.

To one pint of water gruel or thin starch add a table spoonful of castor oil, or the same quantity of common lard, and a table spoonful of salt. This is an excellent cathartic.

FORM III.

Take of powdered senna two scruples, of soft soap one ounce, to which add a pint of boiling water. This is a very efficient cathartic enema in obstinate constipation, arising from colic, or other more inflammatory conditions of the bowels.

FORM IV.

To one pint of warm water add one ounce of castor oil and half an ounce of salt of tartar. Or take of Epsom salts one ounce, of senna leaves half an ounce, to which add one pint of boiling water. Pour the boiling water upon the senna and let it stand for a quarter of an hour; then strain and add the Epsom salts.

Either of these will be found to be very effectual in their operation.

Emollient Injections.

FORM I.

Take of molasses and water one pint, to which add one ounce of common lard. This has been found very effectual in cases of dysentery.

FORM II.

To one pint of water add one ounce of common dried mallows, and one half an ounce of dried chamomile. Boil together fifteen minutes, and strain.

Starch Injection.

To one pint of water add from four to six drachms of starch. Rub them well together and boil a short time. This is used as an excellent emollient enema in an inflammatory condition of the large intestines, or in irritation of the rectum, but chiefly in inflammatory cases. Flaxseed or slippery elm may be substituted in most cases, if more convenient.

Injection for Piles.

To one pint of water add half an ounce of bruised galls and two large poppy heads. Boil together twenty minutes, and strain. This will be found to be a valuable remedy in severe cases of piles, where the rectum is much inflamed, it being very soothing in its nature.

Turpentine Injection.

Take of spirits of turpentine one half an ounce, to which add the yolk of an egg and three quarters of a pint of warm water. The injection is to be repeated as often as the case may require.

Astringent Injections.

FORM I.

Take of powdered nutgalls two and a half drachms, to which add half an ounce of walnut leaves and one quart of water. Boil down to a pint and a half, and strain. This is used in cases of leucorrhœa, or whites, and is esteemed a useful remedy.

FORM II.

Take of white oak bark one ounce, to which add two pints of water. Boil to a pint, and strain. This is regarded as an excellent remedy by many eminent physicians in cases of leucorrhœa. (See Vaginal Injections.)