11.  Constipation, Remedy from a Mother at Lee, Massachusetts.—­

“Senna Leaves          1/2 pound
English Currants       1/2 pound
Figs                   1/4 pound
Brown Sugar              1 large cup

Chop all together fine.  Dose:—­One-fourth to one-half teaspoonful every night.  Do not cook.  The best remedy I know.”

12.  Constipation, Fruit and Hot Water Cure for.—­“Drink a pint of hot water in the morning before eating.  Eat fruit, plenty of apples, eat apples in the evening, and they will loosen the bowels.  Chew them fine, mix with saliva.”

13.  Constipation, Herb Tea for.—­“One ounce senna leaves steeped in one-half pint of hot water, with a teaspoonful of ginger powdered; strain.  This is a most certain and effective purge, and mild in its action upon the bowels.  Dose:—­A cupful at bedtime.  This is far superior to salts.”

14.  Constipation, Purshiana Bark Tea Without an Equal for.—­“An infusion of one ounce of purshiana bark to one pint of boiling water; infuse for one hour and strain.  It stands without an equal in the treatment of constipation in all its varied forms.  Dose:—­One teaspoonful, morning and evening according to symptoms or until the bowels are thoroughly regulated.”  This is fine for constipation, especially if of long standing.  It may be used in connection with cascara.  This will give relief when other remedies fail.

Physicians’ treatment for Constipation.—­Too much reliance has been placed upon medicine in the treatment of this disease and too little attention given to diet, and the establishment of regular habits in eating, exercising, sleeping and attending to the calls of Nature.  Also, local disease of the rectum has been overlooked until of late years.  Remedies of a laxative and cathartic nature soon lose their power and the dose must be repeated or a new remedy must be given.  This method of treatment is well recommended and is very good.

1—­Stretching of the sphincter.

2—­Frequent rectal and abdominal massage.

3—­Copious injection of warm water (in the beginning only).

4—­Application of electricity over the abdomen and in the rectum.

[140 Mothers’ remedies]

In addition to this treatment which must be carried out by a physician the patient must observe the following rules:  Go to stool daily, and as near the same time as is convenient, correct errors of diet.  Drink an abundance of water and eat sufficient fruit.  Take plenty of outdoor exercise; take a cold bath every morning followed by a thorough rubbing.  Dress warmly in winter and cool in summer.  Change of temperature or climate if the case demands it.  Be temperate in all things affecting the general health.  Stretching the sphincter must be done carefully, but in a thorough manner.  It can only be done properly by an experienced person.  Stretching of the sphincter closes the opening so that the feces are not passed