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.[1]
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.
[1] Piles.—There are two kinds of piles, originating from very nearly the same causes. One is called the bleeding piles, the other the blind piles. The piles are small swelled tumors of rather a dark appearance, usually situated on the edge of the anus or fundament. When there is a discharge of blood from these tumors the disease is called bleeding piles; but when there is only a swelling on the edge of the anus, and no bleeding when the bowels are evacuated, the disease is called the blind piles. Both men and women are subject to piles; but women more particularly during the last stages of pregnancy, in which the womb presses on the rectum in relieving the bowels by stool. These tumors can plainly be felt, as they extend up the rectum an inch or more in severe cases. When these tumors burst and bleed, the patient is much relieved; but when the pain is severe, it is apt to produce fever. Many persons are constitutionally subject to this disease through life. It is generally, however, brought on by costiveness, or irregularity in relieving the bowels. Piles are also produced by sedentary habits, by the use of highly seasoned food, by riding a great deal on horseback in hot weather, by want of exercise, and lastly by the use of spirituous liquors to excess. Injections are much prescribed for their relief, and are found to be highly effective.