This Depurant remedy is not restricted to intestinal uses; it is equally efficacious when applied to the mucous membrane of any part of the body or to the skin. It may be used effectively for washing out the bladder or the vagina; for syringing the ear; for a mouth wash, tooth wash, gargle, nasal douching or spray; for a throat spray; for bathing infants; and for internal use where foulness of the stomach and small intestines exists. It is also a valuable adjuvant in the use of water for cleansing, or for hygienic purposes, on all the tissues of the body.
DEPURANT OIL.
Next to the use of water on the mucous membrane and skin as a hygienic and therapeutic agent, I am partial to some of our delightful oils, which are bland, non-irritating, and of a pleasing, nourishing, refreshing effect and exquisite odor.
To the oil selected as the base ingredient may be added other oils, and finally attenuated powdered substances of therapeutic value in soothing, purifying, healing, or any other purpose the case may call for. Pure olive oil is an excellent substance in which to incorporate Depurant remedies, especially when designed to be taken internally, by way of the mouth, or applied to the integument of the body. Certain other oils are equally pleasing though rather expensive. However, an inexpensive oil usually serves as a base in which to embody the proper medicinal remedies for Depurant purposes in the treatment of proctitis and colitis.
By a proper instrument the oil is carried into the intestines with the water used in flushing the colon, or that used with the intestinal recurrent douche treatment. The oil, being lighter than the water, is carried ahead or on top as the water passes up the bowels; and, as the two liquids open the crevices and folds of the mucous membrane or canal, every part of the latter is completely covered with the medicated oil, as with a covering of thin salve, ointment, or a poultice—in every nook and corner, just where it is most needed and where it should remain for its hygienic and healing effect.
Every kindly aid should be given a diseased organ, mucous membrane, or the skin, even if one knows it is for relief only; for the very aids that give relief are often essential when joined with medicinal or other treatment in effecting a cure.
It is advantageous in treating bowel troubles to use a rather heavy, tenacious oil for a base—one that may not be so pleasant to swallow or to use externally as some of the lighter oils. It is therefore advisable to have two kinds of Depurant Oil: one for internal use (by the mouth) and for the skin, the other for chronic disease of the lower bowel.
INTESTINAL ILLS.
By Alcinous B. Jamison, M.D.,