Proctitis and Peri-Proctitis.—Inflammation of the rectum and surrounding tissue that may or may not terminate in an abscess and fistula, sometimes follows injury to the very sensitive mucous membrane by the hardened feces.
Neuralgia of the Rectum.—This may sometimes result from the pressure of the fecal mass upon the nearby nerves causing pain in the sacrum coccyx (bones).
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Constipation, a Good Substitute for Pills and Drugs.—"Two ounces each of figs, dates, raisins, and prunes (without pits) one-half ounce senna leaves. Grind through meat chopper, and mix thoroughly by kneading. Break off pieces (about a level teaspoonful) and form into tablets. Wrap each in a wax paper and keep in covered glass jars, in a cool place. Dose.—One at night to keep the bowels regular. Very pleasant to take."
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2. Constipation, Substitute for Castor Oil.—"Take good clean figs, and stew them very slowly in olive oil until plump and tender, then add a little honey and a little lemon juice, and allow the syrup to boil thick. Remarks.—Keep this in a covered glass jar and when a dose of castor oil seems necessary, a single fig will answer every purpose. Not unpleasant to take."
3. Constipation, Hot Water for.—"A cup of hot water, as hot as one can drink it, a half an hour before breakfast." The hot water thoroughly rinses the stomach and helps the bowels to carry off all the impurities.
4. Constipation. Excellent Nourishment for Old People.—"A tablespoonful of olive oil three times a day internally for weak or very old people: it can be injected,—used as an enema." Olive oil will be found very beneficial for young people as well as old. It acts as a food for the whole system and is very nourishing.
5. Constipation, Salt and Water for.—"A pinch of salt in a glass of water taken before breakfast every morning. I have found it a very good remedy." This is a remedy easily obtained in any home and will be found very helpful. Few people seem to realize how valuable salt is as a medicine. It acts as a stimulant and loosens the bowels.
6. Constipation, Water Cure for.—"Drink a quantity of water on retiring and during the day." This simple home remedy has been known to cure stubborn cases of constipation if kept up faithfully.
7. Constipation, Tonic and Standard Remedy for.—"Calomel one ounce, wild cherry bark one ounce, Peruvian bark one ounce, Turkish rhubarb ground one ounce, make this into one quart with water, then put in sufficient alcohol to keep it." Dose:—Take a small teaspoonful each morning when the bowels need regulating, or you need a stimulating tonic.