LEUCORRHEA. (The Whites).—This is an over-secretion from the glands that pour out their contents into the vagina or the cervical canal of the womb.
Causes.—It is dependent upon many causes. Tear of the neck of the womb (cervix), displacements, inflammation of the womb and vagina, a run-down condition of the system from any cause. The character of the discharge varies.
From a Torn Cervix, the discharge is thick and mucus-like in character.
In Inflammation of the Canal of the Cervix.—A thick mucus discharge also comes from this trouble.
Inflammation of the Body of the Womb.—The discharge is thin and watery. If the Inflammation is Caused by Gonorrhea the discharge would partake of the pus-like variety.
Symptoms.—Local: is of course mainly the discharge or the irritation often produced by it, especially if it is thin. It then irritates the parts. The patient will be run down. It will be hard to do anything, frequently the patient is very nervous and irritable.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Leucorrhea, Slippery Elm for.—"The immediate cause of leucorrhea is either congestion or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the vagina or womb, or both. It is not a disease, but a symptom of some vaginal or uterine disorder; hence, general or specific tonics may be needed but appropriate injection as auxiliary treatment will very much assist in cure. The patient should bathe frequently and freely expose herself to the sunshine, and have good ventilation in the house. If the vaginal passage is very tender and irritable, an infusion, or tea, of slippery elm bark is very soothing and may be used freely with a vaginal syringe. Whatever injection is employed, should be preceded by the free use of castile soap and warm water to thoroughly cleanse the parts." Always lie down after an injection.
[WOMAN'S DEPARTMENT 511]
2. Leucorrhea, Glycerin for.—"One part glycerin to six parts water is a very soothing lotion when there is much tenderness, pain or heat in the vagina. A teaspoonful of tartaric acid in a pint of warm water is a specific, in some cases, acting like magic. Whatever lotion is employed, always use it warm. After cleansing with soap suds, the medicated lotion of not less than two ounces should be injected."
3. Leucorrhea, Common Tea for.—"A very simple remedy that every woman has in the home is a decoction of common tea; used as an injection twice daily is very beneficial." The tea has an astringent action and the tannin contained in the tea leaves is very effective. This remedy is a harmless one, and every woman suffering with this disagreeable disease should give this remedy a trial.