They derive, and deserve this name, from the peculiar mildness of their operation[96]. One or two very gently increase the action of the principal viscera, help them to do their work a little faster,—and enable the Stomach to serve with an ejectment whatever offends it,—and move it into the Bowels.
Thus Indigestion is easily and speedily removed,—Appetite restored,—(the mouths of the absorbing vessels being cleansed) Nutrition is facilitated,—and Strength of Body, and Energy of Mind[97], are the happy results.
If an immediate operation be desired, take some Tincture of Rhubarb—as a Pill is the most gentle and gradually operating form for a drug—a Tincture in which it is as it were ready digested, is the most immediate in its action.
To Make Tincture of Rhubarb.—Steep three ounces of the best Rhubarb (pounded) and half an ounce of Carraway Seeds, (pounded) in a bottle of Brandy, for ten days. A table-spoonful in a wine-glass of hot water will generally be enough.
Compound Tincture of Senna, has been recommended, especially to those who have accustomed themselves to the use of spirituous Liquors and high living. Several similar preparations are sold under the name of Daffy’s Elixir—or as much Epsom Salt, in half a pint of hot water, as experience has informed you, will produce one motion,—a Tea-spoonful (i. e. from one to two drachms) will generally do this—especially if it be taken in the morning, fasting, i. e. at least half an hour before Breakfast.
The best way of covering the taste of Salt, is to put a lump of Sugar and a bit of thin-cut Lemon Peel[98] into the hot water, for a few minutes before you stir the Salt into it,—to which you may add a few grains of grated Ginger.
Epsom Salt is a very speedy laxative, often operating within an hour,—does the business required of it with great regularity,—and is more uniform in what it does,—and when it does it,—than any Aperient;—ten minutes after you have taken it, encourage its operation by drinking half a pint, or more, of warm water—weak Broth—Tea—thin Gruel (No. 572), with some salt and butter in it—or Soda Water (No. 481.*) See [Index].
“Nil tam ad sanitatem, et longevitatem conducit, quam crebræ et domesticæ purgationes.”—Lord Bacon.—i. e. “Nothing contributes so much to preserve Health, and prolong Life, as frequently cleansing the alimentary canal with gentle laxatives.”
We perfectly agree with Lord Bacon, and believe that in nine cases out of ten, for which Tonic Medicines are administered, Peristaltic Persuaders will not only much more certainly improve Appetite,—but invigorate the Constitution; by facilitating the absorption of nutriment,—which, in aged and debilitated people, is often prevented by the mouths of the vessels being half closed by the accumulation of viscid mucus, &c.
Aperient Medicine does enough, if it increases the customary Evacuation,—and does too much,—if it does more,—than excite one additional motion.