In all cases of dysentery, colic, piles and other complaints where the bowels are badly affected, injections should never be dispensed with. It is safe to give them in all cases, and far better they be given many times, even unnecessarily, than once neglected when actively indicated. In many violent cases, particularly where there is danger of mortification, patients may be
60 THOMSONIAN SYSTEM
treated by administering medicine in this way, when there would be no chance in any other way. I do, therefore, most seriously advise that these considerations be always borne in mind, and that when quick action is desired, the medicated internal bath offers the safest manner.
In many complaints peculiar to women, the internal bath is the most direct means of giving relief. The remedy should be suited to the condition.
The best position is the elbow and knee posture. This permits the easy flow of the medicated water and will reach a greater portion of the mucous membrane of the bowel than any other method. When the greatest amount of activity of the medicine is desired, then it is best first thoroughly to cleanse the bowels by taking a plain Internal Bath, using two or more quarts of warm water. After passing this off, the medical mixture may be added to an eighth of a pint of water, injected and retained.
Extreme Morbid Conditions
In all extremely morbid conditions as when there is the formation or accumulation of pus or danger of gangrene or mortification, then one-half ounce of Tincture of Myrrh and fifteen to thirty drops of Tincture of Echinacea should be added to the quart of warm (not hot) water and this injected into the bowels and held as long as possible to permit absorption. In the treatment of appendicitis and every other affliction of the alimentary system, where there is acute inflammation or congestion which may give rise to inflammation and the formation of pus, this is the ideal treatment. When the affliction is less acute, only the Echinacea need be added to the water. These enemas may be given as frequently as every hour, depending on the severity of the case. If this plan is followed, all food prohibited and only fruit drinks in abundance permitted, then
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