ustomed to the drug treatment of
constipation, usually find the condition growing continuously more
stubborn. Larger and larger doses of the cathartic must be taken to
secure results until the function is practically paralyzed. There could
be no greater mistake. If some laxative is required and sand cannot be
used, the best remedy is ordinary table salt. Stir up a level
teaspoonful in a glass of water and drink it. This has a mild laxative
action. Or take daily two to four tablespoonfuls of ordinary bran in a
glass of water. This bran may also be stirred into soups and
cereals or mixed with whole-wheat flour when making bread. Olive oil
also should be used freely.

As an emergency treatment, however, the enema is most satisfactory, and
when employed it is best to do it thoroughly. I do not advocate the
regular and continuous use of this measure. One should not come to
depend upon it. A natural action is desirable, and this can
invariably be brought about by a proper diet, as above suggested, by
exercise and by a sufficient amount of water. The enema or colon-
flushing should be used only when absolutely necessary, though in case
of acute disease, where rapid purification is essential, the enema is
imperatively demanded, and no household should be without an outfit for
giving this treatment.

To some the continuous use of the colon-flushing treatment is inclined
to be debilitating and in rare cases complaints have been made that
it dilates the colon and weakens its muscular structures. This is
occasionally true in the case of the hot enema. A fairly cool enema
is less objectionable, while a cold enema has a decided tonic effect in
contracting and strengthening the peristaltic muscles. The cold enema
is less effective as a cleansing agent, as it does not have the
relaxing effect of the hot enema. In most cases an enema of neutral
temperature, or at about that of the body, may be suggested, though if
one has been using this treatment very much it would be better to use
either a cool or cold enema, if strong enough, in order to secure its
contracting and tonic effect. If the cold water causes cramps one should
modify the temperature.

Usually it is best to use plain water for the enema. In a case of
illness where quick and radical results are required, a hot soap-suds
enema may be suggested, but you should remember that this always has the
effect of removing the natural oils and is in