382 Where There Is No Doctor 2011 Green Pages
FOR HARD STOOLS (CONSTIPATION):
LAXATIVES
A discussion of the use and misuse of different
laxatives and purges is found on page 15.
Laxatives are used far too much. They should be
used only occasionally to help soften hard, painful
stools (constipation). Never give laxatives to
anyone who has diarrhea or gut pain or who is
dehydrated. Do not give laxatives to small children
under 2 years old.
Generally the best stool softeners are foods high
in roughage or fiber, like bran or cassava. Drinking
a lot of liquid (at least 8 glasses of water a day) and
eating lots of fruit also help.
Milk of magnesia (magnesium hydroxide)—
laxative and antacid
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Often comes as a milky solution
Shake well before using. Drink some water each
time you take it.
Dosage for milk of magnesia:
As an antacid:
adults and children over 12 years:
1 to 3 teaspoons 3 or 4 times a day
children 1 to 12 years: ½ to 1 teaspoon
3 or 4 times a day
As a mild laxative give 1 dose at bedtime:
adults and children over 12 years: 2 to
4 tablespoons
children 6 to 11 years: 1 to 2 tablespoons
children 2 to 5 years: 1⁄3 to 1 tablespoon
do not give to children under 2 years old
Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate)—as a
laxative and for itching
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Often comes in white powder or crystals
Dosage for Epsom salts:
As a mild laxative—mix the following amount
of Epsom salts in a glass of water and drink (best
taken on an empty stomach):
adults: 2 teaspoons
children 6 to 12 years: ½ to 1 teaspoon
children 2 to 6 years: ¼ to ½ teaspoon
do not give to children under 2 years old
To help stop itching—mix 8 teaspoons of
Epsom salts in a liter of water and put on itching
skin as cool soaks or compresses.
Mineral oil—as a laxative
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This is sometimes taken by persons with piles
(hemorrhoids) who have hard, painful stools.
However, it does not really soften the stools, but
merely greases them. Foods high in fiber, like bran
or cassava, are far better.
Dosage of mineral oil as a laxative:
adults and children 12 years and over:
1 to 3 tablespoons by mouth at least
1 hour after the evening meal. Do not take
with meals because the oil will rob some of
the vitamins from the food.
CAUTION: Do not give to children under 12 years
old, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, to
persons who cannot get out of bed, or to persons
who have trouble swallowing.
Glycerine suppositories
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These are bullet-shaped pills that are pushed
into the anus. They stimulate the bowel and cause it
to push out the stool (shit).
Dosage for glycerin suppositories:
adults and children over 12 years:
push 1 suppository well up the anus
and let it stay there for 15 to 30 minutes
(it helps to lie down). The longer you let
the suppository stay inside the anus, the
better it will work.