Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Laxatives

LAXATIVES, or Aperient Medicines, are such as promote a loose state or disposition of the bowels, for the more easy and regular evacuation of the feces. On account of the gradual effect which laxatives produce on the body, they are distinguished from the more powerful or drastic purges, which operate more speedily. Hence, with the former intention, castor-oil, or cold-drawn linseed-oil, are alike calculated to afford relief, especially if they be taken in small doses, such as a table-spoonful every hour, with a draught of warm ale, till they mildly operate.—As, however, the difference between these, and the more brisk cathartics, greatly depends on the manner of administering them, we shall communicate a few observations on both, under the article, Purgatives.