Paraffin Oil.

Other tomes: BPC

This substance is now prepared from the mineral oils by a number of manufacturers and is quite commonly used.

It is given in doses of from a teaspoonful to two tablespoonfuls. It is devoid of taste or odor, and therefore not unpleasant to take. It is plainly an oil though of about the consistency of glycerine. This oily character is an objection to some.

This agent has been brought before the profession within the last few years as an important remedy in the treatment of intestinal disorders. It is not a laxative in the strict sense of the word.

The remedy has been useful further in simple stasis as well as in constipation of infancy and childhood. It is useful in hemorrhoids, and in mucus colitis, and during pregnancy. As stated, its place has not yet been determined; neither have all the objections been stated nor all the contraindications. These must be looked for.

Its entire influence is topical. It is used in the words of an English writer for the all essential indication for the constant sanitation and sanitary toilet of the bowel. If given in conjunction with small doses of castor oil, a laxative influence is sustained with this cleansing agent. It is claimed that it systematically and completely prevents septic culture in the ileum, leaving the bowel and stomach in a much healthier condition for the exercise of the alimentary function. It prevents the common occurrence of ulceration in the ileum and colon.

It prevents septic fecal retention, inducing a thorough cleansing throughout the course of any disease. The agent may be given in divided doses any time when a mild laxative influence is desired, but, a tendency to constipation as stated, must be overcome at the same time with more active agents.

The use of the agent has been carried to extremes, and this will militate against determining its actual function. It contains no stimulant or irritating properties; it exercises no osmotic action. It is simply a lubricant, which supplements normal mucus and assists peristaltic action. Very little if any of it is absorbed. It removes irritation from hardened feces, and restores normal mucus. It facilitates evacuation and assists in re-establishing a habit of regular bowel movement. It covers fecal masses and prevents absorption of toxins from these.

The American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy, 1919, was written by Finley Ellingwood, M.D.
It was scanned by Michael Moore for the Southwest School of Botanical Medicine.