Enquire within upon everything by Robert Kemp Philp

738. Senna

Senna is a purgative, but is apt to gripe when given alone; therefore it is combined with some aromatic, such as cloves or ginger, and the infusion should be made with _cold_ instead of hot water. It usually acts in about four hours, but its action should be assisted by drinking warm fluids. _Dose,_ of the _confection,_ commonly called _"lenitive electuary,"_ from one to three or four drachma at bedtime; of the _infusion,_ from one to two ounces; of the _tincture,_ irom one to two drachms; of the _syrup_ (used for children), from one drachm to one ounce. _Caution._--Do not give senna, in any form except confection, in hemorrhoids, and never in irritability of the intestines.