Epsom Salts is a purgative and diuretic. This medicine generally
operates quickly, and therefore is extremely useful in acute diseases.
It is found to be beneficial in dyspepsia when combined with infusion
of gentian and a little ginger. It forms an excellent enema with olive
oil.
_Dose_, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm tea or water.
Infusion of roses partially covers its taste and assists its action.
_Note_, that with regard to Epsom salts, the _larger in reason_ is the
amount of water in which they are taken, the _smaller_ the dose of
salts required: thus, half an ounce properly dissolved may be made a
strong dose. The action and efficacy of Epsom salts may be greatly
increased by adding one grain of tartar emetic to a dose of salts.