Other Names:
Rupture, Abdominal Hernia, Femoral Hernia

Symptoms:
Visual awareness of the problem. In the case of a strangulated hernia, there is pain, vomiting, and abdominal distention.


Cause:
A weak spot exists or develops in a muscular wall. An abdominal hernia occurs in the abdomen, often in the lower left or lower right. A femoral hernia occurs in the femoral muscle of the upper front leg. The weak spot slowly enlarges and becomes an opening.

If in the abdomen, a loop of intestine can protrude from it at times. Unless corrected, such a condition will grow progressively worse. A strangulated hernia occurs when a loop of intestine is caught in it and becomes pinched, blocking the intestinal passage. Gangrene of the bowel, peritonitis, and death may result if a strangulated hernia is not given prompt surgical attention.

A hernia in a child is less serious, and the opening may repair itself if the protruding bowel loop is pushed back and held in place by a firm band or adhesive strap for a few months.

Treatment:
• First, a truss can be purchased and worn. This is not a very practical solution, but may be necessary for a time if funds are not available for an operation.

• Second, a surgical operation can be performed. This is often the best solution, if done by a properly trained physician.

• Third, simple remedies may be applied which may, or may not, succeed. If they do not, then an operation can be performed.

Here are some suggestions:

• If you are overweight, you need to go on a cleansing program, to lose some of it and cleanse the system.

• Go on a nourishing diet, supplemented by vitamins and minerals and avoiding all grease, meat, and junk foods.

• Begin a program of exercises each day, to strengthen your muscles (abdominal or leg, according to where the hernia is). For example, push-ups from the knees will strengthen the abdominal muscles.

• You may wish to try an astringent tea: Make a very strong tea of white oak bark, consisting of one cup of finely broken bark to one quart of water. Boil it 2 minutes and let stand 2 hours. Strain, and add 1 tsp. of alum powder. Wet a folded piece of cloth in the tea and place it over the hernia. Cover with plastic and hold in place with a truss, elastic bandage, or adhesive tape. Using clean cloth, repeat this about 4 times a day for a month. The tannin of the bark and alum will tend to pull together and thicken the area. This may, or may not, close the area.

• You may also try a poultice made of comfrey leaves, bistort root, and giant Solomon's seal root. Renew every 12 hours, and keep it on continually for a month.

• You may instead alternate with the application of poultice at night and the compress during the day, for a month.

• Shave grass tea compress may also be used.