Tobacco Smoke Enemas (1750s – 1810s) – The tobacco enema was used to infuse tobacco smoke into a patient’s rectum for various medical purposes, primarily the resuscitation of drowning victims. A rectal tube inserted into the anus was connected to a fumigator and bellows that forced the smoke towards the rectum. The warmth of the smoke was thought to promote respiration, but doubts about the creditability of tobacco enemas led to the popular phrase “blowin' smoke up your ass". It has been reintroduced in Washington, by the Obama Administration and is now part of the New Health Care Program.
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