Old Time Remedies

The remedies our ancestors used -- or, at least, were told to use! Folk remedies, old wives' tales, mediaeval cures... they're all here.

NOTE: these remedies are listed only for information and/or amusement. They are not to be construed as medical advice of any type, nor are they recommended for use. Consult your doctor for any medical advice you require.

 

Thursday, 25 December 2008

Chafing, Borax and Zinc Stops

"Wash parts frequently with cold water and use the following solution:

Pure Water 2 gills
Powdered Borax 1 teaspoonful
Sulphate of Zinc 1/2 teaspoonful

Apply by means of a soft rag several times daily. After drying the parts well, dust with wheat flour, corn starch or powdered magnesia."

The above combination is excellent as the water cleanses the parts and the borax and zinc are very soothing and healing.

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , , , , , , ,

Friday, 28 November 2008

Chafing, Common Flour good to stop

"Burn common wheat flour until brown. Tie in rag and dust chafed parts."

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , , , ,

Wednesday, 26 November 2008

Bleeding, Salt and Flour Successful Remedy for

"Equal parts of fine salt and flour placed on cut. I have seen this tried and it proved
successful." The salt will stop the bleeding by its astringent action and mixed with flour forms a coating over the cut.

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , ,

Friday, 7 November 2008

Burns, Molasses Takes Pain from

"Apply New Orleans molasses to the burn and cover with flour. This forms a coating over the affected parts, keeping the air from it, thereby relieving the burning. This is an excellent remedy and one easily prepared."

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, 23 September 2008

Vomiting, Spice Poultice to Stop

"Make a
poultice of one-half cup of flour and one teaspoonful of each kind of ground spice, wet with alcohol or whisky. Apply over the stomach." This acts as a counter irritant and has the same action on the system as a mustard plaster, only not so severe and can be left on for hours, as there need be no fear of blistering. This kind of a poultice should always be used when it is necessary to leave one on any length of time.

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , , , , , ,

Sunday, 4 May 2008

Abscess, Milk and Salt Poultice for

"Make a poultice of one cup of hot milk and common salt three teaspoonfuls; salt added gradually so it will not curdle. Cook until smooth and creamy, then add enough flour so it will spread but not be dry. Divide this into four poultices and apply in succession every half hour. This will remove the soreness and it should be kept oiled until healed."

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , , , , ,

Wednesday, 19 March 2008

Sore Breasts, a Hot Poultice for

"Apply hot pancakes made of sour milk, saleratus and wheat flour, large enough to cover affected parts. Keep them changed often enough, so they will not be cold. This is an excellent remedy to steam out the inflammation." This is an old tried remedy and one to be relied upon. The steaming relieves the swelling and inflammation and gives relief quickly.

Source: Mother's Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter

Labels: , , , ,