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.

 

Friday, 23 May 2008

Toothache, Oil of Cinnamon for

"Oil of cinnamon rubbed on gum and on cotton batting and put in hollow tooth."

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

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Monday, 17 March 2008

Canker Sore Mouth, Raspberry Leaf for

"Infuse a handful of raspberry leaves in a half pint of boiling water for fifteen minutes; when cold strain and add two ounces tinc[ture]. of myrrh, rinse the mouth with a little of it two or three times a day, swallow a little each time until relieved. This is also good for spongy gums, loose teeth, bad breath and for gently correcting and cleansing the stomach."

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

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Thursday, 21 February 2008

An Excellent Mouth Wash

An excellent mouth wash is the following: Dissolve two ounces of borax in three pints of water; before quite cold, add to it one teaspoonful of tincture of myrrh, and one tablespoonful of rectified spirits; bottle the mixture ready for use. One wineglassful of this solution added to half a pint of tepid water is sufficient for each application. This solution if applied daily will be found to preserve and beautify the teeth and gums.

Source: Home Notes, 1895.

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Receding Gums

In order to try and check the gums from receding, they should be rubbed three or four times a day with a lotion of one drachm of tannic acid in an ounce of rectified spirit. They should also be rubbed vigorously with the fingers so as to stimulate the circulation of the blood, but not hard enough to make them bleed.

Source: Home Notes, 1895

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