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.

 

Tuesday, 14 October 2008

Liver Trouble, Mandrake Leaves for

"A very good remedy to use regularly, for several weeks, is to use from one to three grains of may-apple (mandrake) seed, night and morning, followed occasionally by a light purgative, as seidlitz powder or rochelle salts." This is sure to give relief if kept up thoroughly.

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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Sunday, 27 July 2008

Ague Mixture without Quinine

Mrs Wadsworth, a few miles south of this city, has been using the following Ague mixture over twenty years, curing, she says, more than forty cases without a failure. She takes:--

Mandrake root, fresh dug, and pounds it; then squeezes out the juice, to obtain 1 1/2 tablespoons, with which she mixes the same quantity of molasses, is dividing into 3 equal doses of 1 tablespoon each, to be given 2 hours apart, commencing so as to take all an hour before the chill.

It sickens and vomits some, but she says, it will scarcely ever need repeating. Then steep dog-wood bark (some call it box-wood), make it strong, and continue to drink it freely for a week or two, at least.

Source: Dr Chase's Recipes, or Information for Everybody, A.W. Chase

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Thursday, 27 March 2008

Liver Complaint. Mandrake Root for

"Dry and powder the mandrake root (often called may-apple) and take about one teaspoonful." This dose may be repeated two or three times a day, according to the requirements of the case. This is a stimulant, a tonic and a laxative, and is especially good when the liver is in a torpid and inactive condition.

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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