Sweaty Feet, Borax and Alcohol for

“Dissolve a tablespoonful of powdered borax in half a pint of diluted alcohol (half alcohol, half water) and rub the feet at night, You will find this a splendid remedy.”

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

Cough, Honey and Vinegar for

“Honey and vinegar.” This is an old and tried remedy and a good one. The vinegar cuts the phlegm in the throat and bronchial tubes, and the honey is very soothing.

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

Baldness

“A first class hair restorative is made of sage tea and whisky in equal parts with a dash of quinine in the bottle.”

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

Hiccough or Hiccup

This is a spasm of the diaphragm caused by flatulency, indigestion or acidity. It may be relieved by the sudden application of cold, also by two or three mouthfuls of cold water, by eating a small piece of ice, taking a pinch of snuff, burning of brown paper, or anything that excites counteraction.

Source: Enquire Within Upon Everything.

Scurf in the Head

Into a pint of water drop a lump of fresh quicklime, the size of a walnut; let it stand all night, then pour the water off clear from the sediment or deposit, add a quarter of a pint of the best vinegar, and wash the head with the mixture, which is perfectly harmless, and forms a simple and effective remedy.

Source: Enquire Within Upon Everything.

Corns, one of the Surest Remedies

“Take salicylic acid, make a thick paste with flour, put on absorbent cotton and apply, leaving same on several days; soak well and corn will come out.” This is a thoroughly tried remedy and a good one. This is about as good a cure as there is for corns. After this paste has been on the corn for three days, it should be removed and the feet soaked well, and the corn scraped off.

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

Ointment for Sore Nipples

Take of tincture of tolu, two teaspoonfuls; spermaceti ointment, half an ounce; powdered gum, two teaspoonfuls. Mix these materials well together to make an ointment. The white of an egg mixed with brandy is the best application for sore nipples; the person should consult a doctor.

Source: Enquire Within Upon Everything.

Toothache

Two or three drops of essential oil of cloves put upon a small piece of lint or cotton wool, and placed in the hollow of the tooth, will be found to have the active power of curing the toothache without destroying the tooth or injuring the gums.

Definition: Weights and Measures

Some of the old-time remedies listed here refer to weights and measures which are no longer in regular use. These tables should give you some idea of their equivalents. (Pints, gallons etc. are UK, not US, measures.)

Source: Enquire Within Upon Everything

Tape Worms, Pumpkin Seed Tea for

“One pint pumpkin seeds skinned and steeped. Add water enough to make three tumblers. Take one tumbler every half hour, then a good dose of castor oil. The worm will come with oil. My mother helped prepare the seeds and saw the tapeworm which came from a woman as a result of this dose.”

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