Cosmetic Gloves for the Hands

April 12th, 2016

Yolks of two fresh eggs; sweet almond oil, two teapsoonfuls; rosewater, one ounce; tincture of benzoin, thirty-six grains. Beat the yolks with the oil, and add successively the rosewater and the tincture. Put inside the gloves, which you keep upon your hands till morning.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Toothache Wax

April 10th, 2016

Into two parts of melted white wax or spermaceti one part of carbolic acid crystals and two parts of chloral hydrate crystals are introduced, and the whole well stirred. Into this liquid thin layers of carbolized cotton wool are introduced and allowed to dry. A plug of this, slightly warmed, inserted into a hollow tooth, is said to give immediate relief.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

For Sore Throat

April 8th, 2016

Take a small quantity of chlorate potassa, pour boiling water on it, and let it stand until it takes up all it will, then add old rye whisky equal to the amount of water you used. Add to this tincture of capsicum until the mixture is pretty sharp, and then it is ready for use. This is good for a gargle in all cases of sore throat and is an excellent remedy for diphtheria, using it both as a gargle and internally. Dose:— One teaspoonful every hour, or when very bad every half hour. Water will only dissolve a certain quantity of potassa. A good rule, is to take a half a pint of water, and when it has absorbed all the potassa it will, pour the water off and add a half a pint of whisky. The capsicum is harmless so there is no danger of getting too much in, but to this quantity I should say add about two tablespoonfuls, which will make it sufficiently hot.

Source: The Housekeeper’s Friend: A Practical Cookbook

To Drive away Rats

April 6th, 2016

Chloride of lime is au infallible preventive, as rats flee from its odor as from a pestilence. It should be thrown down their holes, and spread about wherever they are likely to come. It should be renewed once a fortnight.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Alkaline Drink (good in cases of inflammation)

April 4th, 2016

The thin rind of a lemon ; one tablespoonful of powdered rock candy; enough boiling water to dissolve the sugar; half a pint of Vichy water, and half a pint of common water.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Remedy for Torpid Liver

April 2nd, 2016

One of the best and simplest remedies for torpid liver or biliousness is a glass of hot water with the juice of half a lemon squeezed into it, but no sugar, night and morning. A person to whom this was recommended tried it, and found himself better almost immediately. His daily headaches, which medicine had failed to cure, left him, his appetite improved, and he gained several pounds within a few weeks. This is so simple a remedy that any person thus afflicted will do well to give it a trial, as it cannot possibly do any harm.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

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    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 or other medical professional for any medical advice you require.