For a Cold

March 11th, 2018

Take a quarter of a pint of horehound water a quarter of a pint of coltsfoot water a pound of reasons of the Sun Stoned pound the reasons very well then mingle these together then set them on the fire boyle them like marmolet then take it off and put it into 2 ounces of honey and one spoonfull mustard then set it on the fire & let it simer a while then put it into a pot and take as much as ye quantity of a walnut first in ye morning & last at night.

Source: A Book of Simples, H.W. Lewer

For Dandelions

March 9th, 2018

A spoonful of gasoline poured into the centers of dandelions is a sure exterminator for these nuisances. With care the grass is not harmed in the least.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Pectorals for a Colde or Consumption

March 7th, 2018

Take one pound of brown Sugar Candy, one Ounce of Juice of Lycorisse, dissolve ye lycorisse in 3 spoonfulls of Hysop water, put to these a drachm of Orrice a drachm of Enul-campane, halfe a drachm of Gum dragon being all made into fine powder, muske a graine then take a drachm of oyle of Anniseeds, worke it well together with your hand and make it up into pectorals of what bigness you please, lay them on a dish to dry before ye fire or in an oven after drawn bread, and keep them dry.

Source: A Book of Simples, H.W. Lewer

To Get Rid Of Flies

March 5th, 2018

Sprinkle all breeding places with a mixture of crude petroleum and water.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Uses for Cigar Ashes

March 3rd, 2018

Cigar ashes are splendid when used as a tooth powder; when sprinkled plentifully into furs before storing; when placed about the roots of potted plants to kill the insects.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Phalon’s Instantaneous Hair Dye

March 1st, 2018

To one ounce of crystallized nitrate of silver, dissolved in one ounce of concentrated aqua ammonia, add one ounce of gum arabic and six ounces of soft water. Keep in the dark. Remember to remove all grease from the hair before applying the dye.

There is danger in some of the patent hair dyes, and hence the Scientific American offers what is known as the walnut hair dye. The simplest form is the expressed juice of the bark or shell of green walnuts. To preserve the juice a little alcohol is commonly added to it with a few bruised cloves, and the whole digested together, with occasional agitation, for a week or fortnight, when the clear portion is decanted, and, if necessary, filtered. Sometimes a little common salt is added with the same intention. It should be kept in a cool place. The most convenient way of application is by means of a sponge.

Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette

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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.