Sinapisms
The sinapism is a poultice made of vinegar instead of milk, and rendered warm and stimulating by the addition of mustard, horseradish, or garlic. The common sinapism is made of equal quantities of bread crumbs and mustard, a sufficient quantity of strong vinegar, and mixing all together into a poultice. When a sinapism is required to be more stimulating, a little bruised garlic may be added. Sinapisms are employed to recal the blood and spirits to a weak part, as in the case of palsy; they are also of service in deep-seated pains, as in the case of sciatica. When the gout seizes the head or stomach, they are applied to the feet to bring the disorder down, and are likewise applied to the soles of the feet in a low state of fever. They should not be suffered to lie on till they have raised blisters, but till the parts become red, and will continue so when pressed with the finger.
Source: The Cook And Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, Mary Eaton
Liver Complaint
Dandelion root 4 oz, crushed ginger 1 oz, colomba root 1/4 oz, bruise and boil altogether in three pints of water till reduced to one pint, strain, a wineglassful every four hours.
Source: Fray’s Golden Recipes for the use of all ages, E. Fray
Tonsilitis
Apply kerosene freely on the outside of the neck. Also apply it inside with a small syringe, or a swab made by tying a soft bit of cloth on the end of a stick. A piece of smoked bacon tied on the neck when retiring for the night is a good remedy when applied in time.
Source: The Inglenook Cook Book
Broom Tops
There is no remedy so healthful to those who suffer from heaviness of the limbs and tendency to dropsy as a decoction of fresh broom tops. Half an ounce of the tops should be boiled in a pint of water down to a gill. A wine-glassful every three hours.
Source: Fray’s Golden Recipes for the use of all ages, E. Fray
Constipation
Chop fine one-half pound of the best prunes and one-half pound of figs. Add one-half ounce of pure senna and enough molasses to make a thick paste. Simmer on the stove about twenty minutes. Take a piece of this paste about the size of a hickory nut. Repeat in four hours if necessary.
Source: The Inglenook Cook Book
Mutton Suet, The Value Of
One drop of warm mutton suet applied to any sore at night, just before retiring, will soon cause it to disappear; the same for chapped hands or parched lips. If people only knew the value of the healing properties of so simple a thing no housekeeper would be without it. For cuts or bruises it is almost indispensable. Keep the wound clean, and put a little suet, melted, on a rag, and you will be astonished to see how soon the sore will heal.
Source: Fray’s Golden Recipes for the use of all ages, E. Fray