Toothache Wax

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

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

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)

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

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

Ingredient: Nutmeg

The medicinal qualities of nutmegs are worthy of considerable attention, on account of their value in the treatment of diarrhea, many cases quickly yielding to the administration of half a drachm
in milk. Sleeplessness may be effectually relieved by them when opium fails and chloral is not advisable. They are also a sedative in delirium tremens, and can be given with safety and marked benefit.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

To get away the Signs of the Small Pox

Quench some Lime in white Rosewater, then shake it very well, and use it at your pleasure; when you at any time have washed with it, anoint your face with Pomatum, made with Spermaceti and oyl of sweet Almonds.

Source: The Queen-like Closet or Rich Cabinet, Hannah Wolley

Remedy for Toothache

First wash the mouth well with warm water, then use the following tincture: Tannin, 10 grains; gum mastic, 1/2 drachm; 10 drops of carbolic acid; dissolve in 1/2 ounce of sulphuric ether. Paint the decayed hollow of the aching tooth over with this tincture twice or thrice, using a camel’s hair brush. The tincture will remain in good condition for a month or more, provided care is taken to keep it in a vial with a glass stopper.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Ointment to Soften the Hands

One and a half pound of mutton tallow, one ounce of camphor gum, one ounce of glycerine, melted; when thoroughly mixed put away to cool. Rub on at night.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Linseed Oil with Lime

Take of:

• Linseed oil,
• Lime water,

of each equal parts. Mix them.

This liniment is extremely useful in cases of scalds or burns, being singularly efficacious in preventing, if applied in time, the inflammation subsequent to burns or scalds; or even in removing it, after it has come on.

It is also a species of soap, and might be called Soap of Lime, although it probably contains a great excess of oil.

Source: The Edinburgh New Dispensatory, Andrew Duncan