Bleeding, Tobacco Will Stop

“Bind in tobacco.” Very few people know that the nicotine in tobacco is very healing, and by applying it to a cut, not only stops the flow of blood, but heals.

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

Sore Throat, Kerosene for

“Dip a flannel cloth in coal oil, (kerosene) and bind on the throat. I have tried this; in fact it is what I always use. It is almost sure to cure.”

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

Charcoal, A Cure For Sick Headache

It is stated that two teaspoons of finely powdered charcoal, drank in half a tumbler of water, will, in less than 15 minutes, give relief to the sick headache, when caused, as in most cases it is, by superabundance of acid on the stomach. We have tried this remedy time and again, and its efficacy in every instance has been signally satisfactory.

Source: Dr Chase’s Recipes, or Information for Everybody, A.W. Chase

Ingredients: Knapweed (Lesser)

Black Knapweed, the Centaurea nigra, is a common tough-stemmed composite weed growing in our meadows and cornfields, being well known by its heads of dull purple flowers, with brown, or almost black scales of the outer floral encasement. It is popularly called Hard heads, Loggerheads, Iron heads, Horse knob, and Bull weed.

Dr. Withering relates that a decoction made from these hard heads has afforded at least a temporary relief in cases of diabetes mellitus, “by diminishing the quantity of urine, and dispelling the sweetness.”

Its chief chemical constituent enicin, is identical with that of the Blessed thistle, and the Blue bottle, and closely resembles that of the Dandelion. It has been found useful in strengthless indigestion, especially when this is complicated with sluggish torpor of the liver. From half to one ounce of the herb may be boiled in eight fluid ounces of water, and a small wineglassful be taken for a dose twice or three times a day. In Bucks young women make use of this Knapweed for love divination:–

“They pull the little blossom threads
From out the Knotweed’s button beads,
And put the husk with many a smile
In their white bosoms for a while;
Then, if they guess aright, the swain
Their love’s sweet fancies try to gain,
‘Tis said that ere it lies an hour
‘Twill blossom with a second flower.”

Source: Herbal Simples Approved for Modern Uses of Cure, William Thomas Fernie

Headache, Peppermint Beneficial for

“Bathe the head in strong peppermint. Then apply cloths wrung from water as hot as can be endured.” Hot or cold applications are known to be very beneficial. After the cloths are taken off, the soothing effect can be further enhanced by gentle rubbing of the forehead.

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

Apoplexy, Simple Injection for

“Place dry salt on the tongue and give an injection as follows:

Warm water 1 quart
Common salt 2 teaspoonfuls
Brandy 1/2 ounce

This injection is recommended for any kind of a shock which affects the circulation.”

The injection of the bowels will relieve the congestion by drawing the blood away from the brain.

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

Cuts, Iodoform and Vaselin Salve for Barb Wire

“Iodoform 1 teaspoonful.
Vaselin 1 ounce.”

Before applying the above salve it is very necessary to cleanse the affected parts with a solution made of one teaspoonful of salt to a pint of water. If the iodoform is offensive to some people, you may use the vaselin alone, although the iodoform is known to be one of the best healing remedies that can be obtained.

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

Scalds, Alum for Slight

“Put a teaspoonful of alum in a pint of water, and bathe the parts frequently. Keep the parts well wet with this solution which extracts the heat in a remarkable manner and soothes the patient into a calm and refreshing sleep.” This remedy is most always at hand and will relieve if the case is not too severe.

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

Cuts, Tincture of Myrrh for Fresh

“Use freely of the tincture of myrrh by saturating a cloth and applying to the parts affected.” This tincture of myrrh may be purchased at any drug store, and is a very effectual remedy for fresh wounds of any description. It is slightly contracting, and has great healing qualities.

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

Chilblains, To Cure

Mutton tallow and lard of each 3/4 lb; melt in an iron vessel and add hydrated oxide of iron 2 oz; stirring continually with an iron spoon, until the mass is of a uniform black colour; then let it cool and add Venice-turpentine 2 oz; and Armenian bole 1 oz; oil of bergamot 1 dram; rub up the bole with a little olive oil before putting it in.

Apply several times daily by putting it on lint or linen — heals the worst cases in a few days.

Source: Dr Chase’s Recipes, or Information for Everybody, A.W. Chase