Definition: Cholera Morbus

January 1st, 2008

An acute inflammation of stomach and upper bowel. This is most common in young people in late summer, after indiscretion in eating.

Symptoms: Sometimes the patient feels tired, then nausea, etc. The attack though is usually sudden, with nausea, vomiting, and cramp-like pains in the abdomen. The contents of the stomach are vomited. The bowel discharge at first is diarrhea and later like rice water. Repeated vomiting and purging, with severe cramps. It looks like true cholera.

[Ed: In modern terms this would usually be called ‘gastroenteritis’.]

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

Definition: Expectorant

January 1st, 2008

An expectorant is a substance which aids in the secretion or discharge of phlegm, mucus or other substances from the chest or respiratory tract.

Definition: Pectoral

January 1st, 2008

A pectoral medicine is one which is used to relieve illness, irritation or other disorder in the chest or respiratory tract.

Definition: Scorbutic

January 1st, 2008

Scorbutic: pertaining to scurvy.

Definition: Acescent

January 1st, 2008

Acescent: becoming, or tending to be or to become, sour.

Definition: Farinaceous

January 1st, 2008

Farinaceous is generally an adjective referring to food, especially for invalids. It means food that is starchy or floury; the word itself derives from farina, the Latin for flour.

Definition: Rectified Spirit

January 1st, 2008

Rectified spirit is a liquid with a high concentration of alcohol, formed by multiple distillation. It is generally used for medicinal or household purposes, or very occasionally in mixed drinks. It usually has a concentration of alcohol above 75%.

Definition: Levigated

January 1st, 2008

Levigated has various meanings relating to being made smooth, but in the context of medicines or herbs it generally means to grind into a smooth paste while moist.

Definition: Vesication

January 1st, 2008

Vesication means the formation of vesicles, otherwise known as blisters. It is more usually spelled vesiculation in modern works.

Definition: Demulcent

January 1st, 2008

An ingredient or mixture that is said to be demulcent is one which forms a film over a mucous membrane, usually to soothe it or to relieve irritation. Such ingredients or mixtures are often found in cough syrups, for instance.

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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.