Constipation in Children, Figs as a Medicine for

March 10th, 2008

“Grind up equal amounts of figs and senna leaves, put in closed jar and eat dry when needed.” This will be found especially good for children, and most of them like it.

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

Blackberry Vinegar

March 9th, 2008

1 pint white wine vinegar
1 pint ripe blackberries
1 pound white sugar
1/2 pound honey

Keep the blackberries and vinegar in a large, screwed down Kilner jar for one week, shaking several times each day. Strain into an enamelled saucepan, add the sugar and honey and just bring to the boil. Remove from the heat, stir until the sugar and honey dissolves and bottle when cool. Cork and wax and store in a cool, dark cupboard.

For colds and sore throats take a tablespoonful in a glass of hot water at bed time.

Source: Home Made Wines, Syrups and Cordials, The National Federation of Women’s Institutes

Heartburn, Soda a Popular Remedy for

March 9th, 2008

“One-half teaspoonful soda in glass of water. Everybody uses this in the neighborhood.”

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

Sores and Ulcers, the Potato Lotion for

March 8th, 2008

“Take the water you boil potatoes in and in one quart of it boil one ounce of foxglove leaves for ten minutes, then add one ounce tincture of myrrh to the lotion, bathe the affected parts with the lotion warm, then keep a cloth wet with it on the sore, if possible, until cured.”

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

Treacle Posset (I)

March 8th, 2008

2 tablespoons treacle
1 lemon
1 pint milk

Heat the milk until near boiling point, then add the treacle and lemon juice. Boil slowly until the curds separate, strain and serve hot as a remedy for a cold.

Source: Home Made Wines, Syrups and Cordials, The National Federation of Women’s Institutes

Carbuncle, the Common Scabious for

March 8th, 2008

“Take scabious, the green herb and bruise it. Apply this to the affected part. This has been found a very effectual remedy.” The common field scabious have many hairy, soft, whitish green leaves, some of which are very small and rough on the edges, others have hairy green leaves deeply and finely divided and branched a little. Flowers size of small walnut and composed of many little ones. Sometimes called “Morning Bride,” “Devil’s Bit,” etc.

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

Pneumonia, Herb Tea and Poultice for

March 7th, 2008

“Congestion of the lungs. One ounce of each of the following, slippery elm bark, crushed thyme, coltsfoot flowers, hyssop or marshmallow. Simmer in two quarts of water down to three pints; strain and add one teaspoonful of cayenne. Dose:– Wineglassful every half hour. Apply hot bran poultices or chamomile scalded in vinegar, changing often until the violence of the symptoms abate. If the bowels are confined, give an injection of half pint of hot water in which one-half teaspoonful each of gum myrrh, turkey rhubarb and ginger powder have been well mixed. If possible give vapor bath. Apply hot stones or bottles to the feet.”

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

Constipation in Children, Prunes a Medicine for

March 7th, 2008

“Abate heat and gently open the bowels by the use of prunes. These should be fed to children more often. This would often prevent sickness. A very useful way of administering prunes as a medicine is to simmer for one-half hour, a few in water enough to cover, with 1/2 oz. senna leaves; remove the prunes, allow to dry and let the child eat them when needed. This is very good.”

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

Cider Toddy for a Cold

March 7th, 2008

1 glass dry cider
1/4 oz root ginger
1 dessertspoon honey
lemon peel

Heat the cider, bruised ginger and a twist of lemon peel in an aluminium, stainless steel or enamelled saucepan until bubbles just begin to rise in the liquid. Quickly remove from the heat, stir in the honey and strain into a warmed glass. This is excellent for drinking just before bedtime. Drinking it in bed and taking two aspirins is said to prevent a cold. Even if this is a false hope it certainly induces sleep.

Source: Home Made Wines, Syrups and Cordials, The National Federation of Women’s Institutes

Cough, Mullein Leaf Tea for

March 6th, 2008

“Mullein leaves steeped with loaf sugar cures a cough.” Take four ounces of mullein leaves and boil for ten minutes in water: then add the loaf sugar. This is very soothing to the sore parts and also helps to loosen up the secretion so it can be raised easily.

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

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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.