For Corns

December 14th, 2016

The strongest acetic acid applied night and morning, will cure hard or soft corns in a week.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

For the Teeth

December 12th, 2016

A very agreeable dentifrice is made from an ounce of myrrh in fine powder, and a little powdered green sage, mixed with two spoonfuls of honey. The teeth should be washed with it every night and morning. Spite of all that is said against it, charcoal holds the highest place as a tooth-powder. It has the property, too, of opposing putrefaction, and destroying vices of the gums. It is most conveniently used when made into paste with honey.

Source: The Housekeeper’s Friend: A Practical Cookbook

Liniment for Chilblains

December 10th, 2016

Spirits of turpentine, three drachms; camphorated oil, nine drachms.

Mix for a liniment. For an adult four drachms of the former and eight of the latter may be used. If the child be young, or if the skin be tender, the camphorated oil may be used without the turpentine.

Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette

When A Nail Is Run Into The Foot

December 8th, 2016

When a nail is run into the foot apply grated beet; keep the foot still, and elevated. Or, bathe in a strong tea of wormwood and then bind slices of fat bacon upon the wound.

Source: Mrs Hill’s New Cook-Book

Cough Syrup

December 6th, 2016

One cup of hops, one cup of wild cherry bark, one cup of hoarhound, one and a half gills of tar, one gill of brandy and a half pound of loaf sugar. Soak the cherry bark in one pint of water twenty-eight hours; put the hops and hoarhound in two quarts of water and keep at a temperature below (but near) boiling for two hours; boil tar with one pint of water one hour; strain the hops and hoarhound; pour off the tar into the same vessel; add sugar and one pint of water; boil until you have> a rich syrup; then add the cherry and brandy, and make up for the water that has been lost. Caution.—Do not boil the cherry.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

To Make Leeches Take Hold

December 4th, 2016

To make leeches take hold on the spot required, take a piece of white paper, cut small holes in it where you wish them to bite, lay this over the place, and put the leeches on the paper. Not liking the paper, they will take hold of the skin where it appears through the hole.

Source: Valuable Receipts, J.M. Prescott

Cure for Hiccough

December 2nd, 2016

Sit erect and inflate the lungs fully. Then, retaining the breath, bend forward slowly until the chest meets the knees. After slowly arising again to the erect position, slowly exhale the breath. Repeat this process a second time, and the nerves will be found to have received an access of energy that will enable them to perform their natural functions.

Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette

To Preserve and Strengthen the Hair

November 30th, 2016

One ounce of bi-carbonate of soda, two drams of tincture of cantharides, two ounces of spirits of rosemary, and a half pint of rosewater. Mix the bi-carbonate of soda with the rosewater, and add the other ingredients. Apply it with a sponge, rubbing it well into the roots of the hair until a lather is produced; then rinse with water, and dry on a coarse towel.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

To Clean Teeth

November 28th, 2016

Honey mixed with pulverized charcoal, is an excellent remedy to cleanse the teeth and make them white. Limestone water is very good to be used by those having defective teeth, or an offensive breath.

Source: Valuable Receipts, J.M. Prescott

Cough Remedy

November 26th, 2016

Four drams of syrup of squills, one ounce of wild cherry, two ounces of paregoric and five ounces of wine of tar. Take one teaspoonful three times a day. Shake well before using.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

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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.