Change of Life, a Useful Herb Remedy for

“Motherwort is one of the most useful herbs to relieve obstructed menstrual flow. There is no better herb for cleansing the womb and removing obstructions in the female at change of life. Dose: A wineglassful of the decoction three times a day.”

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

To Prevent Lines Forming on the Face

After bathing with warm water and drying the face, rub it all over with the ball of the thumb. This stimulates the circulation, and strengthens the muscles. If there are deep lines running from the corners of the nose to the corners of the mouth, lay the thumb along them, and then work it from side to side.

Source: Home Notes, 1895.

A Soothing Powder

A soothing powder which will remain on the skin is the following :–

Boracic acid … … 1 part.
Oxide of zinc … … 1 part.
Powdered starch … … 4 parts.

Apply with an ordinary puff.

Source: Home Notes, 1895.

Sore Nipples, Good Family Ointment for

“Four ounces of white wax, one ounce bayberry wax, three ounces of spermaceti, one pint olive oil. Mix briskly over a slow fire, taking care to stir it briskly until cool.” This is an excellent ointment for mothers when troubled with sore nipples; it moistens the skin and forms a coating. It is good for dry, scurvy, chapped hands, blotches on the face and all sores which require a mild ointment, but should be assisted with internal remedies when the case requires it.

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

Colds, Skunk’s Oil for

“Skunk’s oil has cured colds quickly by rubbing on chest and throat.” The oil penetrates quickly and relieves the congestion. This remedy can always be relied upon.

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

Bowel Trouble in Children, Rhubarb and Licorice for

“Compound tincture of rhubarb one ounce, bicarbonate of soda 1 dram, fluid extract of licorice 1 dram, pure water 6 ounces. Give from one to two teaspoonfuls according to the age of the child.” This will be found a very good treatment for this trouble, and one that has been thoroughly tried.

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

News: Old remedy breaks new ground

“WHILE most old wives’ tales are shrugged off with modern day scepticism, one proved true this week for Nina Tarei — castor oil can induce labour.

Only a couple of hours after mixing castor oil with her Coca-Cola, Mrs Tarei had made history and was holding her new baby boy.”

Full story: Gisborne Herald, 23rd February 2008

Constipation in Children, Soothing Syrup Made by a Mother in New York for

“One-half ounce spearmint, one-quarter ounce lady’s slipper, one-half ounce rhubarb, one-quarter ounce cinnamon powder; pour one-half pint boiling water on the whole, mix and let stand to boil fifteen minutes, strain and sweeten well with syrup or honey. Give a teaspoonful every half hour, diminishing as the pain subsides.” This will be found very beneficial in children, and may be used without any fear whatever, as it is perfectly harmless.

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

Frequent Blinking

Frequent blinking, or twitching of the eyelids, is a nervous condition which must be treated through the general health, but a cantharides blister applied on an imaginary line drawn between the corner of the eye and the ear, and repeated at intervals of a few days, is of great service. Tonics, sea air, and cold bathing are advisable.

Source: Home Notes, 1895.

Hiccough, Vinegar for

“One teaspoonful vinegar sipped carefully (so it will not strangle the patient) will stop them almost instantly.”

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