Convulsions in Children, A New York Mother’s Remedy for

“Chloroform one-half dram, tincture of cardamom, one-half ounce, spearmint water, two and one-half ounces. Shake well and give one-half teaspoonful in water to child one year old, smaller children a proportionate dose.” The chloroform is very quieting, and the tincture of cardamom and spearmint act on the bowels. This combination will quiet the child, and in that way relieve the trouble.

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

Change of Life, Excessive Flowing, An Old Tried Remedy for

“One ounce of nutmeg, grated, one pint Jamaica rum. Mix well and shake before taking.
Dose:– One teaspoonful three times a day as long as necessary.” I tried this remedy upon the advice of a physician at the time of “change of life” and was very soon relieved, so I heartily recommend it.

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

Inflammation of the Bowels in Children, Poultice of Hot Mush for

“Wrap the child in a poultice of hot mush. Place the poultice over the abdomen.” A poultice of this kind retains the heat, and is very good for inflammation of the abdominal cavity, and would help to take away the soreness and bloating in the bowels that is always present in this disease.

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

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