Iceland or Irish Moss Jelly

April 16th, 2019

1 handful moss, washed in five waters, and soaked an hour.
1 quart boiling water.
2 lemons—the juice only.
1 glass of wine.
1/4 teaspoonful cinnamon. (Measure scantily.)

Soak the washed moss in a very little cold water; stir into the boiling, and simmer until it is dissolved. Sweeten, flavor, and strain into moulds. You may use two glasses of cider instead of one of wine for a fever-patient, putting in a little less water.

Good for colds, and very nourishing.

Source: Common Sense in the Household, Marion Harland

For Burns

April 14th, 2019

When the skin is not off, apply scraped raw potatoes. When the skin is off, apply sweet oil and cotton, or linseed oil and lime water made into a paste. Elder ointment is very good: make the ointment of the green bark of the elder; stew in lard.

Source: The Philadelphia Housewife, Mary Hodgson

For A Sore Throat or Mouth

April 12th, 2019

Make a sage tea by boiling some sage leaves; when strong, add honey and some alum or borax. Gargle the throat with this often through the day.

Source: The Philadelphia Housewife, Mary Hodgson

Arrowroot Wine Jelly

April 10th, 2019

1 cup boiling water.
2 heaping teaspoonfuls arrowroot.
2 heaping white sugar.
1 tablespoonful brandy or 3 tablespoonfuls of wine.

An excellent corrective to weak bowels.

Source: Common Sense in the Household, Marion Harland

Bruises

April 8th, 2019

To allay the pain of bruises do not use tincture of arnica; but apply the following lotion on a piece of uncovered lint: one part of spirit and one part of solution of acetate of ammonia (B.P.) to eight parts of water. When the pain of a bruise has been allayed, the absorption of the residual swelling and discoloration may be hastened by gentle massage. So much for the surgical requisites.

Source: The Girl’s Own Paper

Cora Tanner’s Cold Cream

April 6th, 2019

Shave 2 ounces of white wax and 40 grains of spermaceti into 7 ounces of oil of almonds. Melt together over gentle fire. When quite dissolved, add 5 ounces of best rose water, and beat till cold with egg beater.

Source: Flint Hills Cook Book

For Poison

April 4th, 2019

Mix in a tumbler full of warm water one teaspoonful of the flour of mustard; drink while warm: it will make the patient throw off the poison. This is good for the cramp.

Source: The Philadelphia Housewife, Mary Hodgson

Drinks for a Fever

April 2nd, 2019

Cold drinks, as a rule, increase the feverish condition of the mouth and stomach, and so create thirst. Experience shows it to be a fact that hot drinks relieve thirst; and cool off the body when it is in an abnormally heated condition, better than ice cold drinks.

Source: Flint Hills Cook Book

Dried Flour for Teething Children

March 31st, 2019

1 cup of flour, tied in a stout muslin bag and dropped into cold water, then set over the fire.

Boil three hours steadily. Turn out the flour ball and dry in the hot sun all day; or, if you need it at once, dry in a moderate oven without shutting the door.

To use it—

Grate a tablespoonful for a cupful of boiling milk and water (half and half). Wet up the flour with a very little cold water, stir in and boil five minutes. Put in a little salt.

Source: Common Sense in the Household, Marion Harland

Excellent Tonic for the Hair

March 29th, 2019

1 teaspoonful of quinine, 1 tablespoonful of salt, 1 pint of whisky.

Source: Flint Hills 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.