Panacea for Hoarseness

If little ones are hoarse or seem croupy at bedtime, use this mixture: Heat together lard and small portions of camphor, kerosene and turpentine. If cold is tight, saturate a light woolen cloth wath this and apply to throat and chest, bringing down close under arms. Over this put a thin cotton cloth to protect the clothing. It is also well to rub the back with the application. This loosens the croup membrane and in a few minutes the breathing grows easier and the child will sleep.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Relieve Pain

Take five cents’ worth of beeswax and equal parts of mutton tallow, melted together in a pie pan; then take a coarse piece of new domestic cotton, lay cloth in pan of melted wax and tallow until the cloth is thoroughly saturated; apply as hot as possible to the afflicted part. Same cloth can be used a number of times by reheating the cloth in oven or on top of radiator.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Soda Cure

This simple rule has cured rheumatic troubles of long standing. Be careful to follow directions:

Dissolve one-half teaspoonful of cooking soda (the best) in one-half cupful of water; nearly hot is better. Take three times a day, one-half hour before eating, for three consecutive days; then skip three days, then take it three days, and so on for six weeks or more, according to the severity of the case. The soda is for excess of acid in the system, the cause of many of our ailments.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

For Sleeplessness

If you are troubled with insomnia, bathe feet for about ten minutes in water as hot as possible just before retiring. This will draw the blood from the tired brain. Dread and apprehensions vanish, and you will enjoy a good night’s rest.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Egg Treatment

The whites of six eggs, six tablespoonfuls of vinegar, six tablespoonfuls of spirits of turpentine. Mix and shake thoroughly. Rub thoroughly and then saturate flannel with medicine and wrap around the place affected. Apply often. Keep bottle well corked. An excellent remedy for both rheumatism and sprains.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

For Nausea

Inhalations of vinegar will stop bad cases of nausea and vomiting. Wet a sponge with vinegar and hold it to the nose of the patient.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Uses of Salt

It cleans the palate and furred tongue, and a gargle of salt and water is often efficacious.

A pinch of salt on the tongue, followed ten minutes later by a drink of cold water, often cures a sick headache. It hardens gums, makes teeth white and sweetens the breath.

Cut flowers may be kept fresh by adding salt to the water.

Weak ankles should be rubbed with a solution of salt water and alcohol.

Bad colds, hay fever and kindred affections may be much relieved by using fine dry salt like snuff.

Dyspepsia, heartburn and indigestion are relieved by a cup of hot water in which a small spoonful of salt has been melted.

Salt and water will sometimes revive an unconscious person when hurt if brandy and other remedies are not at hand. Hemorrhage from tooth-pulling is stopped by filling the mouth with salt and water. Weak and tired eyes are refreshened by bathing with warm water and salt.

Salt rubbed into the scalp or occasionally added in washing prevents the hair falling out.

Feathers uncurled by damp weather are quickly dried by shaking over a fire in which salt has been thrown.

Salt should always be eaten with nuts.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Cold Remedy

If ever in the clutches of a severe cold where an active yet unstimulating medicine is required, it will be found that by mixing together the yolk of one egg, one tablespoonful of olive oil and one tablespoonful of grated ginger root, and taking all of the mixture for a dose, the conditions of a cure will be met.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

For Tender Hands

Procure 5 cents’ worth of pure glycerine and exactly its weight of tincture of benzoin; put these in a bottle, then add a pinch of salt and half a pint of cold water, previously boiled and cooled, shake well and it is ready for use. Put a bottle of the lotion in the bathroom and another near the kitchen sink; every time the hands are washed dry them thoroughly on a soft towel and apply a small quantity of the foregoing liquid. It is not at all sticky or greasy and has a pleasant odor. It is harmless and comforting for chapped faces, especially for little folks after playing outdoors on windy days.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

For Tired Eyes

Nothing is more restful to weary, throbbing eyes than a blindfold at bedtime, best made of an old black silk or lisle stocking. This is not a fancy, but a scientific fact, due to the perfect rest that absolute darkness insures to the sensitive nerves. If desired the band may be extended over the forehead, aiding greatly to free the brow from furrows. This, with the faithful use of hot water for the eyes, ought to relieve the optician of much of his work.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames