Uses for Cigar Ashes
Cigar ashes are splendid when used as a tooth powder; when sprinkled plentifully into furs before storing; when placed about the roots of potted plants to kill the insects.
Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames
Remedy for Lockjaw
If any person is threatened or taken with lockjaw from injuries of the arms, legs or feet, do not wait for a doctor, but put the part injured in the following preparation: Put hot wood-ashes into water as warm as can be borne; if the injured part cannot be put into water, then wet thick folded cloths in the water and apply them to the part as soon as possible, at the same time bathe the backbone from the neck down with some laxative stimulant–say cayenne pepper and water, or mustard and water (good vinegar is better than water); it should be as hot as the patient can bear it. Don’t hesitate; go to work and do it, and don’t stop until the jaws will come open. No person need die of lockjaw if these directions are followed.
Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette
For Canker Sore Mouth
Burn a corn cob and apply the ashes two or three times a day.
Source: 76: A Cook Book
To Remove the Odor of Onions
Fill with cold water kettles and sauce pans in which they have been cooked adding a tablespoonful of bread soda and the same of ammonia. Let stand on the stove until it boils. Then wash in hot suds and rinse well. A pudding or bean pot, treated in this way, will wash easily. Wood ashes in the water will have the same effect.
Source: Things Mother Used To Make, L.M. Gurney
For a Felon
If you have the appearance of a felon coming, put some hardwood ashes in an old tin cup, pour over them warm water, immerse the end of the sore finger in the ashes, set the dish on some live coals or on top of the stove, keeping the finger in as long as you can, and soak it several times a day. If taken in time, it generally prevents a felon from coming if the finger is wet with it often.
Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts
Warts and Corns
The bark of the common willow burnt to ashes, mixed with strong vinegar and applied to the parts, will remove all warts, corns, and other excrescences.
Source: The Ladies’ Book of Useful Information