Balm of Gilead Oil

Put loosely into a bottle as many balm of Gilead flowers as will come up to a third part of its height; then nearly fill up the bottle with sweet oil, which should be of the best quality. Let it infuse (shaking it occasionally) for several days, and it will then be fit for use. It is considered a good remedy for bruises of the skin; also for cuts, burns, and scalds that are not very bad, and should be applied immediately,–by wetting a soft rag with it; renewing it frequently,

Source: Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches, Eliza Leslie

To Reduce Swellings

Tincture of arnica or witch hazel applied to a bump on the head or a bruise where the skin is not broken brings relief from pain and often prevents inflammation and bad swellings.

Source: Civic League Cook Book

To Remove Discoloration from Bruises

Apply a cloth wrung out in very hot water, and renew frequently until the pain ceases. Or apply raw beefsteak.

Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette

Wormwood and Arnica

Wormwood and Arnica are sometimes applied in poultices. Steep the herbs in half a pint of cold water and when all their virtue is extracted stir in a little bran or rye meal to thicken the liquid; the herbs must not be removed from the liquid.

This is a useful application for sprains and bruises.

Source: The White House Cookbook, F.L. Gillette

For Sprains or Bruises

Take one pint of lard-oil; half a pound of stone-pitch; half a pound of resin; half a pound of beeswax, and half a pound of beef-tallow. Boil together for half an hour, skim off the scum, pour the liquid into cups. When needed, it must be spread upon coarse cotton cloth, or kid (the latter is best), and applied to the sprain or bruise. It will give quick relief, as it entirely excludes the air. One or two plasters of it will cure the worst case. It acts like splints on a sprained ankle or wrist. It is also good for cattle, horses, or dogs in all cases of injury.

Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts

Bruises, Turpentine to Keep Proud Flesh from

“Rub the injured part with turpentine and keep warm, and you will find this remedy to be one of the best to keep proud flesh out and gangrene that has ever been used. I always have turpentine in my home, and find that I have use for it often. If once used you will never be without it.”

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

Sprains, Turpentine Liniment for

“Equal parts of spirits of turpentine and vinegar and the yolk of one egg make a valuable liniment in cases of sprains, bruises and rheumatism poultice. Take common salt, roast it on a hot stove till dry as possible. Take one teaspoonful each of dry salt, venice turpentine and pulverized castile soap. Excellent for felon, apply twice daily until open.” This is a very good liniment and if applied often will draw, which is one of the essential things for a felon.

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

Bruises, Bread and Vinegar Quick Remedy for

“Apply a poultice made of hot vinegar and bread. A girl bruised her fingers with some iron rings ina gymnasium. She applied this poultice at night, and they were well in the morning. Since then I always use it for a bruise.”

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

Lobelia and Cayenne Liniment

Take a quart bottle and put into it 1/4 oz of cayenne, pulverized, then put in 2 oz of lobelia herb, and fill up the bottle with whisky; in two weeks it is ready for use, and applicable for cuts, bruises, strains, sprains &c.; and it will heal cork cuts in the feet of oxen or horses, without stopping them from labor, and with but very little soreness, by applying 2 or 3 times daily.

Source: Dr Chase’s Recipes, or Information for Everybody, A.W. Chase

Bruises, Liniment Used in Ohio for

“Five cents’ worth spirits ammonia, five cents’ worth spirits turpentine, whites of two eggs beaten, one cup cider vinegar, two cups rain water.” This gentleman from Ohio says he has used the liniment for many years, and his neighbors have used it with the utmost success. He recommends it as the best he ever used.

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