Embrocation for Rheumatism, Sprains, etc.

February 15th, 2019

Beat up two raw eggs and add them to half pint of vinegar, half pint turpentine and 1 oz cayenne pepper essence. Keep in a corked bottle and shake from time to time. The mixture is ready for use a few hours after making, and should be well rubbed in to the affected parts.

Source: Household Management, E. Stoddard Eckford & M.S. Fitzgerald

Cough Compound

December 23rd, 2018

For the cure of coughs, colds, asthma, whooping cough and all diseases of the lungs; One spoonful of common tar, three spoonfuls of honey, the yolk of three hen’s eggs, and half a pint of wine; beat the tar, eggs and honey well together with a knife, and bottle for use. A teaspoonful every morning, noon and night, before eating.

Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie

Egg for an Invalid

November 13th, 2018

Put two tablespoonfuls of boiling water in a sauce pan on the stove; break a fresh egg into it; stir briskly until the egg is slightly set, but not at all stiff; season with salt, and a little pepper. Serve at once on a thin slice of buttered toast.

Source: Recipes Tried and True

Invalid’s Coffee

October 24th, 2018

A nourishing drink for sick people is made as follows : Make a strong cup of coffee, add cream and a little more sugar than usual, and let it all come to a boil. Then pour it over a well-beaten egg in a cup in which it is to be served.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

Good Furniture Polish

April 8th, 2018

Beat up the white of one egg, adding to it one gill of pure sweet oil, half a gill of methylated spirits and half a gill of vinegar. This mixture will be found especially good for reviving leather.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

To Prevent Bedbugs From Remaining Either in the House or Bedstead

January 8th, 2018

Take two tablespoons of lard and one ounce of quicksilver; beat the white of an egg then stir them all together. With a small brush or stick put this mixture in every crack or crevice where vermin can hide; do this after cleaning house and you will never be troubled with vermin. If you have them already, use corrosive sublimate first. Take off your rings while applying this preparation as it injures gold.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

Diarrhea

December 13th, 2017

Usually caused by indigestion, impure water, etc. Home remedies are raw flour and water paste; a raw egg in a cup of hot tea; spiced syrup of rhubarb.

Give a dose of castor oil to clear the digestive tract of the irritating material. If there is much pain, keep abdomen warm with flannel and hot-water bag. If a small child, restrict diet to barley water and white of egg in water.

Give adults milk and other liquid foods. If persistent, see doctor.

Source: The Mary Frances First Aid Book, Jane Eayre Fryer

For Cleaning Hair

November 15th, 2017

Make a thick suds with castile soap and one pint of soft water; add one egg well beaten, two tablespoons of ammonia and two teaspoons of pulverized borax. Bottle it; pour a little on the hair and rinse it off with clean water.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

Mustard Plaster

October 20th, 2017

Use whites of eggs to mix a mustard plaster and it will not blister.

Source: 76: A Cook Book

Toilet Items

October 10th, 2017

Mutton tallow is considered excellent to soften the hands. It may be rubbed on at any time when the hands are perfectly dry, but the best time is when retiring, and an old pair of soft, large gloves thoroughly covered on the inside with the tallow and glycerine in equal parts, melted together, can be worn during the night with the most satisfactory results.

Four parts of glycerine and five parts of yolks of eggs thoroughly mixed, and applied after washing the hands, is also considered excellent.

For chapped hands or face: One ounce of glycerine, one ounce of alcohol mixed, then add eight ounces of rose-water.

Another good rule is to rub well in dry oatmeal after every washing, and be particular regarding the quality of soap. Cheap soap and hard water are the unknown enemies of many people, and the cause of rough skin and chapped hands. Castile soap and rain-water will sometimes cure without any other assistance.

Camphor ice is also excellent, and can be applied with but little inconvenience. Borax dissolved and added to the toilet water is also good.

For chapped lips, beeswax dissolved in a small quantity of sweet oil, by heating carefully. Apply the salve two or three times a day, and avoid wetting the lips as much as possible.

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

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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.