A Cure for Rheumatism
One quart of milk, quite hot, into which stir one ounce of alum; this will make curds and whey. Bathe the parts affected with the whey until too cold. In the meantime keep the curds hot, and, after bathing, put them on a poultice, wrap in flannel, and go to sleep (you can). Three applications should be a perfect cure, even in aggravated cases.
Source: Audel’s Household Helps, Hints and Receipts
To make the Hair Grow
Wash it every night with a strong decoction of Rosemary. Dry it with flannel. Tried.
Source: Primitive Physic: or an easy and natural method of curing most diseases, John Wesley.
Ingredient: Chamomile Flowers
A strong tepid infusion of these flowers, administered in doses of from three to four ounces, operates as a powerful emetic; a weaker infusion is a useful diluent in promoting the operation of other emetics, when the stomach is weak and likely to be too much oppressed by the use of simple water. A small tea-cupful of cold chamomile tea, taken in the morning fasting, is often serviceable in dyspeptic affections, and intestinal debility. They are also used, either alone or in combination with poppyheads, for fomentations in colic, but are little preferable to hot or warm water; excepting that the infused flowers, rolled up in a cloth or flannel, serve to retain the heat of the application.
Source: A Companion To The Medicine Chest, John Savory.
Croup, Cold Application for
“Apply to throat a flannel wrung out of cold water, lay a dry cloth over it.” This is an excellent remedy for a mother to try in case of an emergency when no other medicine can be obtained. This very often will relieve a child until other remedies can be secured and has been known to save many children’s lives. The cold water helps to draw the blood away from the larynx and air passages and also dilates the tubes and gives relief. Take great care not to wet the child, as this will cause it to take more cold and may prove fatal.
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter
Inflammation of the Bowels, Marshmallow Leaves, a Canadian Remedy for
“Green marshmallow leaves (dry will do). Wet flannel and apply hot.” Make a strong tea of the marshmallow leaves and while hot dip flannels and apply to abdomen.
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter
Sore Throat, Kerosene for
“Dip a flannel cloth in coal oil, (kerosene) and bind on the throat. I have tried this; in fact it is what I always use. It is almost sure to cure.”
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter
Pain, Vinegar and Pepper for
“Hot flannel cloths wrung from vinegar, to which a pinch of cayenne pepper has been added, applied hot to any part of the body, will relieve pain.” This is very good. This remedy is always at hand and can be prepared quickly. It will most always give relief.
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter
Sweating, to Cause
“Wet flannel cloth in vinegar, lay it on a hot soapstone and wrap in cloth. Take it to bed and you will sweat.” This creates a steam and of course will produce sweating very quickly.
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter
Diphtheria, Hops and Hot Water Relieves
“Make two flannel bags and fill with hops which have been moistened with hot water; place bags in a steamer and heat. Keep one bag hot and the other around the throat. Change often, relief in short time.” Mrs. Shaw has tried this in a case of diphtheria and other throat trouble and recommends it as an excellent remedy.
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter
Croup, Remedy that Never Fails
“Two tablespoonfuls of liquor or brandy and one-quarter teaspoonful of glycerin, one teaspoonful of sugar, one tablespoonful of water; stir up well and give one teaspoonful every hour or oftener if necessary. Then at same time take a flannel and soak well in cold water, wring it gently and put around neck with a heavy, dry flannel over the damp one. If damp flannel becomes hot take it off, dampen it in more cold water and apply again, and so on until relieved. Do not allow the patient to get chilled. Better results are obtained if patient will go to bed. Remarks: I have used this in my family, and have always found it to be the best croup cure I have ever seen, and it will be found to give immediate relief. The external application is extremely good.”
Source: Mother’s Remedies: Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remidies from Mothers of the United States and Canada, T. J. Ritter