Tonic

March 5th, 2022

The following is the tonic used by reformed drunkards to restore the vigor of the stomach. Take of gentian root, half an ounce; valerian root, one drachm; best rhubarb root, two drachms; bitter orange peel, three drachms; cardamom seeds, half an ounce; and cinnamon bark, one drachm. Having bruised all the above together in a mortar (the druggist will do it if requested), pour upon it one and a half pints of boiling water and cover up close; let it stand till cold; strain, bottle, and cork securely; keep in a dark place. Two tablespoonfuls may be taken every hour before meals, and half that quantity whenever the patient feels that distressing sickness and prostration so generally present for some time after alcoholic stimulants have been abandoned.

Source: Our Knowledge Box, ed. G. Blackie

A Cure for the Stomach and Purification of the Blood

March 1st, 2022

Take gentian root, ginseng root, elder bark, elder root, the rind of sassafras root, hoarhound, burdock, half an ounce of each and rosin of pine, as much as the size of a hickory nut, put the whole together into a bottle and add a quart good rye whisky. After this has stood for 24 hours you may use it.

A grown person of a strong constitution may take a teaspoonful of it at a time, and it can easily be ascertained whether more or less will do. It is to be taken in the morning before breakfast, at noon and in the evening.

Source: Recipes: Information for Everybody, J.F. Landis

Bitters

February 1st, 2022

Bruise an ounce of gentian root, and two drams of cardamom seeds together: add an ounce of lemon peel, and three drams of Seville orange peel. Pour on the ingredients a pint and half of boiling water, and let it stand an hour closely covered: then pour off the clear liquor, and a glass of it taken two or three times a day will be found an excellent bitter for the stomach.

Or slice an ounce of gentian root, and add half a dram of snakes’ root bruised, half a dram of saffron, three quarters of a dram of cardamom seeds, and the same of cochineal bruised together, and the peel of three Seville oranges. Steep the ingredients in a pint of brandy fourteen days, shaking them together frequently; then strain the tincture through a piece of muslin, and a tea-spoonful in a glass of wine may be taken two or three times a day.

Source: The Cook And Housekeeper’s Complete and Universal Dictionary, Mary Eaton

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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.