Simple Remedy for Chilblains

February 15th, 2026

Soak them in warm bran and water, then rub them well with mustard-seed flour; but it will be better if they are done before they break.

Source: Recipes for the Million

To Destroy Crickets

February 3rd, 2026

To destroy crickets at night, set dishes or saucers filled with the grounds of beer or tea, on the kitchen-floor, and, in the morning, the crickets will be found dead from excess of drinking.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Temporary Deafness

January 30th, 2026

If the ear be inflamed, inject water into it with a syringe, as warm as the patient can bear it, and foment the part with the decoction of poppy-heads and chamomile flowers. Should this not relieve the pain, a drop of oil of cloves with a little oil of almonds should be dropped into the ear, and cotton wool put into it. If the ear discharge much, inject warm water with Castile soap into it.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Horse-Chestnut Soap

January 22nd, 2026

It is not generally known that the horse-chestnut contains a soapy juice, not only useful in bleaching, but in washing linens and stuffs. The nuts must be peeled and ground, and the meal of twenty of them will be sufficient to mix with ten quarts of hot water, with which the clothes may be washed without soap; the clothes should then be rinsed in spring-water. The same meal being steeped in hot water, and mixed with an equal quantity of bran, will make a nutritious food for poultry.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Hay Fever, To Cure

November 29th, 2021

This unpleasant complaint may be cured by aconite and white wine whey taken at bed-time. Boil half a pint of milk, add a little aconite and a glass of sherry, strain through muslin, and sweeten the whey with white sugar.

To twelve parts of absolute phenol, eight parts of carbonate of ammonia, twenty-two parts of strong solution of ammonia, half a part of oil of lavender, and one and a half parts of camphor, add a little sifted pine sawdust. Inhale five or six times a day, or when the sneezing comes on.

Relief has often been found by wearing tinted side spectacles to soften the light and lessen the glare of the sun.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Itch, Lotions For

November 25th, 2021

Hydriodate of potash, two drams; distilled water, eight ounces. Apply frequently.

Equal parts of lime-water and linseed oil will also allay the irritation.

Or, after washing the body in warm water, apply the following : — Lime, two ounces ; sulphur-vivum, two ounces. Mix. Pour off the clear liquid for use.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Bunions, Ointment For

November 19th, 2021

To half an ounce of spermaceti ointment or lard add twelve grains of iodine. Rub the mixture on two or three times a day.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Nightmare, To Prevent

November 17th, 2021

Carbonate of soda, ten grains; compound tincture of cardamoms, three drams; sugar, one dram; peppermint water, one ounce. Mix, and repeat the dose several nights in succession.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Bleeding, To Stop

November 9th, 2021

Take some agaric (that is, the fungus known as touchwood), beat it into a pulp and apply to the wound. The fungus will be found growing on the branches of the oak and other trees, and is best gathered in the autumn, when the weather is fine, and after periods of great heat.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Laxity of the Bowels with Pain

November 1st, 2021

Brandy, half a quartern; syrup of rhubarb, one ounce and a half; tincture of rhubarb, one ounce; essence of peppermint, three-quarters of an ounce; laudanum, a quarter of an ounce. Dose: A dessert-spoonful in a glass of warm water.

Source: Recipes for the Million

  • About

    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.