Sleeplessness, To Avert

Various methods have been devised to accomplish this much desired end, but perhaps the following will be found the most effectual, the first especially when the evil results from over-excitement of the brain : — Wet half a towel, and apply it to the back of the neck, pressing it upwards towards the base of the brain, and fastening the dry half of the towel over so as to prevent too rapid exhalation. Warm water may be used, but cold is to be preferred. The effect is rapid, cooling to the brain, and inducing sweeter, calmer repose than any narcotic.

Another method, which the writer has never known to fail, is to lie with the eyes turned up into the head, as though looking into the brain, which is their natural position during sleep.

A pillow stuffed with hops is said to act as a narcotic.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Rhubarb, Tincture Of

Rhubarb, two and a half ounces ; lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce ; brandy, one quart. Digest for seven days, then strain. Dose : From one to three or four spoonfuls. Used for indigestion and weakness of the stomach.

Source: Recipes For The Million

Bandoline: or, Hair Fixature

Gum tragacanth, one dram ; water, half a pint ; proof spirit, three ounces ; otto of roses, ten drops. Soak for twenty-four hours, then strain.

Source: Recipes for the Million

To Remove Sudden Hoarseness

Take a teaspoonful of sweet spirits of nitre in a wineglassful of water. Or a little salt prunella dissolved slowly in the mouth, or eating a piece of anchovy will generally remove it.

The following will likewise be found very useful: — Spermaceti powder, half an ounce ; gum-arabic powder, half an ounce ; elixir paregoric, three drams ; honey, one tablespoonful. Mix, and take a teaspoonful dissolved in the mouth.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Decoction of Bark

Reduce to a powder one ounce of Peruvian bark, put it into a pint and a half of water ; boil till it is reduced to a pint, then strain. Dose, from one to three ounces. Used in cases of diarrhoea, dysentery, indigestion, debility, &c.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Preventive Against Chilblains

Rub the toes, or other parts of the feet likely to become affected, every morning and night with a mixture of one part camphorated spirit and three parts vinegar.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Tonic for Ague and Low Nervous Fever

To one quart of water add two ounces of bruised lance-leaved Peruvian bark. Boil from ten to fifteen minutes and strain while hot. From one to three ounces to be taken whenever the shivering is felt. Rub the back with equal parts of rum and spirits of turpentine, and keep the bowels open with the following mixture : — Dried sulphate of magnesia, an ounce and a half ; sulphate of soda, six drams ; infusion of senna, fourteen ounces ; tincture of jalap, one ounce, and compound tincture of cardamoms, one ounce. Two tablespoonfuls to be taken every four hours until it operates.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Acidity of the Stomach

This unpleasant disorder gives rise to heart-burn, flushings of the face, and other unpleasant sensations. It is most readily cured by taking two teaspoonfuls of magnesia in a tumbler of milk or water, the former is better.

Source: Recipes for the Million

To Relieve Noise In The Ears

This unpleasant affection may in many cases be relieved, and sometimes permanently cured, by dropping into the ear a little warm onion juice. A good nourishing diet is essential, and if necessary a tonic should be taken to create an appetite.

Source: Recipes for the Million

Lumbago

Dip a flannel in scalding water, wring it out, and sprinkle it with spirits of turpentine. Apply quickly to the part affected. Repeat this a few times and it will afford certain relief. Also take a little sweet spirits of nitre.

Source: Recipes for the Million