Rhubarb

The primary action of rhubarb is that of a mild purgative, but it has also tonic and astringent properties, so that its secondary effects are to confine the bowels; hence it is well fitted for use in diarrhoea, but not in constipation, or any affection in which a continuous aperient action is necessary. It is not fitted for inflammatory or febrile cases, although it seldom acts as an irritant; its stimulating, combined with its aperient properties, render it valuable in dyspepsia. Generally speaking, it suits children and aged persons best. Where the bowels are sluggish, combined with ginger and a little extract of dandelion, it makes an excellent dinner pill. The ordinary dose of the powder is from 20 to 36 grains. Some persons have no objection to chew the root, and to such as have not, this is a very good way of taking it. There is an immense variety of medical compounds of which rhubarb forms an important ingredient. Mixed with an equal proportion of carbonate of soda it is an excellent remedy for the irritation of the bowels, common with children when teething. As a common aperient for the young, it is best given combined with magnesia. With both children and adults it has the property of communicating a deep tinge to the urine — this should be known, as the change of colour in the secretion of the kidneys may occasion alarm and misconception. Garden rhubarb when used as food has a slight aperient action upon the bowels In some cases this may be beneficial, but not in all; those who have a tendency to relaxed bowels should not take it. Generally speaking, it is a wholesome and cooling article of diet.

Source: Baldwin’s Herbal Guide To Health, G. Baldwin

Indigestion

Indigestion is a breeder of disease, but may be cured by mixing one drachm of powdered colomba root, one drachm of ground ginger, and half a drachm of carbonate of soda; this divide into twelve powders, and take one in a little milk three times a day; or, one ounce of colomba root to a pint of boiling water is a most excellent and cheap remedy for indigestion. Take a wineglassful three times a day. Tried with every satisfaction.

Source: Fray’s Golden Recipes for the use of all ages, E. Fray

Cure for Corns

Place the feet for half an hour, two or three nights successively, in a pretty strong solution of common soda. The alkali dissolves the indurated cuticle, and the corn falls out spontaneously, leaving a small excavation, which soon fills up.

Source: The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness, Florence Hartley

Kidney, Stone In The

When there is much pain take from five to fifteen drops of tincture of henbane in a little water three times a day. Live chiefly on milk and soda.

Source: Fray’s Golden Recipes for the use of all ages, E. Fray

Nightmare, To Prevent

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

For Heartburn

10 grains carbonate of magnesia
5 grains flour of ginger
5 grains carbonate of soda
15 grains powdered liquorice

To be taken as a powder 2 or 3 times a day.

Source: The Northampton Cookery Book, M.A. Jeffery

Wasps and Bees, Stings From

Mix together a little spirits of hartshorn with double its quantity of olive oil, and apply to the part affected.

Another very simple remedy, which is asserted to be unfailing, is to rub with an onion the part of the flesh which is stung.

The application of either oil of tartar or a solution of potash will give instant ease.

Perhaps the most convenient thing will be to mix a little oil with common soda. This will allay both the pain and the irritation.

Source: Recipes for the Million

For Indigestion

1 handful senna leaves
2 teaspoonsful sugar
1 teaspoonful ground ginger
1 pint boiling water
2 teaspoonsful carbonate soda
1 teaspoonful essence of peppermint

Boil slowly, for 1/2 an hour, the senna, sugar, ginger, and soda, then strain and cool. When quite cold, put into a bottle with the essence of peppermint.

Take a wine-glass fasting, or before meals.

Source: The Northampton Cookery Book, M.A. Jeffery

Simple Cure for Scalds or Burns

1/2 teaspoonsful carb. soda
1/2 cupful cold water

Make a lotion of the above, bathe the affected part, and leave the cloth on the burn or scald for a short time. The stinging pain will soon cease.

Source: The Northampton Cookery Book, M.A. Jeffery

Heartburn, Remedies For

Add two drams of carbonate of magnesia to a cupful of milk, and drink it whenever the rising is experienced.

Eating a raw turnip will also take away the smarting sensation.

The following effervescing drink is also good:— The juice of an orange, with loaf sugar to flavour, and, in proportion to the acidity of the orange, a little bicarbonate of soda. Mix the orange juice, sugar, and water together in a tumbler, then add the soda; stir, and drink while effervescing.

Source: Recipes for the Million