Lotion for Freckles

January 7th, 2016

One teacupful of sour milk ; a little scraped horseradish.

Let it stand from six to twelve hours, and wash the parts affected twice a day.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Mildew

January 1st, 2016

Equal parts of lemon juice, salt, powdered starch, and soft soap ; rub on thickly, and lay on the grass in the hot sun ; repeat this process two or three times a day.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Gargles for Sore Throat

December 22nd, 2015

No. 1. — One wineglassful of barm ; one wineglassful of vinegar ; remainder sage tea, to make a half-pint bottle of gargle.

No. 2. — A pinch of chlorate of potash in a glass of water. Gargle the throat with it twice a day, or oftener, if necessary.

No. 3. — Tar water is a very good gargle for sore throat ; it is to be used twice a day.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Powerful Rubefacient

December 20th, 2015

(Good with friction for rheumatism, sprains, etc.). — One ounce of yellow bar soap, one ounce of boiling water, and three ounces of hot olive-oil, dissolved together ; half an ounce of camphor dissolved in the olive oil; when the above ingredients are well amalgamated, add one quarter ounce of oil of origanum ; half an ounce of spirits of ammonia; thrice the quantity of spirits of wine. Stir until nearly cold, then keep well corked in wide jars.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Rosemary Tea for the Hair

December 12th, 2015

Bruise a branch of rosemary, pour one pint of boiling water over it, and use it warm every morning. This will do for several times.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Earache

December 6th, 2015

There are various ways of treating earache: the most old fashioned are the appliance of a roasted onion, or a hot bag of salt to the ear, and putting in the ear a small piece of cotton wet with camphorated oil, or simple olive-oil with a drop of chloroform; better still, to puff tobacco smoke into the ear. This remedy is very soothing and effective.

Or, take a small wax taper, pare one end quite small, envelop it in a dry linen rag, insert it into the ear; then light the taper. Odd as this remedy may seem, it is wonderfully rapid and effective; it is practised by all Italian sailors and fishermen.

In Kentucky, a cockroach is drowned in whiskey, then wrapped in hot cotton, and applied to the ear.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Sunstroke

November 28th, 2015

Bind the head with wet cloths; wet another cloth, fold into a small square, cover thickly with salt, and apply to the back of the neck; apply dry salt behind the ears, and mustard plasters to the calves of the legs and soles of the feet. The salt is an Arabian remedy, and is very effective.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

To Prevent Horses’ Feet from Scalding or Cracking

November 22nd, 2015

Coat the hoofs once a week with an ointment consisting of equal parts of soap fat, yellow wax, linseed oil, Venice turpentine, and Norway tar; melt the wax separately before mixing.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Hemlock Poultice

November 18th, 2015

Two drachms of dried hemlock; two pints of water boiled down to one; add sufficient linseed meal to make it of a proper consistency. Excellent for cancerous and scrofulous ulcers, and malignant sores.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

Flour Ball for Teething Children

November 6th, 2015

One cupful of flour tied in a stout muslin bag, and dropped into cold water, then set over the fire ; boil three hours steadily ; turn out the flour ball, and dry in the hot sun all day, or, if you need it at once, dry in a moderate oven without shutting the door.

To cook it, grate one tablespoonful of the flour for a cupful of boiling milk and water; wet the flour with a little cold water, stir in, and boil five minutes; add a pinch of salt.

Source: The Unrivalled Cook-Book and Housekeeper’s Guide, Mrs Washington

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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.