Old Time Cures & Remedies
Note: The remedies described below are presented for informational and historical purposes only. They are derived from historical sources and should not be attempted. Many of these practices are potentially dangerous and have been replaced by modern, evidence-based medicine. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns.
I smile to think of what they used
To help us kids survive,
But I am “going on” 69
And very much alive.
My sorest throats were eased, and I
Still hold no bit of rancor
To think of sucking sugar lumps
With a drop or two of camphor.
And camphor mixed with goose grease for
A winter chest congestion;
Baking soda cleaned my teeth
And helped my indigestion.
Because of Mother’s tender heart
I hereby sing a Gloria!
She never gave me castor oil,
Just syrupy Castoria.
Salt for all mosquito bites,
Cobwebs on the scratches,
The sickroom fumigated with
Our sulfur kitchen matches.
Somehow there’s quite a bunch of us
That never had a shot,
But here we are still kicking
And enjoying it a lot.
– Author Unknown
The world of medicine has undergone a dramatic transformation over the centuries. Before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, advanced diagnostic tools, and sophisticated medical procedures, people relied on a variety of folk remedies, traditional practices, and readily available ingredients to address their health concerns. These Old Time Cures & Remedies represent a fascinating glimpse into a past where resourcefulness and ingenuity were essential for maintaining well-being. This article explores a collection of these antiquated treatments, offering a descriptive account of their ingredients, methods, and intended uses. It’s crucial to remember that while these remedies were once common, they are not recommended for use today.
The information presented here regarding Old Time Cures & Remedies is gathered from historical sources and reflects the beliefs and practices of past generations. It’s important to recognize that the efficacy of these remedies was often based on anecdotal evidence, tradition, and cultural beliefs, rather than rigorous scientific testing. Many of these treatments lack scientific validation and some may even pose significant health risks. This exploration of Old Time Cures & Remedies serves as a historical overview and should not be interpreted as medical advice.
Imagine a time when access to doctors was limited, and pharmacies were scarce. Families often relied on their own knowledge, passed down through generations, to treat common ailments. Gardens and pantries became makeshift pharmacies, yielding herbs, spices, and other natural ingredients believed to possess healing properties. Old Time Cures & Remedies offers a window into this world of self-reliance and home-based healthcare.
The following list provides a descriptive overview of some of the common Old Time Cures & Remedies that were used to address various health issues. Each entry includes a brief description of the condition and the traditional remedy employed.
Acne: Remedies for acne were varied and often involved ingredients believed to have antiseptic or drying properties. One common approach was the application of sulfur, either in its raw form or mixed into a paste. Other remedies included the use of vinegar, lemon juice, or even egg whites.
Anemia: Addressing anemia, a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells, often involved dietary adjustments and the consumption of iron-rich foods. Liver, molasses, and dark leafy greens were frequently recommended. In some cases, individuals would consume preparations containing iron filings or other forms of iron.
Ant Bites: To relieve the itching and irritation caused by ant bites, folk remedies often involved applying soothing substances to the affected area. Mud, plantain leaves, and baking soda paste were common choices. These ingredients were believed to help draw out the venom and reduce inflammation.
Appendicitis: In the days before modern surgery, appendicitis was a life-threatening condition. Traditional approaches focused on managing the symptoms and preventing complications. These might include applying warm compresses to the abdomen and consuming a bland diet. However, it is vital to acknowledge that these remedies were often ineffective and potentially dangerous, and prompt medical attention is crucial for appendicitis.
Arthritis: Arthritis, characterized by joint pain and inflammation, was a common ailment addressed with a variety of remedies. These included topical applications of mustard plasters, liniments containing turpentine or camphor, and the consumption of herbal teas made from willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid, the precursor to aspirin).
Asthma: Managing asthma attacks often involved attempting to open the airways and ease breathing. Remedies included inhaling the fumes from burning herbs, drinking strong coffee (caffeine can act as a bronchodilator), and consuming preparations containing belladonna (a plant with potent anticholinergic effects that can be dangerous).
Baldness/Thinning Hair: Remedies for baldness and thinning hair often focused on stimulating hair growth and improving scalp health. These included applying concoctions made from onions, garlic, or rosemary to the scalp. Other approaches involved massaging the scalp with oils or consuming supplements believed to promote hair growth.
Beard Growing: To encourage beard growth, some individuals would apply various substances to their face, such as oils, herbs, or even animal fats. The belief was that these applications would stimulate hair follicles and promote beard growth.
Bee Stings: To alleviate the pain and swelling from bee stings, common remedies included applying mud, onion slices, or baking soda paste to the affected area. These substances were believed to help neutralize the venom and reduce inflammation.
Boils: Boils, painful skin infections, were often treated with drawing salves made from ingredients like resin, beeswax, and herbs. These salves were applied to the boil to draw out the infection and promote healing.
Burns: Minor burns were often treated with soothing substances like aloe vera, honey, or cool water. More severe burns might be treated with applications of lard or other fats, although these practices are now known to be potentially harmful.
Cancer – Preventing: While the concept of cancer prevention was less understood in the past, some traditional practices were believed to have protective effects. These included consuming a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding tobacco use, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Chills: To combat chills, people would often wrap themselves in warm blankets, drink hot beverages, and consume warming spices like ginger and cinnamon.
Colds – Curing: Cold remedies typically focused on relieving symptoms and boosting the immune system. These included drinking herbal teas, consuming chicken soup, and using steam inhalations to clear congestion.
Colds – Preventing: To prevent colds, some individuals would practice good hygiene, avoid exposure to sick people, and consume foods believed to boost immunity, such as garlic and onions.
Colic: Colic, a condition characterized by excessive crying in infants, was often treated with remedies like warm baths, gentle massage, and herbal teas.
Coughs: Coughs were treated with a variety of remedies, including honey, lemon juice, herbal syrups, and steam inhalations.
Crick in the Neck: To relieve a crick in the neck, people would often apply warm compresses, massage the affected area, and perform gentle stretching exercises.
Croup: Croup, a respiratory infection that causes a characteristic barking cough, was often treated with steam inhalations, cool mist humidifiers, and rest.
Cuts: Minor cuts were typically cleaned with soap and water and then covered with a clean bandage. Some individuals would also apply antiseptic substances like honey or plantain leaves to promote healing.
Dandruff: Dandruff was often treated with remedies like vinegar rinses, herbal shampoos, and scalp massages.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea was addressed with dietary changes, such as avoiding dairy products and consuming bland foods like rice and bananas. Herbal teas and preparations containing charcoal were also used.
Earache: Earaches were often treated with warm compresses, ear drops made from herbal extracts, and chewing gum to relieve pressure.
Fever: Fever was managed with cool baths, rest, and the consumption of fluids. Herbal teas and preparations containing willow bark (a natural source of salicylic acid) were also used.
Flu: Flu remedies were similar to those used for colds, focusing on relieving symptoms and boosting the immune system. These included rest, fluids, herbal teas, and chicken soup.
Foot Gone to Sleep: To revive a foot that has "gone to sleep," people would often wiggle their toes, massage the foot, and walk around to improve circulation.
Freckles: Remedies for freckles often involved applying substances believed to lighten the skin, such as lemon juice, buttermilk, or horseradish.
Headache: Headaches were treated with a variety of remedies, including rest, cool compresses, herbal teas, and massage.
Hiccups: Hiccups were addressed with a variety of techniques, such as holding one’s breath, drinking water quickly, or breathing into a paper bag.
Ingrown Toenail: Ingrown toenails were often treated by soaking the foot in warm water, trimming the nail carefully, and applying antiseptic ointment.
Lice: Lice infestations were treated with remedies like kerosene, vinegar, and herbal shampoos. These treatments were often harsh and potentially dangerous.
Liver Trouble: Liver problems were addressed with dietary changes, such as avoiding fatty foods and alcohol, and consuming herbal teas believed to support liver function.
Measles: Measles was treated with rest, fluids, and measures to relieve symptoms like fever and cough.
Mumps: Mumps was treated with rest, fluids, and measures to relieve symptoms like fever and swelling.
Nosebleed: Nosebleeds were typically stopped by pinching the nostrils together and applying a cold compress to the nose.
Pain: Pain was managed with a variety of remedies, including rest, heat or cold applications, massage, and herbal pain relievers.
Perspiration: Excessive perspiration was addressed with remedies like baking soda paste and herbal powders.
Poison Ivy (oak, sumac, etc): Poison ivy rashes were treated with remedies like calamine lotion, baking soda paste, and herbal washes.
Poor Eyesight: While there were no cures for poor eyesight, some individuals would consume foods believed to improve vision, such as carrots and blueberries.
Pneumonia: Pneumonia was a serious condition that was often treated with rest, fluids, and measures to relieve symptoms like fever and cough.
Rabies: Rabies was a fatal disease that was often treated with cauterization of the wound.
Rash: Rashes were treated with a variety of remedies, including calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, and herbal creams.
Ringworm: Ringworm, a fungal infection, was treated with remedies like vinegar, garlic, and herbal creams.
Sore Eyes: Sore eyes were treated with remedies like cool compresses, eyewashes made from herbal extracts, and rest.
Sore Throat: Sore throats were treated with a variety of remedies, including gargling with salt water, drinking herbal teas, and sucking on lozenges.
Sprains: Sprains were treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Herbal remedies and liniments were also used.
Stomach Ache/Cramps: Stomach aches and cramps were treated with remedies like peppermint tea, ginger ale, and warm compresses.
Stuttering: Stuttering was addressed with a variety of techniques, such as speech therapy and relaxation exercises.
Warts: Warts were treated with a variety of remedies, including cutting them off, applying castor oil, or rubbing them with a potato.
This compilation of Old Time Cures & Remedies offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the resourcefulness and ingenuity of those who relied on these traditional practices. However, it is essential to remember that these remedies are not a substitute for modern medical care. If you have any health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
