Hi, Jo here. One of the things I like most about writing is the unexpected things I come across when doing research.
Antimony sounds to me like a musical term or a concoction, but it's actually an element. Sb. (A good one for a quiz where they want elements that don't end with -ium.) It's also a metalloid, which means it's a sort of metal but not quite. Bear with me — a chemist, I am not!
It has a number of uses, one of which is medical, which is where I stumbled across it. Treatments using antimony are called antimonials and they are used against some parasites, and have been for a long time, even before microbial parasites were known. In the past a lot of medicine was trial and error and antimony is also an emetic and laxitive. Anything that caused a dramatic expulsion of bodily fluids and matter was seen as "getting rid of toxins." If the illness was caused by some parasites the patient might get better, then it would be attributed to expulsion of toxins.
One antimonial was Dr. James's Powder, which was popular in the 18th century and claimed to cure almost anything. It was a mix of antimony and calcium phosphate.
For a long time antimony was the only treatment for leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease spread by sand flies in the tropics. It worked by killing the parasite.
What really caught my interest however was the antimonial pill, because it was called the everlasting pill. Yes, it was reusable! If you're squeamish, you might want to bail here.
Back in the days when "getting rid of toxins" was important, a family might have an everlasting pill, which was a small ball of antimony. The person feeling a bit sluggish, or with some troubling medical condition would swallow it. In due course it would emerge, be cleaned off, and put in its box until it was next required. 
If that's a bit too much for you, you might prefer the antimonial cup. This goes back to Roman times. It was a small cup, perhaps half a pint or less, made mostly of antimony. It was filled with wine and left to stand for a while to absorb the chemical. Then the wine was drunk and the person threw up. The Romans used it when they'd overeating. Yup. Classical bulimia.
The cups were in common use up to the 19th century. The one on the right was owned by Captain Cook.
This got me thinking of popular remedies. When I was growing up Syrup of Figs was the household remedy for constipation. There were also Fennings Little Healers. These were tiny round pills and a standard issue in my house. I liked them because they were tiny and easy to swallow. 
(Photos by Leo Reynolds)
The main ingredient was, I read, ipecacuanha, which I know as an emetic, but apparently in small doses it's an expectorant.
Of course if we go way back opium was a common ingredient in many household remedies. It doubtless worked well in some cases but if used too much it was addictive.
Does your family have any favorite remedies? Do you know of other odd ones from the past, and did they work?
Cheers,
Jo
For ear ache – chopped garlic gently warmed in olive oil. Q-Tip in oil. Whirl in ear.
For ear ache – chopped garlic gently warmed in olive oil. Q-Tip in oil. Whirl in ear.
For ear ache – chopped garlic gently warmed in olive oil. Q-Tip in oil. Whirl in ear.
For ear ache – chopped garlic gently warmed in olive oil. Q-Tip in oil. Whirl in ear.
For ear ache – chopped garlic gently warmed in olive oil. Q-Tip in oil. Whirl in ear.
Interesting one, Billie. Does it work? I suspect anything warm is good for ears, but garlic has some antiseptic properties.
Interesting one, Billie. Does it work? I suspect anything warm is good for ears, but garlic has some antiseptic properties.
Interesting one, Billie. Does it work? I suspect anything warm is good for ears, but garlic has some antiseptic properties.
Interesting one, Billie. Does it work? I suspect anything warm is good for ears, but garlic has some antiseptic properties.
Interesting one, Billie. Does it work? I suspect anything warm is good for ears, but garlic has some antiseptic properties.
I bet if I asked my 90-something Ukrainian grandmother she’d have a million remedies (just seeing the unusual things she does to her garden confuses the very, non-farm person, Westernised me!).
I’m guilty of being the person who heads for the medicine cabinet when anything is wrong.
The thing with opium always makes me think of the changing attitudes to codeine. It’s not sold over the counter in so many places, though it still is here in Australia. However, they’re making stricter and stricter rules about it.
I couldn’t deal with a bad headache without it!
I bet if I asked my 90-something Ukrainian grandmother she’d have a million remedies (just seeing the unusual things she does to her garden confuses the very, non-farm person, Westernised me!).
I’m guilty of being the person who heads for the medicine cabinet when anything is wrong.
The thing with opium always makes me think of the changing attitudes to codeine. It’s not sold over the counter in so many places, though it still is here in Australia. However, they’re making stricter and stricter rules about it.
I couldn’t deal with a bad headache without it!
I bet if I asked my 90-something Ukrainian grandmother she’d have a million remedies (just seeing the unusual things she does to her garden confuses the very, non-farm person, Westernised me!).
I’m guilty of being the person who heads for the medicine cabinet when anything is wrong.
The thing with opium always makes me think of the changing attitudes to codeine. It’s not sold over the counter in so many places, though it still is here in Australia. However, they’re making stricter and stricter rules about it.
I couldn’t deal with a bad headache without it!
I bet if I asked my 90-something Ukrainian grandmother she’d have a million remedies (just seeing the unusual things she does to her garden confuses the very, non-farm person, Westernised me!).
I’m guilty of being the person who heads for the medicine cabinet when anything is wrong.
The thing with opium always makes me think of the changing attitudes to codeine. It’s not sold over the counter in so many places, though it still is here in Australia. However, they’re making stricter and stricter rules about it.
I couldn’t deal with a bad headache without it!
I bet if I asked my 90-something Ukrainian grandmother she’d have a million remedies (just seeing the unusual things she does to her garden confuses the very, non-farm person, Westernised me!).
I’m guilty of being the person who heads for the medicine cabinet when anything is wrong.
The thing with opium always makes me think of the changing attitudes to codeine. It’s not sold over the counter in so many places, though it still is here in Australia. However, they’re making stricter and stricter rules about it.
I couldn’t deal with a bad headache without it!
People can get a weak codeine with aspirin over the counter in Canada, too. Here in the UK we can only buy aspirin and acetaminophen in small packets and they restrict how many packets we can buy. I think that’s over the top.
People can get a weak codeine with aspirin over the counter in Canada, too. Here in the UK we can only buy aspirin and acetaminophen in small packets and they restrict how many packets we can buy. I think that’s over the top.
People can get a weak codeine with aspirin over the counter in Canada, too. Here in the UK we can only buy aspirin and acetaminophen in small packets and they restrict how many packets we can buy. I think that’s over the top.
People can get a weak codeine with aspirin over the counter in Canada, too. Here in the UK we can only buy aspirin and acetaminophen in small packets and they restrict how many packets we can buy. I think that’s over the top.
People can get a weak codeine with aspirin over the counter in Canada, too. Here in the UK we can only buy aspirin and acetaminophen in small packets and they restrict how many packets we can buy. I think that’s over the top.
Mustard plasters. I used to get a mustard plaster, a cloth soaked in hot water and then smeared with hot mustard, slapped on my chest when I had a chest cold. It burned.
I don’t know is if had any effect on the cold, but I still don’t like mustard on my hot dogs.
Mustard plasters. I used to get a mustard plaster, a cloth soaked in hot water and then smeared with hot mustard, slapped on my chest when I had a chest cold. It burned.
I don’t know is if had any effect on the cold, but I still don’t like mustard on my hot dogs.
Mustard plasters. I used to get a mustard plaster, a cloth soaked in hot water and then smeared with hot mustard, slapped on my chest when I had a chest cold. It burned.
I don’t know is if had any effect on the cold, but I still don’t like mustard on my hot dogs.
Mustard plasters. I used to get a mustard plaster, a cloth soaked in hot water and then smeared with hot mustard, slapped on my chest when I had a chest cold. It burned.
I don’t know is if had any effect on the cold, but I still don’t like mustard on my hot dogs.
Mustard plasters. I used to get a mustard plaster, a cloth soaked in hot water and then smeared with hot mustard, slapped on my chest when I had a chest cold. It burned.
I don’t know is if had any effect on the cold, but I still don’t like mustard on my hot dogs.
I grew up in the tropics where every little cut turned septic. My parents used to draw out the poison using kaolin-and-morphine plasters – they’d heat up the tin until the mixture was hot, then spoon some onto a dressing and slap it onto the affected part. The heat would have some effect (possibly opening up the wound and drawing it out?). The bandage would be left on overnight. The clay would harden and it would be cracked or peeled off in the morning. It seemed to do the trick!
The heat used to hurt at first on the sore, but then it soothed it.
I grew up in the tropics where every little cut turned septic. My parents used to draw out the poison using kaolin-and-morphine plasters – they’d heat up the tin until the mixture was hot, then spoon some onto a dressing and slap it onto the affected part. The heat would have some effect (possibly opening up the wound and drawing it out?). The bandage would be left on overnight. The clay would harden and it would be cracked or peeled off in the morning. It seemed to do the trick!
The heat used to hurt at first on the sore, but then it soothed it.
I grew up in the tropics where every little cut turned septic. My parents used to draw out the poison using kaolin-and-morphine plasters – they’d heat up the tin until the mixture was hot, then spoon some onto a dressing and slap it onto the affected part. The heat would have some effect (possibly opening up the wound and drawing it out?). The bandage would be left on overnight. The clay would harden and it would be cracked or peeled off in the morning. It seemed to do the trick!
The heat used to hurt at first on the sore, but then it soothed it.
I grew up in the tropics where every little cut turned septic. My parents used to draw out the poison using kaolin-and-morphine plasters – they’d heat up the tin until the mixture was hot, then spoon some onto a dressing and slap it onto the affected part. The heat would have some effect (possibly opening up the wound and drawing it out?). The bandage would be left on overnight. The clay would harden and it would be cracked or peeled off in the morning. It seemed to do the trick!
The heat used to hurt at first on the sore, but then it soothed it.
I grew up in the tropics where every little cut turned septic. My parents used to draw out the poison using kaolin-and-morphine plasters – they’d heat up the tin until the mixture was hot, then spoon some onto a dressing and slap it onto the affected part. The heat would have some effect (possibly opening up the wound and drawing it out?). The bandage would be left on overnight. The clay would harden and it would be cracked or peeled off in the morning. It seemed to do the trick!
The heat used to hurt at first on the sore, but then it soothed it.
Aloe vera for sunburns.
And when someone has a cold or flu, we boil a mixture of water and vinegar. It’s supposed to be mildly antivirual or antibiotic.
Aloe vera for sunburns.
And when someone has a cold or flu, we boil a mixture of water and vinegar. It’s supposed to be mildly antivirual or antibiotic.
Aloe vera for sunburns.
And when someone has a cold or flu, we boil a mixture of water and vinegar. It’s supposed to be mildly antivirual or antibiotic.
Aloe vera for sunburns.
And when someone has a cold or flu, we boil a mixture of water and vinegar. It’s supposed to be mildly antivirual or antibiotic.
Aloe vera for sunburns.
And when someone has a cold or flu, we boil a mixture of water and vinegar. It’s supposed to be mildly antivirual or antibiotic.
I remember as a small child that when I had a cough/ sore throat I would have an egg cup with a mixture of butter, sugar & vinegar in it and I could have a very small spoonful at intervals. Don’t know about the cough but it made me feel better 🙂
I remember as a small child that when I had a cough/ sore throat I would have an egg cup with a mixture of butter, sugar & vinegar in it and I could have a very small spoonful at intervals. Don’t know about the cough but it made me feel better 🙂
I remember as a small child that when I had a cough/ sore throat I would have an egg cup with a mixture of butter, sugar & vinegar in it and I could have a very small spoonful at intervals. Don’t know about the cough but it made me feel better 🙂
I remember as a small child that when I had a cough/ sore throat I would have an egg cup with a mixture of butter, sugar & vinegar in it and I could have a very small spoonful at intervals. Don’t know about the cough but it made me feel better 🙂
I remember as a small child that when I had a cough/ sore throat I would have an egg cup with a mixture of butter, sugar & vinegar in it and I could have a very small spoonful at intervals. Don’t know about the cough but it made me feel better 🙂
Essence of cinnamon ! It was meant to be good for colds but a teaspoonful in warm milk was the standard treatment for upset stomachs in our house ! Can’t say it actually worked ! I think it was more the thought of having to have another dose that cured you !For coughs and sore throats a mixture of lemonjuice and honey in warm water that tastes lovely and definitely soothes your throat.
Essence of cinnamon ! It was meant to be good for colds but a teaspoonful in warm milk was the standard treatment for upset stomachs in our house ! Can’t say it actually worked ! I think it was more the thought of having to have another dose that cured you !For coughs and sore throats a mixture of lemonjuice and honey in warm water that tastes lovely and definitely soothes your throat.
Essence of cinnamon ! It was meant to be good for colds but a teaspoonful in warm milk was the standard treatment for upset stomachs in our house ! Can’t say it actually worked ! I think it was more the thought of having to have another dose that cured you !For coughs and sore throats a mixture of lemonjuice and honey in warm water that tastes lovely and definitely soothes your throat.
Essence of cinnamon ! It was meant to be good for colds but a teaspoonful in warm milk was the standard treatment for upset stomachs in our house ! Can’t say it actually worked ! I think it was more the thought of having to have another dose that cured you !For coughs and sore throats a mixture of lemonjuice and honey in warm water that tastes lovely and definitely soothes your throat.
Essence of cinnamon ! It was meant to be good for colds but a teaspoonful in warm milk was the standard treatment for upset stomachs in our house ! Can’t say it actually worked ! I think it was more the thought of having to have another dose that cured you !For coughs and sore throats a mixture of lemonjuice and honey in warm water that tastes lovely and definitely soothes your throat.
I’ve read about mustard plasters, Lil, but never heard from anyone who’d experienced them. No wonder you don’t like mustard!
I’ve read about mustard plasters, Lil, but never heard from anyone who’d experienced them. No wonder you don’t like mustard!
I’ve read about mustard plasters, Lil, but never heard from anyone who’d experienced them. No wonder you don’t like mustard!
I’ve read about mustard plasters, Lil, but never heard from anyone who’d experienced them. No wonder you don’t like mustard!
I’ve read about mustard plasters, Lil, but never heard from anyone who’d experienced them. No wonder you don’t like mustard!
How interesting, HJ. I wonder if the morphine was simply pain relief.
How interesting, HJ. I wonder if the morphine was simply pain relief.
How interesting, HJ. I wonder if the morphine was simply pain relief.
How interesting, HJ. I wonder if the morphine was simply pain relief.
How interesting, HJ. I wonder if the morphine was simply pain relief.
Aloe vera works,Shannon. At least, I find it does. Is the vinegar for the steam or do you drink it?
Aloe vera works,Shannon. At least, I find it does. Is the vinegar for the steam or do you drink it?
Aloe vera works,Shannon. At least, I find it does. Is the vinegar for the steam or do you drink it?
Aloe vera works,Shannon. At least, I find it does. Is the vinegar for the steam or do you drink it?
Aloe vera works,Shannon. At least, I find it does. Is the vinegar for the steam or do you drink it?
We had the butter and sugar, but not the vinegar. It definitely made me feel better. I think it was supposed to lubricate the throat.
We had the butter and sugar, but not the vinegar. It definitely made me feel better. I think it was supposed to lubricate the throat.
We had the butter and sugar, but not the vinegar. It definitely made me feel better. I think it was supposed to lubricate the throat.
We had the butter and sugar, but not the vinegar. It definitely made me feel better. I think it was supposed to lubricate the throat.
We had the butter and sugar, but not the vinegar. It definitely made me feel better. I think it was supposed to lubricate the throat.
Jo, cinnamon in warm milk sounds rather nice. It wasn’t? We sometimes had a little brandy in warm water with sugar to settle a stomach. And lemon juice with honey is grand. I make lemon tea. Pour boiling water over thinly sliced lemons then sweeten with lots of unpasteurized honey. Drink. The heat is good, but probably the lemons and honey have good effects.
Jo, cinnamon in warm milk sounds rather nice. It wasn’t? We sometimes had a little brandy in warm water with sugar to settle a stomach. And lemon juice with honey is grand. I make lemon tea. Pour boiling water over thinly sliced lemons then sweeten with lots of unpasteurized honey. Drink. The heat is good, but probably the lemons and honey have good effects.
Jo, cinnamon in warm milk sounds rather nice. It wasn’t? We sometimes had a little brandy in warm water with sugar to settle a stomach. And lemon juice with honey is grand. I make lemon tea. Pour boiling water over thinly sliced lemons then sweeten with lots of unpasteurized honey. Drink. The heat is good, but probably the lemons and honey have good effects.
Jo, cinnamon in warm milk sounds rather nice. It wasn’t? We sometimes had a little brandy in warm water with sugar to settle a stomach. And lemon juice with honey is grand. I make lemon tea. Pour boiling water over thinly sliced lemons then sweeten with lots of unpasteurized honey. Drink. The heat is good, but probably the lemons and honey have good effects.
Jo, cinnamon in warm milk sounds rather nice. It wasn’t? We sometimes had a little brandy in warm water with sugar to settle a stomach. And lemon juice with honey is grand. I make lemon tea. Pour boiling water over thinly sliced lemons then sweeten with lots of unpasteurized honey. Drink. The heat is good, but probably the lemons and honey have good effects.
Yikes on the animonials, Jo! After reading all these, I’m grateful that I come from sturdy Yankee peasants who didn’t hold with much medicine. Aspirin and cough drops were about it, and having either mean you were pretty sick!
Yikes on the animonials, Jo! After reading all these, I’m grateful that I come from sturdy Yankee peasants who didn’t hold with much medicine. Aspirin and cough drops were about it, and having either mean you were pretty sick!
Yikes on the animonials, Jo! After reading all these, I’m grateful that I come from sturdy Yankee peasants who didn’t hold with much medicine. Aspirin and cough drops were about it, and having either mean you were pretty sick!
Yikes on the animonials, Jo! After reading all these, I’m grateful that I come from sturdy Yankee peasants who didn’t hold with much medicine. Aspirin and cough drops were about it, and having either mean you were pretty sick!
Yikes on the animonials, Jo! After reading all these, I’m grateful that I come from sturdy Yankee peasants who didn’t hold with much medicine. Aspirin and cough drops were about it, and having either mean you were pretty sick!
It was for steam. The scent was enough to warn anyone that someone was ailing.
It was for steam. The scent was enough to warn anyone that someone was ailing.
It was for steam. The scent was enough to warn anyone that someone was ailing.
It was for steam. The scent was enough to warn anyone that someone was ailing.
It was for steam. The scent was enough to warn anyone that someone was ailing.
The two treatments that come to mind from my childhood are Fletcher’s Castoria, which was used for stomach complaints (I just Googled it and saw that it contained senna – that certainly explains it!), and ichthammol or black salve. I still swear by ichthammol for cuts and infection, although I haven’t seen it in a pharmacy in years. I now buy it from veterinary supply stores – much cheaper too! Ichthammol is also the only thing I’ve found to heal the cracks I get on my poor fingers in the winter.
The two treatments that come to mind from my childhood are Fletcher’s Castoria, which was used for stomach complaints (I just Googled it and saw that it contained senna – that certainly explains it!), and ichthammol or black salve. I still swear by ichthammol for cuts and infection, although I haven’t seen it in a pharmacy in years. I now buy it from veterinary supply stores – much cheaper too! Ichthammol is also the only thing I’ve found to heal the cracks I get on my poor fingers in the winter.
The two treatments that come to mind from my childhood are Fletcher’s Castoria, which was used for stomach complaints (I just Googled it and saw that it contained senna – that certainly explains it!), and ichthammol or black salve. I still swear by ichthammol for cuts and infection, although I haven’t seen it in a pharmacy in years. I now buy it from veterinary supply stores – much cheaper too! Ichthammol is also the only thing I’ve found to heal the cracks I get on my poor fingers in the winter.
The two treatments that come to mind from my childhood are Fletcher’s Castoria, which was used for stomach complaints (I just Googled it and saw that it contained senna – that certainly explains it!), and ichthammol or black salve. I still swear by ichthammol for cuts and infection, although I haven’t seen it in a pharmacy in years. I now buy it from veterinary supply stores – much cheaper too! Ichthammol is also the only thing I’ve found to heal the cracks I get on my poor fingers in the winter.
The two treatments that come to mind from my childhood are Fletcher’s Castoria, which was used for stomach complaints (I just Googled it and saw that it contained senna – that certainly explains it!), and ichthammol or black salve. I still swear by ichthammol for cuts and infection, although I haven’t seen it in a pharmacy in years. I now buy it from veterinary supply stores – much cheaper too! Ichthammol is also the only thing I’ve found to heal the cracks I get on my poor fingers in the winter.
When my brothers caught colds, my mother would give them hot lemonade toddies (a small amount of whisky to open up the capillaries) and chest rubs with menthol ointment. If I got a cold, I got hot lemonade without the whisky. I have often wondered if somehow my brothers came to regard whisky as comfort food.
I had an abcess once which was treated not by lancing and draining but by poultices of something called something like antiphlogiston – a putty like substance which was heated and applied to the area with a bandage to stay there all day. Eventually I was declared well.
My mother was an RN in a time when training was strict and thorough. The only defense against infection was scrupulous cleanliness. Surgical rooms were cleaned ceiling to floor with hot water and disinfectant after each surgery. If a surgical patient developed an infection, there was a rigorous investigation for the cause, because infections could kill. She had also learned many rough and ready home treatments as a farm girl. She was a dab hand at first aid of all kinds.
Once years ago when I was hospitalized at one of the best hospitals in LA, she visited me there. She was horrified to see dust bunnies under the beds and open unsealed packs of sanitary napkins in the bathroom. By that time hospitals were finding antibiotics cheaper than using decontaminating cleaning practices or individual sanitary packaging of some supplies. I survived (as we see) — but more and more now I wish I had learned some of what she knew.
When my brothers caught colds, my mother would give them hot lemonade toddies (a small amount of whisky to open up the capillaries) and chest rubs with menthol ointment. If I got a cold, I got hot lemonade without the whisky. I have often wondered if somehow my brothers came to regard whisky as comfort food.
I had an abcess once which was treated not by lancing and draining but by poultices of something called something like antiphlogiston – a putty like substance which was heated and applied to the area with a bandage to stay there all day. Eventually I was declared well.
My mother was an RN in a time when training was strict and thorough. The only defense against infection was scrupulous cleanliness. Surgical rooms were cleaned ceiling to floor with hot water and disinfectant after each surgery. If a surgical patient developed an infection, there was a rigorous investigation for the cause, because infections could kill. She had also learned many rough and ready home treatments as a farm girl. She was a dab hand at first aid of all kinds.
Once years ago when I was hospitalized at one of the best hospitals in LA, she visited me there. She was horrified to see dust bunnies under the beds and open unsealed packs of sanitary napkins in the bathroom. By that time hospitals were finding antibiotics cheaper than using decontaminating cleaning practices or individual sanitary packaging of some supplies. I survived (as we see) — but more and more now I wish I had learned some of what she knew.
When my brothers caught colds, my mother would give them hot lemonade toddies (a small amount of whisky to open up the capillaries) and chest rubs with menthol ointment. If I got a cold, I got hot lemonade without the whisky. I have often wondered if somehow my brothers came to regard whisky as comfort food.
I had an abcess once which was treated not by lancing and draining but by poultices of something called something like antiphlogiston – a putty like substance which was heated and applied to the area with a bandage to stay there all day. Eventually I was declared well.
My mother was an RN in a time when training was strict and thorough. The only defense against infection was scrupulous cleanliness. Surgical rooms were cleaned ceiling to floor with hot water and disinfectant after each surgery. If a surgical patient developed an infection, there was a rigorous investigation for the cause, because infections could kill. She had also learned many rough and ready home treatments as a farm girl. She was a dab hand at first aid of all kinds.
Once years ago when I was hospitalized at one of the best hospitals in LA, she visited me there. She was horrified to see dust bunnies under the beds and open unsealed packs of sanitary napkins in the bathroom. By that time hospitals were finding antibiotics cheaper than using decontaminating cleaning practices or individual sanitary packaging of some supplies. I survived (as we see) — but more and more now I wish I had learned some of what she knew.
When my brothers caught colds, my mother would give them hot lemonade toddies (a small amount of whisky to open up the capillaries) and chest rubs with menthol ointment. If I got a cold, I got hot lemonade without the whisky. I have often wondered if somehow my brothers came to regard whisky as comfort food.
I had an abcess once which was treated not by lancing and draining but by poultices of something called something like antiphlogiston – a putty like substance which was heated and applied to the area with a bandage to stay there all day. Eventually I was declared well.
My mother was an RN in a time when training was strict and thorough. The only defense against infection was scrupulous cleanliness. Surgical rooms were cleaned ceiling to floor with hot water and disinfectant after each surgery. If a surgical patient developed an infection, there was a rigorous investigation for the cause, because infections could kill. She had also learned many rough and ready home treatments as a farm girl. She was a dab hand at first aid of all kinds.
Once years ago when I was hospitalized at one of the best hospitals in LA, she visited me there. She was horrified to see dust bunnies under the beds and open unsealed packs of sanitary napkins in the bathroom. By that time hospitals were finding antibiotics cheaper than using decontaminating cleaning practices or individual sanitary packaging of some supplies. I survived (as we see) — but more and more now I wish I had learned some of what she knew.
When my brothers caught colds, my mother would give them hot lemonade toddies (a small amount of whisky to open up the capillaries) and chest rubs with menthol ointment. If I got a cold, I got hot lemonade without the whisky. I have often wondered if somehow my brothers came to regard whisky as comfort food.
I had an abcess once which was treated not by lancing and draining but by poultices of something called something like antiphlogiston – a putty like substance which was heated and applied to the area with a bandage to stay there all day. Eventually I was declared well.
My mother was an RN in a time when training was strict and thorough. The only defense against infection was scrupulous cleanliness. Surgical rooms were cleaned ceiling to floor with hot water and disinfectant after each surgery. If a surgical patient developed an infection, there was a rigorous investigation for the cause, because infections could kill. She had also learned many rough and ready home treatments as a farm girl. She was a dab hand at first aid of all kinds.
Once years ago when I was hospitalized at one of the best hospitals in LA, she visited me there. She was horrified to see dust bunnies under the beds and open unsealed packs of sanitary napkins in the bathroom. By that time hospitals were finding antibiotics cheaper than using decontaminating cleaning practices or individual sanitary packaging of some supplies. I survived (as we see) — but more and more now I wish I had learned some of what she knew.
I tried yesterday but the comments weren’t available — so typepad problems continue.
When I was a kid, my grandmother used to dose us with castor oil and cod liver oil. Both tasted vile, and were for health and “regularity” — which I never had a problem with anyway. She would give us a large spoon of the vile oil and then follow it with a square of Cadbury’s plain milk chocolate. To this day I can’t taste plain milk chocolate without having an aftertaste of cod liver oil.
I have had mustard plasters, too. Yes, they burn. Nasty things, also compliments of the same grandmother. We also use eucalyptus oil for a lot of things — inhale the vapour in hot water for colds (good for congestion) and rub onto bruises (though not cut sting). It has a lot of uses, actually — a very useful oil.
I tried yesterday but the comments weren’t available — so typepad problems continue.
When I was a kid, my grandmother used to dose us with castor oil and cod liver oil. Both tasted vile, and were for health and “regularity” — which I never had a problem with anyway. She would give us a large spoon of the vile oil and then follow it with a square of Cadbury’s plain milk chocolate. To this day I can’t taste plain milk chocolate without having an aftertaste of cod liver oil.
I have had mustard plasters, too. Yes, they burn. Nasty things, also compliments of the same grandmother. We also use eucalyptus oil for a lot of things — inhale the vapour in hot water for colds (good for congestion) and rub onto bruises (though not cut sting). It has a lot of uses, actually — a very useful oil.
I tried yesterday but the comments weren’t available — so typepad problems continue.
When I was a kid, my grandmother used to dose us with castor oil and cod liver oil. Both tasted vile, and were for health and “regularity” — which I never had a problem with anyway. She would give us a large spoon of the vile oil and then follow it with a square of Cadbury’s plain milk chocolate. To this day I can’t taste plain milk chocolate without having an aftertaste of cod liver oil.
I have had mustard plasters, too. Yes, they burn. Nasty things, also compliments of the same grandmother. We also use eucalyptus oil for a lot of things — inhale the vapour in hot water for colds (good for congestion) and rub onto bruises (though not cut sting). It has a lot of uses, actually — a very useful oil.
I tried yesterday but the comments weren’t available — so typepad problems continue.
When I was a kid, my grandmother used to dose us with castor oil and cod liver oil. Both tasted vile, and were for health and “regularity” — which I never had a problem with anyway. She would give us a large spoon of the vile oil and then follow it with a square of Cadbury’s plain milk chocolate. To this day I can’t taste plain milk chocolate without having an aftertaste of cod liver oil.
I have had mustard plasters, too. Yes, they burn. Nasty things, also compliments of the same grandmother. We also use eucalyptus oil for a lot of things — inhale the vapour in hot water for colds (good for congestion) and rub onto bruises (though not cut sting). It has a lot of uses, actually — a very useful oil.
I tried yesterday but the comments weren’t available — so typepad problems continue.
When I was a kid, my grandmother used to dose us with castor oil and cod liver oil. Both tasted vile, and were for health and “regularity” — which I never had a problem with anyway. She would give us a large spoon of the vile oil and then follow it with a square of Cadbury’s plain milk chocolate. To this day I can’t taste plain milk chocolate without having an aftertaste of cod liver oil.
I have had mustard plasters, too. Yes, they burn. Nasty things, also compliments of the same grandmother. We also use eucalyptus oil for a lot of things — inhale the vapour in hot water for colds (good for congestion) and rub onto bruises (though not cut sting). It has a lot of uses, actually — a very useful oil.
I miss living close to Canada. The codeine aspirin really helped. Any body want to mail me some?
I miss living close to Canada. The codeine aspirin really helped. Any body want to mail me some?
I miss living close to Canada. The codeine aspirin really helped. Any body want to mail me some?
I miss living close to Canada. The codeine aspirin really helped. Any body want to mail me some?
I miss living close to Canada. The codeine aspirin really helped. Any body want to mail me some?
Good to know that ichthammol can be had from a vet. I can still get it from some CVS stores.
Good to know that ichthammol can be had from a vet. I can still get it from some CVS stores.
Good to know that ichthammol can be had from a vet. I can still get it from some CVS stores.
Good to know that ichthammol can be had from a vet. I can still get it from some CVS stores.
Good to know that ichthammol can be had from a vet. I can still get it from some CVS stores.
My mom was a castor oil fan. She would follow the thick nasty stuff with either canned peaches or canned tomatoes. If you think about it, castor oil has lots of vitamins and minerals that aid in health. It cleans you out pretty good so any bad germs get a good flushing. Sort of like Cod liver oil. Castor beans are poisonous – kills the bad germs also. You can put it on your toes to kill the fungus that gets in toe nails. My grandfather used a flavorless. Just the thought of the taste makes me cringe.
My mom was a castor oil fan. She would follow the thick nasty stuff with either canned peaches or canned tomatoes. If you think about it, castor oil has lots of vitamins and minerals that aid in health. It cleans you out pretty good so any bad germs get a good flushing. Sort of like Cod liver oil. Castor beans are poisonous – kills the bad germs also. You can put it on your toes to kill the fungus that gets in toe nails. My grandfather used a flavorless. Just the thought of the taste makes me cringe.
My mom was a castor oil fan. She would follow the thick nasty stuff with either canned peaches or canned tomatoes. If you think about it, castor oil has lots of vitamins and minerals that aid in health. It cleans you out pretty good so any bad germs get a good flushing. Sort of like Cod liver oil. Castor beans are poisonous – kills the bad germs also. You can put it on your toes to kill the fungus that gets in toe nails. My grandfather used a flavorless. Just the thought of the taste makes me cringe.
My mom was a castor oil fan. She would follow the thick nasty stuff with either canned peaches or canned tomatoes. If you think about it, castor oil has lots of vitamins and minerals that aid in health. It cleans you out pretty good so any bad germs get a good flushing. Sort of like Cod liver oil. Castor beans are poisonous – kills the bad germs also. You can put it on your toes to kill the fungus that gets in toe nails. My grandfather used a flavorless. Just the thought of the taste makes me cringe.
My mom was a castor oil fan. She would follow the thick nasty stuff with either canned peaches or canned tomatoes. If you think about it, castor oil has lots of vitamins and minerals that aid in health. It cleans you out pretty good so any bad germs get a good flushing. Sort of like Cod liver oil. Castor beans are poisonous – kills the bad germs also. You can put it on your toes to kill the fungus that gets in toe nails. My grandfather used a flavorless. Just the thought of the taste makes me cringe.