About two weeks ago I was at my neighbor’s rummage sale. As I weaved in and out of the crowd, I could spy a stack of books at the back of the garage. Trying to contain my excitement and play it cool (just in case there were other cookbook seekers) I moved as quickly as possible to the pile. SCORE! Add this pile of SIXTEEN cookbooks to the rummage sale cookbooks I couldn’t resist.
Top of the heap was circa 1982 “Remedies, Recipes and Hints” by the Pipestone County Senior Citizens. Towns participating in this fun cookbook were: Edgerton, Jasper, Holland, Pipestone, Ruthton, and Woodstock. Its cover is a lovely yellow with someone’s drawing of a “Maitre D'”. I believe this person contributed to the rest of the book’s artwork and that makes it special. All credit is given to the contributors.
Let’s begin with some great home remedies of yesteryear. The more I read about home remedies, the more I understand folks had to use what was available to them. In addition, going to the doctor was expensive and not close by. Some of the remedies seem very harsh, but wisdom and trial have produced some effective measures which may not be seen as “acceptable” in our time. Enjoy this trip through home remedies, and my occasional commentary.
-Disclaimer- I don’t recommend using these remedies. But you’re gonna do, what you’re gonna do. Carry on!
Colds/Chest Rub
- Coal oil, turpentine, lard, mix and rub on chest for a cold.- I guess the lard was redemption in this recipe.-M
- Warm camphorated oil and rub chest and put on flannel clothing.
- In a small jar, put equal parts of turpentine and lard melted together. If one shows a sign or hoarseness, give the neck and chest a vigorous rubbing with this homemade liniment.
- Boil onions with milk together, drink the hot milk.
- 1 cup water, juice of 1/2 lemon or teaspoon frozen lemonade and 1 teaspoon honey or sugar.
- For flu and bad chest colds, congestion: Fry onion peelings and all. Put in cloth bag. Apply to chest and back. Relief very evident in several hours.- Probably the relief came for everyone in the house when you finally left!-M
- Place 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and a little cream in a cup. Fill cup with hot water, drink and cover up in bed to keep body warm.
- 1 tablespoon flour, mix 2 tablespoons dry mustard and 1 egg white to form a past. Add water to soften if dry and spread between two layers of cloth (muslin or white flannel)and place on chest for 30 minutes or more. But DO NOT LEAVE ON TILL SKIN TURNS RED.- Seriously, mustard is very powerful, you’d turn red quickly, followed by blistering. Be really careful.-M
Cough Syrups/Sore Throats
- Mix three parts honey and two parts lemon juice. Put in a pan and slowly bring to a boil, stirring often. When cool, take a spoonful in the mouth and let it slowly trickle down your throat. Just a teaspoonful of pure honey, slowly melting in your mouth will help a sore throat.
- For coughs that won’t let up, try a cold wet cloth applied to the throat usually gives relief especially at night. Also, a spoonful of melted butter sometimes helps.- Take that Mary Poppins!-M
- Do for colds. Make onion syrup. Slice onions in a small amount of water, simmer, and cool.
- Boil 1-pint water, juices from 2 lemons, add four tablespoons honey. Drink as hot as you can.
- Fry onion in lard, warp in cloth, wool is best. Pin around the neck while warm.
- Two tablespoons of honey mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar and stir well.
- Take equal parts of lemon juice, honey, and water and dissolve it and drink it warm. Helps relieve cough and sore throat.
- Two tablespoons medicinal glycerin. Cook one lemon for 10 minutes in a little bit of water. Squeeze pulp and juice into an 8-ounce measure. Add glycerin, fill the remainder of the measure with honey. (VERY GOOD).
Hiccoughs- hiccups
- Suck on a slice of lemon.
Tranquilizing Nightcap
- Mix one-ounce dry mint leaves (natures digestive), 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves (natures tranquilizer), and 1 teaspoon sage leaves (natures sleep producer). Mix and keep in a tightly closed jar. Use 1 heaping teaspoon to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep one minute. Strain. Sweeten with honey and sip. The amazing tranquilizing effect, with no side effects.- You brandy people were probably pretty disappointed with this one.-M
Friends! I am going to have to stop here, but we will continue next week with part two of some great home remedies. Till next time. Here is to good food, good friends and some interesting home remedies.
Michele Bruxvoort is sure to draw you in with her delightful sense of humor and love for living life. She enjoys reading, repurposing, as well as remodeling the family home with her husband. Drawing from her life experience as wife, mom, and follower of Jesus, Michele brings you a very honest and real perspective on life. When you don’t find her writing, you can find her mowing lawns, stocking shelves, taking care of her grandbaby and tackling her latest life adventure.
Wisconsin native and empty-nester, she now makes her home with her husband of 27 years in the South West Prairie plains of Minnesota.
What a fun & educational find!
Hi Barb! It was super fun! Thanks for dropping in!
Michele