GRANNYS REMEDIES AND WISDOM

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2005-06-20

Grannys First Aid

NOTE:
Our grandmothers were enlightened
amateurs at best. Before actually using any
of their remedies, you should consult your doctor
Some of the ingredients may no longer be
available in today's marketplace. Please remember
that this site is for entertainment purposes ONLY, and
no decoctions, recipes or any other information should
ever take the place of your medical practitioner.

Poison Antidote

For alcohol, opium, prussic acid, strychnine and all poisoning:
Take a heaping teaspoonful each of common salt and ground mustard stirred quickly in a glass of warm water, and swallow immediately. This causes instant vomiting. When vomiting stops, swallow the whites of 2 eggs, then drink plenty of strong coffee.

Bleeding

To stop bleeding, use powdered rice sprinkled on lint and applied to the wound, or put a handful of flour over the cut. If there is a cobweb handy, bind it on the wound and bleeding will stop. An application of Hazeline will also stop it.

Bruises

Rest and bathe in cold water. If skin is unbroken, apply half a teaspoonful of arnica lotion to a tumbler of water. Wet soflt linen rags with this lotion, and apply and change as often as they dry. Alternatively, wring out a cloth in hot water and lay on the affected part. Renew frequently till pain ceases.

Bruises of the Finger

The fastest way of getting relief after the occurrence of the accident is to plunge the finger into water as hot as can be borne. By so doing, the nail is softened and allows the blood to pour out beneath it, thereby soon relieving the pain. The finger may then be wrapped in a bread and water poultice.

For bruises, sprains, contusions and other locat inflamations, diluted vinegar is also a popular and useful application.

Burns

Immediately apply pulverised charcoal and linseed oil. Common soda moistened with water applied quickly is effective. Freely use soft soap, then linseed oil, and sift wheaten flour over the burn. When this dries hard, repeat the oil and flour until a complete covering is opbained. Let this dry till it falls off and a new skin forms.

(Important: Ideas on the treatment of burns have changed radically since our Grannys days. You are now strongly advised that the only dressing you should apply is a dry clean piece of linen-and to get the doctor's advice immediately. You should not remove clothes unless it is impossible to reach a hospital or doctor).

Convulsions

Throw cold water on the face and sponge the head with it. Put the child into a hot bath of mustard and water (100 degrees F) Keep the child in the bath 15 minutes or until better. Rub thoroughly dry and wrap warmly. Your doctor should be summoned immediately and his advice taken.

Dog Bites

If there is a doubt about the dog, such the wound and plunge a lighted vesuvian into the wound. For ordinary dog-bites, spread a thick paste of carbonate of soda and water over the wound and bind. Lance the surface around the wound and let it bleed freely in tepid water, to which pink Condy has been added.

Mosquito Stings

Apply a mixture of 50 grams of powdered alum, 10 gram aromatic vinegar, 10 grams of glycerine immediately. It soothes itching and pain.