Important: Safety Warning
This page recommends preparations containing opium, laudanum, morphine, or similar narcotics — in some cases for children. These substances are dangerously addictive, easily fatal in overdose, and strictly controlled by law today.
In addition, this page describes preparations historically taken to end pregnancy or "bring on the menses." These substances do not work as claimed and are seriously toxic; their use has caused poisoning and death.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Medicine › Medicine (Take of galbanum myrrh)
Medicine (Take of galbanum myrrh)
Take of galbanum, myrrh, sagapenum, each 1 ounce; assafœtida, an ounce; syrup of saffron, as much as is sufficient. Beat them together.
These pills are excellent as anti-hysterics and emmenagogues: from five grains to half a scruple may be taken every night, or oftener.
Compound Spirit of Lavender.
Take of spirit of lavender, 3 pounds; spirit of rosemary, 1 pound; cinnamon, 1/2 an ounce nutmeg, the same; red sanders, 3 drachms. Digest for ten days and then strain off. This is often taken upon sugar, and is a salutary cordial, far preferable to drams, which are too often had recourse to by persons feeling a great sinking or depression of the spirits.
Infusion of Senna, with Tamarinds.
Add to the infusion of senna, before it is strained, an ounce of tamarinds; then strain.
Immoderate Flow of the Menses.
When the menses continue too long, or come on too frequently for the strength of the patient, they are said to be immoderate, and are generally oc casioned by weak vessels, thin blood, or a plethoric habit. This often happens in delicate women, who use enervating liquids too freely, especially tea. It also arises in consequence of abortion, and sometimes attends women who are obliged to work hard.
Where the hæmorrhage is excessive, opiates are of great use. Tincture of the chloride of iron may be given, 20 drops three times daily in water.
Astringent Fomentations.
Astringent fomentations may often be very properly prescribed. Cloths dipped in decoction of oak or Peruvian bark, with the addition of a small quantity of brandy, or red wine and vine- This forms a mild and useful purge, excellently gar, will answer the purpose extremely well. suited for delicate stomachs and inflammatory diseases. The taste of the senna is well covered by the aromatic sugar, and by the acidity of the tamarinds. An ounce is a convenient purge.
Mild Purgative.
Take of manna, 2 ounces; tamarinds, 1 ounce; rose-water, 1 ounce. Boil the rose-water and tamarinds together for a quarter of an hour, then add the manna. Three tablespoonfuls to be taken every three hours, until a motion is obtained.
Less is to be given to a child.
Fluor Albus, or Whites.
The fluor albus is a flux of thin matter, of a pellucid or white color; sometimes it is greenish or yellow, sharp and corroding, often foul and fœtid, especially if it be of any long standing.
Tedious labors, frequent miscarriages, immoderate flowings of the menses, profuse evacuations, poor diet, an inactive and sedentary life, are the causes which generally produce this disease.