1800's Medical Cures... Some worked. And some fell far short.

As I have been researching the medical practices of the early 19th century, I have found myself in awe at some of the medications that were administered for various ailments. Due to the lack of knowledge at the time, doctors tended to treat the symptoms, rather than the disease. During the 19th century, hospitals were only located in large cities and most physicians catered to the upper classes of society, leaving apothecaries or midwives for the lower classes. Most of medicines that were prescribed were used to make the patient as comfortable as possible, while nature took its course and the patient could heal on his own. It is interesting to note that some treatments are still used today, such as baking soda to brush the teeth or ease indigestion. I have complied a list of common ailments and the recommend medical cure in the 1800s: In 1849, Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup was marketed for restless infants and small children, who were teething. Unfortunately, each bottle contained 65 mg of pure morphine… and so much more. Camphor was known to ease itchy skin. Mercury was a common elixir that was supposed to rejuvenate the body. (It also was a “cure” for syphilis.) Opium was known to stop diarrhea almost instantly Apple pectin was known to stop arthritis, as was honey. Bloodletting was used for, well, basically everything. By withdrawing blood  from a patient, it was believed that it helped cure illness and disease. Sadly, this “cure” went on for over 2,000 years and finally ended in the late 19th century. Castor oil was used for everything from a general health tonic to a chest compress for coughs and colds. Teas made from motherwort were often used to “calm the nerves.” (On a good note, this is a mild sedative and it works remarkably well.) Painful menstruation was often treated with a tea of red raspberry leaves. Women suffering from fainting spells were often given a large tablespoon of vinegar. Cures for colds and the flu were varied but drinking rabbit dung tea seemed to be effective. What cure is your favorite?