Back in the day, life on the farm had many hazards, and when first aid was needed, the medicine cabinet was where one went.
There was Mercurochrome for any cuts, and when infection took place, Porter’s Liniment or Balm of Gilead Salve was administered with a clean white strip of cotton cloth covering the cut.
The herbal cupboard had many bottles of herbs for cures.
House traveling doctors promoted the Joe Pye Weed to dissolve gall stones. Then there was Marjoram to relieve tension or headaches. Savory tended to bring relief for toothaches.
Garlic eased coughing and improved asthma. Chewing dill was said to freshen breath, and the green of the plant was prescribed for new mothers to increase the flow of breast milk.
Even though hops were traditionally associated with beer making, it too was considered a medicine. A tea from the hops was used commonly for relaxation and helpful with insomnia. The Butterfly Weed was considered to have a curative use for diarrhea and rheumatism. Its benefits came from the root of the plant.
Along with the hops, another herb used for insomnia and a relaxing agent was the lavender. Crushed leaves and flower heads were tucked in bed pillows or oil of lavender was applied directly to the specific locations on the head, arms, and feet.
Then there was turpentine. This was used to treat worms, especially tapeworms. Used as a topical to the body, turpentine gave relief to muscle and joint pain.
Access to doctors and hospitals was not feasible in those days, so folk resorted to these herbal remedies and nature to cure their ailments. It was the best they had.
Life’s little instructions include:
1. Dive into life.
2. Find warmth among friends.
3. Take long walks.
4. Go the extra mile.
5. Keep one’s cool.
Summery flowers along the countryside still remain beautiful. Potential signs of a fine day with intermittent showers have continued to be in store for the beholder.
This week’s quotes are as follows:
“When a man’s wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.” — Jan Karon
“They say all marriages are made in heaven, but so are thunder and lightning.” — Clint Eastwood
“We are all more capable than we think we are.” — Anne Murray
“If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.” — Katharine Hepburn
“Never revisit the past, that’s dangerous. You know, move on.” — Robert Redford
Enjoying the patio is the best place to be to hear the “Talk of the Grove.”
Steve Stump reports that his chickens have finally gotten over the molt so he’ll be getting eggs again. His garden produced abundantly this year, raising huge tomatoes.
Sorry to hear that Helen Nash has been experiencing some setback, health wise. She had spent several days at the hospital.
Good to hear that Eldon “Butch” Puffenbarger is recuperating at home.
Clickety-clacks for the chin waggers are as follows:
In 1152 BC, the first known labor strike took place in Egypt when artisans walked off their jobs because they had not been paid.
The city of Liverpool is home to the Beatles, one of the most famous bands in music history.
The Australian Alps get more snow than the Swiss Alps.
Lake Huron is the fifth largest lake in the world.
Ketchikan, Alaska, is the salmon capital of the world.
Birthdays for September include Brittany Lehmann, 16th; Sarah Hedrick, 17th; Bill Rexrode, 18th; Travis Beachler, 19th; Tyler Grogg, 20th; Neva Rexrode, Jason Smith and Beth Moyers, 21st; Tammy Ruddle, 22nd; Woody Hoover, 23rd; Lori Roberson, 24th; Robin Evick, 25th; Charles Anderson, 26th; Kim Kile and Emily and K.J. Simmons (twins), 27th; Ann Kiser, Debbie Sites, Justin Bowers and Trace Owens, 29th; and Chuck Frame, Vicky Riley and Morgan Hoover, 30th.
Concerns are for Roger and Joan Ashley, Mercedes Aumann, Dave Basagic, “Bo” Boggs, family and friends of Jeff Craig, Stanley Dahmer, Clinton Eye, Isaac Eye, Carl Gant, Sue Hall, Clyde Hamilton, Chip Harper, Armanda Heavner, Starr Hedrick, Keith Hoover, Mickey Huffman, Cynthia Hurry, Gary Jamison, Mike and Lisa Jamison, Tara Kelley, family and friends of Stanley Kile, Keith Kimble, Lori Ann Lambert, Melissa Lambert, Skip and Roger Mallow, Yvonne Marsh, Harold Michael, Dennis Mitchell, Dottie Mitchell, Helen Nash, Willa Nelson, Ronald Pitsenbarger, Alda Propst, family and friends of Sheldon Propst, Eldon Puffenbarger, family and friends of Everette Puffenbarger; Willard Rader, Jimmy Rexrode, Robbie Sites, Carolyn Smith, Kitty and Curtis Waggy, Jr., and Edwin Wimer.
