DRAUGHTS FOR THE FEET

 The following is from a cookbook published by Miss Bliss in 1882 (full and lengthy title after remedy). For some reason the line "place it on a hot shovel for a moment" portion made me laugh, otherwise these "remedies" sound rather....wonderful, for want of a better word. However, please take note,  Passed Time and its contributors, takes no responsibility for the effectiveness of any remedy that makes its way onto Passed Time. I believe another common disclaimer is, "check with your doctor first," so, I guess that means, if you don't check with your doctor first, just don't blame us. Enjoy, and personally, I'm going to be trying the garlic one here in a few minutes...I'll keep you posted. HK 20 July 2015

     "Take a large leaf from the horse-radish plant, and cut out the hard fibres that run through the leaf; place it on a hot shovel for a moment to soften it, fold it, and fasten it closely in the hollow of the foot by a cloth bandage.

     Burdock-leaves, cabbage-leaves, and mullen-leaves, are used in the same manner, to alleviate pain and promote perspiration.

     Garlics are also made for draughts by pounding them, placing them on a hot tin plate for a moment to sweat them, and binding them closely to the hollow of the foot by a cloth bandage.

     Draughts of onions, for infants, are made by roasting onions in hot ashes, and, when they are quite soft, peeling off the outside, mashing them, and applying them on a cloth, as usual."  p 286

The Practical Cook Book; Containing Upwards of One thousand Receipts: Consisting of Directions for Selecting, Preparing and Cooking all Kinds of Meats, Fish, Poultry and Game, Soups, Breads, Vegetables, and Salads. Also for Making All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Breads, Pastries, Puddings, Cakes, Creams, Ices, Jellies, Preserves, Marmalades, Etc. Etc. Etc. Together with Various Miscellaneous Receipts,and Numerous Preparations for Invalids. By Mrs. Bliss. Philadelphia: E. Claxton and Company 920 Market Street, 1882.