[98 Mothers’ remedies]

Mothers’ remedies.—­1.  Canker Sore Mouth, Raspberry Leaf for.—­“Infuse a handful of raspberry leaves in a half pint of boiling water for fifteen minutes; when cold strain and add two ounces tinc. of myrrh, rinse the mouth with a little of it two or three times a day, swallow a little each time until relieved.  This is also good for spongy gums, loose teeth, bad breath and for gently correcting and cleansing the stomach.”

2.  Canker Sore Mouth, Oak Bark Tea for.—­“Red Oak bark, a little salt and pepper.”  The bark should be boiled down to make a good strong tea, according to age of person.  The salt has an astringent effect upon the mouth and is also a good antiseptic.  The pepper should not be used when the parts are very red and inflamed.  It should be used only when they are rather sluggish.

3.  Canker Sore Mouth, Boracic acid for.—­“Rinse the mouth with a solution of boracic acid and put some of the dry powder on the canker,” This is a very good remedy as the boracic acid is a good antiseptic and is especially good for children and mild cases of canker sore mouth.

4.  Canker Sore Mouth, Canker Weed Tea for.—­“Apply canker weed found in the woods.  A small plant with dark green leaves spotted with white.”  Make a tea of the canker weed by steeping it, then strain and apply to the affected parts.  This is a very good remedy.

5.  Canker Sore Mouth, Honey and Borax for.—­“Honey and borax used as a mouth wash or swabbing is excellent.”  The honey is very soothing and the borax is a good antiseptic.

6.  Canker Sore Mouth, Wild Turnip for.—­“Dried wild turnip grated fine and put in mouth.  I know this is excellent.”

7.  Canker Sore Mouth, Alum for.—­“Take a piece of alum, rub on the canker often.”

8.  Canker Sore Mouth, Borax Water for.—­“Rinse the mouth well with a weak solution of borax water, then put a little dry borax on the canker.  They will generally heal after one or two applications.”

9.  Sore Mouth, Common and Effective Remedy for.—­“Make an infusion of sumach bobs (not the poison ones, of course).  Good for sore throat when used as a gargle and a little swallowed frequently.”  This is a very effective remedy and is also good for sore mouth.

10.  Sore Mouth, Shoemaker Root and Borax good for.—­“Take the inside bark of shoemaker root and steep it; strain, add a little borax; have known it to take off canker where doctors failed.”  If the above cannot be secured make a tea from common strawberry leaves.  You can use this for a baby by swabbing the mouth, and I have known some mothers to throw in a small piece of alum making it stronger for an older person.

[Digestive organs 99]

1.  Physicians’ treatment for Canker Sore Mouth.—­If from the diseases mentioned treat them.  In the meantime to relieve the local conditions keep the mouth clean and use as a mouth wash boric acid, one teaspoonful to a cup of warm water.