Alum - Victorian Health and Medicine

Alum - Victorian Medicine

Alum - Victorian Health and Medicine

From 'The Dictionary of Daily Wants' - 1858-1859

ALUM is a chemical salt, possessing astringent properties, and put to various uses as a domestic medicine; it is useful in diarrhoea, and when given in repeated small doses has an opposite tendency in cases of constipation. The proper administration for the latter is from 5 to 20 grains, every four, eight, or twelve hours, according to the nature of the complaint. As an astringent tonic it may be taken in the form of pills to the extent of ten grains three times a day.

ALUM CONFECTION.- This preparation acts as an astringent in cases of sore throat, relaxed uvula and ulceration of the mouth. Mix two scruples of alum with four scruples of treacle. Dose: half a drachm.

ALUM EYEWASH.- Dissolve half a drachm of alum in half a pint of water, and use two or three times a day.

ALUM LOTION.-Dissolve three drachms of alum in a pint of water. This may be applied to sores and wounds when the inflammation has subsided, and will hasten their healing.

ALUM OINTMENT.-Mix two drachms of alum powder, an ounce of turpentine, and two of hog's lard, and stir them over the fire till well mingled. This is sometimes used instead of the lotion, when the sores have become dry and hard.

ALUM WHEY.-Boil two drachms of alum in a pint of milk, until a curd appears. Then strain off the liquor, and add two ounces of spirit of nutmeg and an ounce of syrup of cloves. A teacupful three times a day will be found useful in discharges of blood, uterine fluxes, &c.

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