Folk medicines in Newfoundland have been traced from Europe, England, Ireland and Scotland. Here are some oldtime remedies that were practised here in Newfoundland!! Some of the elderly peoples still swear by these cures!!
STOPPING BLOOD
The application of cobwebs, or turpentine from a fir tree to the wound. Nose bleed could be stopped by certain persons whe recited a secret prayer.
CURING WARTS
Rub a piece of fresh meat to the wart, then bury the meat and as it decayed the warts disappeared. Counting the warts and making a chalk mark on the back of a wood stove as the marks burn off the warts went also.
TOOTHACHE
Vinegar left in the mouth gave relief. Pebbles from the grave of a pious person provided a faith cure. The magician charmed a way the toothache. Another way was to write some words on a scrap of paper and have the afflicted one carry the script on his person, but was forbidden to read it and the pain returned in punishment of such curiosity.
HICCOUGHS
Distract the attention of the sufferer momentarily.
PAIN IN THE SIDE
Put a pebble under the tongue.
HEADACHE
Walk backwards, around in a circle.
STOMACH TROUBLE
The ground juniper boiled was supposed to be a panacea for the stomach ills. Dogberry extract wa also favourably regarded. Alder buds were also boiled and the extract used to good effect.
SORE EYES
Snow that fell in May was bottled for a remedy. Many old people testify to the efficiency of this strange cure.
NIGHTMARES
Locally known as the "old hag". Calling the person's name backwards is said to stop the nightmare.
COUGH
The most effective home remedies were extract of wild cherry and spirits of turpentine. Kerosene oil mixed with molasses proved effective. Snake root was also steeped for a cough medicine.
