The writer discusses various ailments and home remedies that were used by people in the past. These remedies included some unique and interesting methods, such as rubbing a black cat’s tail on a nasty stye, or using fresh urine to ease the pain of chilblains. The author also reminisces on their own experiences with these ailments, including suffering from hot-aches during cold winter mornings and enduring chilblains.
In the past, people would often use humorous and colloquial language to describe their ailments, giving a lighthearted and quaint quality to their experiences. The writer refers to how residents of Norfolk would describe various afflictions using colorful and entertaining language, such as referring to those shivering as “all of dudder” or describing a troublesome cough as a “tizzick.” These descriptions added a sense of whimsy to their suffering.
The writer also references the diary of Parson James Woodforde, who lived in Weston Longville in the 18th century, and used unique remedies for his own ailments. These included using port wine for sore throats, applying a small moth to a shaving cut to stop the bleeding, and pushing his servant into a pond to cure a fever. His unconventional remedies provide an interesting insight into historical medical practices.
The writer concludes by reflecting on the current state of medical practices and the use of home remedies in today’s society. They question whether people still suffer from ailments like chilblains and hot-aches, and whether old-fashioned remedies like dipping chilblains in wine or using a dirty sock around the throat for a cold are still used. This thoughtful and entertaining piece provides a fascinating look at historical home remedies and medical practices.
