Home Remedies from the Old South by Emily Thacker (1995) Ex Libris Used Books

Over many years I’ve collected practical living hints and home remedies from across the country. These originating in the Old South have always held a special appeal. Somehow, they seem to combine the spirit of making do with what is at hand, with gracious living. For me, the Old South has always invoked the magical spell of sprawling plantations and delicate Southern Belles. And so, putting together Home Remedies From The South has been a nostalgic trip back in time. In this collection I’ve attempted to combine the best of the helps and aids for the practical side of life, while retaining the essence of gentrified Southern living. Whenever possible, I’ve retained the language and unique phrasing of the many people who shared with me how their ancestors reacted to common problems of everyday life. Today, we would be unlikely to resort to these answers. Still, these oldtime folk remedies offer an interesting look at the way life was long ago. Most of the remedies I’ve selected for this book use common kitchen and household supplies. Some use herbs that are widely available through health food or specialty stores. You may notice that a few of the remedies use substances which were not indigenous to the very Old South. This is because they were gleaned from more modern Southern times. There is much wisdom embedded in the remedies of generations ago. Occasionally, I’ve noted how modern medical science has verified time tested cures by providing confirmation of what Great-Grandmother merely suspected. Other remedies are in disfavor today. Medical evidence seems to indicate they can’t possibly do what was claimed for them, or that they might even be dangerous, So, please consider the claims and promises made by those offering contributions to this collection in this light. Moderation and common sense have always been the key to successful living, both in old Southern times and today. For medical problems, you need a physician.