Historical Whooping Cough Remedy (Not for Modern Use)
A historical 19th-century remedy for whooping cough using potassium carbonate (salts of tartar) and cochineal. This recipe is presented for historical interest only and should NOT be used as medical treatment. Modern whooping cough requires professional medical care, vaccination, and antibiotics.
Ingredients
- 1 scruple (approximately 1.3 grams or 1/4 teaspoon) Potassium carbonate (salts of tartar) (Historical ingredient - do not use for medical purposes)
- 0.25 pint (approximately 1/2 cup or 120ml) Water (For dissolving the mixture)
- 10 grains (approximately 0.65 grams or 1/8 teaspoon) Cochineal (carmine red dye) (Natural red dye from insects, used historically as coloring)
- 1 tablespoon Sugar (To sweeten the mixture)
Instructions
- 1Measure 1 scruple (approximately 1/4 teaspoon) of potassium carbonate (salts of tartar) and dissolve it completely in 1/4 pint (1/2 cup or 120ml) of water, stirring until fully dissolved
- 2Add 10 grains (approximately 1/8 teaspoon) of cochineal powder to the dissolved mixture and stir well to incorporate the coloring agent
- 3Add approximately 1 tablespoon of sugar to the mixture and stir until completely dissolved to make the remedy palatable
- 4Historical dosage was: for infants, 1/4 tablespoon four times daily; for two-year-olds, 1/2 tablespoon four times daily; for children four years and older, 1 tablespoon four times daily. WARNING: This is historical information only. Do not administer this remedy. Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious bacterial infection requiring modern medical treatment including antibiotics and supportive care. Consult a physician immediately if whooping cough is suspected.
Nutrition Facts
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