# Retro Remedies **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 20, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277 "2023-07-20T01:08:03Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/21 "2023-07-20T14:02:15Z")
I have iodine (actually iodine-povidone, aka Betadine) which I dilute in a lot of warm water to clean out dirty wounds on animals. Vapo-rub is still good as a liniment for sore muscles and for opening sinuses. Manuka honey is a prescribed remedy for leg wounds in horses – it helps prevent what’s called ‘proud flesh’ which is an excess of scar tissue, a very common aftermath in horse leg wounds, maybe because they don’t have any muscles below the knee, it’s just bone and ligaments and tendons. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/22 "2023-07-20T14:21:49Z")
Complicating the use of manuka honey in topical treatment of infections is the high cost, compared to other honeys [which may work just as well](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36010001/), a paucity of clinical trial data outside of petri dish studies, and a [surging market in counterfeit](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/features/the-manuka-honey-scandal-9577344.html) manuka honey. On the other hand, Novak Djokovic swears by the stuff, although the [TaoPatch](https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/novak-djokovic-credits-the-taopatch-for-his-success-what-does-the-science-say/) may have superseded it by now. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/23 "2023-07-20T14:57:35Z")
> [@Redcanoe](#): > > Is Bactine still around? My gf always keeps a thing of Bactine in her medicine cabinet. She periodically replaces it so she can be sure it is “still good”. It is an inside joke between us. Irrigation of a minor wound with water is just as effective (or more so) than Bactine IMHO, but my gf insists it’s good stuff. > [@alovem](#): > > And what the hell was witch hazel and what was it used for? It is an astringent. Back when I was shaving my head, I’d splash some on after shaving and rinsing. I still keep it around for dog skin issues. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/24 "2023-07-20T15:17:10Z")
> [@DPRK](#): > > I did recently get around to tossing some leftover Vapo Rub that expired in the 1980s… I still use it. Good at clearing your sinuses. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/25 "2023-07-20T15:36:47Z")
But not as effective as hot Chinese mustard. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/26 "2023-07-20T15:49:26Z")
The trouble with a lot of these retro remedies is…they didn’t work. or caused more harm than good. Anybody here take Geritol? ---
**Author:** ![a6ka97](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c2a13f/32.png) [@a6ka97](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a6ka97)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/27 "2023-07-20T16:03:48Z")
Watkin’s Petro-Carbo salve. My mom slathered it on any type of skin irritation, including burns which probably wasn’t the best idea. Bought a tin a few years ago. Use it occasionally for something like a rash/irritation. More likely to use something like Neosporin for an actual cut. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/28 "2023-07-20T16:19:02Z")
My mother-in-law’s mother’s black housekeeper (this would be circa 1920’s tidewater Virginia) used to use something she called Cream-a -Jeezits for her rheumatism. It became something of a family legend. No one now living has any idea what was in it. Cream of Jesus? ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/29 "2023-07-20T16:27:08Z")
It’s mentholated liniment: > **[Cramergesic Ointment](https://www.ithacasports.com/croifrsh.html)** > > Cramergesic ointment is a result of decades of product development and testing. Soothe pains with Cramer's warm therapy. Enjoy free shipping and shop today! I wonder if it’s more retro than Tiger Balm, which dates to the late 19th century. P.S. I have some “asbestos-free” talcum powder! ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/30 "2023-07-20T16:36:59Z")
Wow! A century old mystery, solved by the Dope in five minutes. I make a deep bow. ---
**Author:** ![RealityChuck](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/realitychuck/32/195_2.png) [@RealityChuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RealityChuck)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/31 "2023-07-20T18:40:04Z")
There also was Boroleum for sinus congestion. It’s still being made, but originally was made in my hometown. Technically. The factory was in Fisher’s Island, NY, an island off the Connecticut coast, but legally part of NY and Southold Town. You can’t get to it by car from the town hall without taking two ferries and landing in Connecticut between them. ---
**Author:** ![Kropotkin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kropotkin/32/18045_2.png) [@Kropotkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kropotkin)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/32 "2023-07-20T18:52:09Z")
> [@alovem](#): > > And what the hell was witch hazel and what was it used for? 🤨 > > Okay, I see [online](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch-hazel) that it is/was used for skin problems, And it’s a refreshing skin toner; also works to remove makeup and make your face feel fresh and clean! Just be sure to buy the one without alcohol. Oh, and hemorrhoids. It’s supposed to aid with hemorrhoids. Just be sure the witch hazel bottle is easily and clearly distinguishable from the isopropyl alcohol bottle. Just saying. ---
**Author:** ![Briny\_Deep](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/briny_deep/32/17188_2.png) [@Briny\_Deep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Briny_Deep)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/33 "2023-07-20T19:10:29Z")
Campho-Phenique! My grandmother was positively obsessed with the stuff. [![](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/bSUAAOSwakBivz0o/s-l500.png) ](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/bSUAAOSwakBivz0o/s-l500.png) ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/34 "2023-07-20T19:19:13Z")
Triple SSS tonic. ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/35 "2023-07-20T19:23:33Z")
No, I’m afraid my medicine cabinet is rather humdrum. Sure, I’ve got a vile of poop poultice to relieve my chronic impetigo and a jar of mouse paste antitussive to reduce occasional coughs, and of course, my trepaning drills to release the evil spirits from my skull causing my cluster headaches…but, doesn’t everybody? ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/36 "2023-07-20T19:46:27Z")
also Doans (for backache) and cod liver oil, which my cousin took. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/37 "2023-07-20T20:12:12Z")
BC powders? Those are for underachievers. You want Goody’s powders. They add acetaminophen to the aspirin and caffeine. (Your liver won’t thank you.) I’ve got two 50-packs in my medicine cabinet right now. Unfortunately, the newer sealed envelopes are a poor substitute for the little folded papers they used to use. The best way to take them is straight on your tongue. Let the powder dissolve slowly in your mouth. I swear that the active ingredients hit your brain in about 60 seconds. ---
**Author:** ![Jaycat.again](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jaycat.again/32/11525_2.png) [@Jaycat.again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaycat.again)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/38 "2023-07-20T20:19:04Z")
When I was a kid I would get a dose of [paregoric](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paregoric) for occasional diarrhea. Good to the last drop! ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/39 "2023-07-20T20:19:13Z")
[One Night Cough Syrup](https://twitter.com/DrLindseyFitz/status/1637054918635794435) recently had an (Internet) revival. That stuff surely could fix insomnia caused by a cough. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2023, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277/40 "2023-07-20T20:36:21Z")
[Fletcher’s Castoria](https://www.amazon.com/FLETCHERS-CASTORIA-CHILD-2-5OZ-31074200321/dp/B004LTXLF2) - it’s still around! Blech. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/retro-remedies/987277.md?page=3)