Medical care in the 19th
Century was still a growing science. While there were doctors in some areas,
many common ailments were treated at home. While there were many treatments
were listed in the back section of recipe books, most of the remedies were
passed from mother to daughter.
Most of the treatments used in
Ontario were originally used by the Aboriginal people of the area. The early settlers
learned from them how to use the local herbs. Their remedies were very effective
(except for the epidemic diseases brought by the Europeans) and the Shaman and “wise
women” were very willing to teach the new families their ways.
Arriving
in what was to become Ontario, Loyalists brought army surgeons
with them as well as civilian physicians. These men usually had great
difficulty making a living because the population was small, the fees low and
the prestige of the medical profession very shaky. They often held other jobs,
such as operating a farm or a store. In 1867, the Canadian Medical Association
was created and enabled even the doctors in rural areas to learn the latest
techniques. However. by the time of the Civil War,
the majority of physicians had learned their trade as apprentices to older
doctors and had extensive experience using traditional plant medicines. By 1869, and as a result of the American Civil War, knowledge
of medical care increased and doctors were taught about antibiotics and more
intensive surgeries. .
The Backus-House
Museum volunteers have established and maintained a small house garden. In our
garden is a selection of herbs, many of which Mary Jane Backus would have used to care for illness in the family.
Allium - both onions and garlic, were
important in the treatment of serious wounds, skin infections and insect bites.
Because of the antibacterial properties, these plant treatments were used in
World War I.
Bee Balm - was considered a treatment for
colic, upset stomach, to induce sweating, and the leaves were made into a poultice
and applied to the head for headaches.
Chamomile - the flowers of which were, and
still are, used for upset stomach and as a sleep aid. In Peter Rabbit, Peter’s
mother gave him chamomile tea.
Lavender - was best known as a flavoring agent
and we know it today as a relaxing fragrance to help children and adults sleep
better.
Peppermint - has been used as an appetite
stimulant, for upset stomach, vomiting and other digestive problems since the
time of the ancient Greeks.
Poppy - was one of the most important
pain relievers for many centuries. Opium and morphine were extracted from the
poppy resin and every doctor carried it in either powder or tincture form.
Poppy seeds were also cooked, ground, and mixed with sugar and cardamom seeds
to treat diarrhea, coughs, and asthma.
Thyme – is highly antiseptic and a good wound
herb, often applied as a decoction (strong tea) or tincture in alcohol. Uses
included: nervous disorders, flu, coughing, expectorant, blood purifier and
easing the pain of toothaches.
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| Poppies in the garden (June 2020) |
Please
keep in mind that these are just examples of treatments that have been used through
history. It is NOT intended to be suggested treatments. Any of these
should, and must be, used under advice of a 21st century health care
professional.
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