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Alum for Croup

A teaspoonful of powdered alum with sugar, given promptly to a child who cannot breathe.

From
Meals Medicinal
Published
1905
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Exactly as printed, 1905

Tannin in another form, or gallo-tannic acid, which is contained plentifully in what are known as Oak-apples (or galls), as well as in oak-tree bark, will serve to restrain bleedings if taken internally; and the bark when finely powdered, and inhaled pretty often, has proved very beneficial against consumption of the lungs in its early stages. Working tanners are well known to be particularly exempt from this disease, in all probability through their constantly inhaling the peculiar aroma given off from the tanpits; and a similar remedial effect may be produced by using constantly as a snuff some fresh oak bark, dried, and reduced to a sufficiently fine powder, whilst also inhaling day after day the steam given off from recent oak bark infused in boiling water. A strong decoction of oak bark is most useful for applying to reduce prolapse of the lower bowel, through a fundament. relaxed Gospel Oaks were formerly resting stations for short religious services when beating the parish bounds. "Dearest, bury me Under that holy Oke, or Gospel tree, Where, though thou see'st not, thou may'st think upon Me, when thou yearly goest procession." Herrick.

For a useful astringent drink, as advised by Dr. Yeo, add to a pint of boiling milk a quarter of an ounce of powdered alum, previously mixed with three or four tablespoonfuls of hot water; then strain. Again, for croup, combine a teaspoonful of powdered alum (sulphate of alumina and potash) with two teaspoonfuls of sugar, and give this promptly; when almost immediate relief will follow.

BACON (See also PORK).


Meals Medicinal, 1905. Public domain; transcription unaltered.

So what happens if I make it?

Alum is an aluminium salt, and a teaspoonful is a large dose to put into a small child. It works as an emetic, which is the actual mechanism here: the child vomits, and the vomiting was believed to clear the throat.

Croup is a viral swelling of the airway. It does not clear because a child has been made sick, and inducing vomiting in someone struggling to breathe risks them inhaling it.

Notes from the 21st century

  • Croup is usually managed at home now. Calm, upright, humidified air handles most cases; steroids handle the rest. Stridor at rest or blue lips is an emergency.
  • The sugar is a delivery system. Alum is harshly astringent and children will not take it otherwise. Two teaspoons of sugar make the dose swallowable.
  • Alum was in everything. Baking, pickling, mouthwash, medicine. Its ubiquity is why so many of these books reach for it first.

Also in this book

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