The charitable pharmacy
Contusions and bruises
J.F. Oberlin recommended:
-wrapping the bruised area with a cloth soaked in vinegar and twice the volume of lukewarm water and changing the dressing every two hours.
-using a poultice of parsley, chervil or crushed wild artichoke.
-never applying a greasy plaster.
-abstaining from spirits
-letting blood when there seemed to be bleeding into the head, chest, stomach or elsewhere.
-taking the following preparation: a handful of elderberry blossom, two ounces of honey and half an ounce of vinegar. Cook the mixture and then let stand. When the syrup is cold, add two quarts of boiling water. Before drinking, add a grain of saltpetre per quart.
