Important: Safety Warning
This page contains a formula or preparation using substances now known to be dangerously toxic, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, or cyanide compounds. Exposure to these substances can cause severe poisoning, permanent injury, or death.
In addition, this page presents medical treatment from an era before modern medicine. The remedies described are ineffective against the conditions named, and some of the ingredients or doses are harmful. Do not use them to treat any illness; consult a qualified medical professional.
This information has been left in for historical purposes but should not be acted upon.
Home › Liniments › Cough Plaster
Cough Plaster
Castile soap, 1 ounce; lead plaster, 2 drachms; sal-ammoniac, 1 drachm. Melt the soap and lead plaster together, and add the ammoniac when the mixture is nearly cold. This plaster must be applied to the chest immediately after it is spread, and must be renewed every 24 hours.
It is often of great service in whooping-cough and coughs of an asthmatic character. iron it smooth; or paper will do. Procure a small quantity of black mustard seed, and bruise it to a coarse powder, in a pestle and mortar or otherwise. Spread over the linen a thin solution of gum, and sprinkle the powder equally over it. Dry in a warm place. When wanted, plasters may be cut of any size or shape; and when applied should be momentarily dipped in tepid water, and tied over the