You have a hangnail or a bad sunburn. You have an upset stomach, or you’ve suffered an insect bite that won’t stop itching. You have a boil, warts, chapped lips, earache, indigestion or hemorrhoids. Your child has a high fever that won’t break or a bad cough that won’t go away. What are you going to do?

Did you ever notice that Grandma always seemed to have a cure for what ailed you? Perhaps it was psychological, but most of the time, even when conventional wisdom suggested otherwise, those homespun solutions seemed to work.

Gathered from historical documents, Indigenous teachings, and the best resource of all — the people with practical experience, author Vernon Oickle has collected the folklore of yesteryear and home health care remedies that were once common and reliable cures.

Some entries may be familiar, some exotic, and some will have you saying, “What were they thinking?” Whatever your reaction, you can expect an enjoyable read rich in practical advice that will enlighten, educate and entertain