Hi All The mind boggles from certain cures for conditions from yesteryear. From a book The A-Z of traditional cures & remedies by Dulcie Lewis ISBN 1 85306 766 0:- Frog spawn An 18th centuary North Country remedy recommended washing in water containing frog spawn to reduce redness and for a clear, healthy skin. Cataplasm An old word for poultice, and in the early 1800's cataplasms of fresh cow dung were recommended for bruises. Cobweb used since Roman times to cover cuts, contains a substance not unlike penicillin and the proteins on the surface of the cobweb helps the blood to coagulate. A cobweb was always kept in a the cellar or emergencies. Spider The people of the Somerset Levels suffered greatly in the past from ague. An old folklore cure recommended carrying a large spider shut in a box and as it died your ague would lessen. Sunburn Wash the burned skin in sage tea. Teeth Were a nuisance and often those setting off for the British Colonies had their teeth extracted before leaving, beign one less thing to worry about. These are just a sample of what the book offers, but makes interesting reading. Cheers Sally