Plasters, to make.—Bruise the leaves, root, or other part of the plant and place between two pieces of cloth, just as you would a mustard plaster, and apply to the surface you wish to cover.
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Poultices, to make.—Poultices are used to apply heat (moist heat), to soothe or to draw. Usually a soft substance is used, such as soap and sugar, bread and milk, mustard, etc. Some cause a counter-irritation, some draw the blood from a congested part and thus relieve pain. In the chapter on nursing many different poultices are given with methods of preparing them.
Powder, to make.—The part to be used is crushed, pounded, or ground until it is made very fine. It is best to have substance dry if to be prepared for powder.
Syrups, to make.—After preparing the substance for a tea boil for some time, then add considerable sugar and stir until all is nicely dissolved. To each pint of this syrup add one ounce of glycerin and seal up in bottles or cans as you would fruit.
Tincture, to make.—Take one ounce of the powdered herb and add 4 ounces of water and 12 ounces of alcohol, let stand for two weeks. A dram of glycerin may be added. After standing for two weeks pour off liquid and bottle for use. If it is necessary for you to use a tincture we would advise that you buy it at a drug store, as it is not often made properly at home. The above is a safe method for making a tincture and would not be especially strong. Should the herb used have a very weak medicinal power one to four ounces of the herb may be used for the above amount of water and alcohol.
ALDER, SPOTTED.—Snapping Hazelnut. Winterbloom. Witch Hazel. Hamamelis.
Internally used for.—Falling of the womb, sore mouth, falling of the bowel, piles, bleeding diarrhea.
Externally used for.—Sore eyes, ulcers, sores, enlarged veins, sprains, bruises and ivy poisoning.