Since the main reason for settling in Newfoundland was to be near the fishing grounds, people build their houses in little coves and inlets all along the rugged coastline. Many of these outports, as they came to be called, had fewer then thirty families, although some were much larger, there were also those that were smaller. Most of the residents of those little coves and harbours never saw a doctor in their entire lives, and for that reason depended on folk medicine handed down from one generation to another. Often the folk medicine was useful, while at other times it was little more than superstition. Although modern medicine was available when I was growing up, a few people still depended on these home remedies for common ailments. Albeit a book could be written on the subject, I append here a few of the better known remedies.
To cure a headache brown paper soaked in vinegar would be placed on the forehead. Another method was to walk backwards, preferably in a circle.
A cut would be treated with turpentine, a liquid taken from the bark of the evergreen tree. The turpentine would be applied directly to the cut and wrapped in a clean cloth, the bandaged had to be changed every day. The turpentine prevented infection and helped the cut to heal.
There were several methods for curing toothache, most of which seem to fall into the category of superstition. Touching the aching tooth with a pebble from a new grave and vinegar held in the mouth were two of such cures. Also there were always those who claimed to be able to charm the toothache, a common method was to write some words on a piece of paper, the sufferer was to carry the paper on his person and was not allowed to read the words or the toothache would return.
To stop a nosebleed, tie a green ribbon around the neck. Also some people were said to be able to stop blood by saying a secret prayer.
Warts were commons and many different remedies suggested from touching each wart with the eye of a potato then burying the peel, to secret prayers and chants.
Boils were treated with a poultice made from bread soaked in water, and molasses. This combination would draw the infection out of the boil.
A cough could be cured by drinking a mixture of kerosene oil and molasses.
May snow was bottled and used as a remedy to cure sore eyes.
The seventh son of a seventh son was thought to have magical powers and be able to cure most ailments by a simple touch.
