Pinkham, Lydia

No family should bo without LYDIA , PINKHAM S LIVER PILLS, They cure Cftnstipatioa, Biliousness, and Torpidity of the Uvcr. 5 cents per boa. 

Eventually it became clear that the syndrome was associated with the use of an extract of Jamaica ginger, normally sold for medicinal purposes. Remedies like this were popular at the time and some of them were well known, for example the Vegetable Compound of Lydia Pinkham ( Lily the Pink). The ginger was dissolved in up to 90 per cent alcohol to produce a syrup or tincture (for example, Tinctura Zingiberis was 90 per cent alcohol). A few drops in water would usually be taken, and the extract was sold in pharmacies in 2 oz bottles. Popularly known as Jake , the remedy had been in use since the nineteenth century for the treatment of minor ailments such as colds, period pains, headaches, and flatulence and to aid digestion. ... 

Despite its innocent and wholesome image, alcohol was a key ingredient in Lydia Pinkham s Vegetable Compound. 

Lydia Pinkham s Vegetable Compound, a brew of herbs and alcohol, claimed to treat menstrual cramps and cure other women s ills. 

Lash Lure 44 laxatives 29,33,87 Lydia Pinkham s Vegetable Compound 38, 39... 

Lydia Pinkham s Vegetable Compoimd was the most successful of all the patent medicines. Mrs. Pinkham became interested in home remedies after several of her family members died. She turned to spiritualism and to chemistry. Convinced that God had provided vegetables and herbs to cure disease, she blended these natural substances with a good measure of alcohol and provided satisfaction to a lot of women. They likely derived... 

TYLER V E and LYDIA W E (1995), Pinkham s vegetable compound an effective remedy , Pharm Hist, 37,24-28. 

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