Another Use For Apple Cider Vinegar

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.

Jack fell down, and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after.

But up Jack got, and home did trot,

as fast as he could caper.

When he got there, he plastered his head

with vinegar and brown paper.

Have any of you ever heard this version of the old nursery rhyme, "Jack and Jill"? I suppose it is the basis for a remedy that my mother used for muscle sprains. I have continued to use this remedy with my family.

I know, I know, go ahead and laugh out loud. I hear it now, echoing though cyber space right to the screen of my computer, but it works wonders for us, so why wouldn't I use it?

Here's how you do it: Tear or cut brown paper sack into pieces about the size of your hand. Soak the pieces in apple cider vinegar. After they are dripping wet, layer them around the sore muscle. Then cover the wet paper with a generous layer of table salt. Add another layer of paper, and cover it with salt again. Keep layering until all of the paper is used up. (now I use an ACE bandage soaked in vinegar) The layers will end up looking somewhat like a brown paper cast. Keep the paper, salt and vinegar compact over the sprain. In our household, the smell of vinegar isn't well tolerated, so I usually cover the "cast" with plastic wrap and a sock, AND I usually do this at night, so the "injured person" can rest while the remedy works its charm!

Helpful hint: It usually takes one day of pain after the injury for the injured individual to be willing to submit to this kind of treatment. ;>) However we've had great results treating sprained muscles this way. After a couple of all night treatments, we were on our way again as if nothing ever happened! The pain is gone!

One of our sons has sprained his ankle 3 times since New Year's Day. They are only allowed to miss 5 school days in any class. This doesn't allow for much of anything to happen such as flu, which he had, and of course the 3 sprains, etc. Please pray for him today as he hobbles through the crowded high school hallways, having been sufficiently "pickled" through the night. I will coat him with Aspercream, give him Advil, and send him along. My mother heart will be hobbling right there along with him. Hhmm, I wonder if a call to the school nurse would help? Probably not him, but maybe ME!

Disclaimer: This old remedy is not in any way meant to take the place of medical treatment. It is exactly that...an old remedy. Medical treatment is ALWAYS appropriate. For anyone out there who may see absolutely no value in this what so ever, please leave me in my happy ignorant bliss! It works for us, and so we use it...

Just curious though, what remedies have been passed down through your family that work for you? Have you ever heard of this?

Have a happy hobbling day, dear sweet friends!

Love, Rachel