LauraGB Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I remember my grandmother giving us a little (whiskey, in our family) with warm water and honey when we were sick. Not a lot, of course, but definitely some. She kept a pint in the medicine cabinet. My parents never did this, though, but I did spend a lot of time with my grandmother. I remember living in FL when I was 6yrs old, and the Romanian neighbor did something similar. I assume this would be similar to alcohol based cough medicine? Not that I'm planning to do it :tongue_smilie:, but I'm not feeling well, and a little wine actually sounds like a good idea to me right now and it made me think of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My parents called this (or some similar concoction) a "hot toddy". They never gave one to me or my siblings, but they were given them a few times as children themselves. I think the idea is that a little alcohol is relaxing and can help one get to sleep? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 My parents called this (or some similar concoction) a "hot toddy". Yes! That's what the Romanian lady called it. My grandmother simply called it 'medicine'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamturner Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My husband and I call it a "hot toddy" and make them for ourselves. So whiskey is always kept for medicinal purposes more than anything else at our house. I've used whiskey, honey, and lemon during a bout of whooping cough with the kids but the whiskey was only a splash with everything else on a spoon. And then only at bedtime for a few consecutive nights. My friend's dad, who is a doctor, recommended this for her dc when they also had whooping cough. I felt better using that than the prescribed cough syrup that had a narcotic in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 There was one very very bad illness I had as a teen. I had a cough so bad that I could hardly breathe or swallow. The teacher I was living with at the time (I was expelled from the dorm at the time - long story I won't go into now) dosed me with Vermouth just to make my throat a bit tolerable. My own parents would have been shocked if they had known - they are rabidly against alcohol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I wasn't given them as a child though. Mine is whisky, honey and lemon. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lolly Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My grandparents did not. My parents did not. I do. It works far better than otc meds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggieamy Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My parents called this (or some similar concoction) a "hot toddy". They never gave one to me or my siblings, but they were given them a few times as children themselves. I think the idea is that a little alcohol is relaxing and can help one get to sleep? I remember having these as a kid and I'm 28. I remember thinking that they tasted so good. Guess it didn't hurt me any because I'm a healthy, normal (except for the homeschooling bit :001_smile:), and well balanced adult. I only drink very rarely now so I guess it didn't make me an addict either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My husband was given hot toddies as a child. I remember my mother rubbing bourbon on my baby sister's gums when she was teething. Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I only drink very rarely now so I guess it didn't make me an addict either. :D Nope, didn't make my parents addicts either! I guess the reason that they didn't give them to us was just that there were so many OTC cough syrups available by then. I'm not sure. After reading here how many people like them though, I'll have to remember that the next time someone in this house gets sick! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 :D Nope, didn't make my parents addicts either! I guess the reason that they didn't give them to us was just that there were so many OTC cough syrups available by then. I'm not sure. After reading here how many people like them though, I'll have to remember that the next time someone in this house gets sick! I think it had a lot to do with society's view of alcohol and children. So many older stories I've read (Wuthering Heights comes immediately to mind) include children with bits of alcohol as almost nonchalante. I'm fairly certain that if I would have told anyone at school mom or dad gave me a shot of whiskey to help me sleep, someone would have been knocking on thier door shortly thereafter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeannie in NJ Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 my mom never bought any medicines when I was a child. My brother and I were either given a spoon of sugar covered in whiskey (gross) or a mustard plaster with onions pinned to our shirt at night (double gross). I have never been able to drink whiskey as to me, it means medicine lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted October 12, 2009 Author Share Posted October 12, 2009 my mom never bought any medicines when I was a child. My brother and I were either given a spoon of sugar covered in whiskey (gross) or a mustard plaster with onions pinned to our shirt at night (double gross). I have never been able to drink whiskey as to me, it means medicine lol. :lol: And I thought I had it rough with Vicks and a scratchy wool sock safety pinned around my neck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heather in Neverland Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My mom didn't but I remember when my oldest ds was teething and my grandma told me to put whiskey on his gums and I was like "Um, WHAT?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 My grandparents did not. My parents did not. I do. It works far better than otc meds. Ditto, unless you count things like Robitussin, which was alcohol based when I was a kid. I generally give my kids tinctures when they have something I feel I need to treat, and I give them sublingually (under the tongue) so the herbs are absorbed more directly. My husband was given hot toddies as a child. I remember my mother rubbing bourbon on my baby sister's gums when she was teething.Jennifer I've used the same on all of my children. The only thing I've found that works better (or lasts longer) is oil of clove, but they prefer the taste of apple brandy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I remember being given hot toddies or the pujeen (sp?) when I was a child by my great aunt:) It did me no harm and I fondly remember it as a comfort when I was sick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommy22alyns Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 but I'm not feeling well, and a little wine actually sounds like a good idea to me right now and it made me think of it. I find that a little alcohol makes me feel a bit better when I have a cold. I think of Mrs. Slocombe on Are You Being Served? :D My grandma offered me a little wine to help me sleep once or twice when I was high school age. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seeker Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 We have always preferred alternative and old fashion remedies, but it was not until last winter that my husband began making himself a hot toddies before bed to rest when he had a really bad cold. I have got to say that he rested well and got over it quickly. I have had one have helped me a time or two since. We have not given any to our daughter yet--she has not had such bad symptoms since then--but I think neither of us would be opposed to do so should she have really bad symptoms and unable to rest. On another note, my mother was born blue at home and the doctor walked away saying she would not live the night. They were a poor family and this was in 1940. My grandfather gave her drops of sherry to warm her and rubbed/massaged her until she was warm, pink, and responsive. Obviously, she lived. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
i.love.lucy Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 I used to get really, really bad bouts of croup as a kid and I have so many memories of sitting in the super hot bathroom with steam filling the room and a "hot toddy" made of hot water/apple juice, bourbon, and lemon. I still have a fondness for bourbon.:tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HRAAB Posted October 12, 2009 Share Posted October 12, 2009 No, I wasn't given any, but hot whiskey, honey and lemon sure feels good when one is ailing. Janet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Lea Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 ...to never, ever, EVER do that to my dc and I haven't:) Drives my dad nuts that I won't!LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greta Lea Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I *hated* them. Blech. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 No, but four years ago I had a flight attendant comp me a bottle of whiskey while I was holding my crying 1 year old "in case I needed a little something for her gums." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 My dad who was very against alcohol began drinking 'hot toddy's' when he was in the last stages of colon cancer. It seemed to make things a little more bearable for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KayT Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I had to laugh at the title because I am old enough to be one of the parents who did. Our pedi told me how to fix it. I thought my mother would die when she found out!!! It worked quite well for my 2 yr old if I remember right...that was back in late 78 or 79! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 don't know about the grandparents, but my parents did not. I'll never forgive them for it. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I used to get really, really bad bouts of croup as a kid and I have so many memories of sitting in the super hot bathroom with steam filling the room and a "hot toddy" made of hot water/apple juice, bourbon, and lemon. I still have a fondness for bourbon.:tongue_smilie: My grandfather made "hot toddies" for us when we were sick with a cold or chilled with a fever. I wouldn't have a problem making a hot toddy for any of my kids if they were sick. I've made them for myself because Robitussian makes me vomit! Blech! As an adult, I too love bourbon. :) K Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ereks mom Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I had a horrible cough, and she knew a man who made moonshine. So she sent my daddy to see the man and buy the moonshine, and then she gave it to me. I don't know what she mixed with it, though. I don't remember the incident at all, but the story has become part of our family's lore. I remember Granny giving me paregoric (camphorated tincture of opium) too, on more than one occasion when I was sick as a young child. At the time (1960s), paregoric could be bought over the counter. I remember that it tasted kind of like licorice, which I did not like. Several years later, when I was a young teen, I remember Granny giving me a big serving spoon full of whiskey mixed with sugar when I had menstrual cramps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sputterduck Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 No, but my nana used to give her children benadryl in the car to put them to sleep. :ohmy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catalinakel Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 yep. my grandparents did. Good Irish catholics. My dad always only just threatened us with a stiff shot of whiskey when we were sick. He was much too fond of the stuff to use it as medicine for children! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LauraGB Posted October 13, 2009 Author Share Posted October 13, 2009 yep. my grandparents did. Good Irish catholics. Oh my goodness, Yes! That's what mine were, too. I wonder if everyone else is who has posted is of near European decent - meaning, of the last 2 or 3 generations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5knights3maidens Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I used to put a little alcohol on my oldest children's teeth/gums when they were coming in. Actually, I got that from my mom so I guess she must have done that with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Yes, pretty often. If my dad was in charge, it was Mercurochrome if you were bleeding, hot toddies for everything else, lol! Hot toddies consisted of whisky, hot water, and sugar. Mercury and alcohol every time we were sick or injured, it's a miracle we survived :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeanestMomInMidwest Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 You betcha - it was called Nyquil! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyof4ks Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 We were given whisky with honey and lemon a couple of times for a sore throat, but I can't handle the 'wind being sucked out of me' feeling. It is similar to nyquil though (which I can't take either lol) unless they have reformulated that too so it does not work :glare:. Alcohol kills germs, so it seems like a decent solution to me, but I don't think dh would go for it. The way I see it it has to be better than some of the meds out there that only sort of work with lots of side effects, but he was raised very differently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corraleno Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 When my son was born, my MIL told me that she used to mix a shot of vodka with the formula in DH's baby bottle "so he would sleep through the night and [FIL] wouldn't have to get up and feed him." Like she was doing my FIL a favor! :blink: Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 When my son was born, my MIL told me that she used to mix a shot of vodka with the formula in DH's baby bottle "so he would sleep through the night and [FIL] wouldn't have to get up and feed him." Like she was doing my FIL a favor! :blink: Jackie :eek::crying::ohmy::svengo: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2a&z Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 If I was sick and couldn't stop coughing, my parents would give me a teaspoon of whiskey (usually Wild Turkey) with a marshmallow "chaser". Nasty stuff but it worked. With my dc I just use regular cough syrup, which they think is nasty stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HerdingCats Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I remember my mom having Paragoric by prescription and we would get a dose of that for almost anything. I am pretty sure our pediatrician prescribed this. I can still recall that it tasted like straight scotch! (Not that I knew that at the time!) It was also an added ingredient in a diarrhea medicine that we used to have to take from time to time. I remember asking a pharmacist where I could get some once after I had my own children, and was told it was a narcotic! Wow, was I surprised! This may explain a lot about my siblings and me :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Yes, pretty often. If my dad was in charge, it was Mercurochrome if you were bleeding, hot toddies for everything else, lol! Hot toddies consisted of whisky, hot water, and sugar. Mercury and alcohol every time we were sick or injured, it's a miracle we survived :tongue_smilie: That was us too, with the Mercurochrome. We didn't get too many hot toddies but there was this sweet table wine that we were given almost on a daily basis because it was supposed to give children a hearty appetite, it was even advertised on TV for this purpose too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshine Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I remember my Mom giving me a shot glass of red wine, a very sweet red wine I can't remember the name of at night before I went to bed. It is a wonder I am not a raging alcoholic as I got one for YEARS! I don't drink at all now but I was a Party girl in my teens and in college. Motherhood cured me and Christ gave me a reason, but miraculously I was not an alcoholic and just quit when I got saved. I am discussing trying dark ale with my LOTR fanatic son though. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunshine Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I remember my mom having Paragoric by prescription and we would get a dose of that for almost anything. I am pretty sure our pediatrician prescribed this. I can still recall that it tasted like straight scotch! (Not that I knew that at the time!) It was also an added ingredient in a diarrhea medicine that we used to have to take from time to time. I remember asking a pharmacist where I could get some once after I had my own children, and was told it was a narcotic! Wow, was I surprised! This may explain a lot about my siblings and me :lol: I forgot all about Paragoric!! My Mom said that a lady in her neighborhood used to come around to all the mothers on the street around 11am with a bottle of paragoric (which had morphine in I think) and offer to dose the Kiddies so they could have a Coffe Klutch! My Mom, thankfully refused!! Or I would have been a druggie and a drunk by age 12!! :lol::lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 my mother made us drink cooking sherry when we were sick. I cannot stand drinking alcohol to this day, it just reminds me of vomiting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
herbalgirl Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 My grandparents never did, but my mom did. I am 34. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Both my parents and grandparents did this and I am also one of the parents old enough to have done this as well. I have recently had this unofficially recommended to me by licensed medical personnel. Alcohol or narcotics are effective cough medicines because they act on the cough center of the brain and dull the cough reflex. They are more effective than over the counter cough medicines that do not contain alcohol. As a matter of fact, narcotic cough syrups are the strongest narcotic available by prescription (percentage wise) because they don't mix it with tylonol to prevent overdose. Even still there is nothing that is one hundred percent effective in preventing a cough. Hot toddies are also good for sore throats of other forms of mild pain. It is pretty imporatant to get the dosing right in a child and it is illegal in many states. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
babysparkler Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 I remember my mother rubbing bourbon on my baby sister's gums when she was teething.Jennifer My mom did that too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 No alcohol here and my parents were European. They did drink occasionally and my father used to have one beer every night after coming home but they didn't give us any. We had Robitussin for coughs and Mercurochrome for cuts. MY dh is always saying we need to get some Mercurochrome but we use polysporin instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 OH Man, I wish you'd have written this last night. My cold/cough has kept me awake coughing most of the past two night.....I could have used a hot toddy. My dad tells the story about how his gparents would give him a shot glass of something powerful from the liquor cabinet when his allergies were keeping him awake coughing and sneezing during the summer's at their house. :D He says it was the only time he slept welll during the summer. His folks were against it. But back then gparents ruled. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 Didn't read the other posts, and I don't know if this counts as medicating or not, but, my bio-father would give my 2 little brothers and me rum and coke to knock us out at night so he could drink himself on the weekends he had us. Sad, but, true and it did work. I think I was 5 so that would make my brothers 3 and 1. When I think about that, it makes me sick. My grandma would rub a little whiskey on our gums when we were teething--not a lot just a little rub to the area the tooth was coming in on. From what I hear, that worked great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mabelen Posted October 13, 2009 Share Posted October 13, 2009 my mother made us drink cooking sherry when we were sick. I cannot stand drinking alcohol to this day, it just reminds me of vomiting. Haha! I had the same reaction but not to alcohol, to camomile tea. My father would insist us on taking this everytime we had a stomack problem. I drink plenty of other kinds of tea, but to this day, camomile tea equals sickness and I avoid it at all costs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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