Balm of America: Patent Medicine Collection

Balm of America Banner image, a collection of medicine

About the Collection
The Smithsonian Institution began to collect objects related to health and medicine in 1881. It first obtained examples of patent medicines in 1930, acquiring packages of Haarlem Oil (or Dutch Drops), Dr. John Hooper’s Female Pills, and Roche’s Herbal Embrocation. Since then the Smithsonian’s collection of patent medicines has expanded to over 4,000 products, dating from the 19th century to the present day.

About this Object Group
This group of objects features examples from this collection, found in the Division of Medicine and Science at the National Museum of American History. Each entry includes a photo of the object, the product’s name, maker’s name, place of manufacture, and a date range. Ingredients and therapeutic claims are included when indicated on the product packaging.

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Browse the collection by therapeutic category. You can also use the keyword search (at right) which searches all fields of information.

More Information
Learn more about patent medicine history and how this history is revealed in examples from our collection. Questions or comments? Contact us.

Topic: Indigestion & Nausea Drugs

Simmons Liver Regulator or Medicine

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For disorders of the liver; sick headache arising from bilious condition; constipation of the bowels; sour stomach; biliousnessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For disorders of the liver; sick headache arising from bilious condition; constipation of the bowels; sour stomach; biliousness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
J. H. Zeilin and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10410.01
catalog number
M-10410.01
accession number
246707

Renne's Magic Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Colic, cholera morbus, cramps and pain in the stomach, cholera, coughs, colds, croup, sore throat, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever and ague, kidney difficulty, pleurisy, acid stomach, indigestion, headache, s
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Colic, cholera morbus, cramps and pain in the stomach, cholera, coughs, colds, croup, sore throat, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever and ague, kidney difficulty, pleurisy, acid stomach, indigestion, headache, sea sickness, rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, lameness, sciatica, toothache, earache, catarrh, frost bites
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1880
maker
William Renne and Sons
ID Number
MG.293320.1353
catalog number
293320.1353
accession number
293320

Goff's Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Indigestion caused by inactivity of the stomach, constipation, heartburn, coated tongue, loss of appetite, inactive bowels, sour stomach, gas belching, flatulence, bad tasteCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Indigestion caused by inactivity of the stomach, constipation, heartburn, coated tongue, loss of appetite, inactive bowels, sour stomach, gas belching, flatulence, bad taste
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1906
maker
S. B. Goff & Sons Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.37
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Kodol Tablets for the Stomach

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: should be dissolved in the mouth or chewed very slowlyCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: should be dissolved in the mouth or chewed very slowly
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
E. C. DeWitt and Company
ID Number
MG.M-09907.01
catalog number
M-09907
accession number
238503

Stuart's Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Excellent acid neutralizer, indicated for the prompt relief of stomach distress, belching, bloating, sense of fullness, sour stomach, heartburn and gassiness when due to excess acid in the stomach after
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Excellent acid neutralizer, indicated for the prompt relief of stomach distress, belching, bloating, sense of fullness, sour stomach, heartburn and gassiness when due to excess acid in the stomach after eating or drinking
Location
Currently not on view
maker
F.A. Stuart Company
ID Number
MG.313462.020
catalog number
313462.020
accession number
313462

Thedford's Velvo or Laxative Liver Syrup

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Remedy for constipation, biliousness, sick headache, indigestion and all disorders of liver, stomach and bowelsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Remedy for constipation, biliousness, sick headache, indigestion and all disorders of liver, stomach and bowels
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Chattanooga Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1289
catalog number
293320.1289
accession number
293320

Nature's Remedy NR Jrs

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Acts on stomach, kidneys, liver and bowelsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Acts on stomach, kidneys, liver and bowels
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
Associated Name
A. H. Lewis Medicine Co.
maker
A. H. Lewis Medicine Co.
ID Number
MG.293320.1257
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1257

Dr Johnson's Catarrh and Headache Cure

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1890
maker
J.G. Johnson
ID Number
MG.M-10719.23
catalog number
M-10719
accession number
254860

Freligh's Tonic

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For general debility, nervous prostation and exhaustion, neurasthenia, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, nervous insomnia, convalescence, and for sick and nervous headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For general debility, nervous prostation and exhaustion, neurasthenia, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, nervous insomnia, convalescence, and for sick and nervous headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
ca 1920
maker
I. O. Woodruff and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.59
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Bromo-Seltzer

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1889
maker
Emerson Drug Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1072
catalog number
293320.1072
accession number
293320

Chlorax Chlorine Solution

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:An internal antiseptic indicated in the treatment of renal, hepatic, gastro-intestinal diseases, diabetes, diphtheria, scarlatina, malaria, etc.Directions: Teaspoonful in one third glass of distilled or
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
An internal antiseptic indicated in the treatment of renal, hepatic, gastro-intestinal diseases, diabetes, diphtheria, scarlatina, malaria, etc.
Directions: Teaspoonful in one third glass of distilled or soft water, after meals and at bedtime. Follow with drink of cool water. SPRAY for nose or throat--One part Chlorax to three of water.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c 1930
date made
ca 1930
maker
Chlorine Products Co.
ID Number
MG.314016.031
catalog number
314016.031
accession number
314016

Graefenberg's Vegetable Pills

[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]Currently not on view
Description
[No indications or uses for this product are provided on its packaging.]
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1862-1871
maker
Graefenberg Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.07
catalog number
M-10413.07
accession number
246707

Bewino

tonic; stomach appetizer and stimulantCurrently not on view
Description
tonic; stomach appetizer and stimulant
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1931
maker
Erbru Roots and Herbs Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.274347.163
catalog number
274347.163
accession number
274347

Marshmallow Health Pearls

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For biliousness, sick headache, constipation, and all liver, stomach and bowel troublesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For biliousness, sick headache, constipation, and all liver, stomach and bowel troubles
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1898-1906
maker
Diamond Laboratory
ID Number
MG.M-12151.09A
accession number
271464
catalog number
M-12151.09A

Dr Clark's Chaulmoogra

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the cure of rheumatism, syphilis, pleurisy, neuralgia, lame back, dyspepsia, indigestion, acidity of the stomach, flatunlency, torpid liver, jaundice, habitual constipation, catarrh, hay fever, weak
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the cure of rheumatism, syphilis, pleurisy, neuralgia, lame back, dyspepsia, indigestion, acidity of the stomach, flatunlency, torpid liver, jaundice, habitual constipation, catarrh, hay fever, weakness of the kidneys, pimples, blotches, and eruptions, any diseases arising from impurities of the blood or a disordered liver, stomach or kidneys
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.274347.238
catalog number
274347.238
accession number
274347
catalog number
M-12140

NR Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Works on the stomach, liver, kidneys and bowels. Cures constipation.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Works on the stomach, liver, kidneys and bowels. Cures constipation.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
Associated Name
A. H. Lewis Medicine Co.
maker
A. H. Lewis Medicine Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1261
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1261

Newton's Jaundice Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Are good in all bilious affectations, jaundice, dyspepsia, fever and ague, hypochondria, hysterics, flatulence, costitiveness, diarrhea, indigestion, asthma, worms, catarrh, sick headache, and the liver
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Are good in all bilious affectations, jaundice, dyspepsia, fever and ague, hypochondria, hysterics, flatulence, costitiveness, diarrhea, indigestion, asthma, worms, catarrh, sick headache, and the liver complaint
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1875-1883
maker
Newton, Israel
ID Number
MG.293320.1269
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1269

Renne's Magic Oil

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Colic, cholera morbus, cramps and pain in the stomach, cholera, coughs, colds, croup, sore throat, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever and ague, kidney difficulty, pleurisy, acid stomach, indigestion, headache, s
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Colic, cholera morbus, cramps and pain in the stomach, cholera, coughs, colds, croup, sore throat, dyspepsia, diarrhea, fever and ague, kidney difficulty, pleurisy, acid stomach, indigestion, headache, sea sickness, rheumatism, neuralgia, sprains, lameness, sciatica, toothache, earache, catarrh, frost bites
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
before 1877
maker
William Renne
ID Number
MG.293320.1352
catalog number
293320.1352
accession number
293320

Booth's Mi-O-Na

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For dyspepsia, indigestion, etc. arising from acidityCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For dyspepsia, indigestion, etc. arising from acidity
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1910
maker
Booth's Hyomei Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.24
catalog number
M-10413.24
accession number
246707

Dr Johnson's Catarrh and Headache Cure

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1890
maker
J.G. Johnson
ID Number
MG.M-10719.28
catalog number
M-10719
accession number
254860

Dr. John Bull's Celebrated Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A laxative, purgative, tonic, alterative; stimulates liver and bowel functions; tones up the stomach, enriches the blood.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A laxative, purgative, tonic, alterative; stimulates liver and bowel functions; tones up the stomach, enriches the blood. For constipation, biliousness, sick headache, disordered sour stomach, torpid liver, loss of appetite, coated tongue, bad breath, dizziness, sallow skin, impure blood, poor blood, periodical complaints of females, and other functional stomach, liver, bowel disorders.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1906
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.21
catalog number
M-10413.02
accession number
246707

Pepsine Boudault (Vin De Boudault)

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
MG.293320.1326
catalog number
293320.1326
accession number
293320

Kickapoo Indian Sagwa Renovator

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Cures dyspepsia, sick headache, loss of appetite, heartburn, depression, neuralgia, female disorders, liver complaint, constipation, indigestion, rheumatism, impure blood, jaundice, bilious attacks, feve
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Cures dyspepsia, sick headache, loss of appetite, heartburn, depression, neuralgia, female disorders, liver complaint, constipation, indigestion, rheumatism, impure blood, jaundice, bilious attacks, fever and ague, and all diseases of the stomach, liver, kidneys and the blood
date made
1881-1906
Date made
after 1881
maker
Healy & Bigelow
ID Number
MG.293320.1221
catalog number
293320.1221
accession number
293320

Hollis' Fluid Extract Cardamon & Ginger

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A grateful stimulant and tonic; used freely in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, pain in the stomach, faintness, diarrhea, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A grateful stimulant and tonic; used freely in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, pain in the stomach, faintness, diarrhea, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1890
maker
Thomas Hollis
ID Number
MG.M-10766 [dup17]
catalog number
M-10766
accession number
256193

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