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

Dr. Sanford's Vegetable Anti-Bilious Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For liver complaint, bilious affections, headache, pain in the side and back, sick stomach, giddiness, dimness of sight, costiveness, dyspepsia, and kindred ailmentsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For liver complaint, bilious affections, headache, pain in the side and back, sick stomach, giddiness, dimness of sight, costiveness, dyspepsia, and kindred ailments
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Gilbert Brothers and Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.18
catalog number
M-10413.18
accession number
246707

Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: a stomachic tonic stimulating the appetite and the flow of gastric juicesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: a stomachic tonic stimulating the appetite and the flow of gastric juices
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Pierce's Proprietaries, Inc.
ID Number
MG.313462.031
catalog number
313462.031
accession number
313462

Crane's Laxative Mint Chewing Gum

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Relieves constipation, biliousness, sour stomach, bad breathCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Relieves constipation, biliousness, sour stomach, bad breath
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1925
maker
Crane Medicine Co.
ID Number
MG.293320.1391
catalog number
293320.1391
accession number
293320

Bisodol

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Upset stomach due to excess acidityCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Upset stomach due to excess acidity
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1950
maker
Whitehall Laboratories
ID Number
MG.293320.1184
accession number
293320
catalog number
293320.1184

Blackburn's Cascaroyal Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headache. Biliousness, Stomach Distress and Bowel Disorder RelievedCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Headache. Biliousness, Stomach Distress and Bowel Disorder Relieved
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Blackburn Products Company
ID Number
MG.313462.072
catalog number
313462.072
accession number
313462

Caroid and Soda

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For dyspepsia and indigestionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For dyspepsia and indigestion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
American Ferment Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1193
catalog number
293320.1193
accession number
293320

Laxakola

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the Prevention and Cure of Habitual Constipation and all conditions resulting from derangement and inactivity of the Stomach, Liver, Kidneys and Bowels.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the Prevention and Cure of Habitual Constipation and all conditions resulting from derangement and inactivity of the Stomach, Liver, Kidneys and Bowels. Promotes Digestion, Strengthens the Organs, Improves the Complexion, Relieves Biliousness, Foul Breath and Sallow Skin, by Removing the Cause.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1900
maker
Laxakola Company
ID Number
MG.254865.05
accession number
254865
catalog number
254865.05

Dr Hobbs Little Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: liver, stomach, bowels, dispelling headaches, fevers and colds, cleansing system thoroughly; cure habitual constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: liver, stomach, bowels, dispelling headaches, fevers and colds, cleansing system thoroughly; cure habitual constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1896
maker
Hobbs Remedy Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.43
catalog number
M-10413.43
accession number
246707

Serathol

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For indigestion, dyspepsia, gastritis, acidity and to correct sour breath; relieves gas, belching, bloating, dizziness, headaches and disorders arising from hyper-acidity of the stomachCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For indigestion, dyspepsia, gastritis, acidity and to correct sour breath; relieves gas, belching, bloating, dizziness, headaches and disorders arising from hyper-acidity of the stomach
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1920
maker
Arrow Chemical Company
ID Number
MG.M-10410.03
catalog number
M-10410
accession number
246707

Hollis' Jaundice Bitters

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:These bitters have been employed with uncommon advantage in jaundice, weakness of the stomach, and general debility.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
These bitters have been employed with uncommon advantage in jaundice, weakness of the stomach, and general debility. The effects are peculiarly invigorating on the stomach and bowels, and are beneficial in removing costiveness produced by weakness of the intestines; they strengthen the digestive organs, create an appetite and communicate vigor to the stomach, without producing head-ache, oppression, etc., which so many bitters usually bring on; they are gratefully aromatic, and mildly cathartic, and are particularly serviceable in removing urinal obstructions.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1862-1871
maker
Thomas Hollis
ID Number
MG.M-10757.001
catalog number
M-10757.001
accession number
256193

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-10719.24
catalog number
M-10719
accession number
254860

Dr Herrick's Sugar Coated Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
L.W. Warner & Co., Inc.
ID Number
MG.M-10239.04
catalog number
M-10239.04
accession number
241520

Dr. Burkhart's Vegetable Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In chronic cases of Constipation, Torpid Live, Stomach trouble, the patient should take two tablets the first night and one thereafterCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: In chronic cases of Constipation, Torpid Live, Stomach trouble, the patient should take two tablets the first night and one thereafter
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Burkhart, Dr. W. S.
ID Number
MG.313462.023
catalog number
313462.023
accession number
313462

Hite's Household Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:Used internally to allay irritations caused by coughs, due to the common colds, and for mild form of flatulent colic.
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
Used internally to allay irritations caused by coughs, due to the common colds, and for mild form of flatulent colic. Used externally for surface burns and cuts, simple bruises and non-poisonous insect bites and stings. Also for slight sprains and muscular aches and soreness due to fatigue and over-exertion.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1938
ca 1920
ca 1930
maker
S. P. Hite Company
ID Number
MG.M-10426.30
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Dr Sanford's Liver Invigorator

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves Bilousness; Torpid or inactive Liver; Constipation; Headache; Sallowness; assists digestion; useful in clearing complexion.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Relieves Bilousness; Torpid or inactive Liver; Constipation; Headache; Sallowness; assists digestion; useful in clearing complexion.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1915
date made
after 1917
maker
Sanford Sales Corporation
ID Number
MG.M-10426.70
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Mormon Elders' Damiana Wafers

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For strengthening the brain, nerves, and sexual organs. A cure for dyspepsia. A remedy for malaria.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For strengthening the brain, nerves, and sexual organs. A cure for dyspepsia. A remedy for malaria.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1882-1905
maker
F. B. Crouch
ID Number
MG.M-12151.22
catalog number
M-12151.22
accession number
271464

Gilbert's Bran-O-Lax Laxative Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For constipation, indigestion, stomach troubles, intestinal troubles, gassy and fullness of stomachCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For constipation, indigestion, stomach troubles, intestinal troubles, gassy and fullness of stomach
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1925
maker
Gilbert Bran-O-Lax Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.48
catalog number
M-10413
accession number
246707

Mansfield's Mississippi Cordial

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:An astringent used internally for the relief of the discomfort due to mild diarrheas caused by injudicious use of of foods, especially unripe fruits and vegetablesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
An astringent used internally for the relief of the discomfort due to mild diarrheas caused by injudicious use of of foods, especially unripe fruits and vegetables
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1938
maker
Van Vleet Laboratories
ID Number
MG.M-10426.31
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Dr. J. S. Johnson's Digestol

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:A digestant and tonic, treats functional disorders of the stomachCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
A digestant and tonic, treats functional disorders of the stomach
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1930
maker
J. S. Johnson Corporation
ID Number
MG.M-10426.08
catalog number
M-10426
accession number
246707

Laxa-Wafers Laxative Cathartic Liver Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:For constipation, sick headache, biliousness, indigestion, sour, gassy stomach, bad breath, sallow complexion, malaria, colds or grippe, bad blood or skin eruptions, or any other trouble where a reliable laxati
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided on its packaging:
For constipation, sick headache, biliousness, indigestion, sour, gassy stomach, bad breath, sallow complexion, malaria, colds or grippe, bad blood or skin eruptions, or any other trouble where a reliable laxative and liver remedy is required
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
American Croxone Company
ID Number
MG.M-10413.22
catalog number
M-10413.22
accession number
246707

Moses Dame's Wine of the Woods

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Remedy for dyspepsia, biliousness, costiveness, headache, worms, jaundice, liver complaint, debility, loss of energy, feebleness and all other diseases arising from derangement of the stomach, liver or b
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Remedy for dyspepsia, biliousness, costiveness, headache, worms, jaundice, liver complaint, debility, loss of energy, feebleness and all other diseases arising from derangement of the stomach, liver or blood
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
Moses Dame Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1322
catalog number
293320.1322
accession number
293320

Lactopeptine Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Lactopepline contains the principal substances employed by Nature in the digestions of all kinds of Food. Indicated in disorders due to imperfect digestionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Lactopepline contains the principal substances employed by Nature in the digestions of all kinds of Food. Indicated in disorders due to imperfect digestion
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1908-1918
maker
New York Pharmacal Association
ID Number
MG.313462.045
catalog number
313462.45
accession number
313462

Goff's Laxative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Indigestion, heartburn, coated tongue, loss of appetite, sour stomach, gas belching, flatulence, bad taste, headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Indigestion, heartburn, coated tongue, loss of appetite, sour stomach, gas belching, flatulence, bad taste, headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1900
maker
S. B. Goff and Sons Company
ID Number
MG.293320.1305
catalog number
293320.1305
accession number
293320

Zinsep Compound Stomach and Ulcer Remedy

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stomach and ulcer remedy; Gas eliminant; Gentle Laxative; Intestinal disorders; Relief of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, sour stomach, gas in stomach and intestinesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stomach and ulcer remedy; Gas eliminant; Gentle Laxative; Intestinal disorders; Relief of indigestion, nausea, vomiting, sour stomach, gas in stomach and intestines
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Union Pharmacal Company
ID Number
MG.274347.191
catalog number
274347.191
accession number
274347

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