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.

Search term: *:* Topic: Indigestion & Nausea Drugs Clear All

Dr. John W. Bull's Celebrated Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the blood, stomach, liver, and bowel troublesCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the blood, stomach, liver, and bowel troubles
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
Maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1984.0782.031
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.031

Zilatone Formula

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stimulates the liver to produce an increased flow of bile; aids in the digestion of protein and fats; relieves constipationCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Stimulates the liver to produce an increased flow of bile; aids in the digestion of protein and fats; relieves constipation
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
After 1949
maker
Drew Pharmaceutical Company
ID Number
1985.0481.130
accession number
1985.0481
catalog number
1985.0481.130
accession number
1985.0481

Allan's Sa-Rilla Compound

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A bitter palatable stomachic compound prepared as an aid in stimulating the appetite.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: A bitter palatable stomachic compound prepared as an aid in stimulating the appetite.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Allan and Company
ID Number
1985.0475.339
catalog number
1985.0475.339
accession number
1985.0475

Dr. Bull's Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the blood, the stomach, the liver and the bowelsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For the blood, the stomach, the liver and the bowels
Location
Currently not on view
date made
after 1883
maker
A. C. Meyer and Company
ID Number
1984.0782.030
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.030

Parsons' Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Remove impurities from the blood, constipation and topor of the liver, indigestionCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Remove impurities from the blood, constipation and topor of the liver, indigestion
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1891
maker
Dr. I.S. Johnson and Company
ID Number
1984.0782.143
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.143

Dr. Miles' Little Pills

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1984.0782.123
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.123

Chloresim Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: antacidCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: antacid
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Rystan Company
ID Number
1985.0481.033
catalog number
1985.0481.033
accession number
1985.0481

Gingermints

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:For headache, seasickness, heartburn, flatulence, disordered stomach, sore throatCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer, or as found in contemporary medical literature, are:
For headache, seasickness, heartburn, flatulence, disordered stomach, sore throat
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1920
maker
Enterprise Pharmacy
ID Number
1984.0782.067
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.067

Allan's Caromint Antacid Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Aids relief from pain and discomfort caused by "sour" stomach and Heart Burn when due to excesssive acidity in the stomach.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Aids relief from pain and discomfort caused by "sour" stomach and Heart Burn when due to excesssive acidity in the stomach.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Allan and Company
ID Number
1985.0475.330
catalog number
1985.0475.330
accession number
1985.0475

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
1895-1910
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.085
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.085

Foley Family Pills for Constipation (Box of 12 Packages)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:For constipation, biliousness and headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
For constipation, biliousness and headache
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1930
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Foley and Company
ID Number
1984.0351.076
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.076

Ma-Le-Na Stomach Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are:
Tonic-laxative and blood purifier. Cures constipation, sick headache, dyspepsia, biliousness, etc.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1900
collection
Reid Drugstore
maker
Malena Company
ID Number
1984.0351.086
accession number
1984.0351
catalog number
1984.0351.086

Mayr's

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for "constipation with Gases in the Stomach and Intestines."Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: for "constipation with Gases in the Stomach and Intestines."
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
ID Number
1985.0460.067
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.067

Parsons' Purgative Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Impurities of blood, constipation, indigestion, dizziness, liver troubles, sick headacheCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Impurities of blood, constipation, indigestion, dizziness, liver troubles, sick headache
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1908-1918
maker
Dr. I.S. Johnson and Company
ID Number
1984.0782.145
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.145

Bisodol Powder (Antacid-Alkalizer)

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relieving upset stomach, acid-indigestion, "gas", heart-burn, fullness, nausea, sour stomach, and other forms of distress when caused by excess stomach acidity.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: relieving upset stomach, acid-indigestion, "gas", heart-burn, fullness, nausea, sour stomach, and other forms of distress when caused by excess stomach acidity.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1922
maker
Whitehall Laboratories
ID Number
1985.0475.377
catalog number
1985.0475.377
accession number
1985.0475

De Angelis Magnesium Citrate

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1960
maker
Chemical Industrial Company
ID Number
1984.0782.005
catalog number
1984.0782.005
accession number
1984.0782

R.I.P.A.N.S. Tabules

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dyspepsia, biliousness, constipation, heartburn, headache, indigestion, sour stomach or bad breath. Aids stomach and bowels. Laxative for those whose habits are sedentary.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dyspepsia, biliousness, constipation, heartburn, headache, indigestion, sour stomach or bad breath. Aids stomach and bowels. Laxative for those whose habits are sedentary.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1890 - 1930
ca 1900
ID Number
1984.0782.171
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.171

Garfield Digestive Tablets

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dyspepsia, indigestion, and stomach troubleCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Dyspepsia, indigestion, and stomach trouble
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
c. 1908-1918
1908-1918
maker
Garfield Tea Company
ID Number
1984.0782.064
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.064

Dr. Howard's Specific

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation and dyspepsia and the prevention of apoplexyCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: constipation and dyspepsia and the prevention of apoplexy
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Dr. Howard Company
ID Number
1984.0782.086
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.086

Black Diamond Liver Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Stomach, Liver, and BowelsCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: For Stomach, Liver, and Bowels
Location
Currently not on view
Associated Name
Sherman Pharmacy
distributor
Black Diamond Remedy Company
ID Number
1985.0460.012
accession number
1985.0460
catalog number
1985.0460.012

Mother Seigels' Operating Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Bilious diseases, headache, and costivenessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Bilious diseases, headache, and costiveness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1906-1908
date made
1906-1908
maker
A.J. White, Ltd.
ID Number
1984.0782.181
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.181

Vegetable Star Pills

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Two to four.Currently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Two to four.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
before 1906
manufacturer
Star Medicine Company
distributor
W. H. Garrett and Company
ID Number
1984.0782.204
catalog number
1984.0782.204
accession number
1984.0782

Red Cross Lax-Tabs

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Constipation, and biliousnessCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: Constipation, and biliousness
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
after 1894
maker
American Medical Preparations
ID Number
1984.0782.165
accession number
1984.0782
catalog number
1984.0782.165

Allan's Caromint Antacid Powder

The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to aid in relieving the discomfort of "sour" stomach, heartburn and flatulence due to excessive acidity in the stomachCurrently not on view
Description
The indications or uses for this product as provided by the manufacturer are: to aid in relieving the discomfort of "sour" stomach, heartburn and flatulence due to excessive acidity in the stomach
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Allan and Company
ID Number
1985.0475.329
catalog number
1985.0475.329
accession number
1985.0475

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