You have a hangnail or a bad sunburn. You have an upset stomach, or you've suffered an insect bite that won't stop itching. You have a boil, warts, chapped lips, earache, indigestion or hemorrhoids. Your child has a high fever that won't break or a bad cough that won't go away. What are you going to do? Did you ever notice that Grandma always seemed to have a cure for what ailed you? Perhaps it was psychological, but most of the time, even when conventional wisdom suggested otherwise, those homespun solutions seemed to work. Gathered from historical documents, Indigenous teachings, and the best resource of all—the people with practical experience, author Vernon Oickle has collected the folklore of yesteryear and home health care remedies that were once common and reliable cures. Some entries may be familiar, some exotic, and some will have you saying, "What were they thinking?" Whatever your reaction, you can expect an enjoyable read rich in practical advice that will enlighten, educate and entertain.

Bestselling author Vernon Oickle has 17 books to his credit and is an international award winning journalist and editor with 33 years experience working in community newspapers on Nova Scotia’s South Shore. Among his many awards for writing and photography is the Golden Quill Award for best editorial writing from the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors. Winning the award in 2012, Vernon is only the third Canadian and the first Nova Scotian to win this honour since it was first presented in 1961. In addition to his newspaper career, he is the author of 21 books. Vernon and his wife Nancy have two sons, Kellen and Colby. He continues to reside in Liverpool where he was born and raised.

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