Laudanum, a tincture of opium, was initially created and
named (after the Latin word laudare, meaning to praise) by a 16th century
Swiss-German alchemist who discovered the elixir had to ability to reduce pain.
By the 1800’s the popularity of the medicine had spread worldwide. Considering
the ailments and diseases people faced, it’s easy to understand how laudanum
had become the miracle drug of its time.
Though it was mixed or created with several bases, anything from
honey to wine, laudanum was usually a reddish-brown color and hosted a bitter,
distinct taste. Its main two ingredients were opium and alcohol. Containing
morphine and codeine, the tincture was used to treat almost any aliment from pain
relief to diarrhea. (It is still prescribed for severe diarrhea and a derivate
of laudanum is given to babies going through withdrawals after being born to
addicted mothers.)
Mary Todd Lincoln was addicted to laudanum, as were several
other well-verified historical figures, which was not uncommon. Women were
often encouraged to use laudanum daily for menstrual cramps, to assist in
getting a full night’s sleep, and promote overall health and well-being.
Cheaper than a bottle of gin or wine because it was labeled
as medicine and not subject to being taxed as an alcoholic beverage, laudanum
was easily acquired and stocked as a staple in most general stores. Its
over-use caused some communities to ‘limit’ purchases to doctors or medical
professionals only, but for the most part there were no laws or even warnings
about using, distributing, or making laudanum.
The cure-all's downfall happened in the early twentieth century. In 1906 the US Pure Food and Drug Act required all tinctures
to be properly and accurately labeled with an ingredients list, This supposedly eliminated over 30% of laudanum producers and in 1914 the
Harrison Narcotics Act restricted the manufacture and distribution of opiates,
including laudanum.
Posted by Lauri Robinson
www.laurirobinson.blogspot.com