In the nineteenth century, many rural areas lacked physicians and hospitals. The scarcity of physicians and a general distrust of doctors, most of whom were poorly educated, prompted Warren Countians ..
In the nineteenth century, many rural areas lacked physicians and hospitals. The scarcity of physicians and a general distrust of doctors, most of whom were poorly educated, prompted Warren Countians to use lay practitioners and home remedies for their medical needs. People purchased patent medicines through mail-order catalogs and from local druggists. Alcohol was the main ingredient of the popular concoctions. Some used opium, cocaine, and other harmful substances. Tonics were generally ineffective. Extremely popular for much of the nineteenth century, patent medicines promised great health and vitality.Alcohol was often the chief ingredient, but tonics also included other substances such as sugar and vegetable dyes. Some contained opium, cocaine and other addictive and potentially lethal substances.The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 helped ban harmful substances from patent medicines.
