Heralded as a cure-all, this bottle of \u201cRed-Sea\u201d Balsam is fully intact, down to the yellow medicinal liquid inside. The bottle is embossed with \u201cRed Sea Balsam Taunton, MA\u201d, though the original paper label and box state that it was manufactured by \u201cRed-Sea\u201d Balsam Company of Fall River, Mass. The box has eye-catching fonts and an illustration of a ship traversing the red sea.<\/p>\n
Like some of the other medicinal remedies highlighted this month, \u201cRed-Sea\u201d Balsam allegedly could be used to treat a variety of ailments. If used externally, the product could sooth \u201csprains, bruises, minor burns, chapped hands, insect bites, [and] sunburn\u201d. However, it could also be used to ease coughs and hoarseness from colds if taken internally. Yet unlike the other medicines posted this month, this balsam has explicit directions regarding its use by adults and children, as well as warnings of allergies. Of course, that does not mean that \u201cRed-Sea\u201d Balsam was a particularly safe medicine, as its ingredients include \u201cOil of Turpentine\u201d and Camphor Oil; neither of which are safe to ingest in large quantities.<\/p>\n
While its ingredients and claims are questionable today, \u201cRed-Sea\u201d Balsam was a mainstay in many people\u2019s homes. Some may remember their relatives using it to cure various illness, while others remember taking it themselves. One volunteer at the FRHS has not-so-fond memories of her grandfather administering \u201cRed-Sea\u201d Balsam when she had a cold as a child. Even after all these years, she can still remember the taste.<\/p>\n
How was it, you may ask?<\/p>\n
\u201cIt tasted horrible.\u201d<\/p>\n
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