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Museum Collection: Dr. Kinsman's Asthmatic Powder

8/11/2014

 
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How to relieve asthma: light this medicinal powder on fire and breathe in the smoke.

If you’d rather, the same ingredients were in Dr. Kinsman’s asthmatic cigarettes!

Do not try this at home.


The asthmatic powder did not contain tobacco, but other crushed and dried herbs from the nightshade family of plants. Hemp and cannabis and similar herbs are also included in some brands. Such plants contain an alkaloid called Atropine that made breathing easier.

Heavy or extended breathing of the vapors would cause hallucinations or visions. When too much was inhaled the person died. Hence the nickname for the plant as the "deadly nightshade." Egyptians soon learned the best recipe involved drying the leaves, stems and roots, crushing what was left, and using the powder in a variety of ways. 
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The Egyptians also used the nightshade concoctions for beautification. Belladonna, "beautiful lady", was so called because drops were put in your eyes to dilate the pupils and look prettier. 

Here is an 1929 for the Dr. Kinsman's Powder to get rid of blemishes. The effects of the vapor may have increased blood flow in your skin and therefore temporarily achieved a healthy glow.



By Kayla Sutherland,

Associate, Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
&
Joel Willems,
Curator, Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear

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