Even to this day, I am still not convinced about that ‘good for us’ part. As, I don’t ever recall anything good happening; following that statement. That she kept repeating that ‘what didn’t kill me, would cure me, further convinced me that she was trying to do away with me, under the guise of prevention.

There was Cod Liver Oil, which the cats seemed to like. So I gave them mine: it was for their own good. Next came Castor Oil that I was once given, simply for complaining about my sister getting on my nerves. First, Mother informed me that I too young to have nerves.  After all, all I had to do was go to school. I didn’t have to worry about making ends meet, or wonder where my next ‘meat and bread’ would come from. Or worry about keeping a roof over all of our heads, like she did. Still she gave me a dose for good measure. I never had ‘nerves’ again.

Then there was Father John’s Medicine. According to a source that claims to be the true story; a priest, Father John O'Brien one day took extremely ill, yet somehow made his way to a pharmacy to get something for relief.  Once there he was given a tonic that was composed of cod liver oil, flavored with the hint of licorice, if you can imagine that combination. 

Unlike many medicines of its time, Father Jones Medicine contained no alcohol. If you ask me, alcohol would have been an improvement. Supposedly, it worked so well for the priest, that he began recommending it to everyone. Lastly, there was Black Draught (a laxative). With a name like that, how could it be anything, but poison?

A ‘good cleaning out’ was my mother’s answer for everything. Now I don’t know this for sure, as it was never discussed among my peers, or even in polite conversation, but I suspect my sister and I had the cleanest colon in the neighborhood. 

As I have matured, I have finally learned to appreciate what my mother somehow knew. That what does not kill you; does indeed, make you stronger. While many of life’s lessons are painful, those are the ones we do remember. Much continues to be discovered about the benefits of holistic medicines and remedies. Gargling with hot, salty water does soothe my throat quicker than any other medicines that I have tried. And yes, Sassafras Tea does taste better than it sounds. However, if all else fails, well—there’s always Castor Oil.