Uses of Iodine in Beauty Treatments of Olden Tymes~

Yes, I love old literature:) And I recently got an e-book reader so I can download this old stuff and read at my leisure without having to sit in front of the computer. One area of research is the old use of herbs and such in beauty treatments, washes, creams, salves. Imagine my surprise and delight though when I found iodine referenced in two different books by renowned beauties of the day! Iodine is recommended for both decreasing and increasing the bust... hmmmm. Any of us that have used iodine in the treatment of FBD know that yes, the bust does decrease. Lola Montez advises the use of iodine to decrease the bust, Lina Cavielleri advises using iodine to increase the bust... hmmm. Iodine is also used in general weight reduction and also in the treatment of fat neck. Goiter anyone? 

The first book I'm clipping from is:

http://tinyurl.com/69q47z2

The arts of beauty: or, Secrets of a lady's toilet

 By Lola Montez

I have known ladies to take a preparation of iodyne internally to remedy a too large development of the bosom But this must be a dangerous experiment for the general health The following external application has been recommended for this purpose

Strong essence of mint 1 oz

Iodine of zinc 2 gr

Aromatic vinegar 2 gr

Essence of cedrat 10 drops 

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The second book I'm clipping from is entitled:

http://tinyurl.com/4atpndx 

My secrets of beauty

 By Lina Cavalieri

(for fat neck)

To reduce the bulk of the back and side of the neck a reducing lotion should be applied by long sweeping downward strokes the effect of which strokes is to melt the flesh downward into the larger masses of flesh on the shoulders A lotion I have known to be used with success for the melting away of too ponderous flesh about the neck is this:

Tincture of iodine 30 minims iodide of potassium 60 grains hyposulphite of soda 20 grains distilled water 7 ounces aniseed water 170 minims 

.......

(for the treatment of obesity)

This too is a good astringent lotion

Tincture of iodine 30 minims iodide of potassium 60 grams distilled water 10 ounces aniseed water 170 minims

Also this Tincture of iodine 1 ounce alcohol 10 ounces 

.......

(for obesity)

 Some preparations of an absorbent nature I have known to be used with good results Most of these contain iodine There are several soaps used for the purpose of massage all containing iodine After receiving my physician's endorsement and having the soap analyzed by a scrupulous chemist there would seem to be no danger attending their use

This formula is safe and if persistently used should be effective as an absorbent remedy I have known corpulent beauties who took it internally but I should never be so daring

Tincture of iodine 30 minims iodide of potassium 60 grains hyposulphite soda 20 grains distilled water 7 ounces aniseed water 170 minims 

.............

(for boils)

A sparing diet chiefly of fruit and liquids and copious water drinking should soon clear the complexion Alternate applications of hot and cold cloths to the skin help to clear it A pinch of iodide of lime in a glass of water in daily doses for a week will aid in the body cleansing which is necessary to banish the tendency to boils A few Turkish baths will aid the work 

...........

(topical iodine to INCREASE the bust)

 I advise no woman to undertake increasing the size of the bust without first consulting her physician If he thinks it wise apply with muslin cloths to the breast this lotion:

Lanolin 50 grams vaseline 50 grams tincture of benzoin 20 drops iodide of potassium 3 grams 

...............

(for reducing a double chin)

 Or you might try for the same trouble the following:

Vaseline 100 grams lanolin 100 grams iodide of potassium 6 grams tincture of benzoin 1 ounce