During the making of the 1939 movie classic The Wizard of Oz, Margaret Hamilton suffered burns while filming the Wicked Witch flying off on her broomstick. She recuperated at home for six weeks. Here are the popular home remedies for burns recommended during the Depression (some still used today, with scientific backing): (1) To prevent infection: honey, nail varnish; (2) To reduce pain: aloe vera, soybean paste, Colgate toothpaste (founded 1873), towels soaked in strong tea; (3) To prevent blistering: yellow mustard; (4) To reduce itching: oatmeal bath; (5) To remove dead skin: papaya; (6) To prevent scarring: Vitamin E, egg white, raw potato; (7) To promote healing: all the above. Read more about the making of the movie and cultural lore from 1930 to 1980 in A Brain. A Heart. The Nerve. (see NOVELS).
