The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TOOTHACHE CURE
IN VIRGINIA, THEY TAKE THE PATIENT BEFORE SUNRISE TO A
CHURCHYARD, WHERE HE MUST SIT DOWN UNDER A FIR TREE. THEN
THEY MAKE WITH A KNIFE AN INCIISION IN THE TREE AND PEEL OFF THE
BARK. THE GUMS ARE SCRATCHED TO THE POINT OF BLEEDING, AND AFTER
INSERTING A FEW DROPS OF THE BLOOD INTO THE TREE WOUND, THEY RE-
TURN THE BARK TO ITS PLACE. NO THIRD PERSON SHOULD BE ALLOWED
TO WITNESS THE PERFORMANCE.

Submitter comment: THIS TOOTHACE CURE WAS TOLD TO ME BY A FORMER NEIGHBOR WHO WAS A
NATIVE OF VIRGINIA AND OF GERMAN BACKGROUND. SHE HAS SINCE
MOVED BACK TO THE SOUTH.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

James Callow Keyword(s): PLUGGING

Date learned: 00001930S