The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

TOOTHACHE CURE
THE GERMANS BORE A HOLE IN A TREE AND CHEW, WHILE STANDING NEAR THE
TREE, A PIECE OF BREAD WITH THE AILING TOOTH; ONE-HALF OF THE BREAD
IS SWALLOWED, THE OTHER HALF IS PLUGGED INTO THE HOLE, DURING
WHICH PROCEDURE THE PATIENT SAYS? 'TREE, I GIVE THEE ONE-HALF
OF WHAT I POSSESS; TAKE FROM ME ALL OF MY PAIN AND CONDUCT IT TO
THE GROUND.'

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 ; TRANSFERENCE

Date learned: 00001930S