A Smoke-Filled Remedy
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, asthma sufferers sought relief through unconventional means. Among the remedies available were Kellogg’s Asthma Cigarettes, produced around 1890 by Northrop & Lyman in Toronto. These cigarettes contained stramonium, a plant known for its antispasmodic properties.
The Stramonium Solution
Stramonium, also known as jimsonweed, was believed to relax the muscles of the respiratory tract, providing relief from asthma symptoms. Users were instructed to smoke one or two cigarettes during an asthma attack, inhaling deeply to maximize the therapeutic effects.
news.umanitoba.ca
Widespread Acceptance
During this period, smoking various substances, including stramonium, was a common treatment for asthma. Products like Asthmador and Dr. J.D. Kellogg’s Asthma Remedy were widely available and used by many seeking relief from respiratory distress.
Decline of the Smoking Cure
As medical understanding advanced, concerns about the safety and efficacy of such treatments grew. The recognition of potential health risks associated with smoking led to the decline of these practices. Today, artifacts like Kellogg’s Asthma Cigarettes serve as reminders of past medical practices and are displayed in museums, reflecting the evolution of asthma treatment over time.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, asthma sufferers turned to Kellogg’s Asthma Cigarettes. Produced around 1890, these cigarettes contained stramonium, a plant believed to relax airways. They were widely available and used by many seeking relief from asthma attacks.🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/p5dLKpv7BG
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) March 2, 2025