The herbal formula that went Victorian era viral

A story of plants, reproductive rights, and the signs of the times

I don’t remember how I came across this antiquated recipe, but there is always something that sparks my curiosity about historical remedies that make their way to the surface again. It’s as if they want their story to be told. A recipe is never just a recipe. It is a culmination of people, places, pain points, politics, and countless other layers.

This particular remedy called Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound randomly made its way to me. So many questions immediately came up and I just wanted to know more. The remedy told me its story.