What is something you eat but can be used as a medicine?

Question

It was used mostly in the 1800's.

Answer 1

Garlic, lots of the herbs, yoghurt, cloves, tumeric, alcohol, honey, lots of things.  Depends what you mean by "medicine".  Garlic, e.g. is a natural antibiotic and great for a whole range of things .... but if you've got a severe bacterial infection you may want something a little more scientifically prepared.

1800s?  According to my Francatelli Cookbook (1865) - Things like

Saffron tea a powerful antispasmodic

Dandelion tea for dropsy

bruised onion and potato with salad oil for a burn

bruised poppy leaf for bee stings

Angelica root wtih honey, lemon juice and brandy for Typhus

There'd be lots more