Thornit ear powder - Recipe

[louiebeans mum]

I was today searching the internet for Thornit ear powder and came across the following recipe.

Make up your own version of Thornit with ingredients from your chemist.

4 oz. zinc oxide powder
4 oz. boric acid powder
1/2 oz. Iodoform powder

Mix well. Keep in a sealed jar in a cool dry place.

How it works

The iodoform powder kills anaerobic bacteria and fungi which flourish in warm, moist, airless places. The zinc oxide and boric acid keep the ear dry, which prevents further infections. In the days before antibiotics, Iodoform was frequently used in human medicine to pack puncture wounds where anaerobic bacteria also grow. It may be hard to find because it isn't used much any more.

Does anyone know if this is a accurate recipe?

[Annette]

It would be interesting to see if it has "the smell".

I'm sure I read once that there was a fair amount of talcum powder in it. I wonder if that was meant to be like a "carrier", sort of diluting it?

Might give it a try, but to be honest it's so inexpensive that it's probably not worth it unless those rumours af withdrawal are true.

[Joules]

Not sure about the quantities but those are the ingredients listed on the Thornit bottle together with talc.  I would deffo have a go at making it if it becomes difficult to get hold of 

[louiebeans mum]

I chickened out and I have just ordered my first lot of Thornits from the web so I will see how I get on with that  But, as you say if Thornits becomes unavailable I might try and give it a go and make it.  I wonder what sort of talc you would use though?

[Joules]

I wonder what sort of talc you would use though?

Mmmm, I guess some sort of unperfumed baby one would be best.  Presumably the talc is in there to absorb any moisture.