How to Cook Groundhog Oil for Chest Congestion

Groundhog oil is an old homeopathic remedy, originating in the Eastern mountain regions of the United States and it is literally made out of groundhogs. The oil, which is more of a grease consistency, has been used for everything from chest congestion to breaking in a tight pair of shoes, as Cleo Hicks Williams recalls in her memoir "Gratitude for Shoes: Growing Up Poor in the Smokies."

Things You'll Need

• Groundhog
• Large cooking pot
• Slotted spoon
• Cloth or rag

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Instructions

How to Cook Groundhog Oil for Chest Congestion

• 1

  Put the groundhog in a large cooking pot. Fill it with water, and bring the water to a boil.

• 2

  Boil for at least 30 minutes, and then let the broth cool. Skim the grease off the top of the water with a slotted spoon, and set aside. This is the groundhog oil.

• 3

  Once the groundhog oil has cooled, take about 1 tsp. of groundhog oil and rub it onto the congested chest. Cover with a cloth or rag.

• 4

  Leave the groundhog oil on the congested chest for as long as needed, anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to overnight. Wash off thoroughly after use.