Oregon Kidney Tea

The following advertisement appeared in newspapers across the western United States from as early as 1880 and as late as 1895.

"0. K. T. --Honest Results-- 0. K. T.

 
Many of the pioneers of Oregon and
Washington have cheerfully testified to
the wonderful curative properties of the
celebrated Oregon Kidney Tea.  Purely
vegetable and pleasant to the taste and
can be taken by the youngest child or
most delicate woman: 0. K. T. is a
never failing for remedy for pains in the
back and loins, non-retention of urine
scalding or burning sensation while
urinating mocous discharges and all
kidney troubles of either sex.  $1 at all druggists."

There were several different types of ads for this product, some were just a few words and some had several testimonials to go along with the main advertisement.

  This amazing "curative"  was distributed by at least two different companies.  This photo shows what was sold by the Hoyt Chemical Co. of Portland, Oregon.  The Stark Medicine Co. of New York also sold "Oregon Kidney Tea." 


I was unable to find out any of the ingredients used, but wonder if it didn't contain Oregon Grape; as there are several home remedies for kidney troubles that call for Oregon Grape root.

The Oregon Grape was named our state flower in 1899 by the Oregon Legislature.  It is not a grape, but an evergreen shrub related to the barberry.