Title
Dare’s Elixir Mentha-Pepsin
Author
Dare’s Mentha-Pepsin Company of Rochester, New York
Image
Description
This is an original bottle of Dare’s Elixir Mentha-Pepsin, a proprietary digestive remedy produced by the Dare’s Mentha-Pepsin Company of Rochester, New York. Marketed primarily for indigestion and gastric discomfort, the formulation combined pepsin with peppermint (mentha), a pairing intended to soothe the stomach while aiding digestion.
The label provides unusually detailed dosing instructions for both adults and children, along with strict directions not to mix the product with other substances. It openly declares an alcohol content of “not over 10%,” reflecting post-Pure Food and Drug Act labeling standards while still preserving the traditional alcohol-based elixir format common in early 20th-century medicine.
The bottle retains its original cork stopper and paper label, making it a representative example of ethical proprietary medicine transitioning from patent-era marketing into regulated pharmaceutical presentation.
Condition
Original glass bottle with intact cork stopper. Label present and largely legible with expected age-related toning, edge wear, and a small area of surface loss near the upper center. Glass is clear with minor internal residue and no visible cracks or chips.
Gallery
Historical context
Mentha-pepsin preparations were widely prescribed and sold from the late 19th century into the early decades of the 20th century. Pepsin, derived from animal stomachs, was believed to directly assist digestion, while peppermint was used for its carminative effects. Dare’s Mentha-Pepsin became one of the better-known branded examples and survived well into the era of stricter pharmaceutical regulation, adapting its labeling to meet federal requirements.
Curious Facts, Ephemera, and Trivia
The label instructs patients not to mix the elixir with anything, an unusual directive that likely reflected concerns about chemical incompatibility, dilution of effect, or liability. It also recommends hot water after dosing in severe cases, hinting at both therapeutic belief and patient ritual.
Excerpt
“Do not mix Dare’s Mentha-Pepsin with anything. Take it just as it comes from the bottle.”
Why it is in the Cabinet
This bottle represents the intersection of legitimate digestive therapy, proprietary branding, and early pharmaceutical regulation. It is a strong visual and textual example of how medicine was dosed, explained, and trusted in the home before modern OTC standardization.
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