A collection of inhalers and asthma therapies

Rexall’s asthmatic powder

Rexall’s powder contained stramonium and potassium nitrate and claimed to be a ‘reliable and effective aid for the relief of spasmodic bronchial asthma’ - unlike earlier powder that professed to cure. A teaspoonful of the powder was ignited and the vapour inhaled through a funnel. The pack advises that coughing may be produced with expectoration following.